Kitchen painted with a soft brown paint colour

Key Takeaways

  • Brown wall colours add warmth and depth to a kitchen, creating a welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere when paired with lighter surfaces.
  • Light mocha or taupe tones work best in smaller kitchens to maintain openness, while deeper browns can be used confidently in larger, well-lit spaces.
  • Pair brown walls with white, cream or stone worktops and light cabinetry for balanced contrast that doesn’t feel heavy.
  • Natural materials such as wood, marble, or brass accents enhance brown’s warmth and sophistication in both modern and traditional kitchens.
  • Always sample your brown shade in the actual kitchen lighting—brown undertones shift dramatically depending on surface colour, direction of light, and time of day.

Brown isn’t the most dynamic colour group, but this tried and tested palette is incredibly versatile. Offering everything from muted tans and caramel-infused neutrals to intense umber, you’ve plenty of options when it comes to decorating with brown. 

While brown colour schemes tend to get a bad rap as being old-fashioned, they’re making a design comeback. Lighter tones offer depth and an earthy character that off-whites don’t. What’s more, even the most intense browns are surprisingly versatile, aspiring well with everything from crisp white to dark grey and beyond.

Warming up to the idea of using brown in your kitchen? At Tikkurila, you’ll find plenty of premium paint colours to overhaul your interiors. Discover the full range online today. 

Why Use Brown Paint in Your Kitchen?

Brown has a grounding, calming effect. This makes it perfect for a room like the kitchen where you’re often entertaining or socialising with family at the end of a long day. 

Are you decorating a kitchen diner? In terms of room suitability, brown hues are perfect for the job. Lighter tones will leave your kitchen walls feeling fresh and contemporary, while richer hues can add warmth to those dining spaces and breakfast nooks. 

Naturally, you don’t have to use the same shade to paint from floor to ceiling. Instead, you can use all manner of brown shades to transform your kitchen with tonal decor. Even a small kitchen can incorporate a multitude of shades, ranging from barely-there browns to more cocoa-inspired pigments. 

It’s not just other colours that brown plays along well with. You also free reign when it comes to adding those finishing touches. If you prefer a more traditional interior, shaker-style cabinets and solid woodwork beautifully alongside brown paint colours. If you’re eager to incorporate more contemporary elements and slick metal touches, use a stony brown with grey undertones.

Our Favourite Browns for a Kitchen

Considering using brown to decorate your kitchen? We’ve singled out some of our favourite shades that can form the base of any kitchen makeover. 

If it’s a contemporary kitchen you’re after, think about using a medium brown like Shiitake N484. This is a fairly dark choice, but hints of grey and a subtle red base mean this brown paint colour isn’t lacking warmth. 

This one works well as a backdrop for modern units and stainless steel appliances. You can use generously in a larger kitchen, although you might want to balance things out with a stony shade or neutral if you’re decorating a more compact space. 

Here’s another classic example of why brown paints are enjoying a comeback. Granulite K484 is technically a stony brown, but there’s a subtle purple undertone that makes this a beautiful addition to any kitchen. 

It’s subtle enough that it works well alongside white or neutral cabinets. It’ll serve as the perfect background to a more traditional kitchen, but there’s no reason why you can’t put this to use in a more modern space. 

If you’re a fan of jewel tones, you might be interested in Driftwood V484. This earthy shade combines hints of grey and brown, while there’s also a very subtle undertone of purple. 

It’s a fine choice for smaller kitchens with white cabinets. However, you can also use it alongside other grey-infused browns in a larger space. Use this one as an-wall colour, then single out a medium brown for a feature wall. 

Although Tamarix K480 is classed as a muted brown, pink undertones bring some welcome warmth. If you’re looking for a more intense shade to decorate a smaller kitchen, it’s a great choice. 

Planning on overhauling an open-plan kitchen dining area? Use a lighter shade for the cooking area, then use this one to create a more intimate atmosphere for dining. 

If you’re not afraid of more intense browns, something like Stonehenge V477 might be worth a second look. This stone brown shade is enhanced with some rosy undertones, providing it with some purple personality. 

Use this one as a wall colour in smaller kitchens or think about reaching for it to recoat outdated units in a larger space. If you want to bring other shades into the equation, this stony brown works particularly well with jewel tones and taupes. For maximum impact, go the extra mile and invest in brushed brass cabinet hardware and ornate finishing touches to elevate your kitchen interior. 

Paint Calculator

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Disclaimer: Tikkurila UK Paint Calculator is provided as a guide only. The coverage rates will vary depending on surface being coated and the particular product range being used. More information on these products can be found on the cans, on the technical data sheets on individual product pages, by using our live chat service or by calling our technical team on 0131 334 4999.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the estimate, however paint requirements may vary depending on the surface, type of paint, sheen level and colour chosen.