If your kitchen is looking tired, some sprightly spring colours may be just what the interior designer ordered! A seasonal approach to kitchen colour is potentially perilous, but some spring hues may hit the mark for long-term appeal.

According to interior designer Jennifer McCrossin, saturated pastel colours are setting the tone for spring kitchen colours this year. Reminiscent of Grandma’s afternoon tea cups, these sturdier takes on blue, pink and green surpass their former 1950’s flavour.

"Golden and lemon yellows and lilac are other fashionable spring colours," Jennifer says. "Yellow is a happy colour of spring – people are drawn to the ‘lift’ it gives, and the kitchen is an ideal canvas. In a dark kitchen with poor light, yellow will have a warming effect, making it appear brighter and more inviting."

For spring renovations, an ideal approach to colour choice is looking at your kitchen colours and finishes to evaluate whether they’re ‘warm’ or ‘cool’. "You need colours that will tone well," Jennifer explains. "If your entire kitchen is looking tired, it might be tempting to brighten it with a white or cool-toned pastel. However, this is likely to highlight the ‘weariness’ of everything else, so a slightly ‘muddier’ tone may be better."

Once you’ve narrowed down your favourite kitchen colours for spring, get a sample pot. "Always buy a paint sample in the brand of colour you’ve chosen," Jennifer warns. "A different brand will yield an entirely different colour result." Slapping on a sample coat will help avert a colour choice that’s too light or dark. (Remember: the lighting in your kitchen is different from the lighting in a paint store.)

Painting a feature wall might be preferable if you desire a partial makeover incorporating a fresh colour of spring. "A feature wall can balance the effect in a neutral colour scheme or be a focal point," Jennifer says. "It’s a quick, low-cost way of changing your environment, trying a new kitchen colour and getting a lift with some spring renovations. If you don’t like it, you can paint it again!"

Decals and stencils can provide the perfect complement to a feature wall, too. Even better, they can be added down the track and the latest designs are easily removable. "There’s a trend towards random designs in decals, for example the silhouette of a tree, birds or fruit," Jennifer says.

With spots set for a style comeback, why not paint some large spots (about the size of a bread-and-butter plate) on your kitchen wall in a few pastel colours? For example, a lemon wall with blue, green and lilac spots. "Pick a couple of colours for spring and buy a few accessories to match, like canisters, tea towels or bright serving spoons," Jennifer suggests. "If you intend to paint the cabinets as well, choose some of the stronger spring colours for the bottom units."