How to Choose Paint Color Scheme for Kitchen

There's room for color, style and functionality in kitchens.

Colors set the mood for the rooms in your home, and this is important because you want your home to feel welcoming. From big walls to small fixtures, the colors you use in your kitchen have something to say about your style. Choosing kitchen colors may seem like an impossible task but by following these tips you can choose colors with confidence, creating a kitchen you’ll love.

Instructions

1. Work with the cabinet colors. If you have dark cabinets, you should go with deep and bold colors that complement the hues already in the cabinets. If you have lighter cabinets, go with lighter colors that will not feel like a contrast when you walk into the room. Painting the cabinets is always an option, but keep in mind that this requires extra time and work.

2. Select a wall color that you like. Kitchen walls do not have to be any particular color. As long as the hues of the cabinets and appliances do not clash with the paint, you’re free to choose whatever color you enjoy. Keep in mind that dark paint can make a space look smaller, so if you have a smaller kitchen, lighter tones may be ideal. The best kind of paint for your kitchen is a semi-gloss paint because it is durable and has a nice sheen. It also resists moisture more than other glosses.

3. Match tiles where you can. Tiles on the floor and tiles on the counter or backsplash should match each other, and they should all complement your cabinets and wall colors.

4. Choose a window treatment that borrows a color from something else in the room. Your countertops or dining room rug may be accentuated with flecks of color, so you can use this color to add unity to your kitchen. Go for a solid color or simple window treatment if you already have a lot of visual stimulation in the room.

5. Give your kitchen personality by hanging wall art that enhances your color scheme. Display framed pieces of artwork that capture the mood you want to create. For instance, to achieve a warm, homey atmosphere, hang samplers in your kitchen. Or, show off a collection of your favorite floral prints. Anything you can find that fits the mood of your kitchen can be displayed for a touch of warmth and personality.

Tips & Warnings

• When selecting a paint color for walls, be aware of how sunlight affects colors at different times of the day. Place samples of paint in different areas for a sense of how colors will look. Keep designs practical when decorating your kitchen. Don’t use fabrics that stain easily for rugs or window treatments.

• Don’t crowd pieces of a collection together or your area will look cluttered.

References

• Better Homes and Gardens: Decorating Your Kitchen
• House Beautiful: Choosing Paint Colors