Bring color to kitchen to express your personal style
The kitchen is such a busy space, with so many jobs to do. As the hub of the home, it is important that you feel happy and industrious there. When setting up a kitchen from scratch, there are a mind-boggling number of elements to consider, from floor to ceiling — backsplashes, cabinets, counters and major appliances. Whether you are starting from scratch or embarking on a kitchen face-lift, begin with lots of research. Scour the internet, magazines, books, stores and other people’s homes for ideas and inspiration.
Until the budget allows for a full do-over, a fresh paint color offers myriad opportunities to build the mood you dream of, and paint is an easy fix. For nature lovers, bring the palette of the natural world inside with shades of green. Choose a grayish-green for walls and cabinetry to produce a peaceful mood. For a more pronounced effect, leave the upper cabinets light, and paint the cabinets below the counter and island in mid- to dark-green tones.
Open shelves have become a popular option for kitchens. The lack of cabinet doors — especially on the upper walls — opens up the space, provides easy access to crockery and adds interest to the walls.
In this kitchen (top photo) by Benjamin Moore, an infusion of the color Cherry Wine brings a clear focal point to the neutral whites and wood. A lighter shade of the saturated tone on the island counter is picked up on the painted stool. Following the color, a few counter accessories and a bowl of fruit keep your eye moving. If the kitchen is open to a living area, bring one of the colors from the living space into the kitchen to connect the two areas.
If your kitchen is dominated by chrome appliances and dark cabinets, bring relief with a bold color choice on the walls.
The bottom photo shows a kitchen, from Farrow & Ball, that features a striking paint effect that runs above the cabinetry. The ceiling is a warm shade of pink. A surprising flash of orange on the upper walls shows off a random pattern of brush and roller strokes, contrasting Farrow & Ball’s Charlotte’s Locks with white. A medium-sheen paint highlights the crown molding.
A small dose of color can make a big statement in the kitchen.
Why not do a little experimentation? Paint up a piece of Bristol board or plywood, and lean it up against the kitchen wall or backsplash. You can do the same with tiles or patterns that you aren’t sure of. Live with the new color for a week, and you’ll know if it suits you.
For a final bold touch, check out the latest bright hues available in small appliances. I’ve spotted a royal-blue cast-iron braiser for slow-cooking weekend meals, retro-style kettles in crimson, bright-yellow baking dishes and copper-colored mixers. Always have fun with color!