Garden Window

Garden windows are ideal to position in front of kitchen sinks, offering additional countertop space to display your favorite décor and plants—like in this project.

“In row homes where space is limited, creativity is key,” says Maggie Goodrich, interior designer at Third Street Architecture. “By extending the counter past the sink, the garden window not only provides extra room for daily tasks, but also helps keep the kitchen feeling less cluttered.”

Sky Light

Short on wall space? You can always take advantage of the fifth wall—otherwise known as the ceiling—by adding skylights.

“The result is a space that feels open, grounded, and connected to the rhythms of the day,” says Josh McClendon, project coordinator at Maestri Studio. “A skylight draws the eye upward, [transforming] the ceiling into an ever-changing canvas of sky and shadow. It’s a way to bring the outdoors into the heart of the home—literally from every direction.”

Above the Sink

Doing chores can be a bore, but the right window placement will offer some relief.

“We especially love to see a window positioned above the sink, where time spent doing everyday tasks feels brighter and more connected to the outdoors,” says Erin Hackett, owner of Village Design Studio.

Flank the Range

Bulky appliances tend to dominate kitchens; windows can break up the space with breathing room—starting with your stove. “Windows flanking a range create balance and symmetry, while also framing a beautiful focal point,” Hackett says.

Classic Casements

There’s plenty of room to play around with casements, from French to Georgian styles. However, traditional options are Hackett’s favorite.

“When it comes to style, we feel windows are best kept classic, framed in casement to match the rest of the house,” she says. “A timeless window detail allows the architecture to feel cohesive, while letting the views, the light, and the kitchen itself take center stage.”

Double-Hung Window

Double-hung windows are a classic style. Here, Goodrich’s goal was to maximize natural light without sacrificing storage space.

“By combining full-height cabinetry with a window centered over the sink, we were able to achieve both,” she says. “The added benefit of a double-hung window is its ease of use—[it’s] simple to clean and maintain, making it as functional as it is timeless.”

Frame Views

When your home has a view, the kitchen window can act as a visual centerpiece.

“We love windows that connect to something meaningful—a canopy of trees, a garden, or even a vertical growing wall—so that every glance outside adds life and texture to the room,” says McClendon. “Thoughtfully framed views make even the most functional task feel elevated.”

Stained Glass

Sometimes the most charming windows are those that already exist. “In one historic home, a stained-glass arch became the soul of the space—we designed everything around it,” says McClendon. “Windows like these are more than just sources of light; they’re storytellers, revealing a home’s history and adding emotional depth.”

The stained glass window is punctuated with vibrant hues, so fragments of colored light shine through the space.

Eat-In Kitchen Window

Enjoy entertaining in your kitchen? Treat your guests to a warm embrace by surrounding your seating with windows. “In an eat-in kitchen area, windows transform the space into an inviting gathering spot, filling it with light and a sense of openness,” says Hackett.

Continuous Light

Uninterrupted stretches of glass or steel-framed expanses can make a kitchen appear larger than it is—and open up to impressive landscapes.

“These create a dynamic play of light throughout the day,” says McClendon. “It’s less about the size of the window and more about the quality of light it captures—soft morning glow, filtered tree shadows, or the warmth of a sunset.”

Arched Window

Architecturally, McClendon is drawn to classic rectangular proportions—”sometimes elongated horizontally for a modern ribbon effect, or given a gentle arch when the home’s character calls for it,” he says.

“We often specify steel or painted wood frames in darker tones to define the view, or natural wood for warmth in more traditional spaces,” he adds.

Benjamin Moore Knoxville Gray

Rich layers of dark blue aren’t what you expect in a kitchen, but that’s exactly why they’re so striking. Benjamin Moore Knoxville Gray is a tempered dark blue-gray-green that is classic yet uncommon.

“Knoxville Gray pulls from the deep blue in the wallcovering while still reading as a sophisticated neutral,” says Mark Kennamer, interior designer at Mark Kennamer Design. “It grounds the space, creates contrast against the texture of the grasscloth, and gives the kitchen a timeless richness without feeling heavy.”

