Kitchen Colour Schemes That Work: 2025 Trends and Ideas for Australian Homes
As the manager at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, I spend a lot of time talking colour. Whether it’s helping a first-time renovator choose cabinets or advising a builder on the best combination for a display home, I can tell you this—kitchen colour schemes are one of the biggest decisions customers must make.
And with good reason. The right colours can completely transform your kitchen—make it feel bigger, brighter, more modern, or more welcoming. Colour affects how we feel in a space, how easy it is to clean and maintain, and even how much value your kitchen adds to your home. It’s why we’ve helped thousands of Perth homeowners make confident choices when planning their kitchens.
Today, we look at the most popular and practical kitchen colour schemes in Australia, including what’s trending in 2025, how to choose colours based on your kitchen’s size and light, and which kitchen ideas work best for your space. I’ll also share our top cabinet and benchtop colour combinations, dual-tone cabinet trends, and 10 of the best colour schemes we’re seeing right now.
So if you’re thinking about updating your kitchen, planning a new build, or just need a bit of kitchen design inspiration, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in.
Tips for Choosing a Kitchen Colour Scheme
Choosing the right colours for your kitchen isn’t just about following trends—it’s about creating a space that works for your layout, light, and lifestyle. Over the years, I’ve seen how much of a difference the right kitchen colour scheme can make—not just to the final look, but to how people feel using the space every day.
Here are some simple, practical tips I often share with customers in our showroom to help guide their decision-making:
Consider the Size of Your Kitchen
One of the first things to think about is space. In smaller kitchens, light colours—like soft greys, whites, and neutrals—can make the room feel larger and more open. If you’re working with a more spacious layout, you can get away with darker tones that bring warmth and intimacy without closing the space in.
For anyone researching colour schemes for small kitchens, I always recommend starting with a light base—on cabinets or walls—and then adding contrast with benchtops or splashbacks if you want something more dynamic.
Think About the Lighting
Natural light plays a massive role in how colours show up in your kitchen. If your space gets plenty of sunlight, you have more flexibility with darker colours, like navy, charcoal, or even black cabinetry. But in dimmer kitchens, or those with limited windows, I always steer people toward lighter colours to help bounce light and lift the feel of the room.
Artificial lighting matters too—warm lighting complements earth tones and timber finishes, while cooler lighting works well with whites and greys.
Match Colours to Your Style
Are you drawn to clean lines and minimal finishes? Or does your home lean more traditional or country-style? A modern kitchen often suits sleek colour palettes like black and white, navy and marble, or matte greys with timber. If your home has more character or heritage touches, natural tones—like beige, cream, sage or olive—can create a seamless look that ties in with the rest of the house.
When giving customers ideas for kitchen colour schemes, I always remind them that the kitchen doesn’t have to be neutral to remain timeless. It just has to reflect the style of your home.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
Some of the best kitchen transformations I’ve seen have come from homeowners who took a risk with colour—adding an emerald green island, painting their lower cabinets navy, or choosing a bold tiled splashback.
If you’re not ready to commit to colour across the whole kitchen, start small. Add colour through your island, feature cabinets, or accessories, and pair them with more neutral surrounding finishes. Kitchen colours don’t have to be loud to be interesting.
Use the 60-30-10 Rule
This simple design rule is one of the easiest ways to create a balanced kitchen colour scheme:
- 60% should be your dominant colour (often cabinets or walls),
- 30% is your secondary colour (benchtops, splashbacks),
- 10% is your accent colour (bar stools, tapware, pendant lights).
It’s a great framework if you’re feeling overwhelmed by options, and it helps prevent the space from looking too flat or too busy.
Ultimately, the best kitchen colour schemes are the ones that feel right for your home, not just what’s in fashion. Remember these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to a stylish and practical space.
10 of the Best Kitchen Colour Schemes
When it comes to kitchen colour schemes, the best ones balance visual appeal with functionality and longevity. These ten combinations are some of the most popular choices among Perth homeowners right now—each one offering a distinct style and feel. Whether you’re after something bold, classic, or calming, there’s a combo to suit your space.
1. White, Grey, and Black
This trio continues to dominate modern kitchen design for a reason. Crisp white keeps the space feeling fresh and clean, grey adds a soft and sophisticated layer, and black provides contrast and depth. You might use white for the cabinetry, grey stone for the benchtop, and black hardware or pendant lights for impact. This combo works particularly well in open-plan homes, creating flow and cohesion between the kitchen and living areas.
