Green kitchen ideas – inspiration for cabinets, walls and more

Is there any color more suited to 2021 than green? At at time where our happiness and health have seemed more important than ever, it’s only right that we’d want to surround ourselves in shades that symbolise nature, growth and renewal.

This hasn’t gone unnoticed by designers, who recognise the power of green and have introduced it to kitchen schemes in a variety of smart and sophisticated ways.

• See more: Kitchen ideas – decor and decorating ideas for open-plan, galley, U-shaped and L-shaped kitchens

‘Despite many regarding the kitchen as a “neutrals only” space, rich, bold colors marry unexpectedly well within a kitchen setting,’ explains Helen Shaw, Benjamin Moore’s UK Director. ‘The reason being that these spaces tend to be a busy and bustling heart to the home rather than a room for serenity.’

‘People are being braver and having more fun with color in the kitchen,’ adds Richard Moore, Design Director at Martin Moore. ‘Previously our clients were choosing bold colors, such as electric blue and hot pink, for smaller accents pieces in the kitchen.’

‘However, today we are seeing an increase in the number of people opting for bright colors throughout the kitchen.’

WHY IS GREEN A GOOD COLOR FOR A KITCHEN?

‘Shades of green are an increasingly popular choice for kitchens,’ says Helen Shaw. ‘At the centre point of the color wheel, green can adapt to both cool and warm schemes, working to tie varying hues together.’

‘Deep green is also effective in creating a natural, grounding feel in industrial, tech-heavy homes, working well to encourage a connection with nature.’

‘And as the two colors most regularly seen in nature, blue and green are the two colors which require our eyes to do little, to no, adjusting, which is perfect for creating a feeling of restfulness and harmony in chaotic spaces like the kitchen.’

• Kick-start your project by taking in some of our kitchen color ideas

GREEN KITCHEN IDEAS

These are our favorite green kitchen ideas – use them to inspire your remodel.

1. EMBRACE WABI-SABI WITH SEA GREEN

Mix beautiful imperfection with a delicate sea or mint green, and you have the essence of this traditional Japanese philosophy of design.

In this kitchen, this restful color elegantly showcases monochrome ceramics and wooden artisan pieces.

2. ADD DARK GRANDEUR TO A GOTHIC MASTERPIECE

While green can be gentle and soothing, it can also bring elements of the rich and regal.

In this sensational Gothic-style kitchen, a deep emerald green island is a rich and powerful centrepiece, enhanced with wrought lantern-style pendants and ornate stools featuring beaded legs.

3. BE COCOONED IN WALL-TO-WALL OLIVE

Though relatively small, this kitchen has a powerful look and cosseting feel that’s largely down to its color. A rich olive like this works with darker warm tones of wood – walnut and darker oak are both excellent choices.

Keeping the walls free of units – a Shaker-style peg rail offers hanging spaces for utensils linens and pans – ensures the room doesn’t feel cramped and crowded.

4. INTRODUCE GREEN IN KITCHEN CABINETRY

Sometimes Mother Nature can deliver on a scale that’s truly jaw dropping. Take this island and splashback in dramatic Amazonite conceived by Trilbey Gordon. In a room that had been robbed of its original features, it brings luscious character in spades.

Unlacquered brass brings more depth and glamour, while smart dark metro tiles and herringbone flooring allow the colours to pop.

5. CHANNEL CONTEMPORARY CHIC

It’s easy to associate green with a rustic look, but Life Kitchens’ latest design demonstrates that it can be the key to contemporary opulence. Matt handleless units are finished in Regiment – a succulent shade that balances a heritage feel with calm and refined flair.

6. COMBINE DARK GREEN WITH WOODY TONES

Ready to dive head-first into a green kitchen? Then consider a jewel-like emerald green in a contemporary slab style that oozes color confidence. It looks so strong and bold with almost-black grained splashbacks and flooring. Kitchen by Burbidge.

7. PLAY WITH TEXTURE

‘From the soft tones of sage to the more impactful hues of forest green, green creates a sophisticated and enveloping effect that looks fresh and contemporary,’ says Melissa Klink, Head of Design at Harvey Jones.

Melissa explains that combining these colors with a palette of earthy and natural tones ‘truly brings the outdoors in, so pair green cabinetry with natural textures such as wood, linen and cotton.’

8. CREATE A PERIOD FEEL WITH DEEP SEA GREEN

An indulgent, grown-up look that work in almost any setting – whether that’s a snug galley in a period townhouse, or a vast rural kitchen extension.

Brushed brass details, delicate ribbed glass details and subtle beading on the fascias contribute to the classic appeal, but it’s the deep color – Burbidge’s Baltic Green – that is ultimately timeless.

9. INTRODUCE JUST A TOUCH OF GREY-GREEN TO YOUR KITCHEN

A little green can go a long way, so if you have more traditional tastes, try introducing it subtly. Choosing green for an island or dresser comes with less jeopardy – though be sure to choose timber cabinetry that can be repainted should you decide to move on to another color in the future.

Alternatively, use it as an interior to display cabinets, and create a thread of colour through countertop accessories.

10. INTRODUCE SAGE TO UPDATE A COUNTRY KITCHEN

Green is a colour to keep in mind if you are considering repainting an existing country kitchen. Particularly sage – its cool and crisp tones work beautifully with classic oak and pine.

‘Kitchens can be costly investments and aren’t easily interchangeable,’ says Helen Shaw. ‘Using paint to add a dark, daring colour to a cabinet front, or applying an updated neutral shade to an island or shelving is cost effective. And it allows for a unique burst of creativity and personality to be injected with ease.’

11. WORK WITH DIFFERENT TONES OF GREEN

You have plenty of options when it comes to pairing green with other colors – but frankly, you can’t go wrong with more green. Here, moss green worktops and woodwork frame paler aquamarine walls.

12. LIKE A CHANGE? LIMIT GREEN TO KITCHEN WALLS

Love green but nervous about using it on cabinetry? Using green on a feature wall or as an accent color on just one element of your kitchen’s architecture can be very effective. Before you pick a shade, consider your room’s orientation: a south- or west-facing room can take a cooler, bluer green, but a north- or east-facing room that receives little warm daylight will need a green with a hint of yellow in it, such as the one in the room above.

WHAT COLORS GO WITH A GREEN KITCHEN?

Green is exceptionally versatile, which means lots of colours go with a green kitchen.

While deeper emerald and forest greens are ideal for colour blocking with deep magenta and ochre. Try a lush palm green with a deep blush pink for a take on the classic Miami look. Turquoise can look incredible with lime, while deep sages such as Farrow & Ball’s Lichen, are natural suitors for beige tones.

See more: Grey kitchen ideas – if neutrals are more your thing

WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR GREEN COLORS FOR CABINETS?

There are so many different shades to choose from, but below are the most popular green colors for cabinets, according to experts…

‘Forest green has seen a real surge in popularity for the coming year, as well as the more neutral sage tone which is perfect for adding a pop of colour while also keeping a more zen feel in the kitchen,’ says Benjamin Moore’s Helen Shaw.

‘One of our most-loved kitchen paint colors is our darker green, Cactus,’ says Neptune kitchen designer Annie Tullet. ‘It’s a shade people gravitate towards because of its earthiness and its ability to make a space feel warm. Even though it has cool base tones that help it suit contemporary homes, too.’

According to Martin Moore’s Richard Moore, ‘Green is proving especially popular because there are so many different shades to experiment with, from soft sage and earthy olive greens to rich, forest tones. A combination of coordinating green tones add texture add warmth to a space and pair well with warm brass handles.’