18 Ways to Use Red in the Kitchen (Just a Little Bit, or a Lot!)
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
How red can you go in the kitchen? It’s a strong color, and one that is indelibly associated with food. From scarlet tomatoes to rosy strawberries, and deep orange chili to bright red spaghetti sauce, the warmth of red is a signal of fresh, delicious food. So it’s natural to have it in the kitchen and on the table, from iconic red-checked tablecloths to luxurious red Italian cabinetry
Whether you’re bold enough to go all red, or want just a little splash of this appetizing color in your space, here are 18 inspiring examples of red in the kitchen that start out modest and build up from there!
Vintage Red & Green Country Kitchen at Apartment Therapy (Image credit: Jacqueline Marque)
Red Cookware – The easiest way to add a little red to the kitchen, of course, is through accents. This very modern kitchen is warmed up a bit by the red pot on the stove and the rug on the floor. (Image credit: Cezign) 
Red Stools, Cottage Kitchen – The next step into a love of red in the kitchen is through seating. These stools are wonderful in this classic cottage kitchen. (Image credit: TreHus Architects+Interior Designers+Builders) 
Red Stools, Teal Kitchen – This teal and gold kitchen makes an unusual canvas for red stools and shows how versatile red can be. (Image credit: Camilla Molders Design) 
Red Door – I love this red door! Again, an otherwise white and simple kitchen benefits from one strong choice. (Image credit: Troy Spurlin Interiors) 
Red Wallpaper – We’re not shy about our renewed love of wallpaper here and there, and it certainly adds a glam yet subtle red accent to this kitchen. (Image credit: Janet Paik) 
Modern Red Backsplash – Now we’re starting to ramp up the commitment a little more. A red backsplash (like the tomato soup-colored one here) is warm and bright without taking over the whole kitchen. (Image credit: ZeroEnergy Design) 
Whole Red Wall – All right, ready to step it up a bit? Don’t stop at the backsplash; paint the whole wall! (Image credit: Indie Design) 
Red Surrounding Wall – This red wall defines an otherwise open kitchen and makes it feel cozy, echoing a child’s drawing of a simple roof. (Image credit: ZeroEnergy Design) 
Red Accent Wall – Another good example of how a red accent wall can anchor and center an open, modern kitchen. (Image credit: Brandon Barré Architectural Interior Photographer) 
Red Countertop – For the committed only. This shiny red countertop is splashy and glamorous but the gray cabinets keep it from being too over the top.(Image credit: FiSHER iD) 
Red Nook – A small kitchen that is defined by red but not overwhelmed by it. (Image credit: Brennan + Company Architects) 
Red Cabinets, Farm-Style – Bold red cabinets are balanced with farm-style wood elsewhere. (Image credit: Blackburn Architects) http://www.blackburnarch.com 
All Red, All Elegant – A kitchen full of red cabinets that still manages to feel elegant and a bit subdued. (Image credit: Melanie Coddington Design) 
All Red, All the Time – And to finish off: bold and beautiful and very, very red. Could you go this red? (Image credit: Fredman Design Group)
Personally, I like red in small accents in the kitchen, but I admit I’m tempted by the glam wallpaper below — so beautiful!
- Red Cookware – The easiest way to add a little red to the kitchen, of course, is through accents. This very modern kitchen is warmed up a bit by the red pot on the stove and the rug on the floor.
- Red Stools, Cottage Kitchen – The next step into a love of red in the kitchen is through seating. These stools are wonderful in this classic cottage kitchen.
- Red Stools, Teal Kitchen – This teal and gold kitchen makes an unusual canvas for red stools and shows how versatile red can be.
- Red Stove – How great is this red Bertazzoni range? In an otherwise clean and white kitchen the stove provides a serious pop of personality.
- Red Door – I love this red door! Again, an otherwise white and simple kitchen benefits from one strong choice.
- Red Wallpaper – We’re not shy about our renewed love of wallpaper here and there, and it certainly adds a glam yet subtle red accent to this kitchen.
- Modern Red Backsplash – Now we’re starting to ramp up the commitment a little more. A red backsplash (like the tomato soup-colored one here) is warm and bright without taking over the whole kitchen.
- Victorian Red Backsplash – If your tastes run more traditional or ornate, check out this amazing red tiled backsplash! A work of art.
- Whole Red Wall – All right, ready to step it up a bit? Don’t stop at the backsplash; paint the whole wall!
- Red Surrounding Wall – This red wall defines an otherwise open kitchen and makes it feel cozy, echoing a child’s drawing of a simple roof.
- Red Accent Wall – Another good example of how a red accent wall can anchor and center an open, modern kitchen.
- Red Island – All right, now we’re moving deeper into the territory of those who really love red. Do you love it enough to use a red island? (And how great is that colorful wall, too? All round brilliant.)
- Red Countertop – For the committed only. This shiny red countertop is splashy and glamorous but the gray cabinets keep it from being too over the top.
- Red Nook – A small kitchen that is defined by red but not overwhelmed by it.
- Red Cabinets, Farm-Style – Bold red cabinets are balanced with farm-style wood elsewhere.
- Wall of Red Cabinets – Another mix of cabinets with another color, but this time most definitely modern (and gleaming).
- All Red, All Elegant – A kitchen full of red cabinets that still manages to feel elegant and a bit subdued.
- All Red, All the Time – And to finish off: bold and beautiful and very, very red. Could you go this red?
Do you use red in your kitchen? Just a splash in the form of a red teakettle, or is it more bold and daring? How much red can you handle?
→ More red kitchens: Kitchen Gallery: Red Like a Tomato
(Image credit: REFINED LLC)
Filed in: