How to add colour to a kitchen without repainting

It’s official – we can’t get enough of colour in kitchens. Every playful shade has its place, whether butter yellow, sky blue, or primary red, but figuring out how to incorporate these kitchen trends can be tricky.

While painted cabinets and walls will drench a space in a particular shade, it will require a weekend spent DIYing or calling in a professional to help. If it’s not in the budget and time doesn’t allow for painting, these easy and speedy tips for adding colour to a kitchen will add plenty of joy to a space with limited investment.

Whether you have an hour spare to move decor around or a weekend to try a DIY hack, you can put the paintbrush down and try these tips instead.

Latest Videos From

1. Keep crockery on display

One of the simplest ways to introduce a new kitchen colour scheme is by showcasing everyday pieces of kitchenware – it’s a clever decor trick that doubles up as practical storage.

Open shelving in lieu of wall cabinets acts as a focal point in your design and is a useful spot for storing everyday cooking items that you need to reach for.

‘Ceramics, fresh flowers, coloured glassware, and artisanal cookware displayed on open shelving or worktops are an effortless way to introduce seasonal colour. Rich greens, earthy terracottas, or buttery yellows can soften the room and create a layered, lived-in feel,’ explains Tom Howley, creative design director at Tom Howley.

The beauty of this is that you can make use of things you already own, and also add decorative touches that you collect along the way, whether on holidays or at antique markets.

2. Use removable coverings

While perfect for rental kitchens, removeable surface coverings and faux tiles are also handy for adding colour without committing.

Whether you want to try out a particular colour palette without it being permanent, or you just don’t want to call in tradespeople, adhesive worktops and tiles are a great way to trial a look and incorporate colour.

There are so many more to choose from now, too. Colourful tile stickers can be used along an entire span of wall as a backsplash or in a smaller area to freshen up a scheme on a budget.

These pink peel and stick tiles from Amazon are a handy hack for adding colour and come in at under £35.

3. Layer rugs and textiles

Just because a kitchen is a practical space, it doesn’t mean you can’t include lots of soft furnishings. Textiles not only add warmth to a kitchen, but they are also a simple way to add colour to a cooking space without turning to a tin of paint.

‘Bar stools upholstered in luxurious fabrics, patterned runners, or Roman blinds offer an opportunity to add depth and contrast. These softer furnishings bring in colour and can be updated over time, making them an ideal choice for homeowners who like to refresh their interiors without major changes,’ Tom Howley adds.

Rugs are an easy way to incorporate a new colour into the design or pull out an existing one within the scheme. Layering rugs beneath a dining table or adding a runner between cabinets will bring a design to life.

Searching for specific colour inspiration? The edible kitchen colour trend will tap into food-inspired palettes that look stylish in 2026.