Introduction
A kitchen remodel can completely transform the look and feel of your home. While there are many elements to consider when renovating your kitchen, one of the most impactful is color. Selecting the right color palette for your kitchen can make the space feel more vibrant, inviting, and tailored to your personal style.
In this article, we will explore how using bold, eye-catching colors can breathe new life into your kitchen. We’ll discuss popular color trends to consider, provide color combination ideas, and share tips for selecting paint colors and accessories that will give your kitchen a stylish, contemporary look. Read on to learn how to wake up your kitchen with vibrant, on-trend colors.
Popular Color Trends for Kitchens
Vibrant Hues
One of the best ways to make your kitchen pop is to incorporate vibrant primary colors and bold hues. Painting cabinets, walls, or the island in a dynamic shade like cobalt blue, berry pink, or chartreuse instantly modernizes the space. These vivid colors pair nicely with stainless steel appliances, marble countertops, and polished metals for lots of visual contrast.
Some trending bold color choices for kitchens include:
- Deep emerald green
- Mustard yellow
- Cerulean blue
- Burnt orange
- Rich purple
When using strong colors, stick to one or two hues so the palette doesn’t feel overwhelming. For example, blue cabinets with a yellow island or pink walls with green shelving.
Earthy Neutrals
For a more subtle yet still stylish look, earthy neutrals like beige, brown, gray, and taupe are popular. These muted, natural colors create a laidback, organic vibe. Mix various shades of the same neutral color on cabinets, walls, and fixtures for a cohesive monochromatic scheme.
Some soothing neutral paint colors to consider include:
- Warm sand
- Misty gray
- Latte
- Natural linen
- Soft fawn
Pairing neutral cabinets with black granite countertops and bronze hardware gives the palette depth without going overboard on color.
Two-Tone Combinations
Two-tone kitchens using different colors on upper and lower cabinets make a strong style statement. Try bold blue lower cabinets with crisp white uppers or charcoal gray bottom cabinets with light taupe tops. Other eye-catching combinations include:
- Navy bottom cabinets + light aqua uppers
- Cherry wood base cabinets + pistachio painted tops
- Black stained lowers + antique white uppers
Mixing and matching painted, stained, or natural wood finishes creates interesting contrast and dimension.
Complementary Color Combinations
When selecting two or more colors for your kitchen, using shades from complementary parts of the color wheel results in a harmonious, balanced palette. Some foolproof complementary color combos include:
Red + Green
A red island pairs nicely with sage green walls or cabinets. You might also try a cherry red backsplash against emerald cabinets. Pops of apple green accessories complete the look.
Orange + Blue
Bold orange cabinets or tiles give cool blue walls or countertops a fun, retro vibe. Think robin’s egg blue with tangerine and bright white for a playful beach cottage style.
Yellow + Purple
Cheery yellow walls or accessories make lavender cabinets and accents really sing. Try a pale lemon backsplash and violet island for lots of visual interest.
Pink + Green
Pretty pink cabinets provide the perfect contrast to mint green wall paint or tiles. You might also pair blush pink walls with jade green countertops and decor.
No matter which complementary colors you choose, opt for saturate shades and pair one light and one dark hue for maximum impact.
Tips for Selecting Paint Colors
When planning an eye-catching colorful kitchen, carefully choosing paint is key. Here are some tips for selecting paint colors:
Decide on a Main Color
Determine the bolder color you want to make the focal point, like on the cabinets or an accent wall. This will anchor the palette.
Pick a Sheen
In high-traffic areas, opt for satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss paint with a sheen that makes surfaces easy to clean. Use flat or matte paint on walls and ceilings.
Buy Sample Sizes
Start by purchasing sample size jars of paint colors you are considering before committing to whole gallons. Paint large swatches to see true colors.
Consider Lighting
Paint looks different in natural daylight versus under lamp light at night. Test samples on walls near windows and with the lights on.
Use Accent Colors Sparingly
Once you choose your main hue, use bright complementary colors in smaller doses on the backsplash, island, or decor accents.
Visualize Furnishings and Finishes
Select paint colors by picturing the cabinets, countertops, flooring, and more so that all elements coordinate beautifully.
Ways to Incorporate Colorful Accents
Beyond paint, there are many ways to infuse eye-catching color into your kitchen:
- Choose brightly colored appliances like a cobalt blue refrigerator or cherry red oven.
- Use colorful tiles for the backsplash or as an accent insert behind the stove.
- Pick vivid cabinet hardware like gold knobs, teal pulls, or neon green handles.
- Hang colored pendant lights over islands and eating nooks.
- Add linens, tableware, and decor in your chosen accent shades.
- Paint the ceiling an unexpected color like robin’s egg blue or citron green.
- Install patterned floor tiles with bold colors and geometric shapes.
- Display brightly colored glass jars, cannisters, and kitchenware.
Conclusion
The avid cook or home chef can greatly benefit from a colorful, uplifting kitchen environment. With the right combination of eye-catching paint hues, stylish accessories, and complementary accents, you can wake up your kitchen and infuse it with energy, creativity, and color. The latest trends make it easy to incorporate vibrant shades that reflect your personal taste and enhance the way you cook, eat, and entertain.
Whether you prefer bold jewel tones, retro color blocking, or inviting earthy neutrals, the options are endless for creating a kitchen that is distinctly yours. With some planning and design inspiration, you can have the colorful, contemporary kitchen of your dreams.
FAQs About Waking Up Your Kitchen with Color
What are some good colors to use in a small kitchen?
In a small kitchen, bright white paired with one or two bold accent colors works best. The white makes the space feel open and airy, while pops of color add vibrancy. Good accent colors for small kitchens include citrus yellow, sky blue, mint green, tomato red, and violet.
How do I choose a color scheme for my kitchen remodel?
Consider the look you want (modern, traditional, rustic, etc.), your favorite colors, the existing cabinetry and countertops, and how much natural light the space gets. Neutrals work well as a base, then add splashes of colors you love on accent walls, tiles, or decor items.
What is the most popular color for kitchen cabinets right now?
White kitchen cabinets are currently the most popular, but colorful cabinets are on the rise. Navy blue, sage green, and fire engine red cabinets make a bold statement. Two-tone designs mixing paint and wood finishes are also trending.
Should I paint my kitchen island a different color?
Painting the island a different color from the cabinets is an easy way to add pops of color. Try bright yellow, deep blue, or charcoal for the island paired with light surrounding cabinetry. Just be sure the two colors complement each other.
How do I make a tan kitchen look modern?
In a tan or beige kitchen, mix in splashes of black for contrast, like black countertops or matte black fixtures. Glossy black subway tiles also look modern against tan cabinetry. Add pops of chartreuse, cobalt, or hot pink with accents.
What cool accent colors go well with warm neutral kitchens?
Warm neutral kitchens with tones like sand, taupe, light wood, or almond get energized with cool splashes of emerald, sapphire, violet, sky blue, mint, or slate gray. The contrast of warm and cool livens up the palette.
