Red has been one of the most defining colors throughout interiors this year, and that's no less true for kitchens. Dark, brown-toned reds have gained momentum for their ability to add drama to the heart of the home, and according to Farrow & Ball, this key color trend isn't going anywhere in 2024.
In a recent video posted to Instagram, brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball Patrick O'Donnell curates an on-trend kitchen color scheme, masterfully doing so in just 60 seconds. The standout paint color is a rich, liveable red, serving as a sophisticated way to tap into the seemingly never-ending unexpected red theory.
Complete with light neutral paint colors, this kitchen color scheme is simple yet effective. If you're looking to introduce bold color into the heart of the home while maintaining a fairly neutral feel throughout, this one is for you.
'The cabinetry in the kitchen is going to be in one of my favorite colors, Etruscan Red,' begins Patrick. Described by the paint brand as a 'brown-based deep red', Etruscan Red is a liveable way to introduce this typically-saturated hue into the kitchen. Rich and earthy, Etruscan Red appears timeless; a fresh alternative to other typical dark paint colors used in kitchens, such as navy blue or forest green.
'This is for lower cabinetry because I think it’s quite nice when you keep the strong color below eye level,' Patrick continues. Although Etruscan Red is muted, it's still a bold hue that is bound to make a statement, and so Patrick's advice of using it only on lower kitchen cabinets will ensure a balanced look.
The next part of Patrick's speedy kitchen color scheme is the recommended neutrals to pair with the statement red, for which he turns to Farrow & Ball's Planter, an earthy and warm neutral paint. 'That’s going to be for upper cabinetry and the wall,' adds Patrick.
Mastering a color scheme is as much about the paint finishes as the specific shades, ensuring a durable finish to withstand daily wear in this hardworking room. 'Upper cabinetry is Modern Eggshell as is lower cabinetry, and then we’re going to do the walls in Modern Emulsion because it’s a washable finish,' advises Patrick.
The final part of the scheme is the ceiling paint ideas, for which Patrick recommends a pared-back approach with Farrow & Ball's Turret White, which is one of the color expert's favorite white paints.
'So that’s it,' concludes Patrick. 'A really lovely scheme using some lovely dark red, a really good mid-neutral, and a nice soft empathetic white.'
Shop the kitchen color scheme
If your kitchen is in need of a refresh, why not embrace this sophisticated scheme in your own home? The pop of red through the kitchen cabinets will fill your space with warmth and coziness in time for winter, while the timeless neutrals will ensure longevity year-long.
This red paint is perfectly toned down for a timeless color scheme that's calming and grown-up. Use this on your lower cabinets to recreate Farrow & Ball's scheme.
Patrick recommends using this warm neutral on the upper cabinets and walls, pairing seamlessly with the dark red paint.
To complete the look, this off-white paint brings balance across the ceiling, creating a much warmer feel than true white which would be too harsh for this scheme.
On the lookout for more color ideas? We've rounded up the biggest kitchen color trends for 2025. From calming greens to earthy neutrals, these stylish colors for the year ahead cater to all design styles.
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