How to Use Colour to Transform Your Kitchen – Without the Overwhelm

The kitchen isn’t just where the cooking happens, it’s where the day begins, where guests gather, and where countless cups of tea are made. It’s the true heart of the home. So, it makes sense to want a space that’s both functional and full of personality.

One of the easiest ways to elevate your kitchen design? Colour. When used with intention, it can open up the space, reflect your style, and bring a sense of calm, energy, or warmth, without needing a full renovation.

Whether you're updating your cabinets, changing out accessories, or looking to add a standout kitchen tap in brushed gold or matt black, this guide walks you through how to use colour with confidence.

Why Colour Matters in the Kitchen

Kitchens are often treated as purely practical spaces, all surfaces, storage and utility. But they’re also where we spend a lot of time, often looking at the same walls or worktops day in and day out. That’s why even a small shift in colour can have a big impact.

• Warm colours like terracotta, blush pink or ochre can make a space feel inviting and cosy.
• Cool tones such as sage green, navy or soft grey bring a fresh, serene vibe.
• Metallics including chrome, brushed brass or copper can add a hint of luxury and visual contrast.

It’s all about balance. You don’t need to coat the room in colour, sometimes, a few accents are all it takes.

Don’t Overlook the Tap

Taps are one of the most frequently used elements in the kitchen and one of the most visible. Choosing a kitchen tap in a distinctive finish, like copper or brushed nickel, is a simple way to add subtle style and elevate your sink area.

From traditional kitchen taps to sleek modern pull-out taps, Ripple offers a wide range of designs and finishes to suit your space. A well-chosen tap doesn’t just serve a practical purpose, it helps tie your colour palette together.

Looking for something even more functional? Consider a boiling water tap. Available in eye-catching finishes like brushed gold or gunmetal grey, our 3-in-1 options provide instant filtered boiling water alongside standard hot and cold. They free up counter space, cut down on kettle clutter, and bring a real sense of luxury to your everyday routine.

Cabinets: Go Bold or Keep It Classic

Because cabinets take up so much visual real estate, they’re an ideal place to experiment with colour.

• For smaller kitchens, light-coloured cabinets can help the space feel open and airy.
• In a well-lit room, dark shades like navy, charcoal or forest green add drama and depth.
• Not ready to commit? Try a two-tone scheme, light wall units paired with darker base cabinets for balanced contrast.

Accessories, Shelving & Small Touches

If you’re not planning a full kitchen redesign, you can still introduce colour in subtle, effective ways:

• Display colourful dishes, glassware or cookbooks on open shelves
• Add bright tea towels, oven mitts or seat cushions
• Use statement ceramics, pots or small appliances to add interest

These touches are easy to switch out with the seasons or as your style evolves.

Above: Bergamo Kitchen Tap - Matt Black

Splashbacks, Feature Walls & Finishes

Vertical surfaces are another opportunity to play with colour:

• A tiled splashback in a bold or patterned design creates a stylish focal point
• An accent wall in a rich paint colour can add drama and make light cabinets stand out
• Textured finishes like limewash or zellige tiles offer depth and visual interest

In open-plan kitchens, colour can also help define different zones such as cooking vs dining — without physical dividers.

Touches That Pull It Together

Finish is just as important as colour. A glossy surface reflects light and adds a contemporary edge, while a matt or satin finish feels softer and more organic. Hardware makes a difference too; think brushed brass handles, matt black pulls, or a coordinating copper tap that ties everything together.

Final Colour Tips

• Test colours in different lighting — natural daylight and evening light can change how they look.
• Start small — you can always add more colour over time, but it’s harder to scale it back.
• Pick colours you’ll love long-term, not just what’s trending right now.

Make Your Kitchen More You

Bringing colour into your kitchen doesn’t have to mean a bold overhaul. Sometimes it’s the smallest changes, a new tap in an elegant finish, a painted cabinet, or a colourful shelf display — that make the biggest difference.

Explore our full range of kitchen taps to find the perfect fit for your space, from timeless classics to innovative boiling water taps designed for busy modern living. And if you’re unsure where to start, speak to our expert team who are always here to help.