My Kitchen Might Be Small, but I Want It to Be Colorful – Which Is the Best Color to Choose in 2026?
The designer-approved colors that will let your small kitchen truly shine
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For so long, various shades of white have been the go-to in small kitchens. And while there's nothing wrong with this classic neutral, I'm craving something a little bit bolder and warmer in my own space, which is why I've been asking design experts to narrow down their best colors for a small kitchen all week long.
Don't be fooled by a small kitchen's proportions; these compact spaces really can handle a strong color scheme, but with so many kitchen color ideas on the table, the choice can be somewhat overwhelming.
8 Small Kitchen Colors Designers Love
My list includes inky and sky blues, deep red, earthy neutrals, butter yellow and even a muted pink. Using color in a small kitchen does come with a caution, though: 'Using color in a small kitchen is all about balance. Muted or softer tones can add character without overwhelming the space, while brighter colors work best when paired with grounding neutrals,' says Micaela Quinton, director of design at Copper Sky Design + Remodel.
Kitchen color trends in 2026 have thrown out the rulebook somewhat – dark colors or light, almost any palette can work as long as you choose the right shade and materials to pair it with. Below, I show you how.
1. Richer Hues Like Dark, Inky Blue
This kitchen might be small, but it has so much character. The dark blue cabinets add a timeless feel, contrasting beautifully with the warm neutrals throughout the rest of the scheme.
While some people look to colors that make a small kitchen look bigger, it can be more impactful to choose a hue that brings character and personality instead. So, if you aren't afraid to experiment with darker tones, inky blue is a striking choice.
'Deep, moody tones like inky blues, olive greens, or aubergine can actually make a space feel richer and more expansive, especially when paired with warm metals,' says interior designer Zoë Feldman.
They especially shine in a small kitchen when paired with warm neutrals. And it's rich blues, like in this kitchen, that designers are really favoring this year. 'Colors like Railings by Farrow & Ball are especially effective. It is a rich, inky blue-black that brings depth and sophistication without feeling heavy,' says interior designer Kimberly Oxford.
'In a smaller kitchen, deeper colors can actually create a sense of depth rather than closing the space in. Railings adds contrast and drama while still feeling timeless and grounded. The key is to anchor it with layered lighting and lighter adjacent finishes so the space feels intentional, cozy, and elevated rather than dark,' Kimberly adds.
2. Earthy Hues
The richness of the green-brown shade on these kitchen cabinets feels warm and timeless. It's instantly lifted by the crisper neutral on the walls.
If you want a pretty scheme that still feels timeless, you can't go wrong with colors inspired by the natural world. It's a versatile palette, ranging from creamy neutrals to calming greens, but it brings color in a more subdued way.
'I also love soft, earthy hues – clay, mushroom, muted greens, or warm taupe – for clients who want color without it feeling overwhelming,' says interior designer Jennifer Davis, highlighting a few shades noted in this year's new kitchen neutrals.
'Pairing color with high-quality finishes, beautiful hardware, and good lighting is what keeps it elevated. These colors add depth and make the space feel intentional and designed, rather than just small.'
3. Deep Shades of Red
This small kitchen proves just how chic a deeper tone like burgundy can be. There's something so classic about dark red and brass as a pairing.
Deep reds have been dominating kitchen color trends over the last year, and it's a palette that works wonders in a small kitchen. Much like inky blues, rich hues like burgundy and merlot bring a sense of drama and warmth that you can't achieve with lighter shades.
This burgundy kitchen is a perfect example. Taking the color over the cabinetry and the paneled backsplash creates a bold look, yet still feels totally timeless in the space. It's been paired here with black countertops to lean into the darker look, but it looks just as good with marble ones.
Similarly, merlot kitchens offer the same moody look, but in a slightly richer and deeper way. It's about choosing colors that embrace the cozy proportions without creating a dark and gloomy atmosphere.
4. Warm, Mid-Tone Neutrals
Small kitchen trends all point towards warmth, and this space has it in abundance. The patterned wall tiles add a more playful detail, too.
