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!
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.
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...
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.
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. :-)
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!
Hi Susan. I'm designing a kitchen remodel for myself, but a property that will eventually become a rental and then a resale, probably after 3 years or so. I've designed a very traditional kitchen using cream cabinets with cocoa glaze, neutral quartz counters and stainless appliances and accessories. HOWEVER, I wanted to do the island in an aqua color or grayish blue to add some interest. My father is affraid this will make the property completely unappealing to future renters or buyers. It seems to be such a popular trend. I could go safe and just use a warm brown, but I LOVE blues. As a professional, what would your advice be?
Does the gray/blue tie in with colors in surrounding rooms? Will it be a soft color? Part of the question also is, will the color of this island drive the purchase of the home? From my frame of reference, I'd say no, it would not. If it were me and I "LOVED" blues as you say, I'd do what I love as long as it isn't something that is a very strong color...soft would be the way to go here and tying it into other rooms or with other accessories will be lovely. :)
