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Think you just need to pick a color for your kitchen walls? Think again. There are also the cabinets, the insides of those cabinets, the shelving, and the trim to consider. Luckily there’s a way to cut back on the decision-making, although at first glance it might seem scary. We’re talking about going monochromatic—and not necessarily with a neutral. Sure, painting an entire room a single bright shade may sound overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Quieter countertops, clean-lined light fixtures, and simple floors keep it balanced. Read on for eight color-drenched kitchens to add to your mood board. 

The muted rose shade (inspired by English plum trees) in this Plain English kitchen is so subtle it doubles as a neutral. Go with vintage-inspired hardware for added character in an otherwise streamlined space.

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Mouldy Plum Paint, Plain English
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To make everyday life feel like a vacation, a seafoam kitchen is just what the doctor ordered. Add in natural wood countertops (like in this space from DeVol) to ground the hue, and before long you’ll almost be able to smell the sea breeze.

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Clerkenwell Blue Paint, DeVol
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An entirely charcoal kitchen may sound dreary, but when you pair it with brass hardware, a crisp marble backsplash, and plenty of natural light, it’s nothing less than glamorous (and as cozy as a hug).

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Flint Paint, Benjamin Moore
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If you haven’t yet been inspired to whip up a sourdough starter, you will be after one look at British Standard’s cottagecore kitchen in London. Unfinished wood countertops and stone flooring warm up all that white.

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All White Paint, Farrow & Ball
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Sometimes you just need to bring the sunshine to you, which is exactly what Frances Merrill of Reath Design did with the Franklin Hills, California, home she designed for a Hollywood It couple. A checkerboard runner and globe-shaped pendant lights keep the ’70s-chic vibe going.

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French Horn Paint, Benjamin Moore
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While navy blue has been named the most relaxing color to paint your home, we’d argue that it’s the sky blue shade of this Plain English space. Incorporate a select few contrasting accessories, like a terracotta teakettle, to spark joy among all that calm.

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Cotton Pinny Paint, Plain English
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Look no further than this Berlin-based, Hejm-designed kitchen for all your statement-making needs. With the color contained to a small corner, the studio was free to go all out with tomato-hued faucets and hardware. The surrounding walls, on the other hand, stayed a fresh white. You can tone it down by opting for matte black.

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100 MPH Paint, Behr
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When you find that rare perfect shade of brown, why not use it head to toe? This pantry (courtesy of Plain English) lightens the saturated tone with marble countertops and silver sconces that bounce around the light.

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Sauce Paint, Plain English
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