A color expert shares the 9 shades you should use in your kitchen this year

Wax said the classic beiges and browns found in wood and stone are perfect for bringing the beauty of nature into the kitchen.

"I know many of us are tempted to use clean and bright design elements focusing on cleanliness and efficiency, but a warm and earthy space can be just as appealing," she said.

You can incorporate natural elements through bronze or black hardware. Wax also recommends using iron or glass open shelving and textured wood for additional storage in place of conventional cabinets.

From muted hues to rich emerald emeralds, green can make a kitchen feel fresh and clean.

Wax especially likes the flexibility of green. "It will feel comforting as a softer color for cabinetry, be striking as a bold accent color on a backsplash, or make a statement as the wall color in the room," she told Insider.

From teal to taupe, the muted colors of the past can bring a relaxing retro feel to today's kitchens.

Wax recommends using quieter retro colors, such as pinks, teals, and muted yellows, because they're comforting and create a warm, home-like kitchen that you can spend all day in.

"The beauty of adding colors in this family is that they can be paired beautifully with woods and softer whites for that classic sense of style," she said.

According to Wax, the browns in natural woods and wood stains create a cozy environment that's warm without feeling heavy or oppressive.

"The warmth of adding natural woods into your kitchen will stand the test of time, and has been increasingly popular this year," the expert said.

Whether you choose a mid-century modern teak, contemporary maple, or lighter stained color, woody browns can be the perfect addition to the kitchen through cabinetry or an island.

Blue has long been a popular color choice for its friendly and inviting feel.

"From an airy sky blue to a more formal slate blue, or even a classic navy blue, you have lots of options to consider if you want to include this color in your kitchen design," Wax told Insider.

She recommends using rich blues for a tile backsplash or wall color to complement woods or off-whites and make a vibrant statement.

Wax loves saturated colors like graphite for adding drama and elegance to a space. The intense, rich hue "is a dramatic look this year that is hotter than ever."

"Bold and dynamic is the way to go if you want to add a chic ambiance into your contemporary kitchen," said Wax.

She recommends contrasting graphite with a lighter backsplash and countertop.

According to Wax, there's nothing more elegant than brushed hardware against a dark cabinet color.

The hue of the metals you choose for your decorative hardware plays an important role in the color palette of your kitchen. For example, silver appliances or drawer handles — "the jewelry in the room" — should be paired with black to create an elevated look.

She recommends going with a softer metallic option, as "the satin finish tells the story of understated elegance." 

Though she understands the appeal of a crisp white design, Wax favors a softer version of the hue.

Soft whites can add a warm, more inviting ambiance in the kitchen so she suggests incorporating the color in everything from cabinetry to countertops. She also recommends pairing soft whites with stone.

"A warm, stone-colored backsplash or quartz countertop, including marble or stone-like veining in soft grays, beiges, and slate colors, can add a natural accent color into the airy and easygoing design of the softer white kitchen," she said.

Wax said there's room for a fun teal in the kitchen because "it's like the smile in the room."

The expert recommends adding the "perfect splash of color" through accents like a teapot or kitchen cabinets. Elements that bring teal into the space, whether it's a retro-styled timepiece or vivid artwork, offer a great way to personalize the kitchen.

"The only requirement for these accent colors should be that they bring you joy," she said.