Bold kitchen colours have become a defining trend in recent years. Think deep forest greens, rich reds, navy blues, or even high-impact black. But what happens after you’ve chosen a statement shade? Knowing how to balance bold cabinetry with flooring, worktops, and your entire space is what turns a good kitchen into a truly great one.
Senior Designer, Sarah McNeill at Harvey Jones, shared her thoughtful approach to designing kitchens that feel cohesive, confident, and truly personal. Employing the same expert advice she gives to her clients.
Why Bold Doesn’t Mean Overwhelming
“Bold kitchen cabinetry rarely overpowers a space if the other elements have been considered properly along the way, especially the flooring,” Sarah explains. “We want things that work well together, not butt heads.”
It’s a sentiment that rings true in many aspects of design. If you’re introducing a strong cabinet colour, the materials that surround it need to support that decision, not fight against it. Flooring is one of the biggest and often underestimated decisions in a kitchen redesign. Sarah suggests taking a closer look at what’s underfoot in your own home or that of a friend. “Most floorings are neutral tones, which then allow everything else in the room to work with it, not against it.”
Choosing the Right Flooring to Pair with Bold Cabinetry
A striking cabinet colour like deep red, for instance, benefits from balance in the base layer of the room. “A pale or natural oak or deep, aged worn walnut will pair beautifully,” Sarah says, “but a red oak is too similar and would cause it to melt together and overpower the room. A grey oak is of a completely different colour family and would be a very jarring pairing.”
In other words, subtle contrast is key. You’re looking for tones that complement rather than compete. If you’re ever unsure, consider taking home samples and observing them in natural light throughout the day, what feels warm and balanced in the showroom might shift dramatically in your own space.
Worktops That Complement, Not Compete
“Worktops are similar to this,” Sarah continues. “If we go for something more pared back and not too heavy, the other elements of the space will get to have their moment.”
One of the key advantages of choosing a simpler worktop is that it allows bold cabinetry to truly take centre stage without competing for attention. “We need to make sure you love your worktops as you can always change the colour of your Harvey Jones kitchen down the line, which is much easier to do than changing the worktops!”.
On the other hand, if you opt for lighter or more understated cabinetry, you have more freedom to introduce interest through your worktop. A surface with strong veining, pattern or texture can become a beautiful focal point, adding depth and dimension to the overall design. Or, for a more cohesive finish, select a boldly veined worktop that echoes the same tones as your cabinetry; it’s a sophisticated way to tie the space together while still making a statement.
Wooden worktops can work beautifully, but again, balance is crucial. “We need to watch what colour we pair with what wood. We also don’t want it to look too similar to any wooden floor potential, as it can look a little like bookends,” Sarah advises.
To get it right, Sarah always recommends building a physical mood board in the showroom. “Bring in flooring samples so we can look at everything, colours, worktops, handles, and flooring together and start to build a picture of what will work well throughout your entire space.”
Don’t Play It Too Safe
One of the most common mistakes Sarah sees when clients choose bold kitchen cabinetry is trying to overly neutralise the rest of the room. “With bold colours, we need some artwork or mirrors on the walls, beautiful seating that ties in, or other elements like wood pieces throughout that don’t leave that colour doing all the work.”
This is where thoughtful styling comes in. “It could be as simple as brass handles, herringbone flooring that carries your eyes down the room, or a worktop with a vein to follow.” She’s not suggesting a cluttered space, far from it. “I mean curated pieces that add dimension to the space,” she explains. “We can keep worktops clear and hide away appliances, but maybe have some open shelving with little ornaments or picture frames with colour too.”
Create a Kitchen You’ll Love for Years
“If you have a passion for a colour,” Sarah concludes, “we need to ensure we are doing everything we can to make it happen, so you will love using your kitchen for years to come.”
Designing a kitchen with bold colours is about more than bravery. It’s about balance, careful planning, and bringing together elements that support each other in harmony. With expert guidance, a strong mood board, and a thoughtful approach to materials, you can create a vibrant, beautifully functional kitchen that feels bold, but never overwhelming.
Are you ready to design a bold kitchen that feels beautifully balanced? Book a design appointment at your nearest Harvey Jones showroom and start crafting your perfect space.
