Purchase quart cans of the colors you are considering and try some test spots.

I think you can get little test packets of paing for free (or very cheap) at some home stores.

We like to tour homes in Parade of Homes to get paint color, flooring, and decorating ideas. If there's an event like that going on in your area, check it out.

Looking through magazines and books is also a great idea. I would vote for lighter colors in the kitchen to brighten things up. And even though it's kinda boring, you can't go wrong with white.