Is your kitchen in need of a makeover? Before you start planning on ripping out cabinets and investing in new units, why not give your kitchen island an image overhaul? An island unit is the heart of any kitchen and, with the right colour palette, it's easy to transform your prep space into something truly special. 

Looking to create contrast? Don't be afraid of reaching for bolder colours when decorating a kitchen island. A blue kitchen island or breakfast bar will really stand out against white units, creating a stunning centrepiece. 

Does your kitchen island stand out like a sore thumb? Pick a neutral shade that pairs well with your existing colour scheme to bring it in line with the rest of your interior. 

Whatever you've got planned, our range of premium paint colours has plenty of shades for you to consider. Need some design inspiration? We've got you covered.

Kitchen Cabinets and Island the Same Colour 

If you like a simple, more streamlined aesthetic, it's best to match kitchen island and cabinet colours. In smaller kitchens, it can help overcome limited floor space. In larger spaces, it can create a more harmonious atmosphere. 

Green is the perfect colour palette for kitchens. Light and zesty shades will freshen up any space, while darker colours like teal pair well with more contemporary interiors. 

Menthol J442 is a great choice if you're planning on a modern kitchen makeover with green paint. This stylish teal is light enough that it won't make your space feel enclosed. What's more, it pairs well with stainless steel and marble countertops. 

If you'd prefer something darker, give Silk Road S440 a try. This rich green is just the ticket for contemporary kitchens. Not only will it transform tired cabinets, but it will also breathe new life into a central island. Perfect teamed with white marble or solid oak counters. 

All that green will need something to balance it out. If you're looking for the ideal wall colour, why not give Damask F485 a try? This beautiful neutral packs a real punch with its dusky undertones, making it a fine companion to a green kitchen island and cabinets.

Blue is a great colour choice for kitchen wall paint. However, if you've opted for a darker shade, you'll need to lighten things up with a brighter shade for your cabinets and food prep areas. 

Off-whites and neutral colours with blue undertones are the way to go. They'll leave your kitchen feeling fresh and inviting while helping reflect light in smaller spaces. 

If you used a navy or deep blue for your walls, balance things out with Winter V503 when painting units and kitchen islands. This off-white paint colour isn't lacking in blue undertones, making it the ideal pairing for darker walls. 

If you want something more subtle, Arctic Fox S503 is another first-rate choice. This off-white paint will ensure your kitchen islands and units stand out. To brighten things up even before, use it to paint storage space inlays or refinish bar stools. 

Not yet decided on a wall colour? Nocturne N348 is a stylish option that works well in contemporary and traditional kitchens. It'll pair well with lighter cabinets and white room accents alike.

Different Colour Kitchen Island and Units

If your kitchen is on the larger side, it might be an idea to mix things up and use different colours for your kitchen island and units. This creates instant contrast, adding visual interest to your space. Furthermore, it can help define zones in larger, open-plan arrangements. 

If you want to experiment with contrasting colours, it's best to stick to neutral tones like blue and white. For a stripped-back, contemporary aesthetic, use light blues for cabinets and pick an off-white for your central kitchen island. 

Use Cumulus Y354 to brighten up kitchen cabinets. If you're looking to go even lighter, Glacier Y435 is the perfect choice. Both blues work well when coordinated with white and make a fine companion to a wood island. 

For a kitchen custom island that stands out, go with Lotus F448. This off-white shade has blue undertones, making it ideal for coordinating with bolder hues. 

Use a Green Palette to Freshen Up Your Cooking Space

Green's a great choice if you're looking to freshen up a kitchen. Green cabinets work well with white countertop space, while a paler shade makes a fine companion to a wooden kitchen island or separate dining table.

For cabinets, think about using Cucumber Y383. This easy-going neutral has subtle green undertones, but there's also a hint of grey in there. For something more dynamic,  go with Aloe X381. 

Once you've taken care of your kitchen units, it's time to focus on your kitchen island. Paper F497 works particularly well alongside green units and shelving. What's more, this off-white shade comes alive when paired with natural accents and wooden kitchen island seating. Also, don't forget that we have a wide range of furniture paints that can be tinted to green shades, perfect for a quick update.

For a more sophisticated kitchen interior, think about using a combination of classic whites and muted blues. Use crisp whites and neutrals for cabinets and storage, then transform your kitchen island with a coat of steel blue. 

Snowdrift L503 is perfect for making over kitchen units. At first glance, this premium paint colour looks white, but there's a trace of blue that makes coordinating with darker shades simple. 

For a custom kitchen island that stands out, use Surf S500. Bringing together grey and blue undertones, it's a fine pick for a modern kitchen. 

Alternatively, go with Agate N500. This medium blue paint is the way to go if you're looking for a sleek kitchen island design. What's more, it works well with white and any tone of grey.

If you're not afraid of dynamic contrast, you can be more daring with your colour selection. For kitchen cabinets, keep things simple with an off-white paint colour. Then, transform your kitchen island with a vibrant shade that will turn it into a real point of interest. 

Paper F497 is a great choice for kitchen units and cabinets. This off-white paint colour is ideal if you need to refresh floor-to-ceiling cabinetry. Meanwhile, its blue undertones make choosing complementary colours a breeze. 

To transform your kitchen island into something special, consider something like Sky J356. This vibrant blue makes a fabulous first impression. What's more, it works well with white and wood. 

Looking for a more muted blue? How about Sandman V431? This muted blue won't distract from more neutral colours, but it will ensure your island holds its own in a crowded kitchen.

If you want to keep things simple, but want to avoid an all-white interior, go with a neutral palette. Muted shades work well on kitchen cabinets, while deeper hues will turn your kitchen island into a real statement piece.  

Arctic Fox S503 is just the ticket for repainting kitchen units and shelving. This off-white paint colour can be used in kitchens of any size, while the blue undertones leave you plenty of options when it comes to colour coordinating. 

For islands, go with something darker. Stonehenge V477 is a stylish choice, with its grey and mauve accents making it a sophisticated choice. If you'd prefer something a little lighter, how about Lama V466? One of our stunning light brown paints.

Earthy palettes are commonly used in bedrooms and living spaces. However, they're not the most obvious choice when it comes to kitchen design. However, with the right colour, earthy tones can elevate your cooking space. 

When painting cabinets, always stick to a lighter shade. Neutrals like Arctic Fox S503 are a good choice. If you're looking for something truly versatile, Horseradish F390 will deliver thanks to its grey undertones. 

To add some earthiness to your kitchen interior, use Shiitake N484 to give your kitchen island a new lease of life. This mushroom-coloured paint colour exudes sophistication. It also works well with dark woods and granite countertops. 

It's tempting to stick to crisp white colour palettes when decorating larger kitchens. However, too much white can leave a space feeling washed out and lacking in character. For maximum impact, it's always a good idea to introduce a touch of colour. For all the colour inspiration you could need see our colour directory.

If you're lucky enough to have a larger kitchen, consider using off-whites on one side of your room and a darker hue on the other. An off-white like Arctic Fox S503 is particularly effective at revitalising kitchen cabinets. 

If it's a darker shade you're looking for, how about Granulite K484? This sumptuous paint colour will go down a storm with fans of mauve. If you prefer muted lavender hues, give Empress X477 a try. 

Which colour you decide on to repaint your kitchen island is entirely up to you. If your kitchen is on the larger side, it might be an idea to use an off-white. If you want to draw attention to your island, use a darker hue like one of our black paints.