Whip Up a New Look Choosing the Perfect Paint for Your Kitchen

Why Paint for Kitchen Matters More Than You Think

Paint for kitchen spaces is one of the most powerful and affordable ways to transform the heart of your home. Whether you’re updating tired walls or refreshing worn cabinets, the right paint choice sets the tone for where your family gathers, cooks, and creates memories together.

Quick Answer: Best Paint for Kitchen

• Kitchen Walls: Satin or semi-gloss finish for durability and easy cleaning
• Kitchen Cabinets: Benjamin Moore Advance® Interior acrylic alkyd enamel for a furniture-quality finish
• High-Moisture Areas: Semi-gloss finish near sinks and stoves
• Color Choices: Timeless neutrals like Simply White OC-117 or Gray Owl OC-52, or bold options like navy and sage green

The kitchen is often considered one of the most sentimental rooms in a home, bringing people together around the table and at the stove. Paint color doesn’t just make your kitchen look good—it influences mood, improves natural light, makes small spaces feel larger, and can even affect your energy levels while you cook and entertain.

But here’s the challenge: not all paints are created equal. Your kitchen faces unique demands that other rooms don’t—grease splatters, moisture from cooking, frequent cleaning, and constant use. Standard wall paint simply won’t hold up to these conditions, which is why choosing paint specifically designed for kitchen environments is essential.

I’m Jean Hauser, owner and president of The Color House, Rhode Island’s premier Benjamin Moore paint and design retailer, where I’ve been helping homeowners select the perfect Paint for kitchen projects for over two decades. My background in fashion merchandising and interior design, combined with years of hands-on experience in the paint industry, has taught me exactly what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to creating beautiful, durable kitchens.

Choosing the Right Colors for Your Kitchen

The colors you choose for your kitchen walls and cabinets are more than just aesthetic decisions; they are powerful tools that can shape the entire atmosphere of the room. Color psychology plays a significant role here, influencing everything from our mood to our appetite. A bright, cheerful yellow might invigorate your morning coffee routine, while a calming blue could make evening meal prep a more serene experience.

Beyond mood, color can dramatically alter our perception of space. Lighter, cooler shades tend to make a room feel more expansive and open, which is a fantastic trick for smaller kitchens. Conversely, darker, warmer tones can create a sense of coziness and intimacy in a large, open-plan kitchen. We often use color to improve natural light, making a dimly lit kitchen feel brighter, or to complement existing elements like your countertops, flooring, and appliances, tying the whole design together. If you’re looking to make your kitchen feel more spacious, explore our tips on how to Make Rooms Feel Bigger.

Popular Paint Colors for Kitchen Walls

When it comes to kitchen walls, timeless neutrals often reign supreme, offering a versatile backdrop that allows other kitchen elements to shine. We find that crisp off-whites, such as Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 or Chantilly Lace OC-65, are perennial favorites. These shades provide a clean, airy feel that can make any kitchen feel fresh and bright. Warm grays like Benjamin Moore Gray Owl OC-52 offer a sophisticated alternative, providing a subtle depth without overwhelming the space. For those who prefer a warmer neutral, Benjamin Moore Hush AF-95 or Monroe Bisque HC-26 can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

But don’t think neutrals are your only option! We’ve seen a growing trend in incorporating more vibrant or serene hues. Sunny yellows, like Benjamin Moore Philadelphia Cream HC-30 or Soleil AF-330, are perfect for enhancing natural light and bringing a cheerful energy to the kitchen. Serene greens, such as Benjamin Moore Dune Grass 492 or Fernwood Green 2145-40, can introduce an earthy, natural feel, creating a calming oasis. For a bold statement, deep hues like Benjamin Moore Gravel Gray 2127-30 or Blue Note 2129-30 can add a touch of opulence and drama. Lively hues, including Benjamin Moore Banana Yellow 2022-40 or Ravishing Red 2008-10, can truly brighten the space and inject personality.

Staying current with color trends can also inspire your choices. Our team at The Color House keeps a close eye on what’s new and exciting, including the 2025 Colors of the Year: A Fresh Palette, to help you find a shade that feels both fresh and timeless.