2. Black and White
A bold, timeless pairing that suits everything from industrial lofts to classic Hamptons-inspired spaces. White cabinetry and black benchtops or splashbacks make a confident statement without feeling heavy. Add timber or brushed gold accents, or introduce texture through a stone-look benchtop to soften the look. This high-contrast palette is perfect for those who want a clean, sophisticated kitchen that won’t date.
3. Natural Tones
Soft beige, oatmeal, khaki, and creamy whites are making a big comeback in Australian kitchens. These warm, neutral kitchen colour schemes bring an earthy, organic feel—ideal for those who want a calm, grounded space. Pair natural-toned cabinetry with timber-look floors and off-white benchtops for a timeless, welcoming kitchen that complements almost any décor style.
4. Navy and Cream
Navy brings elegance and grounding, while cream softens the overall look for a timeless coastal feel. This combo is especially beautiful in federation or heritage-style homes but also suits modern apartments. Navy lower cabinets paired with creamy upper cupboards or benchtops add instant class. Try matte finishes for a more modern take, or add brass handles for a traditional touch.
5. Emerald Green and White
If you want a kitchen with wow-factor, emerald green might be the way to go. Deep green base cabinets paired with white stone benchtops create a rich, luxurious atmosphere. This scheme pairs well with timber floors and brushed gold tapware for a lush, curated look. It’s bold, yes—but balanced with white, it feels fresh and inviting, not over-the-top.
6. Olive Green and Champagne
Earthy and understated, this combination is made for kitchens with a relaxed, rustic or Mediterranean vibe. Use olive green on your base cabinets and pair with champagne-toned benchtops, cream splashbacks, and timber shelving. The palette is warm and inviting, and pairs beautifully with aged brass or antique bronze hardware for an extra layer of charm.
7. White on White
Simple, clean, and always in style. This palette layers various shades of white—from warm whites on cabinetry to cooler tones on benchtops and splashbacks. It’s ideal for small kitchens where space and light are at a premium, creating a bright, open feel that never goes out of fashion.
At Ross’s, we stock high-gloss white kitchen cabinets that work beautifully as a base for this look. Pair the space with veined white stone benchtops, tiled splashbacks, or timber accents for warmth to avoid the space feeling flat or clinical. Shaker profiles, brushed metal handles, and pendant lighting can all help to create contrast and interest within the all-white scheme.
8. Spring Green and Grey
This fun, lively combo is great for those who want a bit of personality in their kitchen without going too bold. Use spring green for upper cabinetry or a feature splashback, balanced with soft grey base units or benchtops. The result is playful yet grounded. This scheme works particularly well in family homes or creative spaces, and it pairs nicely with white tiles and brushed nickel fixtures.
9. White and Timber
Perfect for those chasing a light, natural feel. Crisp white cabinets create a bright and airy base, while timber accents—on open shelves, benchtops, or lower cabinets—add warmth and texture. This combo feels effortless and modern, but with a hint of Scandinavian style. Choose light oak for a beachy feel or rich walnut for something more dramatic.
10. French Grey and White
You can’t go past French grey paired with white for a soft, elegant kitchen. French grey has a subtle warmth that keeps it from feeling cold, making it ideal for cabinetry. Combined with white benchtops and tiles, it creates a calm, inviting space that works beautifully in modern and country-style homes. Add silver or brushed chrome hardware to complete the look.
If you want more ideas on cabinet colours, check out our article on 10 Stylish Kitchen Cabinet Colours & Ideas to Transform Your Space. It’s packed with inspiration—from timeless whites to bold modern hues—and will help you refine your colour choices even further.
These kitchen cupboard colour ideas are just the beginning. Whether you’re after drama, warmth, or soft neutrality, there’s a colour scheme here to suit your style and space.
Kitchen Cabinet and Benchtop Colour Combinations
Finding the right pairing of cabinet and benchtop colours can elevate your kitchen from standard to stunning. The key is balance—matching tone, texture, and contrast to suit your layout, lighting, and overall design. Below are some of the most popular and practical kitchen cabinet colour schemes we’ve seen Perth homeowners use successfully.
Navy Cabinets + White Stone Benchtops
This confident and stylish choice is ideal for medium to large kitchens with plenty of natural light. The white stone benchtop (especially one with subtle grey veining) lifts the richness of navy and keeps the overall look clean and crisp. Brass or gold handles finish this off perfectly, adding warmth and elegance. It’s one of the latest kitchen colour combinations with timeless appeal and a modern edge.
