- Color is a combination of the absorption and reflection of light. Black is the absence of color. It does not reflect color; it absorbs every color of the spectrum equally. White reflects all color and absorbs none. So as color is a reflection of light, the amount of natural and artificial light your kitchen receives throughout the day will have a big effect on the color you choose. Before you buy, take a few paint samples home so you can see what each one looks like in your kitchen's light.
- It is important to understand the color types before settling on a kitchen color. There are three categories of color: primary, secondary and tertiary. The three primary colors are red, yellow and blue. Mixing any two of the three primary colors gives you a secondary color (for example, mixing red and yellow to make orange). A tertiary color is created by mixing one of the primary colors with a secondary in its color family, such as red mixed with orange to make the color red-orange.
- Choose a focal point and work around it. For instance, if you have stainless-steel appliances, choose a paint color that makes the silver pop. Pick a color that complements the hue of your wood cabinets, or a color that matches the curtains you intend to hang. Take into account countertop color, appliance color and flooring. Any of these can be your inspiration.
- Create the illusion of a larger kitchen, or a smaller kitchen, with color. Make a tiny kitchen appear big by using brighter colors, such as blue, yellow and mint green. Choose deep earth tones such as browns, reds and forest greens to make a large and overwhelming kitchen feel cozier.
- Scientists have shown that color has a psychological effect on our behavior and emotions. Orange stimulates the appetite, so it is a perfect color for a kitchen. On the other hand, try to use blue in small amounts. Blue actually suppresses the desire to eat. Reds and other earthy colors can reduce stress and evoke feelings of comfort and well-being.
