An important aspect when installing a new kitchen or renovating an existing one is the color. In fact, just by changing the colors in your kitchen, you can give it a whole new look. Here are some color (kitchen) ideas that you can use.
Different colors for different effects
Not everyone has the same opinion about colors as everyone else. We all have different preferences, as well as different perceptions of certain colors. This is evident from a coalition for health environment research from 2002/2003, which reveals that your personal feelings for certain colors are influenced by your own personal experiences and culture. For example, the color represents white purity and innocence in Western countries, but it is seen as a symbol of sorrow in Eastern countries. Therefore, do not be afraid to explore your personal color preferences and choose the color that suits you.
Many people settle for the color white as a safe alternative. However, you have to be a little more imaginative and adventurous if you want to create a feeling of warmth and liveliness in your cooking area. In fact, strong colors would be the perfect complement to most of the modern kitchen finishes that include glossy honey-colored floors, shiny stainless steel appliances or dark ebony countertops.
Key areas
When thinking about color, there are some basic areas to keep in mind:
1. Kitchen walls: If your kitchen design has limited cabinet installations, this is the perfect place to apply vibrant colors. However, most modern kitchens have high-ceilinged cabinets, backsplashes, decorations and other fixtures that cover a good part of the wall.
2. Cabinets: These present the perfect canvas to apply your art with the brush. Make sure the colors you choose complement appliances such as refrigerator doors, ovens and microwaves.
3. Ceiling: You should never forget the ceiling, especially if you have a whole new look in your kitchen. Otherwise, you may have an odd room instead of the live screen you intended to have.
Color layouts
When planning for certain color (kitchen) ideas, you need to consider much more than just the different color palettes. A study from 1985 entitled “Three comparisons of light bulbs and fluorescent lamps: color or luminaire?” revealed that a person’s assessment of comfort in all colors was also affected by the shape, size and placement of light sources in a room. This means that before applying any color, you must also consider whether you need to replace lighting fixtures to provide the best lighting for your artistic work. Otherwise you will simply not achieve the desired effect.
Once you have mastered the lighting aspect, you can use different color layouts to create varied atmospheres that include:
(i) A homely feel: This is generally achieved by reducing the cooling effect of artificial stainless appliances and enhancing the rich brown tones of natural wood.
(ii) Refreshing feeling of nature: Yellow-based greens give a refreshing, sunny and inviting feeling of nature. This can be complemented with apple, white trim and olive greens. Be sure to include as much natural light as possible.
(iii) Simple and adorable: This would be achieved with an overall clean white kitchen surface with an accent surface containing ornate blue. The best place for this accent would be the kitchen backsplash.
