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Kitchen Color: How Brave Are You? Kitchen Color: How Brave Are You?
Commitment & Impact
Painted Walls Low. Painting walls is an inexpensive and easily changed proposition. Plus most kitchens have minimal open wall space, which prevents even the brightest of colors from overpowering a room. Moderate to high. A color change can transform your kitchen, especially when you combine it with new artwork and accessories.
Countertops High. Countertops are one of the pricier kitchen elements to change, particularly if you plan to choose a natural stone surface. Pick a color you can live with for years to come. Moderate to high. Going from light to dark or vice versa has a big impact, as does swapping a solid-color surface for a patterned surface.
Cabinets Moderate to high. New cabinets are a substantial investment, but painting old ones a bold new color is low-cost and low-risk. High. Whether wood tone or painted wood, colorful cabinetry alone is often enough to brighten a kitchen.
Flooring High. Vinyl and laminates are less of a financial commitment, but hardwood, stone and ceramic tiles are big-ticket items. Low to moderate. Flooring is valued more for its ease of care than color impact. Its color and style may even go unnoticed.
Hardware Low. Hardware is one of the fastest and easiest elements to change—and often the most affordable. Low to moderate. Knobs and pulls can add welcome splashes of color. Distinctive decorative knobs can be surprisingly noticeable.
Appliances Low to high. Special-order colors are pricey commitments, but changeable appliance panels in designer colors make for a quick and affordable update. High. Anything other than white, black or metallic stands out—and even these may serve as focal points when combined with cabinetry and wall color.
Bright and Lively
Bright and Lively
Find inspiration from an item that boasts fresh and vivid colors, such as in hand-painted cabinetry doors or colorful knobs.
Soft and Subdued
Soft and Subdued
If your style is cool and understated, choose an inspiration piece that conjures similar emotions, such as a pale watercolor painting or pastel glass bottles.
Goof-Proof Color
Goof-Proof Color
For foolproof kitchen color, try the 60-30-10 rule. Pick a main color and use that in 60 percent of your space. In the kitchen that might be on the walls or cabinets. Your secondary color (the 30 percent) can be spread out among flooring or rugs, window treatments or upholstery, such as in red-hot chairs (above). Use the 10 percent color in accents, from dishes, artwork, pillows or other soft goods.
HGTV Kitchens, Plan the Kitchen of Your Dreams Reprinted from HGTV Kitchens;
Plan the Kitchen of Your Dreams
(Meredith Books, 2005).
Color BasicsBecome your own color pro-try HGTV's pick-a-palette
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