If you’ve spent any time at all on social media lately, chances are you’ve stopped mid-scroll to admire an all-white kitchen. We don’t blame you — there’s no question that a white kitchen has timeless appeal and a special way of making a cooking space feel light and bright.
But according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) newly released 2024 Kitchen Trends Report, there’s another popular color creeping up in the kitchen design world: green.
From deep forest green and bold emerald hues to elegant sage tones, a verdant kitchen can be just as full of personality — and it works with a range of design aesthetics. (There’s a reason why the term “green kitchens” currently has 162,000,000 views on TikTok). “It’s a truly versatile color,” says Paul Kropp, co-founder of Bakes & Kropp, a kitchen design and cabinetry business.
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The chameleon-like color, which can easily take on a relaxed or elevated vibe, is also perfect for homeowners seeking a nature-like vibe indoors. “It’s got that fresh, natural feel, reminding us of the great outdoors right in our homes,” says designer Marie Cloud.
Julee Ireland, an interior design architect and product designer, acknowledges this, too: “I personally love green in all shades for its ability to connect you with nature – from the deep, saturated tones found in the rainforest to the soft, muted shades of green found by the sea.”
Believe it or not, green actually has a calming effect that makes it ideal for a cooking space. It’s “associated with a place where all the basic needs can be satisfied, such as finding food, water, shelter, the color green provides a sense of security,” notes Color Psychology. Additionally, the Hunter Lab reports that “green aids in relaxation, as environments with green elements are peaceful and nurturing.”
Of course, you can paint your kitchen cabinets green, taking your pick of paint color choices, like Graham & Brown’s 2024 Color of the Year, Viridis, but there are also so many great options for tiles and kitchen decor that put the color on display, too.
“I have traveled to Spain, Portugal and Italy to the design and tile shows this year, and it’s shown in every collection as part of the color palette, which tells me it’s here to stay for a while,” says Ireland.
Green paint and tiles have been top of mind for designer Kristen Fiore, too: “Pratt + Larson recently launched a kiln glaze called Surf that we are bringing in a handmade feel for backsplashes and other areas of a kitchen. We recently used Benjamin Moore’s Antique Pewter for a very large entertaining island and highlighted the frames of uppers in the same. It really creates a warm, rich, cozy feel to newer construction.”
Designer Lina Galvão has also been inspired by the plethora of green products on the market right now. “A new appreciation for tones of green comes as paint and fabric companies launch new, more sophisticated and approachable tonalities, and coincides with the general global trend of biophilia,” says Galvão.
When it comes to hues that complement green, neutrals are a no-fail choice, according to designer Vicky Serany: “We have blended green cabinetry with natural wood and even creamy whites. For those clients who are a bit cautious of committing to green cabinetry, we’ve used a rich green backsplash with neutral painted cabinets with beautiful results.”
So with green kitchens on the rise, are white kitchens on the outs? Cloud certainly doesn’t think so. “White kitchens aren’t going anywhere — they’re like that classic white tee that goes with everything.”
Home Design Director
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”
