5 Popular Kitchen Colors of 2022 that Have Staying Power

Choosing kitchen colors can feel like a big commitment. The kitchen is a space the whole family uses every day, and it's not so easily changed as a bedroom or living room, which can typically be redecorated or repainted in hours. In the kitchen, cabinets, walls, countertops, appliances, flooring, and backsplash tile all form a cohesive palette, so your color choices carry some weight. Remodeling every time the latest fads change isn't feasible for most, but some kitchen color trends you can trust won't be going away anytime soon.

We tapped a few interior designers to determine the kitchen colors of 2022 on their radar, and their picks offer tons of timeless inspiration for the years ahead. "We're seeing a move away from the all-white kitchen in favor of cabinets that are bold and adventurous," says Austin-based designer Killy Scheer of Scheer & Co. So for a colorful refresh with both style and staying power, try one of these designer-favorite trending kitchen colors of 2022 and beyond.

1. Nature-Inspired Greens

Green was the kitchen color of 2022 everyone was buzzing about, and it proved to be especially popular in cooking spaces. "Because green is found in nature, it is a safe and timeless color to add to your kitchen," says Tara Miller of the Omaha-based firm The Heartland Interior Design. She expects to see shades ranging from deep emerald to soft sage continue to trend, particularly on cabinetry where green paint colors can really shine.

Recommended paint color: Dried Thyme SW 6186, Sherwin-Williams

2. Bold Black

"Black is definitely making its way into the kitchen as a 'pop' of color this year," Hawaii-based designer Shaolin Low of Studio Shaolin said in 2022. Her recommendation is to use a bold color like black on the island instead of covering the entire kitchen. Or consider going dark on the lower cabinets while keeping the upper ones light and bright. Using black as an accent requires less of a commitment but still makes a statement.

Recommended paint color: Off-Black No. 57, Farrow & Ball

3. Warmed-Up Grays

"I'm definitely feeling like greige is the new white," California designer Christine Vroom said about kitchen colors in 2022. This brown-toned gray tracks with the warming trend we've been seeing over the past couple of years. People are seeking out neutrals that feel cozy rather than crisp. Warm grays offer more depth and interest than pure white, while maintaining the versatility that makes neutrals so popular in kitchens.

Recommended paint color: Agreeable Gray SW 7029, Sherwin Williams

4. Sunny Yellows

Philadelphia-based designer Libby Rawes loves a yellow kitchen for a look that's "fresh and different." This kitchen color trend adds warmth and cheeriness to kitchens, but you don't have to go all-in on yellow to achieve a brightening effect. "I've seen yellow on cabinetry, but if you want less of a commitment, you can add yellow through wallpaper or fabrics and accessories in the kitchen," Rawes says, "and it pairs beautifully with the greens of the moment as well."

Recommended paint color: Hawthorne Yellow HC-4, Benjamin Moore

5. Rich Earth Tones

Vroom foresees kitchen colors of 2022 and beyond transitioning from softer whites and blues toward warm, grounded hues like terra-cotta, blush, and even plum. "The beachy or farmhouse color palettes are taking a step back, and those rich earthy tones are stepping up," she says. You can also expect to see more natural wood cabinetry in kitchens as homeowners embrace the texture and color inherent in the wood.

Recommended paint color: Faded Terracotta No.CC8, Farrow & Ball