Trending Paint Colors for Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are often the largest surface area in the room, making their color choice paramount in defining the kitchen’s style. Classic white cabinets remain incredibly popular for their ability to make a space feel open and clean, pairing beautifully with almost any wall color or countertop material. If you have a smaller kitchen, white cabinets are an excellent choice to maximize the perception of space.

For those looking for a bit more personality, sophisticated navy blues have become a strong trend. A deep, rich navy, such as Benjamin Moore Blue Note 2129-30, can create a stunning contrast with lighter walls or countertops, adding a touch of elegance and depth. Dramatic black cabinets are also gaining traction, offering a chic, modern, and high-impact look that can be surprisingly versatile.

Earthy greens, from muted sage to deeper forest tones, are perfect for creating a serene and grounded feel, especially when paired with natural wood elements or brass hardware. And for a truly dynamic look, two-tone cabinets are a fantastic option. This trend involves painting upper and lower cabinets in different, complementary colors, often with darker shades on the bottom and lighter ones on top. This approach allows you to introduce visual interest and create a unique focal point in your kitchen.

The Ultimate Guide to Paint for Kitchen Projects

When it comes to paint for kitchen projects, we can’t stress enough that durability, moisture resistance, stain resistance, and washability are paramount. Unlike other rooms in your home, the kitchen is a high-traffic, high-activity area constantly exposed to cooking fumes, grease splatters, food spills, and humidity from boiling water or dishwashers. Standard interior paints simply aren’t engineered to withstand these daily challenges. An inferior paint job won’t last, often showing signs of chipping, peeling, or permanent staining in a matter of months.

We understand that you want your kitchen to look beautiful for years to come, which is why selecting the right paint formula is crucial. The best kitchen paints are designed with advanced technology to repel stains, resist mildew, and allow for easy wipe-downs without damaging the finish. This is particularly important for high-traffic areas and surfaces that require frequent cleaning. For more insights into selecting durable paints, we recommend reading articles like The Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets, Backed by Science.

Choosing the Best Paint for Kitchen Walls

For kitchen walls, we consistently recommend paint finishes that balance aesthetics with functionality. The key is to choose a paint that can stand up to the unique demands of a kitchen environment, namely moisture, grease, and frequent cleaning.

• Eggshell Finish Benefits: Eggshell is a popular choice for kitchen walls. It offers a subtle, low-sheen finish that hides minor wall imperfections better than higher sheens. Crucially, it’s more durable and washable than flat or matte paints, making it suitable for areas that might get occasional splashes.
• Satin/Pearl Finish Durability: Satin (sometimes called Pearl) is our go-to recommendation for most kitchen walls. It has a slightly higher sheen than eggshell, which translates to superior durability and washability. It resists moisture, grease, and stains exceptionally well, allowing you to easily wipe away spills and splatters without scrubbing away the paint. This finish is perfect for active kitchens and homes with enthusiastic little cooks! For families, exploring Child-Friendly Paint Options often leads to these durable, washable finishes.
• Semi-Gloss for High-Moisture Zones: For areas directly adjacent to sinks, stoves, or dishwashers—where moisture and steam are most concentrated—a semi-gloss finish is an excellent choice. Its higher sheen provides the maximum level of durability and moisture resistance, creating a hard, protective surface that’s incredibly easy to clean.
• Why to Avoid Matte Finishes: While matte and flat paints offer a beautiful, sophisticated look in low-traffic areas, they are generally not recommended for kitchen walls. Their porous nature makes them difficult to clean, and they tend to show scuffs, stains, and fingerprints much more readily.

Choosing the Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets endure more wear and tear than almost any other surface in your home. From repeated opening and closing to accidental bumps and greasy fingerprints, they need a paint that is exceptionally hard-wearing and easy to maintain. This is why we wholeheartedly recommend Benjamin Moore Advance® Interior paint for kitchen cabinets.

