Hi, We have a North facing kitchen with cream traditional units and cream/egg yolk yellow tiled worktops and fireplace where the cooker stands. The range cooker is portuguese blue (sort of royal blue) Woodwork and ceiling is white. I want to keep the kitchen light, but warm as it doesn't get much sunlight and I would be very grateful for any helpful suggestions for a new wall colour which would blend with the current units/tiles/cooker which I'm stuck with. The walls are currently colour washed in a light yellow, but I'm desperate for a change and would greatly appreciate any advice. Many thanks

Hmmm...perhaps, it would be easier for me to assist you if you provided photos. In meantime, I'll use my imagination.

As always, light colors tend to bring out the space of a room. Regardless of how small a room can be, bright, pastel colors have a tendency to make a room look bigger. A pastel yellow (which you already seem to have) seems to be the perfect color; however, it's evident that you're looking for something else. That's perfectly fine!

Now when you mention warm, I'm assuming that you want to give an "illusion" of warmth using the colors of the room -- especially considering the lack of sunlight. Might I suggest a pastel pink or a super light pastel orange? I would suggest a blue, but I've always associated that with cold, winter nights. Good luck!

Big box home improvement and paint stores sell a faux finishing glaze by Ralph Lauren (am I allowed to say the brand?). It comes in colors like "Tobacco" and will look like wood stain in the can. Don't panic...since it is a glaze, you can wipe off as much of the product as you like...it won't dry as dark as it looks and is very forgiving. I did my dining room walls and they're gorgeous; the product gives a lot of depth and warmth to a painted wall and it would work wonderfully in the kitchen as it's very cleanable. You might even be able to glaze over the wall color you already have with acceptable results and not have to paint a darker color first. The good thing is, you don't have to do the "splotchy" faux finish of the 90's...you can paint the glaze on or rub in in solidly if you choose, and just wipe it down for a more smooth finish. I highly recommend this product if all you need in the kitchen is warmth.

Oh, sorry...I failed to say that the glaze will give your walls a mellow, soft golden glow...much like a Kraft Caramel color, only a few shades lighter. I collect Spode plates, and the blue and while looks beautiful against this color...which is why I'm suggesting it for your blue and yellow kitchen.