The Psychology Behind Kitchen Colours

Colours in your kitchen do more than just look good. They set the mood, change how big or small the space feels, and can even make you feel more (or less) hungry! Pick the wrong colour, and your kitchen could feel cold, cramped, or just… off. Pick the right one, and it can feel warm, inviting, and like a space you actually want to spend time in.

As one of Auckland’s top kitchen designers, we help New Zealanders who are renovating or building from scratch choose colours for their kitchen that look good and feel right. In this article, we explain the impact of different kitchen colours and share some tips on choosing the right colour for your space.

Popular Kitchen Colours and Their Impact

Some kitchen colours bring warmth and energy, while others create a sense of calm. Here’s what the most popular kitchen colours in 2025 can do for your mood, appetite, and overall kitchen experience:

Light Neutrals (Beige, Greige, Sandy Tones)

These colours can make a kitchen feel soft, warm, and relaxed. They don’t shout for attention, which is why they work in just about any space. Psychologically, neutral tones give a sense of calm and stability. They can be perfect if you want a kitchen that feels like the heart of the home rather than a showroom.

Deep Green

Green is strongly tied to nature, which makes it one of the most calming colours you can bring into a kitchen. Dark greens like forest or olive can add richness and depth, while sage greens feel fresh and soothing. If your house has its fair share of noise and chaos, a green kitchen can help balance things out.

Moody Blues

Blue is the colour of calm, which makes it a great option if you want a kitchen that feels peaceful rather than hectic. Darker blues, like navy or charcoal blue, can add a sense of depth and sophistication, while lighter blues keep things light and airy. And a fun fact: blue is also known to suppress appetite. So, if you’re always snacking in the kitchen, maybe this is the colour for you.

Terracotta and Earthy Reds

Earthy reds, like terracotta and clay, can make a kitchen feel warm, cosy, and full of character. These colours also have a grounding effect, which is why they can make spaces feel welcoming rather than overwhelming. Red is also said to boost appetite (which is why fast-food chains love it), so it’s a good option if your kitchen is a place where people gather to eat and chat.

Bold Yellow

Yellow is bright, happy, and full of energy. It’s like bringing a bit of sunshine inside. Yellow can make a kitchen feel lively and welcoming, which is great if you love having people around. Just don’t overdo it, because too much yellow can feel a bit full-on. It’s best in softer shades or as an accent colour.

Choosing the Right Colour for Your Kitchen

Before you commit to a colour, here are a few things to think about:

• How much natural light you have: A dark colour in a kitchen with little sunlight can make the space feel smaller and gloomy. If your kitchen is bright, you can get away with moodier tones like deep green or navy without it feeling like a cave.
• What mood you want in the kitchen: If your kitchen is a busy, social hub, warm colours like terracotta or muted yellow can make it feel inviting. If you want it to feel more peaceful, cool tones like sage green or soft blue can help balance things out.
• How much cleaning you’re willing to do: Glossy whites and deep darks look amazing in magazines, but they also show every single fingerprint, splash, and speck of dust! So, if you don’t want to spend your life wiping down surfaces, mid-tone colours and matte finishes are a safer bet.
• How the colour works with your benchtops and cabinets: Your benchtop, cabinets, and splashback all need to work together. If you already have bold elements in your kitchen, a more neutral colour on the walls can stop things from looking too busy. If everything else is simple, a statement colour can add a splash of personality.
• Whether you’ll still love it in five years: Trends come and go, but a kitchen is a long-term investment. If you’re tempted by a bold colour, think about using it for things that are easy to update, like painted walls or bar stools, rather than expensive, hard-to-change elements like cabinetry.

Trusted Kitchen Designers Auckland

Your kitchen is one of the most used spaces in your home. So picking the right colour should involve a lot more than simply following trends. You need to make sure the space feels right for you... now, and in the future.

If you’re building a brand new kitchen or sprucing up an existing one, our team at Kitchen Mania can help you get it right from the start. Contact us today to book a consultation and start planning a kitchen that looks good, feels right, and actually works for your home.