Remember: all it takes is one mismatched color to ruin the feel of a room. That’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with the basics of color coordination. To help you get started, here are the do’s and don’ts of picking a kitchen color scheme.
Do Understand How Colors Can Affect Mood
Colors can be classified according to their psychological impact. There are two broad categories: warm and cool colors. As the name suggests, warm colors, consisting of orange, red, yellow or any combination of these three, evoke feelings associated with sunlight and heat. In general, warm colors are used to make a room feel cozier.
Cool colors are made up of shades originating from blue, green and light purple. They evoke feelings associated with water, ice and the sky. Warm colors give the illusion that space is receding, making large rooms feel more intimate. In contrast, cool colors give the illusion of more space, making small rooms feel airy and spacious.
In terms of their influence on mood, warm colors are stimulating while cool colors are relaxing. The former are suited to areas that see a lot of activity while the latter are ideal for places where you relax, such as your bedroom or bathroom.
Do Maximize Lighting to Make the Colors Pop
You can increase the vibrancy of colors and, in the process, enhance their optical illusion by making sure you have the right lighting in place. You’d be surprised at what a few strategically placed lighting fixtures can do for your kitchen!
Do Keep It Consistent
Aside from making sure warm and cool colors do not clash, you need to align certain elements in your kitchen, including your cabinets, with the architectural style of your home. Remember: there’s a reason why certain color combinations have traditionally been associated with certain designs.
Here’s an overview of the classic combinations:
- Traditional-style cabinets – Creams and soft whites, when paired with natural wood stains, can enhance traditional cabinets’ appeal.
- Arts-and-crafts cabinets – Arts-and-crafts cabinets are known for their clean, straight lines and minimal ornamentation. They’re normally made from oak, hickory, cherry or maple, which are best left in their natural state. Instead of painting these cabinets, you can have them stained or do a bit of cabinet refacing to highlight the rich wood grain.
- Shaker-style cabinets – Soft grays, bright whites and subdued creams look great on shaker-style cabinets.
Don’t Get Too Caught Up in Design Trends
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to keep up with the latest design trends. The problem with design trends, or trendy colors for that matter, is they tend to go out of style quickly. If you want a kitchen design that can withstand the test of time, it’s best to stick to a neutral color scheme.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Orland Park offers a wide range of professional remodeling services, including kitchen remodel services. To get started with a no-obligation consultation, call us at (708) 320-3417 or leave us a message online! We serve homeowners in Orland Park, IL, as well as the surrounding communities.