Sherwin-Williams Snowbound

There are few kitchen combinations that are better than wood and white. It’s a little bit farmhouse, a little bit crisp and clean, and absolutely welcoming. The key, however, is getting just the right white for the room’s light. Sara McDaniel, owner at Simply Southern Cottage, explains, “Alongside a palette of warm woods and whites, I used Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams. It’s not too white; it’s a perfect, smooth white.

Farrow & Ball Parma Gray

Parma Gray is one of those perfect light blues that has just the right amount of gray undertones to make it feel subtle and serene. Who wouldn’t want that in a kitchen, particularly on busy mornings? “Farrow & Ball Parma Gray is my go-to ‘color-as-a-neutral’ for classic kitchens,” says Peggy Haddad, owner of Peggy Haddad Interiors. “It’s a soft blue with a whisper of gray, flattering warm woods and brass, and brightening white cabinetry.”

Farrow & Ball Pigeon

Paint that straddles the line between color and neutrality is always a welcoming choice in a kitchen. Farrow & Ball Pigeon is one of those hues. It’s a soft, slightly moody green-meets-gray, and it has a depth that’s beautiful alongside brass, wood, and tile.

“Pigeon is one of my all-time favorite kitchen colors,” says Laura Medicus, interior designer and owner of Laura Medicus Interiors. “I love the dimension of this color. It’s a soft, nuanced color with depth. I especially love how it softens the hard lines and stainless steel in kitchens and creates a timeless look.”

Farrow & Ball All White

A pure white is always perfect in a kitchen filled with natural light, but the key is choosing one that feels crisp rather than too cool. Kasandra Rafter, founder and designer at Canyon Creative Design, says, “Farrow & Ball All White is one of my favorite whites right now. The color is clean and fresh without feeling harsh. In the morning, it feels bright and crisp. By evening, it softens and glows in the most beautiful way.”

JH Wall Paint 130 Lime Wash

There’s nothing like a kitchen painted in an herbal hue to get you in the mood to start fixing salads and chopping vegetables. JH Wall Paint 130 Lime Wash is a way to introduce green in a more interesting manner. “I love a sage green in a kitchen. It just makes sense and feels fresh and healthy and connected to the garden outside,” says Jen Baxter, founder and designer at Baxter Hill Interiors.

Benjamin Moore Dark Olive

Color drenching a kitchen from the walls to the trim to the cabinets gives it a moody, urban feel that’s perfect in small spaces, as well as large kitchens where you want to draw the space in. “Paired with walnut countertops, tile backsplash, and aged brass hardware, Benjamin Moore Dark Olive creates an inviting and intimate space to make yourself a cup of coffee in the mornings and something stiffer in the evenings,” says Kira Obermeier, owner and principal designer at Kira David Design.

Sherwin Williams Languid Blue

For a fresh color that feels light and airy in a kitchen, a subtle light blue is always a beautiful choice. It’s cool yet welcoming, and has a calming effect that’s exactly what you need in a high-traffic area. “Sherwin-Williams Languid Blue is soft but still brightens up the kitchen,” says Suzette Conrad of BOLT Builders.

Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray

While gray is in the name, Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray reads more like a warm putty that feels both classic and contemporary. It’s soft, warm, and perfect for a kitchen where you plan on gathering friends and family. Alicia Thomasson, owner and principal interior designer at Alicia Thomasson Interiors, explains, “Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray adds just enough creaminess to a bright kitchen with plenty of windows. It takes on an airy tone in the sunlight and a cozy warmth in the shadows.”

Sherwin-Williams Pearly White

If you’re looking for a white that blends beautifully with cool and warm tones, Sherwin-Williams Pearly White is the answer. It’s a clean white that is the prettiest backdrop for a bright, timeless kitchen. Erica Davis, principal interior designer at Eralyn Interiors, says, “It’s a soft white that feels warm and inviting without reading yellow, which makes it perfect for kitchens where light shifts throughout the day.”

