Not Black, Not White: This Cozy Kitchen Color Is Making A Comeback

Interior designers are well aware of how color can impact a space. Not only can a simple color scheme help your space feel bigger, but according to color psychology, certain colors can prompt specific moods and emotions. For example, shades of yellow are often associated with joy and happiness, so areas in the home where these colors are used can evoke such feelings. With that in mind, considering what kind of moods you want to create in a room can give you an idea of what type of color combo to use. In a place like your kitchen, this is especially important, as some popular neutral color combos can suck the life out of your space. If you want a worthy option that is not black or white, which shade should you employ? According to interior designers, plum is a great option, especially when you want to bring a sense of coziness, playfulness, or elegance to your kitchen. 

In order to understand plum from a psychological lens, you have to acknowledge the blend of its primary shades: red and blue. Red is bold and naturally magnetic, and combined with the grounding effect of blue, you get a deep, delectable mix that pairs well with many shades. Just like similar shades, oxblood or deep burgundy, plum is very much in style for 2026, but it's because of its timelessness that it never actually goes out of vogue. In fact, interior designer Uns Hobbs told Homes and Gardens, "They've stuck around because they behave like strong neutrals; they pair easily with wood and stone and don't date the way trend-led colors can." Plus, plum is the perfect shade for a moody kitchen when you want to have an intimate atmosphere that isn't too refined.

Interesting, vibrant, and oh-so dramatic, rich shades of purple have been used throughout history, including the maximalist era of the 80s, which drew interior inspiration from Memphis Milano. It wasn't uncommon to see swatches of bold purples in living rooms, kitchens, and dining room areas during that time. Today, the rich, saturated tones of plum can instantly bring unexpected visual intrigue. And while it's not the most neutral-seeming shade, it's easy to see why designers say the color is set to be showing up more in 2026. Whether painting kitchen walls plum or installing wallpaper featuring plum shades, this elegant yet playful shade is great for various styles of interior decor, from traditional to contemporary.

It's not everyday you see plum as a base shade for the kitchen. It makes sense that a bold shade like plum would be an unexpected base, because it's one of those loud colors that can potentially overpower a space. For some interior designers, though, hues of plum can look tasteful in the kitchen, especially when you want to create a sophisticated and dramatic atmosphere. For moody kitchens, a rich plum paint over the walls is the perfect way to create drama and intrigue, especially when paired with organic materials, like warm woods and metal fixtures. For a more understated effect, the key is to use plum sparingly, or balanced by grounding neutrals. For example, consider accenting the kitchen with plum on an island, or as a bold cabinetry color with creamy white as a base. Light wood flooring contrasts beautifully with the saturated color.