Kitchen designers’ go-to colors

For kitchens most designers tend toward neutral shades: from grays and whites to soft earthy reds and pewter. Those neutral tones don’t just mean beige, they can include pale blue-green, lilac, and other hues. But designers also know how to throw in a dramatic splash of color when the room calls for it! So you do you choose the right color?

Take your cues from the kitchen’s main elements: the cabinets, countertops, backsplash, floor, and appliances. Consider which of these design elements is most important, and which play a supporting role. Then select colors accordingly.

When choosing a possible color palette, consider the other surfaces in the room. Are they marble, steel, glass or natural wood? Are they warm or cool, light or dark, traditional or contemporary? These elements should help inform your color choices.

If the cabinets are white, consider a slightly darker color to set them off. If cabinets are dark, take the opposite approach. To avoid a room looking too light, consider a complementary darker shade as an accent on the trim.

Your home’s design also dictates kitchen color. With an open floor plan, then kitchen is kitchen is basically the same room as the dining area and living room. The color must therefore be the same, or at least complement the colors of the adjoining spaces. Choose a color that links the spaces.

Room size is a factor too. A small kitchen can look bigger with dark walls, whereas a light color will reveal a room’s geometry.

If a kitchen lacks interest, don’t be afraid to inject drama with a dash of color – either the entire room, just one wall, or perhaps a chair or table.

But before you apply any paint, order samples, and apply test swatches… then live with them for a few days before deciding what color is right for you.