Create an ideabook for your next remodeling project!
Browse more than 1,000,000 photos from top designers and save your favorites
2012 Color Trends: Using Red in Your Kitchen and Bath
Fiery hues bring high drama home
This 2012 Color Trends series is about five hot color trends projected for the year. In particular I'll be showing you how to incorporate them into your kitchen and bath in a way that makes sense for your taste and your home.
Red shows up on just about every 2012 Color Trend report. Sherwin-Williams sees reds burning brightly, from deep fuchsias to red-oranges. Yolo Colorhouse and Behr see 2012's red as rustic and earthy, more evocative of clay than fire. Benjamin Moore sees the spicy side of red for 2012.
The old rules of red pairings are broadening as well. It still punches the heck out of white or cream, but feel free to pair it with other neutrals like maple and stainless, as well as colors that may not have occurred to you in the past, including those in red's color family, like pink and purple.
Go as big or small with red as you feel comfortable in your space. Here are some splashy and sensible style ways to do it.
More 2012 Color Trend Ideas: Orange | Blue | Green | Purple
Red shows up on just about every 2012 Color Trend report. Sherwin-Williams sees reds burning brightly, from deep fuchsias to red-oranges. Yolo Colorhouse and Behr see 2012's red as rustic and earthy, more evocative of clay than fire. Benjamin Moore sees the spicy side of red for 2012.
The old rules of red pairings are broadening as well. It still punches the heck out of white or cream, but feel free to pair it with other neutrals like maple and stainless, as well as colors that may not have occurred to you in the past, including those in red's color family, like pink and purple.
Go as big or small with red as you feel comfortable in your space. Here are some splashy and sensible style ways to do it.
More 2012 Color Trend Ideas: Orange | Blue | Green | Purple
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| If you absolutely, passionately love red and plan to remain in your home indefinitely, by all means, knock yourself (and your guests) out. Red cabinetry, especially premium European red cabinetry, is a very personal, very long-term investment. This powerful choice requires that you turn down the volume on all your other kitchen choices. If everything is a focal point, then nothing is a focal point. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Speaking of focal points, you can incorporate red cabinetry with just an island. This island adds a punch of color to the surrounding creamy neutrals.
Learn more about this kitchen
Learn more about this kitchen
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Another big-commitment way to add red is through your appliances, most commonly on a range. Unlike stainless steel, you're (hopefully) not going to go red for all of them. Opting for paneled and concealed models for your other appliances is the way to go when adding a dramatic color like red. Just as you would with red cabinetry, keep the other colors in the room neutral. |
by Tatiana Takaeva
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Red on a countertop makes a strong statement. I've yet to design a kitchen with all red countertops (and can't see it ever happening), but a punch of this hot trend color works well on an island or in a powder room. Both thrive on drama.
by Niche Interiors
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Red tile can make a strong design and trend statement in your bathroom or kitchen. If you fear you'll tire of it in future years, incorporate it strategically in accents, as shown here. You don't need an entirely red shower or kitchen backsplash to make your point.
by Niche Modern
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
You love the glass bowl light trend, but you won't want to have the same style that all of your neighbors have. Add color; it makes your glass bowl fixture uniquely you.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Paint is a fabulous way to add a color trend to your space, especially when it's a high-drama color like deep red. If you tire of it down the line, it's relatively easy and affordable to change. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
You've heard (and perhaps tired) of accent walls, right? How about accent interiors instead? The deep red back of an open maple or birch cabinet can really warm up their cool blonde tones. It also serves as a surprising color punch in an otherwise neutral space.
|
by Filmore Clark
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| One of the easiest, most temporary ways to add red to a kitchen or bath is with furniture. While you're unlikely to take a brush or spray can to your cabinets, painting a chair or counter stool red is a fun and funky move. Dining chair slipcovers and banquette accent pillows can have a similar impact in exchange for very little effort or investment. |
by gelpro.com
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Red accents can serve a function, as well as a color punch. Since your kitchen can richly benefit from a comfort mat, why not acquire one in a dynamic color and texture? Red towels, cafe curtains and countertop appliances can also add color trend to your kitchen.
More:
Sangria Hues: Punch Colors for the New Year
Will a Red Bathroom Make You Blush?
Color Pop: Bold Red Frames
More:
Sangria Hues: Punch Colors for the New Year
Will a Red Bathroom Make You Blush?
Color Pop: Bold Red Frames
Ideabook updated on Jan. 11, 2012.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
My entry walls are painted Rhubarb, BM colour. Works well with wrought iron rail we installed
If you get tired of all the red you bring in just take it out, no painting required.
We designed this bathroom to be a full Chromotherapy experience.