Underrated kitchen colors to try in 2024 – and why designers love these unexpected shades

The kitchen is one of the most frequently used rooms in our homes, both socially and practically. With so much time spent in these spaces, it's important the right colors are chosen to reflect the mood of the room. 

There are lots of colors that are more commonly used in the kitchen – white is a classic choice, sage green was a big kitchen color trend for 2023, and dark blue cabinets have remained popular. 'While off-whites and neutral shades will still be in the mainstream, we saw the move to use eye-catching color in the home – while expressing personality and a willingness to explore color. This trend will continue into 2024' says Hannah Yeo, Senior Manager, Color Marketing at Benjamin Moore.

For a kitchen color scheme that feels new and current, there are plenty of colors less explored that will really make a statement. With plenty of textures and work surfaces to break up different parts of the design, there's no reason to shy away from more daring or underrated palettes.

The underrated kitchen colors to try in 2024

Switching up your kitchen color should be a balance of style and personal preference. If you're unsure what will look best, we've asked interior design experts to share the underrated kitchen colors they're excited about for the year ahead.

1. Dark greens

Some palettes feel like classic kitchen colors, so if you don't want to stray too far from what you're used to, why not try a varying shade in the same family? 

'We know how successful green kitchen cabinetry is but we often err towards a mid-green as our preferred choice but up the ante and look towards the deepest, darkest green of Studio Green,' advises Patrick O’Donnell, Brand Ambassador for Farrow & Ball.

'Almost black in appearance, it will look wonderful both in rural and urban settings, especially on a classic shaker-style kitchen. For a more modern aesthetic, pair with a clean just off-white such as James White or Strong White on your walls or for a softer look consider Drop Cloth or Stony Ground for a more ‘country’ affair.' 

Patrick O’Donnell

Patrick O’Donnell is Farrow & Ball's color consultant & brand ambassador and has been with the brand since 2012. Patrick works with designers in the UK and North America, helping to bring their projects alive with the iconic, F&B color palette.

2. Deep jewel tones

This year, a lot of interior designers are leaning towards rich dark color palettes, and for good reason. "I love the idea of using darker jewel tones in a kitchen,' says Kathy Kuo, CEO of Kathy Kuo Home. 

'Often, kitchens get the rustic-chic treatment with lots of warm neutrals – and don't get me wrong, that's a lovely look! But there's something really striking about a modern kitchen framed in colors like emerald green, navy blue, and eggplant.'

The increased popularity of brown tones has helped the resurgence on dark deep purple tones, so interior designers are expecting to see more kitchen designs playing with the palette.

Kathy Kuo

Kathy Kuo is a celebrated interior designer and international guru within the home and lifestyle space. She has 20+ years of experience in the design industry. 

3. Soft pinks

2024 is all about trying new colors in the kitchen, and Patrick O’Donnell is predicting an unexpected shade for the year ahead. 'Pink kitchens – yes, truly. This take on the country kitchen remains popular for good reason, embrace the pink, not a candy pink but something much more gentle and nuanced,' he explains.

If you're unsure which shades of pink are on trend, there are a few Farrow & Ball shades to set you on the right path. 'The slightly browner, earthier pink of Setting Plaster offers a delicate dose of warmth but resonates so beautifully with the oh so fashionable grey veined marble splashback and black granite, adding softness to the stone elements,' recommends Patrick.

4. Contrasting colors

Kristina Khersonsky, principal at Studio Keeta, expects a move towards brighter shades in the kitchen, explaining that 'for a while, bold hues or pops of color were applied and considered in small amounts or on an accent wall or pieces. We are now seeing the maximalism itch coming forward, which is the mindset of all or nothing.'

'Color is going towards a brighter direction with tones such as peach, terracotta, baby blue, and avocado tones. It adds character, infuses personality and an overall richness to an everyday space,' she adds. 

Blue is an ideal color for mixing with other shades and is predicted to make a strong return in 2024. 'A mid-tone blue with depth and contemplative quality, like Blue Nova 825, is fantastic on cabinetry – whether it be a kitchen island, base cabinets or a vanity painted in this color,' says Hannah Yeo. 'Blue Nova offers an opportunity to be creative whether it is used to drench a room in color or define a portion of a room with a captivating hue.'

Kristina Khersonsky

Los Angeles-based interior designer Kristina Khersonsky is the  principal of interior design studio, STUDIO KEETA. 

5. Black

No color offers a sense of mood and drama quite like black, and it's set to be a popular choice in 2024. 

'Black can come across as intimidating when it comes to kitchen colors; however, it’s in the way you use it that changes the feel. Dark and dramatic, black has a way of adding ambiance and sophistication to the space' says Tom Howley.

'Used on the main run of base and wall cabinetry, a black kitchen can look luxurious and courageous while still having a timeless, intimate appeal. If you’re not feeling as brave, then combine black with a green accent or a classic neutral for a balanced look that still has an impact.'

Although neutrals will always remain a classic choice, interior designers are expecting a big shift towards brighter, bolder colors in 2024. So, this is your sign to be brave with kitchen colors this year and invite vibrant character into your space.