"Keep it Neutral" doesn't mean "Keep it Dull"

Go with your gut - bring in the golds and greens.
Select an amazing stone such as Rainforest Green, Kerala Green or Marinace Green for your countertops.
Choose cabinets that aren't your typical cream/ivory/beige/expresso.

Who knows - you might be there longer than you think, and you might as well have a kitchen with character that you love.

Thank you! I am getting the same feedback from my Facebook girlfriends. Just found a houzz.com story claiming "Green is nature's neutral." That's what I'd like to think.

you can still personalize your kitchen with things that aren't permanent, or if you do, make sure they would appeal to large audience.

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/9-ways-to-add-color-to-a-kitchen-stsetivw-vs~1056867

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/a-rainbow-of-colorful-kitchen-stools-stsetivw-vs~1122111

Great links, Jamie, thank you! I just added the green stools photo annotated with your advice to my ideabook. My real estate agent say "Not everybody likes green" but it sure seems to be a predominant color in all flavors of kitchen designs I'm seeing.

i agree with the realtors that u should keep it neutral. when you do sell your house it has to appeal to the buyer - they have to be able to see themselves living in your house. Like Jamie says, use your colors with things that are not permanent.

Thanks for speaking from the realtor perspective CJ. On HGTV's "Bang For Your Buck" the best return on a kitchen remodeling investment was 125% -- and it was all creams and tan. Sigh.

I'm a realtor in Denver, CO and I am so sick of seeing Cherry cabinets and boring Granite counters! Buyers in 7 years will be sick of it, too! You can get out of the mold without being too bold or risking resale. Think classic, clean and timeless. Good style transcends trends. I find that buyers like something with a little character, as long as it's good quality. They really do notice when something is lovingly chosen by a homeowner versus a boilerplate of a fix and flipper. I would be careful about really daring granite, such as Rainforest, simply because it's expensive and has limited appeal. And I agree that it's good to stay 'a little neutral' in the expensive items, such as cabinets and slab. Instead of bold cabinet colors, consider special upgrades that make the space unique and a little lux, such as furniture-like accents on cabinets (turned legs, crown molding). Or, something buyers seem to love--integrate some vintage pieces with the new to make it special. Hope that helps!

Jana, thanks for taking the time to give us your perspective. It really does help!