How to add color to a kitchen with neutral cabinets – without making your cabinetry feel misplaced

This year, we are seeing a renewed appreciation for infusing schemes with color and personality, and the kitchen is no exception. But it's not always as easy to add new hues to a kitchen, especially when you're working with neutral cabinets that can't be changed. The good news is, there are plenty of ways to work around them.

So, if you're wondering how to add color to a kitchen with neutral cabinets, you'll be glad to hear there are plenty of kitchen ideas to inspire a vibrant refresh. Whether you want to go big with a bright color on the walls or opt for something more subtle, there's something to suit every scheme.

If you're not sure how to add a new hue to your kitchen that compliments your neutral cabinets, we've asked the experts for their favorite ways to infuse color without overwhelming your space or making your neutral cabinets feel misplaced.

How to add color to a kitchen with neutral cabinets

Neutral cabinets pair beautifully with practically every color, whether you prefer earthy hues or bold Mid-Century modern palettes. Creating an elevated scheme is all about introducing these colors in the right way alongside your neutral cabinetry, and these expert tips are sure to spark a fitting idea.

1. Go colorful on the kitchen island

An easy (and enduringly popular) way to introduce color to a kitchen with neutral cabinets is through the kitchen island. This has become a favored way to add interest, especially in two-tone kitchens, and it's a lovely way to introduce color to your space that doesn't jar with your neutral cabinets.

'The kitchen island is the first place I look to when trying to bring a dose of color into an otherwise neutral kitchen. It tends to be below natural sightlines and not overwhelm the space even in small kitchens. Neutral cabinets make the perfect backdrop for a bold island,' says Arianna Barone, color marketing manager at Benjamin Moore.

This kitchen is a wonderful example – off-white kitchen cabinets have been used around the perimeter of the kitchen, while a blue island infuses a pop of color that doesn't overwhelm the scheme.

2. Introduce colorful decor

Decor is the perfect way to inject a sense of personal style into your kitchen – and it's super easy and affordable to swap and change as your tastes evolve. This could be anything from vases and trinkets to wall displays and soft furnishings.

'Runners, wall art, and florals are great ways to add color to a neutral kitchen. They aren't permanent pieces, which allows easy growth in style. It adds a punch of personality. Without these added elements, the space can feel bland,' says Sarah Snouffer, founder and principal architect at Third Street Architecture.

In this white kitchen, a pink thread has been added throughout the scheme. A floor runner grounds the space and adds an unexpected source of vibrancy, while bowls full of fruit and pretty floral displays tie in the more saturated hues.

3. Infuse color with patterned tiles

For a more permanent dose of color, introducing tiles is a great way to add color without intruding on your neutral cabinets – in fact, wall tiles will create a backdrop for the cabinetry, helping it to pop more in your scheme.

'A great way to introduce some color into a space is patterned tile! Choosing a bright and fun kitchen backsplash tile is a simple, yet guaranteed way to bring life to a neutral kitchen while creating a focal point for your design,' says Hilary Gibbs and Georgie Smith, co-founders of LIVDEN.

'You can use the colors in the tile to inspire other elements of the design scheme. You can either keep it simple with muted tones for the countertop and paint colors to compliment the tile or go bold and use contrasting colors in the hardware finishes and accessories to add more movement to the space,' they add.

4. Add an unexpected pop of color with colorful furniture

While many people might gravitate toward adding color to more obvious kitchen components, adding an unexpected feature can create a beautiful design feature. A piece of colorful kitchen furniture can help with this – a colorful table or chairs will add a playful element and help zone the space.

'If your kitchen has an eating space, like a breakfast nook or dining room table, painted chairs can make for a great introduction of color,' suggests Arianna. Consider what will work best in your space – if you don't have a defined dining nook within your kitchen, adding colorful bar stalls around an island can work just as well.

An unexpected pop of color has been introduced in this white kitchen with barstools upholstered in a blue fabric. Using a calming shade, like blue, adds color without disrupting the light and tranquil scheme that's been achieved using neutral cabinets.

5. Opt for a colorful range cooker

Range cookers are enjoying a revival at the moment, with homeowners and designers alike finding a renewed appreciation for the character they bring to kitchen design. And, as they so often come in bright colors, they look truly beautiful slotted between neutral cabinetry.

Whether you're looking for ways to style a range cooker that's already in your kitchen or want to introduce one to your existing space, you really can't go wrong with pairing it with neutral cabinets. This will make your colorful range cooker the focal point of the scheme, and introduce color in a way that feels timeless.

A charming blue range cooker takes center stage in this kitchen. Surrounding it with a warm neutral cabinet color creates an inviting atmosphere without taking away from the beautiful details of the range.

There are so many stylish ways to add color to a kitchen with neutral cabinets – it's simply a case of finding what works in your space and what speaks to your personal style. From investment pieces like a range cooker to more subtle features such as wall art and florals, no kitchen should be without a pop of color this year!