Color Psychology in Kitchen Design: Summer Kitchen Color Ideas That Inspire

Capitol Kitchen and Bath
Jul 8
3 min read

Updated: Jul 15

Swatches of pastel colors: peach, sage green, sunny yellow, lavender-gray, sky blue, warm white, and terracotta, each labeled below.

At Capitol Kitchen & Bath, we believe that design should do more than just look beautiful, it should feel right. Color psychology is the study of how hues influence human behavior and mood. In a space like the kitchen, the heart of the home, the right summer kitchen color ideas can boost comfort, spark creativity, and even enhance appetites.

Summer-Inspired Kitchen Color Ideas

Sunny kitchen with yellow cabinets, a vase of yellow flowers, a bowl of lemons, and bread on a wooden countertop. Plates on shelves.

Pale Yellows

Mood Influence:

Cheerful, welcoming, energetic.

How it works:

Yellow is known for it's beautiful reflection of light, it helps brighten up dark or small areas. It is also can increase your appetite, which is why we see it so often used in food branding! With the increase of appetite you could be subtly encouraged to linger in the kitchen fostering a more social and communal vibe. Research suggests that yellow stimulates areas of the brain involved with concentration and decision-making. The perfect environmental improvement for a kitchen!

Bright kitchen with white cabinets, green island, wicker chairs, and hanging lights. Large windows show lush greenery. Peaceful ambiance.

Soft Greens & Sage

Mood Influence:

Calming, natural, rejuvenating.

How it works:

Green facilitates connections to nature within psychology, perfect for sunny weather. Bringing in different tones such as sage or olive can shift these moods while still promoting a refreshing and grounded vibe. The association between green and vegetables, herbs, and leafy greens subtly supports healthy lifestyle habits. The psychological connections between colors and foods are extremely important during kitchen design, and also fun to know!

Modern kitchen with teal cabinets, wood countertops, and a black oven. Light streams through a window, illuminating a table with a bowl.

Sky Blues & Coastal Teals

Mood Influence:

Cool, tranquil, coastal.

How it works:

Blues are connected with water and the sky, summer staples. Similarly with yellow, it is also a great way to capture and beautifully reflect natural light. If you live a busy life the kitchen can seem daunting, with light blues surrounding you it can create a sense of serenity and control. Making it quite a bit easier to be in this area and enjoy your time. This color can also be linked with cleanliness, making it that much easier to have a sense or hygiene and freshness.

Warm kitchen with pink cabinets, marble walls, and gold fixtures. A vase with flowers, fruit, and bread on a countertop create a cozy vibe.

Terracotta & Peachy Tones

Mood Influence:

Warm, grounded, energizing.

How it works:

It's no secret that earthy tones are trending, and it's a huge plus these hues blend perfectly with summer's golden glow. With terracotta tones a cozy and familiar feeling will radiate from your kitchen. This would create a bigger sense of comfort and and a subtle increase in appetite. The perfect way for yourself, family, and guests to feel welcome and enjoy those perfectly made meals. With a natural connection to an earthy presence you will feel motivated to live slower and enjoy the moment.

Bright kitchen with white cabinets, wood countertops, and open shelves holding dishes and plants. "Today is a good day" sign visible. Cozy feel.

Timeless Fresh Whites

Mood Influence:

Clean, timeless, open.

How it works:

Most will agree, a white kitchen will never go out of style. An innovative way to give a summer touch is layering textures and using warm undertones. White is mainly associated with cleanliness and freshness, automatically creating a connection to a clean and safe area to prepare food. You may also feel a sense of mental clarity, making this a great color for those who are cooking pros, or looking to be! It also reflects light more than any other color making you kitchen feel bigger, brighter, and open. Our favorite perk of a white kitchen is the versatility, you can pair white with any other colors or materials and it will still look great!

Planning a Kitchen Redesign? Let Color Lead the Way

Whether you're doing a full remodel or a simple seasonal refresh, let summer inspire you palette. The right colors and features can make a huge difference in your space. By making it feel larger, brighter, and most importantly making your space feel more like and made for you!

At Capitol Kitchen & Bath, our design experts are here to help you find the perfect balance between aesthetics and emotion. Book a consultation today and let's curate your perfect kitchen space exactly how you want it!