Of course, neutrals will always be a welcome choice in small kitchens, but in 2026, designers are championing new neutrals. And one such hue that's included in the palette is mid-tone beige.
'Color can be incredibly effective in a small kitchen when it is used thoughtfully and with intention. Rather than relying on bold color everywhere, I often recommend introducing color through the backsplash while keeping cabinetry in soft, mid-tone neutrals. This approach adds depth and personality without overwhelming a compact space,' says Kimberly.
'In this kitchen, we used Moth Wing by Sherwin-Williams on the cabinetry. It is a warm, mid-tone beige that brings softness and richness without feeling dark or heavy. Paired with a patterned or tonal backsplash, it creates contrast and visual interest while still feeling timeless and refined,' she adds.
5. Chalky Pastels Like Butter Yellow
The softer shade of yellow in this small kitchen creates a more inviting atmosphere, while the marble countertops and brass pot hanger add a traditional touch.
Butter yellow dominated trends last year, offering a new take on pastels, and it's a color that's continuing to turn heads. It's soft and subtle, yet brings just the right amount of saturation to schemes. And a butter yellow kitchen is a great choice in smaller spaces.
'I love color in small kitchens because it turns them into moments rather than afterthoughts. Soft, chalky pastels work beautifully if they’re grounded with natural materials. Color gives a small kitchen confidence, and confidence always reads as good design,' says Zoë.
In this kitchen, pastel yellow has been used for the cabinetry, creating a warm but soft look. The marble countertops add a luxurious finish, while the brass pot hanger complements the yellow undertones and adds a traditional feature.
6. Sophisticated Shades of Pink
If you thought pink was reserved for a kid's room, let this charming kitchen prove you wrong. The soft, subdued tone is quietly elegant, especially alongside the marble.
For a color that feels light and airy but a bit more saturated than neutrals, pink is an elegant color for a small kitchen. The shade key here – soft, subdued variations add a sophisticated feel, with a hint of playful style.
'We are seeing soft pinks growing in popularity as people turn to comforting, liveable shades. It also makes a great choice for those nervous of using an overtly bold pink,' says Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball.
'They can be clean without feeling too sharp, creating a wonderful and gentler alternative to a white wall,' he adds. In this kitchen, pink cabinets, shelves, and wall paneling blend seamlessly, creating a soft kitchen that feels truly luxurious alongside the marble countertops.
7. Heritage Green
There's more to green than sage. This small kitchen feels rich with color without overwhelming the room.
Over the past few years, green has become a staple in interiors, introducing color in a more nuanced way. And in 2026, designers say heritage shades are perfect for bringing charm and character to a small kitchen.
'Selecting one color to dominate the space eliminates the distraction of multiple colors competing for attention and creates a clean and cohesive appearance. A muted, heritage green, such as Farrow & Ball's Card Room Green, is a great choice for a small kitchen because it has a traditional and timeless feel,' says Lauren Saab, founder and principal designer at Saab Studios.
'Additionally, a muted green does not compete for attention with other design elements in the space, which makes it easier to maintain the seamless look necessary to keep the room feeling open and light,' she explains.
8. Transitional Ocean Hues
This blue peninsula kitchen proves just how uplifting the right shade can be. It instantly creates the illusion of greater space.
We often talk about the appeal of earthy colors that bring the outside in, but ocean-inspired hues have the same impact. And it's palette that works beautifully in a small kitchen, bringing timeless color that still feels bright and inviting.
'Use color but stay light and bright! Our clients are bringing color back into their kitchens, and we are loving it. It’s fun to see sage greens and light blues. It adds personality to a small kitchen but without the intensity,' says Deborah Sauri, co-founder of TriVistaUSA Design + Build.
In this kitchen, shades of blue have been layered with woven textures, rich marble, and black accents. It feels personal and welcoming, yet still has plenty of color and texture. It proves there's always space for a bolder color in a smaller kitchen.
If this edit proves one thing, it's that you can choose almost any color in a small kitchen. No longer is it considered the norm to select safe, neutral tones in a small space; instead, you can choose hues that bring character and personality to compact designs.
