Orange is a bold, vibrant color that can add energy and flair to any space. In today’s modern kitchens, orange is being embraced in fun and creative ways. From small pops of color to full-on orange accents, this lively hue can elevate your cooking space. Here are 9 great ways to incorporate orange into a contemporary kitchen design.
Introduction
Orange has historically been a popular choice for kitchens, as it promotes feelings of warmth, energy and appetite. After falling out of favor for decades, orange is back in a big way. The current trend is using orange as an accent in modern kitchens with sleek, contemporary elements. Vibrant orange complements and contrasts many popular design schemes of today – white and grey, black accents, natural wood cabinetry. When used thoughtfully, orange can bring a cutting-edge kitchen to life.
Backsplashes
One of the most popular places to add a burst of orange is the backsplash. Orange mosaic tiles are an eye-catching option, either in a straight linear pattern or in an organic shape. For a more subtle look, consider peach or terra-cotta backsplash tiles with orange accents. For maximum effect, take the orange backsplash from wall to wall. For smaller pops of color, use orange tiles behind the range or behind the sink. A colorful backsplash pairs nicely with crisp white cabinetry and countertops.
Kitchen Islands
The kitchen island is the perfect place to showcase orange. Painting or staining the base cabinets in a vibrant orange tone will make this focal point really stand out. For a more muted effect, consider using a brick, terra-cotta or peach shade. The island is also a great spot to bring in orange upholstered stools for a punch of color. Blend the island color with orange accents throughout the rest of the space.
Accent Walls
Painting one wall in a saturated orange can make a fun focal point. Try painting a wall behind the stove or sink in a bold color. For a three-tone color scheme, pair orange with neutral white or beige cabinets, and grey or black countertops. The vibrant wall will really stand out in the sea of neutrals. Orange paint also works well on an accent wall in the dining area. Coordinate dining chairs and decor in orange tones.
Window Treatments
Don’t overlook window treatments as a place to add orange. Hang bold printed roman shades or curtains in peach, tangerine or rust colors. Or, use white window treatments and add panels of orange fabric on the outside edges. For windows near a kitchen nook, consider hanging orange pendant lights that complement the window shade colors. Use the same orange tones in furniture or decor in the window area.
Pendant Lights
Hanging pendant lights are an easy way to splash some orange over key areas of the kitchen. Over the kitchen island, hang two or three orange glass pendant lamps at different heights for lots of impact. For a rustic look, hang metal barn-style pendant lights in a rusted orange finish. Or create an eclectic look by pairing orange pendants of different styles over a bar or kitchen table area.
Kitchen Appliances
Many major kitchen appliance brands now offer options in orange and retro colors. Bring in a statement refrigerator, range or dishwasher in an orange hue. This is perfect for a mid-century modern style kitchen. For a more subtle look, buy appliances in stainless steel or white and use orange as an accent on the range hood, refrigerator trim or dishwasher panel.
Bar Stools & Dining Chairs
Orange bar stools around the kitchen island or orange dining chairs around the table add great pops of color. For a trendy look, choose sleek mid-century style stools in vibrant orange. For a retro diner feel, look for shiny vinyl orange counter stools. Or, choose wooden chairs and paint just the seat backs in orange for an unexpected detail. Coordinate your orange furniture with kitchen decor.
Wall Décor & Accessories
Don’t be afraid to accessorize and decorate with orange. Hang modern art prints with orange tones or display glass bottles in amber and orange hues. Add orange vases, bowls or trays for splashes of color. Place colorful orange rugs on the floor. Use orange in the textiles throughout the kitchen – curtains, placemats, tea towels. Keep decor items light so the space doesn’t feel too busy.
Conclusion
The vibrant color orange can bring energy, style and whimsy to your contemporary kitchen. Use it liberally or in moderation, depending on the look you want. Painted backsplashes, accent walls and colorful décor are great ways to experiment with orange hues. For a more subtle look, incorporate peach and terra cotta tones instead of bright oranges. This exciting color is the perfect way to add life and flair to any modern cooking space.
FAQs about Using Orange in a Modern Kitchen
What are some good shades of orange to use in a kitchen?
Some popular orange shades for kitchens are burnt orange, peach, terra cotta, tangerine and rust. Look for warmer hues that complement natural materials like wood and stone. Avoid neon or very bright oranges.
What color cabinets go well with an orange kitchen?
White or light grey cabinets pair nicely with orange accents in a kitchen. The neutral cabinetry makes the pops of color stand out. Wood stain cabinets in modern brown and grey tones can also allow orange accents to shine.
What color hardware should I use in an orange kitchen?
Matte black, oil-rubbed bronze and brushed nickel hardware all look great against orange. Match metals throughout the kitchen for a cohesive look. Stainless steel offers a nice contrast and more contemporary vibe.
What kind of flooring options work with an orange color scheme?
Natural wood, grey wood-look plank, stone or tile, and concrete floors complement an orange kitchen nicely. Look for neutral floors with some natural texture for contrast. Bring in some orange tones with patterned area rugs.
What are some good paint colors to pair with orange?
White, beige, grey and even shades of blue work well with orange. Try using orange as an accent wall with white or neutral walls. The neutral backdrop makes the orange wall pop even more.
Should I use warm or cool tones of orange in a kitchen?
In general, warm rustic orange tones are most popular for kitchens. Think terra cotta, peach, brick red-orange. Cool tones can work but may come off as trendy or 80s retro. Mixing warm and cool orange hues can create an eclectic look.
How can I add orange to my kitchen on a budget?
On a budget, use orange in affordable décor accents like rugs, window treatments, pendant lights and wall art. Repaint old furniture orange, like chairs or a used kitchen island. Stick to one or two orange statement pieces, rather than a full orange makeover.
Should I use orange on my cabinets or just as an accent?
It depends on your personal taste, but most interior designers recommend using orange cabinets minimally or in an accent area against more neutral cabinetry. All-orange cabinets can feel overwhelming. Accent the island or lower cabinets only for a splash of color.
Is orange outdated or still trendy for kitchen design?
Orange is very on-trend for contemporary kitchen designs! After falling out of fashion for years, vibrant oranges are back in a big way. Many designers are using orange to add warmth, energy and flair to sleek, modern kitchen spaces.
