Selecting colors for your kitchen can be even more intimidating
than your bathrooms because it’s a larger space and sometimes more open to the
rest of the house. It is a big decision
and something you are investing time and money into and a space that you will
see and use every day. You want to get it right…the first time. Many of the
principles are the same as selecting colors for your bathrooms, but here’s a
couple more tips to help you through the process.
1. Pick colors that you love!
2. Select your cabinets first. The majority of a kitchen
space is consumed by cabinets, so start with that first. It’s much easier to
adjust stains and paints on walls or floors to harmonize with the cabinets.
3. A simple way to think of this is warm versus cool colors.
Warm oranges and reds make a space feel exciting and energetic-great for
entertaining. The color red is said to be an appetite stimulant, which is why
many fine dining establishments are painted shades of red.
4. Another great strategy for incorporating bold colors into
your kitchen is to keep the expensive items — such as the countertops, cabinets
and flooring — neutral in color and save the bold colors for things that are
easy and affordable to change out, like wall paint, bar stools, curtains and
countertop accessories.
5. Choose one element to inspire your color palette, but
don’t buy that item until all other selections have been fully decided. For
example, have you fallen in love with a tile for your backsplash? Use it as an
inspiration but don’t purchase it until you know you have coordinating
countertops, cabinets and flooring.
6. Do not underestimate lighting. Do you have adequate
lighting? General lighting, decorative lighting and dedicated task lighting are
so important.
7. For countertops, the safest approach is to keep it
neutral and versatile. Upkeep and cleanliness is also a big component in a
kitchen. Or your countertop may be the design element you want to work around.
8. Look at all of your selections together. Does everything
flow? Does it look right? You will know when you see everything together.
9. Gather pictures of your favorite finished spaces.
Houzz.com is an excellent resource for finding pictures of finished spaces that
appeal to your taste. What color schemes did they employ? Can you pull details
out of those finished spaces to work in yours?
10. Execute. Do your homework but then execute on your plan.
Make the best decision and move forward. Then you can sit back and enjoy your
new space.
Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com
and let me know what tips and tricks you employ when selecting colors for your kitchen.
