Colors From Julia Child’s Kitchen to Update Yours

Julia Child has been a source of inspiration for new and experienced chefs alike for decades. And while she is most known for her prowess in French cuisine and her warm personality, her iconic kitchen also made its mark in the culinary and design worlds. A recreation of the kitchen is on display at the Smithsonian, making it easy for fans to get a glimpse into Julia Child’s “favorite room.“

If you’re looking to spruce up your kitchen, why not take a page from Julia Child’s playbook? You could give your kitchen cabinets a fresh new look by painting them in a two-tone scheme similar to Child’s recognizable light blue and green. According to museum designers at the Smithsonian, the colors are similar to Benjamin Moore’s Covington Blue and Sherwood Green. This upgrade could breathe new life and personality into your kitchen without a major renovation.

In speaking about her kitchen, Julia Child once said, “It’s certainly the soul of our house, and that’s one reason Paul designed it the way he did with nice colors.” Child’s husband, Paul, is responsible for the cabinet colors. Paul, a painter, reportedly mixed the colors himself using Benjamin Moore’s Impervo oil-based paint, combining cobalt blue, yellow tint, and raw sienna.

It’s worth noting that the colors of Child’s kitchen cabinets could have faded over time due to factors like cooking oils, kitchen cleaners, and sunlight. If you’re upgrading your kitchen by painting your cabinets, the quality and type of paint are important to consider, as you’ll want something that can withstand the elements. It’s best to choose a durable, low-maintenance paint (ideally water-based) and a satin or satinwood finish.

While it would be challenging to perfectly replicate the exact colors in Child’s kitchen, you can draw inspiration from the Benjamin Moore colors mentioned earlier or choose your own unique palette. Adding pops of color or combining different neutrals lets you bring your personal style to your kitchen without costly upgrades. Considering bold paint colors and two-tone combinations are trending, Julia Child’s style may be the perfect inspiration for a warm and inviting kitchen design.