Benjamin Moore Natural Cream

Certain neutrals evolve throughout the day, taking on different hues depending on how the sun hits the room. Benjamin Moore Natural Cream is one of those colors, and its soft neutral hue makes a kitchen feel lovely and inviting. Lauren Saab, founder of Saab Studios, explains, “What makes this shade special is how it changes throughout the day. Morning light brings out a softness that feels bright and clean, and by evening it deepens into a richer tone that gives the room a gentle, inviting glow.”

Sherwin-Williams Homburg Gray

Greens and blues can feel warm and inviting, particularly if they’re used alongside wood accents. Sherwin-Williams Homburg Gray is a dark green-gray that perfectly straddles that space between cool and inviting. “As designers, we love color. While we often use wood for kitchen cabinetry, mixing in earthy greens and blues creates a cozy, timeless, beautiful space,” says Katie Newcomb of Kith and Kin Interiors.

Benjamin Moore Simply White

If you’re looking for a clean, pure white with just a slightly creamy undertone, then Simply White is the best of the best. This is how you achieve your perfect Nancy Meyers kitchen.

Marissa Stokes, founder of Marissa Stokes Interior Design, says, “Benjamin Moore’s Simply White is the perfect backdrop. It’s crisp and bright, yet warm. In a kitchen, it allows surfaces, metals, and finishes to shine without competing.”

Sherwin-Williams Mount Etna

A dark color can actually highlight the details in a kitchen, particularly if there’s attention-grabbing millwork that deserves to be a focal point. “Sherwin-Williams Mount Etna is a deep, slate-inflected blue that introduces depth and sophistication. The contrast between the creamy uppers and moody base cabinets offers visual balance while allowing the millwork’s craftsmanship to shine,” says Hannah Beil of Kaycee Conallen Design Studio.

Benjamin Moore Cocoa Butter

Soft, peachy blush tones are unexpected in a kitchen, yet they create a space that feels alive and welcoming, even when contrasted with classic white cabinets. “A blush color helps the kitchen feel warm and inviting rather than sterile or boring in this lively home,” says Thiara Borges Dananberg, founder of Studio Borges.

Benjamin Moore White Dove

Benjamin Moore White Dove is a classic color that designers turn to again and again, so it’s no surprise that it’s also one of the best colors for a kitchen. “White Dove is warm but bright and creates a cozy and traditional feel in the kitchen,” Suzette Conrad of BOLT Builders says.

Benjamin Moore Rushing River

Homeowners often default to neutrals in the kitchen, but color can actually work as a design tool to make a kitchen feel more spacious and open. “Cool tones like dusty blue or soft sage can trick the eye into sensing more space,” says Jade Joyner, principal designer for Metal + Petal. “They’re also calming, which is ideal for small, high-functioning areas. Try Benjamin Moore Rushing River for an airy yet grounded effect.”

Farrow & Ball Studio Green

A deep, moody color always makes a statement in a kitchen. It’s a little bit unexpected and sits perfectly between modern and classic. This dark green from Farrow & Ball fits the bill. “Farrow & Ball Studio Green is a rich, saturated green that makes a striking statement on cabinetry or an island. It pairs especially well with brass hardware and marble, creating a luxurious yet livable focal point,” says Laura McCroskey, interior designer at McCroskey Interiors.

Benjamin Moore Pashmina

A taupe-tinted neutral is like a hug in the kitchen, and this color makes any space feel cozy and warm. “Benjamin Moore Pashmina is an earthy neutral that adds depth and sophistication,” says McCroskey. “It’s versatile enough to complement stone counters and natural wood tones, making the kitchen feel layered and grounded.”

Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter

A warmer-than-white neutral can give a kitchen a cozier, more homey feel, and that’s exactly what Andrea Sinkin Jaffe, owner of Andrea Sinkin Design, did in this formerly white kitchen with a classic warm gray from Benjamin Moore. “The kitchen was white, and we painted it in Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter to make it feel updated. We painted the walls in a flat finish, while the cabinets are satin.”