Oak or Timber-Look Cabinets + White Gloss Benchtops
Perfect for light-filled, Scandinavian-inspired spaces, this combo feels warm, fresh, and natural. The wood texture softens the high-gloss finish, while the white benchtop keeps the overall palette bright and uncluttered. Great for open-plan homes or coastal styles, this pairing suits smaller kitchens too, thanks to the reflective, space-enhancing qualities of white.
Black Cabinets + Timber Benchtops
You can’t go past matte black cabinets paired with a rich timber benchtop for a moody, modern feel. This look is dramatic but still grounded, ideal for larger kitchens or ones with overhead skylights or generous windows. Use timber on the benchtop or island to break up the dark cabinetry and add warmth. It’s a striking combination that works especially well with concrete floors or minimalist interiors.
Sage or Olive Cabinets + Marble-Look Benchtops
Soft greens like sage or olive are trending hard right now. They create a calm, organic feel when paired with a marble-look benchtop, especially with soft veining. This palette suits country and contemporary kitchens and is perfect for medium-sized layouts. It brings a bit of personality without overpowering the space.
White Cabinets + Textured or Veined Stone
Since our kitchen range includes high-gloss white cabinets, we see this combo in many Perth homes—and for good reason. Pair white cabinetry with a textured or veined stone benchtop in light grey or beige tones. This keeps the space bright while adding subtle contrast and interest. It’s a classic look that adapts to any style, from modern to Hamptons.
If you’re working with a light grey kitchen, combine pale grey stone benchtops with white cabinetry and a darker splashback to introduce depth and layering. This kind of soft contrast works beautifully in small and large kitchens, offering plenty of flexibility with appliances and finishes.
When it comes to kitchen cabinets colour combinations, there’s no single rule—just a few smart guidelines. Contrast works best in well-lit spaces, while tone-on-tone schemes suit smaller or more traditional kitchens. The best combination is one that suits how you live and reflects your personal style.
Dual Tone Cabinets: A Modern Trend Worth Exploring
One of the biggest shifts we’ve seen in modern kitchen cupboard colours is the rise of dual-tone cabinetry. Using two different cabinet colours in the same kitchen isn’t just a trend—it’s a clever way to add visual interest and depth and make your kitchen feel larger or more balanced.
Why It Works
Dual-tone cabinets help break up a block of colour and create a more dynamic, layered look. They can also serve a practical function—visually zoning different areas of your kitchen, such as defining an island bench or anchoring lower cabinetry with a darker tone.
This approach offers the best of both worlds if you’re after a colourful kitchen design without going too bold. You can introduce character and contrast without overwhelming the space.
Popular Two-Tone Combinations
- Light Uppers + Dark Lowers: A classic combo that’s functional and stylish. Lighter upper cabinets (like white or soft grey) keep the space feeling open and airy, while darker base cabinets (such as navy, charcoal, or black) ground the space and help hide scuffs and marks. A white stone or marble-look benchtop ties both levels together beautifully.
- Timber Base + Painted Finish Uppers: This mix adds texture and warmth to the kitchen. Think natural oak base cabinets paired with matte white or sage green uppers. Add brushed nickel handles and a concrete-look benchtop for a soft, earthy feel that suits modern and country-style homes.
- Feature Island in a Bold Colour: One of the easiest ways to bring in a second tone is by choosing a different colour for your kitchen island. When paired with neutral perimeter cabinetry, Navy, forest green, or even deep burgundy islands look stunning. Add a white or light grey benchtop to help balance the bold tone and keep your splashback neutral to let the island be the hero.
What to Pair It With
For benchtops, white, grey, or cream stone-look surfaces tend to work best across most two-tone schemes. If you’re using darker colours in your base cabinets, consider a lighter splashback—subway tiles or even a simple gloss white tile can keep the kitchen feeling fresh.
Two-tone kitchens also lend themselves well to mixed hardware finishes—you can use matte black on your base cabinets and brushed brass or chrome on the uppers for a refined but interesting look.
When it comes to design kitchen colours, this approach allows for creativity without chaos. It’s a modern, flexible style that fits just as well in a brand-new home as it does in a thoughtful renovation.
What’s Trending in Kitchen Colour Schemes for 2025?
As we look ahead to 2025 colour schemes, the direction is clear: warmth, texture, and nature-inspired tones are taking centre stage. If you’re planning a kitchen update or new build, the latest forecasts offer a great place to start.
Natural Hues Are Here to Stay
According to the Dulux 2025 Colour Forecast, we’ll see more earthy greens, soft clay tones, muted blues, and warm neutrals. Think olive, sage, dusty pink, and mushroom grey—colours that feel grounded and calming. These tones pair perfectly with stone-look benchtops, timber elements, and natural textures, making them ideal for Australian homes where indoor-outdoor flow is essential.
