Options for cooking up a colourful kitchen
Choice of paint, appliances and glassware can add variety and elegance to any decor
As homeowners seek sanctuary and security in family life, comforting tones to warm its centre — the kitchen — have emerged among the paint industry's forecast favourites for 2023.
Dulux's Vining Ivy, for example, is a gemlike teal that adds depth and drama to contemporary and traditional designs, and works well with darker wood finishes and creamy whites. The company's 2023 palette includes stone, mineral and soil tones, with earthy browns and oranges that would spice up any kitchen.
While a pretty, pink-coral called Raspberry Blush got the overall nod from Benjamin Moore, its new palette also included cosy browns, like the intriguing charcoal-tinged Wenge and Cinnamon, a suntanned terra cotta. I like all three with layered neutrals, natural woods and interesting accessories, and think they're a handsome, versatile alternative to long-popular grey and white.
Valspar stepped up with Everglade Deck, an elegant midnight blue, and a delicious dark olive called Flora, as two of 12 trend-worthy colour picks. Less bold but equally attractive are the calming Green Trellis and Desert Carnation, a soothing faded terracotta. All Valspar colours are available at Lowe's.
If you're not ready to paint the kitchen, there are less strenuous ways to inject colour, such as a countertop appliance. KitchenAid's Stand Mixer reliably fits the bill here, and is especially effective when paired with accessories like kettles, blenders and espresso machines in the same shade. Hot colours include my favourite, Empire Red, and 2022's Beetroot, but lovely softer options like Blue Velvet are also available. A matte black collection is nice punctuation when used in otherwise high-colour kitchens.
Kilne offers a new generation of colourful cookware, including a multi-function Everything
Pan with a non-stick finish and self-basting lid. It's compatible with induction ranges, and ovensafe up to 480 F (249 C) with the lid.
Made in Italy with a safe ceramic coating, the 2.75-quart (2.6-litre) capacity pan is good for frying, reheating and for slow-cooked, low-temperature braising and stewing. Resistant to scratches and corrosion, it comes in peppercorn, meringue and sage. For my review, go to aroundthehouse.ca.
Colour and texture can also be introduced with glassware. Inspired by Parisian flea market finds, the Alma double old-fashioned glass from Crate & Barrel is a deep blue and ringed with bands of tiny beads. Also nice mixed with the same barware in pink, grey, and amber.
From Maison Basque, there's authentic Basque-country striped fabrics, crafted and woven in France and then made by local partners into exuberant table linens and upholstered pieces. For bargains, check out their “end of collection” items.
Zesty colours are also trending in larger appliances. Kitchenaid's 36-inch (91-centimetre) Commercial Style gas range is a recent example. With six burners, convertible grates, and smart features for remote control of the oven, it comes in nine choices — including a fiery red and hot pepper yellow.
Colour in the kitchen will be a focus at KBIS, the North American kitchen and bath trade show that runs at the end of January. Italian luxury appliance manufacturer Fulgor Milano is expected to hit on two big trends with its new induction range.
The 48-inch (122-centimetre) unit points to the growing interest in induction, especially among environmentally-conscious consumers aware that it's three times more efficient than gas. It delivers in-demand precision power, with control knobs designed to combine the benefits of digital with the look and feel of professional ranges. It comes in two models — one with seven induction cooking zones, the other with five and a dual-zone induction powered griddle.
The Sofia Pro range is available in stainless steel, but an easy-to-install kit offers six other options, including a moody Venetian red that would warm the kitchen up before the oven was turned on.