The choice of colour in the kitchen can have a big impact on the overall feeling and energy of the space. While colour preferences are subjective, some colours are considered particularly auspicious and lucky in the kitchen.
The Significance of Colour in the Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s a space where nourishment is prepared, families gather, and memories are made around meals. The energy of the kitchen sets the tone for the whole house. Colour psychology suggests that certain colours can promote positivity and balance in this vital space.
In feng shui and other Eastern home design traditions, the element associated with the kitchen is fire. Colours linked to the fire element are thought to feed the hearth with vibrant, warm energy. Choose fiery shades like red, orange, yellow, and terracotta in the kitchen for an infusion of warmth and light.
Cooler colours like blue and green are also recommended for kitchens. Linked to the water and wood elements, these colours bring calm, renewal, and balance. A touch of blue or green helps counter the fiery colours and prevents the space from feeling too yang.
No matter what your tastes, choose colours in the spirit of inviting prosperity. Some specific hues have special meaning in the kitchen and are believed to attract good fortune.
Red
A bold, warm red is considered an especially lucky colour for kitchens. In many cultures, red symbolizes prosperity, success, and celebration. Covering kitchen walls in a vibrant cherry, apple, or rusty red shade is thought to energize the space and promote passion for cooking and connection during mealtimes.
In feng shui, red is tied to the fire element and helps feed the hearth of the home when used in the kitchen. It stimulates appetite and an enjoyment of food. Red is also an auspicious colour in Chinese culture, tied to happiness, luck, and positive energy.
Specific shades like crimson are thought to be particularly lucky kitchen colours. Deep, jewel-toned reds add a sense of richness and indulgence to a kitchen. They create an elegant atmosphere for entertaining.
Yellow
Yellow is a cheery, uplifting shade that brings light and optimism into kitchen design. Associated with sunshine, happiness and hope, yellow helps create an upbeat, welcoming kitchen space.
In colour psychology, yellow stimulates mental clarity, organization, and powers of persuasion. This can help inspire kitchen-related creativity and clever food prep techniques.
Soft golden yellows remind people of fresh lemons, butter, and sunny mornings. They feel energetic but not overpowering. Deeper amber yellows have an earthy, rustic feeling perfect for farmhouse kitchens. Use touches of yellow on walls, vintage-inspired tile, or kitchen accessories.
Green
Green is a lucky colour for kitchens thanks to its association with nature. It brings a sense of renewal, growth, and harmony. Green pairs wonderfully with wood cabinetry and counters for an organic look.
Use green to promote balance if you have a lot of warm reds or oranges in the kitchen already. Cool green is thought to energize the body and mind. Mint green is especially invigorating and pairs nicely with whites.
Deep emerald greens and sage tones have a luxurious, inviting feeling. They look beautiful on kitchen walls or as an unexpected pop of colour from a stand mixer or set of cookware.
Match relaxing mossy greens with natural materials like stone, bamboo, or live plants. This creates a very zen kitchen sanctuary.
Orange
While red stimulates the passion, orange injects a sense of joy and warmth. This sunny, cheerful hue shares the same fiery energy as red but in a more playful way.
Use zesty orange as an accent in small doses to instantly brighten up a boring kitchen. Paint an old dresser a juicy tangerine or display brightly colored oranges and citrus fruits in a bowl.
For a more mellow look, try peach or terracotta orange with neutral whites and beiges. This makes for an earthy, welcoming kitchen palette.
In colour psychology, orange boosts socialization and connection. It stimulates lively conversation when you need some kitchen inspiration.
Blue
While cool blues might not seem like an obvious choice for a kitchen, they can provide a relaxing, harmonious feel. Blue has calming, orderly energy, perfect for busy kitchens that see a lot of hustle and bustle.
Soft powder blues work well with warm wood tones and feel airy and ethereal. Navy blue makes a bold, dramatic statement colour. Use it sparingly on an accent wall or kitchen island.
Vibrant turquoise tones combine the relaxation of blue with a punch of excitement. They provide wonderful contrast to orange and yellow accent pieces.
