Pops of colour can brighten the kitchen

A kitchen that embraces pops of bright colour — such as Resene Wham — is the opposite of dull. Even a simple lick of paint can help transform a bland kitchen into a great one.

However, it’s important to balance the bright with the neutral. A kitchen decked head to toe in bright colours can be overwhelming.

Instead, pick something to focus on and inject bold colours here, while keeping the rest of the colour scheme neutral — think cream, white or blue-grey.

One fantastic option is to paint your cupboard doors and handles bold colours, but leave benchtops and walls clear of such brightness. A bold colour will look a lot classier if you offset it with some gentler tones. Fire up a feature wall

While brightly decorated cabinets are one way to add personality to your kitchen, a feature wall is another great option.

You’ll be able to make the most of the benefit of spaciousness afforded by a mostly-cream interior without succumbing to a bland kitchen!

You could add some bright breakfast bar stools or lamps in the same colour to the space.

Think about Resene Golden Fizz or for a small feature if a squeeze of bright lemon yellow appeals but you don’t want to overdo it.

Think dark

While bold colours can match crisp shades of white well, this isn’t the only option available to you.

If you’ve got a reasonably spacious kitchen, dark wood furnishings can add sophistication. However, it’s important not to turn this area of food preparation and entertainment into a space that resembles an old-fashioned study. A great way to embrace dark woodwork in your kitchen is to offset it with bold paint.

A stainless steel stovetop, sink and fridge fit-out paired with dark wood cabinets and the odd drawer painted with Resene Pohutukawa could be the perfectly inviting kitchen space.

Remember the appliances Another way to incorporate bold colours into your kitchen is to think about what will be adorning your bench space.

While paint is an obvious way to add a splash of colour, bright kitchen appliances can also add personality to your home. If so, think about what appliances could inject bold colour into your kitchen. You could opt for a fire engine red electric mixer, coffee plunger, hanging mugs and a wall clock against a backdrop of Resene Half Bianca adorned walls for a playful kitchen that’s not too strong on the eyes.

If you’re thinking it’s time for a new fridge, there are some fabulous options that will make your kitchen deliciously bold. From turquoise to red and a range of less intrusive pastel colours, a coloured fridge could add a welcome zing to your home.

Since fridges don’t need to be purchased that often, be sure the investment is right for you.

Or opt for a feature wall. Pick up some rollers and old sheets to protect the surrounding space and spend a weekend completing a DIY paint project. Finish the feature in Resene Write-on Wall Paint and you’ll be able to write all over your coloured wall with whiteboard markers, making it even more of a feature.

You’ll be glad you did once you see just how much personality your kitchen can have with a refreshingly bold paint job.