Benjamin Moore Advance® is often considered the gold standard for cabinets, trim, and doors, delivering a truly furniture-quality finish that rivals factory-applied coatings. Here’s why it stands out:

• Acrylic Alkyd Enamel: This unique waterborne alkyd formula combines the best properties of traditional oil-based paints (superior durability, adhesion, and a hard finish) with the easy cleanup and low VOCs of water-based paints. It cures to a remarkably hard, durable surface.
• Self-Leveling Properties: Advance® has excellent flow and leveling characteristics, which means it minimizes brush marks and roller stipples, resulting in an incredibly smooth, sleek finish that professionals adore.
• Resisting Yellowing: Unlike many traditional oil-based enamels that can yellow over time, especially in lighter colors, Benjamin Moore Advance® is formulated to resist yellowing, ensuring your cabinet colors stay true and vibrant for years.
• Hard, Durable Surface: Once fully cured, this paint creates a tough, chip-resistant surface that can withstand the daily demands of a busy kitchen, making it easy to clean and maintain.

For any Interior & Exterior Paints project, especially one as demanding as kitchen cabinets, Benjamin Moore Advance® provides the long-lasting beauty and performance you desire.

Creating a Cohesive Kitchen Design

A truly stunning kitchen goes beyond just beautiful individual elements; it’s about creating a harmonious and cohesive design where every component works together. This involves careful color palette harmony, ensuring your walls, cabinets, countertops, and even backsplashes complement each other.

Think of your kitchen as a symphony where each instrument plays a vital role. Your wall color might be the gentle backdrop, your cabinets the bold melody, and your countertops and backsplash the rhythmic percussion. We often guide our clients using the 60-30-10 rule: 60% of your room is a dominant color (often walls), 30% is a secondary color (often cabinets), and 10% is an accent color (found in hardware, lighting, or decor). This rule helps achieve balance and visual interest.

When coordinating your kitchen, consider the undertones of your chosen colors. Do they lean warm or cool? Are they earthy or vibrant? Ensuring these undertones work together will prevent clashes and create a sense of flow. Appliances, too, play a role; stainless steel, black, or white finishes can influence your color choices. Our Decorating Services can help you steer these choices, ensuring your kitchen tells a beautiful, unified story. For a complete change, our Transform Your Space with Decorating Services are designed to bring your vision to life.

Coordinating with Window Treatments and Decor

Beyond paint, the finishing touches like window treatments and decor are crucial for tying your kitchen’s design together. These elements provide an opportunity to introduce texture, pattern, and additional layers of color, reinforcing your chosen palette.

For indoor window treatments, we focus on options that are both stylish and practical for a kitchen environment. Blinds, such as faux wood or aluminum, offer excellent light control and are easy to clean, resisting moisture and grease. Draperies, chosen in a washable fabric, can add softness and elegance, framing your windows beautifully.

Consider how the style and color of these window treatments harmonize with your new paint for kitchen choices. A rustic kitchen might benefit from natural wood blinds, while a modern space could feature elegant draperies. Don’t forget other decor elements: hardware finishes (like brushed brass, matte black, or polished chrome), lighting fixtures, and decorative accessories all contribute to the overall aesthetic. Even exploring Wallpaper Decor for an accent wall can add incredible depth and character. For comprehensive advice on selecting the perfect window coverings, you can find More info about window treatments on our website.

Your Kitchen Painting Project: Tools and Testing

A successful kitchen painting project isn’t just about choosing the right paint for kitchen surfaces; it’s equally about meticulous preparation and smart testing. Skipping these crucial steps can lead to a less-than-perfect finish and a job that doesn’t last.

Surface preparation is non-negotiable. Kitchen surfaces, especially cabinets, accumulate grease, grime, and food residue over time. Thorough cleaning and degreasing are essential to ensure proper paint adhesion. After cleaning, light sanding helps to create a “tooth” for the paint to grip onto, promoting a smoother and more durable finish. Finally, priming is a vital step, especially for cabinets or if you’re making a drastic color change. A quality primer will block stains, ensure uniform color, and improve adhesion, making your topcoats look their best. For guidance on common issues, our Fixing Common Paint Problems resource can be very helpful.

