Kitchen Colours: The Complete Australian Guide for 2025

Why kitchen colours matter

Kitchen colours influence perceived space, daylight performance and maintenance. Light neutrals can open up compact rooms, while deeper tones add drama and anchor an island or scullery. In high-use homes, the best colours for kitchen cupboards balance style with cleanability and durability.

• Light reflectance: Soft whites and warm greys bounce Perth light around open-plan spaces.
• Cleanability: Mid-tone greige, taupe and eucalyptus greens hide fingerprints better than stark white or jet black.
• Longevity: Classic bases (white, oatmeal, charcoal) with coloured accents prevent fast date-stamping.

2025 kitchen colour trends in Australia

While trends come and go, the schemes below are proving timeless in WA homes, from coastal builds to inner-city renovations. For tailored advice and a personalised plan, consult Perth kitchen design experts.

Go-to kitchen colour schemes

• Two-tone cabinets: Lighter uppers with deeper lower units (e.g., warm white uppers + eucalyptus or navy lowers).
• Nature-inspired greens: Sage, eucalyptus and olive pair beautifully with oak or ash timber accents and matte black tapware.
• Sand and surf neutrals: Oatmeal, shell and soft grey for a modern coastal or Hamptons kitchen vibe.
• Charcoal and timber: Graphite bases with American oak handles or shelves create a contemporary, family-friendly palette.
• Bold island moment: Keep wall cabinets neutral and use a coloured island in ink blue, forest green or terracotta.

Popular cabinet finishes

• Melamine and laminate doors in ultra-matte or fine-textured finishes.
• Two-pack polyurethane for crisp, paint-like finishes and custom colour matching.
• Timber veneer accents for warmth and a premium, modern kitchen colours look.
• Handleless or finger-pull profiles for a clean, contemporary kitchen cabinet colour design.

Australian case-style examples

Case 1 – Coastal Perth family: We refreshed a Cottesloe open-plan kitchen with warm white upper cabinets, eucalyptus green base units and an oak-look laminate pantry. A porcelain benchtop with a waterfall edge and a zellige-style splashback created a breezy, timeless feel.

Case 2 – Subiaco apartment: A compact galley needed light. We used soft grey for lower cabinets, white for uppers and a pale terrazzo-look surface. Handleless doors and an integrated dishwasher maximised the clean lines and feeling of space.

Our renovation process (Perth and WA)

1. Consult and brief: We discuss lifestyle, appliances and preferred kitchen colours, materials and budget.
2. Measure and design: Site measure, 3D design, and kitchen colour ideas that suit your light, layout and flooring.
3. Material selection: Cabinet finishes, benchtops, splashbacks and hardware (e.g., Blum soft-close hinges) are colour-coordinated.
4. Quote and approvals: Transparent pricing; we recommend using recognised contract frameworks (see HIA or Master Builders WA).
5. Manufacture and install: Custom cabinetry WA-made, installed to best practice and applicable AS/NZS guidance (e.g., cabinet and appliance clearances).
6. Aftercare: Practical advice on cleaning and caring for painted, melamine and porcelain surfaces.

Note: For cooktop and rangehood clearances follow manufacturer instructions and relevant Australian Standards (e.g., AS/NZS 5601 gas installations). Appliance sizes commonly used in Australia include 600 mm built-in ovens and 900 mm freestanding cookers; we’ll colour-plan around these focal points.

Materials and finishes: getting colour right

Benchtops and colour considerations

• Porcelain / sintered stone: Excellent for WA sun, highly heat and UV resistant; wide colour and pattern range.
• Laminate: Budget-friendly with strong modern decors (stone, timber, solid colours); great for coloured worktops.
• Natural stone: Unique veining; seal and select colours that work with your cupboard tones and splashback.

Cabinet surfaces

• Melamine/laminate doors: Hardwearing, colour-stable, extensive modern kitchen cupboard colours.
• Two-pack polyurethane: Premium, colour-true finish; ideal for precise kitchen cabinet paint colours.
• Timber veneer: Adds warmth and texture; pairs well with off-whites, charcoal and greens.

Splashbacks

• Tiles: Subway, finger mosaics or large-format, with grout chosen to match cabinet colour schemes.
• Glass / mirror: Amplifies light; neutral tints or soft bronze/grey work with both light and dark kitchens.
• Porcelain slabs: Seamless look and easy cleaning in busy households.

