Interior design experts reveal which kitchen paint colours are falling out of favour in 2026 – and what timeless alternatives to consider instead
The colour you choose for your kitchen walls can make a world of difference. It doesn’t merely add character and flair to the room, but also influences how well your overall design holds up over time.
Although the colour spectrum presents limitless options, interior design experts caution that certain once-fashionable shades are now losing their appeal. Kitchen paint colour trends have shifted dramatically in recent years.
As a result, palettes that were once hugely popular can now leave a space looking rather dated and, at times, overwhelming. If you’re looking to create a kitchen with lasting charm rather than one that feels rooted in a bygone era, here are the shades best left off your walls, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Purple
Purple was long avoided in home interiors, written off as “outdated and tacky”. Recently, however, the colour has made quite the comeback, with purple sofas and purple kitchens gaining traction.
Despite this revival, interior designer Lindi Reynolds advised Livingetc that purple should stay away from kitchen spaces. She said: “If there is one colour I’d never let near a kitchen, it’s purple and every cousin in its extended family: lilac, mauve, magenta.”
As well as being passé, Lindi noted that the shade “is far too busy” and draws far too much attention to itself.
White
It’s time to move on from the all-white kitchen, according to Alison Haltom, founder of Design for Living. She regards white cabinetry as “outdated”, particularly when paired with worktops of a similar tone.
She said: “It became a go-to solution for brightening spaces but lacks dimension and character.”
For those who simply cannot imagine their kitchen without white, the designer recommends choosing a creamy off-white “to bring in warmth and feel more natural.”
Blues and greens
Interior designer Jayme Ritchie, speaking to Southern Living, warned homeowners to “be careful” with blues and greens, noting that while certain shades remain perfectly fine, others will “read as dated-looking”.
She said: “Avocado green was synonymous with retro kitchens, while emerald had a moment in the 2000s.
“Ask yourself – am I seeing this specific colour everywhere in fashion right now? If so, you may be in danger of a trendy colour!”
Cool greys
Once considered a dependably safe neutral, cool greys are now seen as weary, flat or clinical – particularly in rooms lacking natural light, according to Lauren Robbins, founder of Lauren Robbins Interiors, who spoke to The Spruce.
She pointed out that homeowners are increasingly drawn towards warmer tones in 2026. Mary Gordon, co-founder of InSite Builders and Remodeling, noted that grey remains a workable kitchen option, so long as you opt for a warmer-toned variety.
