Whether you’re planning a new kitchen or renovating an existing one, choosing a color scheme that suits both you and your home is essential.
If your home already has an established color scheme outside the kitchen, consider blending the two. Otherwise, select a color that complements the rest of your home without clashing. This process is straightforward and manageable.
Kitchen color trends come and go, but you don’t need to follow them blindly. Instead, choose a color you love and can live with long-term.
Paint companies often promote “new” colors as the shade of the year or season. However, these colors—whether in paint, tiles, or wallpaper—are rarely new and have often been around for decades. While it’s helpful to explore what paint and design companies suggest, don’t feel pressured to overhaul your kitchen unless it’s your goal.
Ultimately, your color choice is personal. Make decisions that reflect your taste, and consider the preferences of those who share the kitchen with you.
Keep in mind that the color spectrum is fixed—it’s all about how you use it! The rainbow remains constant; only our interpretations change.
Creating the Right Ambience
Color significantly impacts a kitchen’s visual appeal and ambience. For instance, blues can feel cold, so they may not suit a dark room with little natural light. Bright yellow is sunny and cheerful but can be overwhelming for some. In kitchens with ample natural light, softer, paler colors often work best.
Light colors tend to make walls appear farther away by reflecting more light, creating a sense of space. Darker colors, conversely, make surfaces feel closer, which can help visually adjust a room’s proportions—for example, lowering a high ceiling or making a long, narrow room appear shorter and wider.
You can also use color strategically to unify awkward spaces. Painting all walls and ceilings the same color can make kitchens with odd corners or nooks look more balanced and cohesive.
The approach differs depending on whether you’re starting from scratch or working with an existing kitchen. If designing from the ground up, you can create a cohesive color scheme for the ceiling, walls, and floors, choosing any colors you like. If renovating, you’ll need to work with the existing colors.
Traditionally, popular kitchen colors are attractive and practical for the environment. They’re rarely loud or bold, though vibrant colors like red or green can work well for some. Ultimately, it’s about personal preference.
Where to Start
Having a favorite color is great, but unless you’re starting from scratch, you must consider existing fixtures and fittings. Even in a new kitchen, your budget will influence what’s available. Think about how these elements will affect your color scheme.
Neutral colors are often the easiest to work with in a kitchen. Cabinets and cupboards, typically made of wood, melamine, or other laminates, are usually neutral or natural in tone.
Even if you want bold colors, such as through painted walls or colorful curtains, choosing neutral units allows flexibility. This approach lets you update your kitchen’s look with trendy colors without major expenses.
A natural-looking base provides a versatile foundation you can adapt and refresh as desired.
Adding Bold Colors
Neutral doesn’t mean boring. You can install natural wooden units or white melamine cabinets and then introduce bold or interesting colors on the walls. The key is to design a functional kitchen plan and add color afterward.
For example, you can add color by:
- Painting walls
- Spraying cabinets
- Incorporating colorful accessories
- Using bright soft furnishings like curtains or blinds
Tiles can add color but are more permanent, so neutral tones are often safer. If you’re updating a tired kitchen and can’t replace the tiles, modern paint products allow you to paint over them. Use a primer to reduce the ceramic sheen, ensuring the paint adheres properly and doesn’t peel.
Consider Appliance Colors
Appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and stoves can pose challenges, especially if you’re stuck with ones you don’t love. Ideally, these should match, though cost often makes white the most practical choice. Smaller appliances like kettles, toasters, or food processors left on countertops should ideally coordinate as well. While not essential, matching appliances creates a more polished look.
Consider all elements together to create a harmonious kitchen that brings you joy.