Greens in particular are still gaining traction, especially in the form of sage kitchen cabinetry, which has become a go-to for customers wanting a balance between modern and classic.
Matte and Textured Finishes
Beyond colour alone, texture plays a bigger role in 2025 kitchen design trends. Matte finishes are now preferred over high-gloss, offering a softer, more refined look that resists fingerprints and suits everything from coastal to contemporary interiors.
Textured laminates, including woodgrain and linen-effect finishes, are being used to add tactile depth without going over budget. Paired with smooth benchtops, they create layered kitchens that feel lived-in and luxurious.
Latest Kitchen Colour Combinations
Some of the latest kitchen colour combinations we’re seeing in Perth include:
- Clay pink base cabinets with creamy benchtops and aged brass hardware
- Sage green cabinetry with white textured splashbacks and timber shelving
- Warm grey lower units, pale mushroom uppers, and terrazzo-style benchtops
These pairings aren’t just about looking good—they’re practical, versatile, and timeless enough to evolve with your home.
Whether embracing bold tones or playing it safe with subtle neutrals, the 2025 trend direction is clear: choose colours and finishes that bring a sense of calm, warmth and authenticity to your space. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, visit us in store—we’ll help you break down 2025 colour trends and match your ideas with real products.
Colour Schemes for Small Kitchens
When you’re working with a compact kitchen, colour isn’t just about style—it’s about perception. The right colour scheme for a small kitchen can make the space feel bigger, brighter, and more functional. Over the years, I’ve helped plenty of Perth customers open up their kitchens visually using smart colour choices—and it doesn’t always mean sticking to plain white.
Stick with Light and Bright
Lighter tones naturally reflect more light, which helps expand the space visually. White kitchen colour schemes remain a go-to choice for small kitchens for this reason. They create a fresh, uncluttered look that suits any style, from classic to contemporary. Gloss finishes on cabinetry or splashbacks can amplify this effect, bouncing natural and artificial light around the room.
At Ross’s, we offer high-gloss white kitchen cabinets that are perfect for compact kitchens—they brighten the space and are easy to pair with a range of benchtop colours. If all white feels too stark, introduce a light grey kitchen palette instead. Soft greys add a layer of warmth and sophistication without sacrificing brightness. Pair light grey benchtops or splashbacks with our white cabinetry for a modern, understated finish that makes a small kitchen feel much bigger.
Vertical Colour Zoning
One trick I always recommend is using vertical zoning with your colours. Keep your base cabinets slightly darker (think pale oak or mushroom grey) and your uppers light (white or soft cream). This draws the eye upward and makes ceilings appear higher—giving the illusion of more space.
You can also apply this concept using tiles. For example, a full-height white tiled splashback adds visual height and keeps the design cohesive.
Benchtop Selection Makes a Difference
Your benchtop colour plays a big role in how open your kitchen feels. For small kitchens, stick with light stone tones—white, soft grey, or subtle veining. Avoid dark or heavily patterned surfaces that can weigh the room down.
To bring it all together, choose finishes and fixtures (like tapware and handles) in brushed nickel or soft chrome—they’ll blend in rather than break up the space.
In short, small kitchens benefit from light, neutral colours that reflect light, maximise space, and keep the visual weight low. Whether you go full white on white or mix in soft tones and timber accents, the goal is the same: keep it simple, streamlined, and cohesive.
Final Advice from Ross’s
Choosing a kitchen colour scheme can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t need to be. Over the years, I’ve seen plenty of customers stress over getting every shade exactly right. Here’s what I always say: focus on function first, style second. A well-planned kitchen will always serve you better than one that looks great but doesn’t work for your space or lifestyle.
The good news is—colour isn’t permanent. You can repaint walls, update handles, or refresh accessories over time. So don’t let fear of commitment stop you from making a bold choice or trying something new.
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we stock a wide range of finishes and products to help bring your vision to life—from white kitchen colour schemes and trending cabinetry handle colours, to stone-look benchtops and tapware in brushed nickel, matte black, and chrome. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or just want to upgrade your cupboards and benchtops, we have plenty of options in stock, ready to walk out the door.
If you’re still unsure which direction to go, visit our Guildford showroom at 57 James Street. Our team is always happy to offer honest, practical advice and help you find colours and combinations that suit your layout, lighting, and style. Bring your plans, photos, or inspiration boards—we’ll help you make sense of them.
You don’t have to be a designer to pull together a great-looking kitchen. You just need the right products, a bit of guidance, and a supplier that actually cares. That’s where we come in.
