Kitchen Design
10 Ways to Rev Up a Neutral Kitchen
Texture, shine and paint tricks energize monochromatic cooking spaces
Designing a neutral-colored kitchen won’t leave you with a lifeless room if you make an effort to choose interesting textures, fine finishes and other details that provide visual interest without bright hues. These 10 tempting examples should fire up your creative engine and put you on the road to neutral nirvana.
1. Show your metal. Like unpainted wood, stainless steel is a neutral with textural interest. These metal cabinets are an industrial-inspired choice reminiscent of a commercial kitchen. But with inspired additions like marble-look countertops and apothecary-style cabinets, the effect is eclectic and elegant.
2. Style with subtle stripes. For fuss-free detailing that will soup up a simple kitchen, consider shiplap-style paneling. Here, vertical panels clad the whole cooking area, creating architectural interest without the need for strong color. Medium-density fiberboard is a good choice for cabinetry and walls, as it won’t warp like wood and can become moisture-resistant with a durable paint.
3. Bring in tile. With so many tiles to choose from, it can be tricky to make a decision. Subway tile is a classic choice that will work with almost all kitchens, from traditional to contemporary. For future-proofing, stick to smaller, slimmer styles, which tend to look more timeless.
The tactile beauties here have a handmade quality that enhances the rich hue of the wooden cabinets.
The tactile beauties here have a handmade quality that enhances the rich hue of the wooden cabinets.
4. Dabble on the dark side. Remember that neutral doesn’t have to mean nondescript. Saturated shades like black and gray will give your design historic appeal. Consider combining dark cabinetry with light walls to avoid making the room feel too enclosed. Copper is a characterful choice for the backsplash, merging traditional and contemporary ideas.
Why Copper Shines in the Kitchen
Why Copper Shines in the Kitchen
5. Pick the perfect paper. This wallpaper’s soft hue and large-scale paisley print are seriously sumptuous, particularly when partnered with an all-white Shaker-style kitchen. Antique accessories, such as a carved mirror and mercury glass pendant lights, produce a luxuriously layered effect.
Browse paisley wallpapers
Browse paisley wallpapers
6. Make magic with mirrors. In a one-color kitchen, small details can make a big difference. When cabinets and walls are the same shade, it blurs divisions in multiuse spaces, and you need special finishing touches to provide a little extra oomph. Here, brass handles and a mirrored backsplash impart shine, lift light levels and set off the soft gray palette.
Find brass knobs and pulls
Find brass knobs and pulls
7. Double up on wood. Two large panels of bare wood break up this black-and-gray scheme. Rather than finishing the cabinets in a flat paint, the designer chose a black wood stain that allows the glorious grain to show through. Matching countertops maintain the color-blocked effect for cohesion and easy cleaning.
8. Layer the paint. Combine a couple of similar shades to add dimension in your culinary space. This sleek kitchen features gray-painted pantry cabinets and island, while the cabinets around the sink sport a touch of taupe. If your layout doesn’t lend itself to this type of division, try two-tone upper and lower cabinets for a similar feel.
A Two-Tone Cabinet Scheme Gives Your Kitchen the Best of Both Worlds
A Two-Tone Cabinet Scheme Gives Your Kitchen the Best of Both Worlds
9. Turn to upholstery. For a little lift, leave your neutral kitchen cabinetry and walls alone, and instead choose interesting fabrics and textures for seating. This magnificent striped banquette brings crisp flair to the kitchen, particularly when paired with a true design icon, the Wishbone chair.
Photo Flip: 91 Kitchen Banquettes to Start Your Morning Right
Photo Flip: 91 Kitchen Banquettes to Start Your Morning Right
10. Walk the line. For those torn between pared-back neutrals and standout color, why not have both? This nifty kitchen is styled predominantly in soft, stony grays, but the island shows off a dose of bold blue. Try this technique if you crave frequent change — it should be easier to repaint the kitchen island than the whole kit and caboodle.
Eye-Catching Islands: 10 Beauties in Blue
Show us: How have you brought character to your neutral kitchen? Please share a photo in the Comments.
More
Kitchen Combo to Try: Neutral Cabinets, Different-Colored Island
8 Neutral Rooms That Sneak In Color Interest
Eye-Catching Islands: 10 Beauties in Blue
Show us: How have you brought character to your neutral kitchen? Please share a photo in the Comments.
More
Kitchen Combo to Try: Neutral Cabinets, Different-Colored Island
8 Neutral Rooms That Sneak In Color Interest
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