The Worst Paint Colors for Your Kitchen, According to Interior Designers

Don't pick out a color for your cook space just yet—read these designer tips first.

Renovating your kitchen can be a major undertaking—it’s expensive and time-consuming. One of the most important decisions you’ll make in the process is choosing a paint color. Whether it's for the walls or kitchen cabinetry, it’s crucial to choose the right one so that you don’t make a mistake, change your mind, or, worse, be forced to repaint. That being said, you should familiarize yourself with the colors pro decorators stay far, far away from. Here are the worst paint colors for your kitchen, according to interior designers.

Related: Everything to Know Before Starting a Kitchen Remodel

Neon Shades

Many trends have returned from the 80s and 90s, and while nostalgia can be fun, according to interior designer Amy Switzer, neon paint in the kitchen should not be one of these. She says, “There are no strict rules about paint colors for a kitchen, but some people prefer to avoid certain colors due to practical reasons or personal preferences. I personally would never include bright neon paint colors in a kitchen.”

This is because it’s almost impossible to coordinate neon hues with the rest of your kitchen, she explains. “They would be challenging to complement with other elements in the room, and trendy colors may not stand the test of time.”

However, that doesn't mean your kitchen must be entirely devoid of neon—consider some fun neon art or choose hot pink or orange upholstery for seating. Neon can make a great accent but is rarely the star of the show.

Related: How to Incorporate More Color Into Your Home and Life

Very Dark Colors

Dark paint has a time and place, but the kitchen is not one of them. “Very dark paint colors may make a kitchen feel less inviting,” says Switzer. Your kitchen should never feel ominous!

Another problem with dark paint according to the designer is that it also shows scratches and imperfections more prominently than lighter paint does. So, if you think you have trouble keeping your kitchen clean now—imagine how hard it will be with dark paint on the walls.

Lastly, interior designer Audrey Scheck says extremely dark shades could make a kitchen feel smaller and more enclosed. So, if you want to incorporate dark colors in a tiny kitchen, keep them off the walls and go with a dark stone countertop instead.

Bright and Highly Saturated Colors

One of the biggest design challenges many of us have is trying to create a home that easily flows from room to room. Super saturated colors make this extra difficult, according to Scheck. “We typically discourage any paint colors that are overly bright or saturated, as they can overwhelm the space and distract from forming a cohesive aesthetic throughout the home.”

If you like bright colors in the kitchen, accessorize instead. Go with a bright-colored toaster or other small appliances. Or just use bright-colored plates and serving pieces!

Super Trendy Paint Colors

Most of us renovate our kitchen for the long term. If you go with a trendy paint color, it’s probably going to make your kitchen look dated fairly quickly. So, Scheck advises staying away from trendy hues. “They may quickly go out of style and not withstand the test of time,” she says. “Ultimately, the key is to choose colors that complement your kitchen design and work cohesively with the overall color palette of your home.”

Related: Want a Timeless Kitchen? The Pros Say Avoid These 5 Design Mistakes

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