Essential Tools for a Flawless Finish

Having the right tools is just as important as having the right paint. Investing in quality tools will make your painting process smoother, more efficient, and result in a far superior finish. Here’s a list of essential tools we recommend for any kitchen painting project:

• High-quality angled brushes: Perfect for cutting in around edges, corners, and detailed areas on cabinets. Look for synthetic bristles for water-based paints.
• Mini rollers: Ideal for achieving a smooth, even finish on flat cabinet doors and larger wall sections. Choose a high-density foam or fine-nap roller cover.
• Painter’s tape: Essential for creating crisp, clean lines and protecting surfaces you don’t want to paint.
• Drop cloths: To protect your floors, countertops, and appliances from paint drips and splatters.
• Degreaser: A must-have for thoroughly cleaning kitchen surfaces before sanding and painting.
• Sandpaper (fine-grit) and sanding blocks: For smoothing surfaces and creating proper adhesion.
• Quality primer: To ensure optimal adhesion, especially on bare wood or previously finished cabinets.
• Paint stirrer, paint trays, and a can opener: Basic but necessary tools.

We always emphasize the importance of quality tools. Cheap brushes and rollers can shed bristles, leave streaks, and make it harder to achieve a professional-looking finish. When painting kitchen cabinets, especially, precision and a smooth finish are key, so don’t skimp on your tools! For more specific guidance on painting kitchen cabinets, our team at The Color House in Rhode Island is always ready to offer expert advice custom to your project.

How to Test Paint Colors Before Committing

Choosing the perfect paint for kitchen walls or cabinets can feel overwhelming, especially with so many beautiful Benjamin Moore colors available. What looks great online or in a small swatch might appear very different in your actual kitchen due to lighting conditions. That’s why testing your paint colors before making a final commitment is an absolute must!

Here’s our expert approach to testing:

1. Get Paint Samples: Visit one of our Rhode Island locations in North Kingstown, Cranston, Wakefield, Middletown, or Smithfield to pick up Benjamin Moore paint samples of your top contenders.
2. Use Sample Boards or Peel-and-Stick Swatches: Instead of painting directly onto your walls (which can create texture issues), paint two coats onto large white poster boards or use peel-and-stick swatches. This allows you to move the samples around the room.
3. Test in Different Light: Observe your samples at various times of the day—morning, midday, and evening. Natural light changes dramatically, and so will your paint color’s appearance. Also, consider how the colors look under your kitchen’s artificial lighting (warm or cool bulbs can alter perception).
4. Observe Throughout the Day: Colors can shift with the changing light, revealing different undertones. What looks like a perfect gray in the morning might appear slightly blue in the afternoon.
5. Compare Side-by-Side: Place your samples next to your existing cabinets, countertops, and flooring to see how they interact. This helps you visualize the cohesive palette.

Don’t rush this step! It’s worth the extra effort to ensure you love your chosen colors. And when you’re ready to calculate how much paint you’ll need, our team can assist you, or you can use a handy paint calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kitchen Paint

When undertaking a kitchen painting project, many questions arise, especially concerning durability and achieving a professional finish. Here are some of the most common inquiries we receive at The Color House:

How do I get a smooth, factory-like finish on my cabinets?

Achieving a smooth, factory-like finish on your kitchen cabinets is entirely possible, but it requires patience and adherence to best practices.

• Proper Prep is Key: This cannot be overstated. Start by thoroughly cleaning your cabinets with a good degreaser to remove all grease and grime. Then, sand all surfaces lightly to create a rough texture for the paint to adhere to. Fill any imperfections or holes with wood filler and sand smooth.
• Use a High-Quality Bonding Primer: Especially on previously finished or slick surfaces, a high-quality bonding primer is essential for maximum adhesion and a uniform base.
• Apply a Premium Self-Leveling Paint: This is where Benjamin Moore Advance® Interior paint shines. Its unique formula is designed to flow out smoothly, minimizing brush marks and roller stipples, which is critical for that factory-finished look.
• Use a High-Quality Brush and Roller: Invest in good quality angled brushes for cutting in and a fine-nap foam roller or mohair roller cover for flat surfaces. Poor quality tools will leave tell-tale marks.
• Apply Thin, Even Coats: Resist the urge to apply thick coats. Multiple thin coats will cure harder, look smoother, and be more durable than one heavy coat.
• Lightly Sand Between Coats: After each coat of paint (and primer), lightly sand the surface with very fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 220-grit) to remove any dust nibs or imperfections. Wipe clean before applying the next coat.

