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Certified Kitchen Designer, author of http://www.thekitchendesigner.org blog

Color In The Kitchen (13 comments)

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What is great about designing color into a kitchen is the vast majority of opportunities one has to live with, and use color. Color can be bold, yet seen only in a few, carefully chosen, design elements. It can be a commitment, as a colorful cabinet or countertop is, or it can be used as paint...easy to change as one's moods change.

I always recommend that one visualizes the end result first. This provides a color strategy. Accessories add color. In fact, accessories can be the only color used in the kitchen - but that "look" should be planned carefully from the start.

How color cautious are you? To find out, look through as many images as you can to determine exactly where your comfort zone lies. Notice color, especially in context to surrounding colors. Study the color stories of the images that speak to you. Soon the answers will reveal themselves...in living color!

Rich colors on surfaces and accessories add strength and interest
by Susan Serra, CKD
Bright, bold color works well among neutrals
by Olga Adler
Accessories and tile of a single color create a uniform, simple, color story of neutrals and yellow
kitchen
Using the strong red knobs to connect with other design elements
by Susan Serra, CKD  
A single, color, seen in varied shades adds a simple design statement yet with real color interest
by Laura Britt Design
A commitment to red with neutrals in supporting roles
by leicht.de
A built in pantry painted green. Green doors add an architectural connection and interest
by Susan Serra, CKD
The color is strong and bold and is all about fashion and modern design
by Mark English architects, AIA  

comments

becky says:
Yeah! Susan Serra is in the Houzz! That second kitchen with the purple is fantastic. I am a bright color in the kitchen person, but I never would have thought of purple.
Hey! Talk about color commitment! You've got to LOVE the color...but it also helps if a piece can be refinished down the road...just in case. :)
kellydnyc says:
I love the ideabook! And what gorgeous pics. I MUST use these for inspiration! Great post.
tamitan says:
Would love to hear your thoughts about the resale value when it comes to colors.
I think that colored walls are fine but the cabinets can be a problem...
kellydnyc, thanks, so glad you enjoyed it!

tamitan, you are on the right track. Color is highly personal. All theories for resale talk about neutrals being best, as a prospective purchaser needs to imagine their own colors in the space. Of course, as in any theory, there will be a small percentage of people who might react positively to (permanent) color, but my guess is that is really small.

Resale is one of the first questions I ask my clients. The trick is to be able to predict the future! I do think it's gutsy for those who "go for it" in terms of bold color...hoping that it does not work against them down the road. It's tricky.
olgaadler says:
Hi Becky, the color on the island is Ben Moore Admiral Blue - it looks kind of purplish in the pic but it really is a very deep electric blue. :-)
olgaadler says:
Tamitan, I totally agree about the neutrals being the best colors for resale - most people are very color cautious. Having said that, it is much easier (and cheaper) to repaint a kitchen island than it is to replace wall tile. :-)
becky says:
Thank you Olga - That is really interesting that it's electric blue. Whatever it is, it looks great.

It may be dumb, but I will never design for resale. That is so depressing to me. Of course, I am one who never plans to leave a house.
donnam says:
I'm with Becky...you can't live your life by the "resale" value...
patscats2 says:
I love the painted green pantry. The low drop down blue island with the books is pretty much useless in terms of function, except to hold books. It's too low to work at unless it's designed for a child.
patscats2 It looks to be a good height for baking purposes. That said, the height for a baking center should depend on the height of the user and their personal ergonomic needs. Sometimes, too, it's just interesting to vary the heights of cabinetry if there is adequate countertop distribution in general within the kitchen. If not used for a baking center, it looks to me like a perfect place to display some decorative/some useful objects.

donnam That's a whole topic by itself which I'd love to talk about sometime. Totally subjective too!
I really like the look of the yellow accessories and tile. It all looks great together (photo 3). Great idea to match the two.
anny says:
I love that red and final orange kitchen! High gloss looks so good in there!
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