Incorporate blue through kitchen accessories like glasses, dishes, teapots, or textiles. Just avoid completely blue kitchens, as too much can feel icy and uninviting.
Purple
In colour psychology, purple promotes imagination, spirituality, and insight. As a lucky kitchen colour, it can inspire intuitive cooking with a touch of flair.
Light lilacs or lavenders work nicely with mint or sage greens. Deep jewel-toned purples look opulent and regal, perfect for formal kitchens or wine bars.
Use purple sparingly to add pops of colour, like painting the inside of open shelving. Add pale purple dishes, table linens, or window treatments to incorporate this whimsical colour.
White
Crisp, clean white is always a winning choice for kitchens. This pure colour enhances feelings of order, efficiency, and purity. All-white kitchens have a light, airy feeling paired with minimalist style.
White reflects light beautifully, keeping kitchens looking open and spacious. It provides a blank canvas for adding small doses of colour through accessories like dishes, plants, and art.
The main drawback of white is that it can feel sterile if overdone. Warm it up with wood elements and touches of colour for balance.
Black
While black might seem like a bold choice for a kitchen, it can provide a sense of sophistication and intimacy. The trick is using black judiciously alongside lighter colors.
Chic French country kitchens often incorporate black and white with natural, unfinished wood. This classic combo never goes out of style.
Use black on key features like range hoods, ovens, or kitchen islands to make them pop. Black kitchen accents create an upscale look, like black quartz countertops, vintage-style appliances, or wrought iron fixtures.
Just take care not to overdo black and make spaces feel too dark and heavy. Balance it out with an airy, light colour scheme overall.
Earth Tones
Natural earth tones like cream, tan, light brown, and terracotta add a relaxed, organic look to kitchen spaces. They provide a soothing, grounded feel.
Pair creamy off-whites with wood cabinetry and butcher block countertops for a timeless farmhouse aesthetic. Use browns and tans on the walls to contrast cool greys or blues.
Terracotta is having a major style moment right now. This warm, reddish-orange tone has an artisanal, handmade look. Use it on kitchen backsplashes and tile work.
Finish wood surfaces with a natural stain or oil for an earthy look. Mix different wood grains and textures for eclectic charm.
Metallics
For a touch of glamour and old Hollywood charm, bring metallic accents into the kitchen. Polished gold, silver, copper and brass add luxury and dazzle.
Warm gold tones pair perfectly with white kitchens, whether it’s gold hardware, lighting fixtures, or vintage-style appliances and accents.
Cool silver has a sleek, modern feel. Use it on pendant lights, barstools, or kitchen hardware for contemporary dazzle.
Rose gold provides a blend of silver and gold for a romantic, feminine look. Copper and brass lend a more industrial, steampunk vibe.
A little metallic sparkle goes a long way. Use it sparingly in the form of hardware, lighting, chairs, or decorative accents.
Choosing a Harmonious Palette
When selecting lucky colours for your kitchen, it helps to start with a base colour or two for cabinetry, walls, and flooring. Then layer on accent colours in finishes, accessories, art, and decor items.
Look for hues that complement each other and create balance. For example, pair soothing blues with zesty orange and warm yellow accents. Or match earthy browns with bright reds and touches of green.
Think about how colour affects the mood and feel of a space:
– Warm colours (red, orange, yellow) stimulate energy and excitement
– Cool colours (blue, green, purple) promote calm and relaxation
– Neutrals (white, black, brown, grey) provide flexibility and elegance
Most importantly, choose colours that make you happy and reflect your personality. Your emotional connection is what really makes a kitchen colour scheme lucky.
Conclusion
When designed thoughtfully, your kitchen colour scheme can really impact the feel of the space. Warm, energizing reds and oranges promote cooking and connection. Cheerful yellows boost optimism and creativity. Serene blues and greens provide relaxing balance.
Have fun with metallic accents, pops of black, or whimsical purples. Keep in mind how different colours complement each other. The most harmonious and lucky kitchens have colour schemes that strike the right emotional chords.