Engineered stone vs laminate benchtops (colour, cost and compliance)

Important: Regulations around engineered stone continue to change in Australia. Always seek current advice and check state-based guidance before selecting materials. See Safe Work Australia above for updates.

Hardware and detail colours

• Handles and taps: Brushed nickel, matte black or bronze coordinate with most kitchen colour combinations.
• Sink and appliances: Black or graphite appliances work well with darker cabinet colours; stainless pairs with almost anything.
• Lighting: Warm LEDs soften cool whites; cool LEDs sharpen greys and charcoals.

Layouts and styles that suit colour choices

Layouts

• Galley: Use a lighter run opposite a deeper-toned run to balance light and function.
• L-shaped with island: Keep perimeter light, make the island your colour statement.
• U-shaped: Use lighter colours on the shorter arms; ground the base with mid-depth tones.
• Butler’s pantry / scullery: Consider darker cabinet colours here to hide wear and create contrast with the main kitchen.

Styles

• Hamptons or Shaker: Classic white or pale greys with brushed nickel handles and a softly veined benchtop.
• Contemporary: Handleless cabinetry, soft-close hardware, charcoal lowers and light uppers for modern kitchen colours.
• Scandi: Light timber, white and muted greens with clean lines and an undermount sink.
• Industrial: Concrete-look benchtops, graphite cabinets and warm timber shelves.
• Alfresco kitchen: Choose UV-stable materials and bolder colours that hold up outdoors.

Costs and timelines in WA

• Repainting existing cabinets (two-pack respray): From approx. $3,500–$8,500 for a small to average kitchen (doors and panels), plus new handles if required.
• New melamine/laminate cabinet doors and panels: From approx. $6,000–$12,000 depending on size and profile.
• Benchtops: Laminate typically $300–$600 per linear metre installed; porcelain/sintered stone often $1,200–$2,500+ per linear metre; natural stone varies by slab.
• Full custom kitchen renovation (cabinetry, benchtops, splashback, basic trades): Typically $25,000–$60,000+ in Perth, depending on scope and selections.
• Timelines: Design and selections 2–4 weeks; manufacture 3–6 weeks; installation typically 3–10 days, subject to scope.

All figures are indicative only and subject to site inspection, final selections and compliance with relevant Australian Standards and local regulations.

Practical checklist: choosing your kitchen colour scheme

• Identify your style: Hamptons, contemporary, Scandi, industrial or a blend.
• Choose a base: Warm white, soft grey, oatmeal, eucalyptus or charcoal.
• Decide where to add depth: Lower cabinets or the island are safe places for stronger colours.
• Coordinate benchtops: Porcelain, laminate or natural stone that complements your cabinet tones.
• Select a splashback: Subtle texture or tone-on-tone if your cabinetry is bold; add interest if your cabinets are neutral.
• Match hardware: Handles, taps and sinks in finishes that harmonise with your palette.
• Test large samples at home: View in daylight and evening to confirm undertones.
• Consider maintenance: Mid-tones and soft textures conceal fingerprints in busy households.
• Plan lighting: Warm or neutral LED colour temperature to suit your scheme.
• Confirm compliance and materials: Check current AU guidance for benchtop selections and installation standards.

FAQ

What are the best colours for kitchen cupboards in Australia?

Timeless bases like warm white, soft grey, oatmeal and eucalyptus green are reliable. In Perth, two-tone schemes (light uppers, deeper lowers) balance light and practicality. Charcoal bases with timber accents are also popular and easy to live with.

Should upper and lower kitchen cabinets be different colours?

Often yes. Lighter uppers keep the space open, while deeper lower cabinets or a bold island add depth and hide scuffs. This approach also lets you refresh trends later by repainting or replacing fewer panels.

What wall paint colours work with white or off-white cabinets?

Soft warm whites, pale greige or very light sage keep contrast gentle and modern. If you prefer contrast, use a mid-tone wall (e.g., warm grey) and keep trims and ceilings crisp to frame the cabinetry.

Are dark kitchen colours practical in Perth’s climate?

Yes, in moderation. Use dark colours on base cabinets or an island and balance them with lighter benchtops and splashbacks. Opt for ultra-matte, fingerprint-resistant finishes for day-to-day practicality.

Can I repaint existing kitchen cabinets (paint colours for kitchen presses)?

Yes. Two-pack resprays deliver durable results and precise colour matching. Hand painting can work for small refreshes, but factory finishes are tougher. Ensure proper prep and use quality hardware for a professional outcome.