Choosing the right colour scheme for your kitchen: our top 7 tips.

How to Choose the Colour Scheme for Your Kitchen By GB Interiors, Sydney’s Trusted Kitchen & Joinery Experts.

Kitchen built by GB Interiors in Kellyville NSW

Choosing the right colour scheme for your kitchen is one of the most important design decisions you’ll make during a renovation or new build. Colour sets the mood, influences how spacious your kitchen feels, and can even affect your home's value. As a leading kitchen and joinery contractor in Sydney, we’ve helped countless clients design kitchens that are both beautiful and functional. Here’s our expert guide to choosing the perfect colour scheme for your space.

1. Start with Your Style and Lifestyle

Are you drawn to modern minimalism, coastal calm, Hamptons-inspired charm, or a rustic country vibe? Your kitchen colour palette should reflect your personal style and how you use your space. For example:

• Modern kitchens often suit monochrome or high-contrast schemes (e.g. black and white with wood accents).

• Coastal or Hamptons styles look great with soft whites, greys, and muted blues.

• Family kitchens may benefit from neutral, low-maintenance tones that hide wear and tear.

Think about your household’s daily needs — families with young children or busy entertainers may lean toward more forgiving tones and finishes.

2. Consider the Size and Natural Light

Light plays a huge role in how colours appear. A small kitchen with limited natural light will feel more open and airy with a lighter palette — think whites, creams, and light greys. Larger kitchens or those with big windows can handle darker tones, such as deep navy, charcoal, or even matte black cabinetry.

Pro tip: If your kitchen is in a south-facing room (less direct sunlight in the Southern Hemisphere), avoid cool tones like blue-grey — they can feel chilly. Warmer neutrals will balance the light better.

3. Use the 60-30-10 Rule

A timeless design principle, the 60-30-10 rule helps create a balanced and cohesive palette:

• 60% – Dominant colour (e.g. cabinetry, walls)

• 30% – Secondary colour (e.g. benchtop, splashback)

• 10% – Accent colour (e.g. accessories, stools, tapware)

This rule gives your kitchen a layered, designer feel without being overwhelming.

4. Coordinate with the Rest of Your Home

In open-plan homes — common in Sydney — your kitchen should complement surrounding areas like the living and dining rooms. Carrying through similar tones and materials can create a seamless flow and sense of harmony.

For example, if your living area features warm timber flooring, consider tying that warmth into your kitchen cabinetry or shelves.

5. Test Samples Before Committing

Colours can look very different on a screen compared to real life. Before making a final decision, we recommend:

• Ordering swatches or sample boards

• Testing paint samples on your walls

• Viewing materials under different lighting (morning, midday, evening)

As your kitchen contractor, we can also provide samples or mood boards to help you visualise your choices in your space.

6. Trends vs. Timeless

While it’s tempting to follow colour trends (like sage green or matte black), be mindful of how your kitchen will age. If you’re planning to stay in your home long-term, timeless neutrals might be the safer bet. If you love bold colours, use them in easily changeable elements — like handles, stools, or splashbacks.

7. Work with a Professional

Choosing the right colours isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s also about durability, cohesion, and resale appeal. As experienced kitchen and joinery specialists in Sydney, we offer expert advice, custom colour consultations, and high-quality finishes tailored to your style and budget.

Choosing the perfect colour scheme for your kitchen can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it becomes an exciting part of the design journey. At GB Interiors, we specialise in creating custom kitchens that are both stylish and practical, tailored to your taste and lifestyle. Whether you’re building new or renovating, our expert team is here to help every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation on 📞 1300 026 969 or visit 🌐 www.gbinteriors.com.au — and let’s bring your dream kitchen to life with colours that truly reflect your home.