The kitchen has traditionally been a room where homeowners play it safe. Neutral tones like cream, beige, and white have dominated for decades, serving as blank canvases for appliances and decor. But that approach is shifting. As a more adventurous, maximalist design philosophy gains momentum, homeowners are increasingly willing to make bold color statements in their cooking spaces. Interior designers across the country are reporting a significant change in how people think about kitchen color, and one shade is emerging as the standout trend for 2027.
Aubergine Is Taking Over Kitchen Design
Multiple interior designers point to the same color family as the leading kitchen paint trend heading into 2027: deep, muted aubergine. This reddish-purple hue offers a sophisticated, moody aesthetic that instantly adds warmth and depth to the space. Unlike bright purples that might feel playful or casual, aubergine presents a more refined and timeless quality that resonates with designers and homeowners alike.
Leading design professionals note they are seeing a noticeable increase in aubergine kitchens, particularly those featuring brown or burgundy undertones. While purple might initially seem like an unconventional choice for a cooking space, darker, earthy purple tones actually read as surprisingly neutral when paired with the right complementary finishes. This is good news for shoppers considering this trend: aubergine kitchens feel both bold and understated at the same time.
Interior designers are also observing kitchen color palettes shifting toward more romantic, organic, and garden-inspired directions overall. For those who want a brighter variation on the aubergine theme, mulberry tones offer an appealing alternative. These berry-inspired hues evoke the image of fruit ripening in a summer garden and bring beautiful depth and warmth to kitchen environments, creating spaces that feel intimate and sophisticated.
How to Use Aubergine in Your Kitchen
The beauty of aubergine as a kitchen color is its versatility. Shoppers can apply it in multiple ways depending on their comfort level with bold color. Some prefer to use the shade strategically, painting just a kitchen island or lower cabinetry to introduce the color without overwhelming the space. Others embrace full color drenching, painting walls and cabinetry in matching aubergine tones for a completely immersive experience.
Pairing aubergine with the right complementary materials is essential for success. Warm woods like walnut, white marble, aged brass hardware, and soft cream-colored neutrals all work beautifully alongside this paint color. These combinations create a balance between traditional romance and contemporary sophistication. Bold paint and DIY prove budget decorating works, meaning you don’t need to overhaul your entire kitchen or spend a fortune on new cabinets to achieve this on-trend look.
Several paint manufacturers have already released aubergine options in anticipation of this trend. Shoppers looking to experiment can find choices like Farrow and Ball’s Brinjal, Benjamin Moore’s Black Raspberry, Behr’s Aubergine, Sherwin-Williams’ Carnelian, Benjamin Moore’s Caponata, or Glidden’s Purple Basil. Testing paint samples on your kitchen walls before committing to a full paint job is always wise, as lighting conditions and existing finishes affect how colors appear.
What This Means for Kitchen Shoppers
If you are considering a kitchen update, aubergine offers a way to create a distinctly personal, curated look without major renovation expenses. Pioneer Woman fall kitchen collection lands with hot oven pieces and other stylish kitchenware options can be selected to complement your chosen paint color, allowing you to build a cohesive design.
This trend also signals a broader shift in how homeowners approach kitchen design. The era of playing it safe with neutral colors is fading. More people are viewing the kitchen not just as a functional cooking space but as a reflection of their personal style. This gives shoppers permission to experiment with color they might have previously considered too risky or unconventional.
Whether you choose a deep aubergine for your walls and cabinetry or incorporate the color through smaller touches like painted lower cabinets, this trend offers flexibility. The key is selecting paint quality that will withstand the kitchen environment, which includes moisture, temperature changes, and regular cleaning. Investing in premium kitchen paint ensures your bold color choice remains beautiful for years to come.
As you plan your kitchen updates, consider how aubergine or similar jewel tones might work in your space. The trend suggests designers believe sophisticated color is the future of kitchen design, and shoppers ready to move beyond beige and cream are in position to create truly distinctive kitchens.