Following these steps will give you beautiful, durable cabinets that look professionally done.

What paint finish is best for a kitchen with high moisture and kids?

For a kitchen that experiences high moisture levels (from cooking, dishwashers, sinks) and the daily wear and tear of a busy family with kids, we strongly recommend satin or semi-gloss finishes.

• Superior Durability: These finishes are much harder and more resistant to impact and abrasion than lower sheen paints.
• Exceptional Washability: Their smoother, tighter surface makes them incredibly easy to clean. Grease splatters, food stains, and crayon marks can be wiped away with a damp cloth and mild soap without damaging the paint film. This is a huge benefit in a kitchen with active children.
• Moisture, Grease, and Stain Resistance: The inherent properties of satin and semi-gloss paints make them ideal for repelling moisture and resisting the absorption of grease and food stains. They also help prevent mildew growth in humid conditions.

These sheens are perfect not just for walls, but also for trim, doors, and especially cabinets in busy kitchens, providing a protective and easy-to-maintain surface.

Can I paint my kitchen backsplash or countertops?

While the idea of painting your kitchen backsplash or countertops might be tempting for a quick, budget-friendly update, we generally approach this with caution.

• Specialty Paints Exist: Yes, there are specialty paints designed for surfaces like tiles (for backsplashes) or laminate/wood (for countertops). These typically require extensive preparation, including thorough cleaning, degreasing, sanding, and the use of specific bonding primers.
• Requires Extensive Preparation and Specific Products: The success and longevity of such a project depend almost entirely on meticulous surface preparation and using the exact, often multi-step, product system recommended by the manufacturer.
• Durability Can Be a Concern: Even with specialty paints, the durability of a painted backsplash or countertop often falls short compared to traditional materials like ceramic tile, stone, or solid-surface countertops. These surfaces endure significant heat, moisture, impacts, and scrubbing, which can quickly wear down even the best paint.
• Often a Temporary Solution: For these reasons, painting backsplashes or countertops is often viewed as a temporary cosmetic fix rather than a long-term solution. If you’re saving up for a full renovation or looking for a very short-term refresh, it can work, but manage your expectations regarding longevity.
• Consider Consulting a Professional: If you’re considering this, we highly recommend consulting with our experts at The Color House. We can discuss the pros and cons, recommend appropriate Benjamin Moore products if applicable (like some of their specialty primers for adhesion), and help you weigh whether this DIY project aligns with your long-term kitchen goals. Often, replacing or re-covering these surfaces with new materials can offer better value and durability in the long run.

Conclusion: Start Your Kitchen Change

Changing your kitchen with paint for kitchen surfaces is an incredibly rewarding project that can breathe new life into your home’s most important gathering space. As we’ve explored, the right color can set the perfect mood, the correct finish ensures lasting durability, and meticulous preparation is the secret to a flawless result. From selecting the perfect Benjamin Moore hue for your walls to choosing the robust Benjamin Moore Advance® for your cabinets, every decision contributes to a kitchen that is both beautiful and functional.

A new coat of paint is a powerful update, offering a significant impact without the cost and disruption of a full renovation. It’s a chance to express your style, improve your home’s value, and create a space where memories are made.

For premium Benjamin Moore paints and expert advice in Rhode Island, visit The Color House. With locations in North Kingstown, Cranston, Wakefield, Middletown, and Smithfield, we offer competitive pricing, individualized service, and the largest inventory in RI. We’re here to provide a personalized alternative to big box stores, ensuring you get the right products and guidance for your project. For personalized guidance to ensure your kitchen vision comes to life, book a professional Color Consultation with our experienced team. Let us help you whip up a new look for your kitchen today!