


Whether your kitchen design is starting from a preferred shade, taking its lead from an heirloom piece of furniture or statement appliance, or simply a color that echoes the style of your home, selecting a second or third tone can alter the look drastically. While it can be tempting to opt for your favorites, it’s advisable to restrict strong colors to elements that are easy to update, such as installing a backsplash, and opting for those that have greater longevity across large areas. The shades you choose are just as important as how you use them. Alternatively, try corresponding pairs, such as shades of green or blue, or play with natural tones and add a more vibrant color to certain elements, for example a shelf, a sideboard or a bench.’ Go for a basic color and then use another to accent certain areas. ‘Colors should serve a purpose rather than be used at random. ‘The rule of thumb is to use color sparingly and in clearly defined areas,’ says Gordon Boyd, area sales manager for Nolte Küchen.

For example, matt warm gray tones could create a distressed look by bringing rustic charm to a design.’Ĭolor is a powerful design tool – not only can it completely alter the mood of a kitchen, how much or how little you add will affect which parts of the room you’re drawn towards. ‘Unlike some of the sharper colors, gray tones work well in both matt and gloss finishes and are very versatile. ‘A trend that is growing in popularity is warm shades of grays,’ explains Jamee Kong, head of design at DesignSpace London. Of course everyone has their own personal style, but what are the most popular kitchen color ideas? Avoid the 'clinical' look by making sure that there are some elements of natural materials in the room – perhaps wooden flooring, or a timber table top and chairs. White kitchen ideas are still the biggest selling 'color' in the kitchen market place, and there's no denying that choosing white cabinets does make it considerably easier to adapt and tweak color schemes at a later date. (Image credit: Lisa Staton Interior Design/Haris Kenjar) 'But for those clients that want to add a stronger injection of color, black, gray and blue kitchen ideas still remain very popular and can be contrasted with light color work surfaces and flooring.’ 9. Clients can look to add color and personality to their spaces through styling, accessorizing and even kitchen flooring. 'Neutral color palettes in the kitchen will never disappear. Once a decision has been made about stepping away from a more neutral color palette, it’s all about deciding how much of a statement the client wants to make. ‘Rather than persuade the client to step away from a more traditional paint color to follow a trend, often we will speak with the client and find out their requirements and their likes. ‘It’s important that, when it comes to making a bold design choice, it fits within your home and with your tastes,’ says Tom Howley, design director at Tom Howley. This Tom Howley kitchen shows how this often cold color coupled with terracotta can create a space that feels warm and welcoming – a boost for anyone looking for gray kitchen ideas for a north-facing space. She explains that one brand's most popular greys is Grey 07 – the darkest one – and the green undertone works very well with white walls. If you are quite a hectic person, and you want your kitchen to blend into the background and be very elegant and subtle, it’s a lovely option,' says Natasha from Lick. We often feel very secure in gray because it doesn't ask anything from us. 'When it comes to gray in the kitchen, it’s a classic color, very timeless and safe. Painting units creates a great feature that sits against a canvas of clean white walls and countertop, finished with bold artwork that adds color in a confident yet cohesive way to create an easy sophistication.' 5. 'In this kitchen, the joinery is painted in Farrow & Ball's Setting Plaster which is a favourite shade of mine, as it’s pink without being pink. In this scheme, designed by London-based Samantha Todhunter, the white seamlessly flows up the walls. In fact, white is a fabulous choice if the rest of your scheme is colorful, as it will create balance and order. Your chosen kitchen countertop ideas are an integral part of your kitchen color scheme, even if you’ve chosen white. This kitchen balances these paler earthy cabinet and pale worktops for a light touch. Earthy tones are a top trend for this year, so incorporate rich and warming brown tones and clay shades into your kitchen color ideas and painted kitchen ideas.
