The Trend for Colorful Lighting Gives This Classic White Kitchen an Edge

California designer Cailey Damron was tasked with transforming this new build in Glendora, California. "The homeowners brought me onto the project to add a luxurious and chic designer's touch to this builder-grade home through the use of new lighting, custom cabinetry and high-quality natural materials," says Cailey.

"We incorporated in-cabinet lighting to the upper cabinets to add a bit of ambient light to the space. The color-changing option for lights was actually my client's idea. He had seen similar purple-colored lighting throughout his travels and thought it would be a unique addition and a fun, little mood-boosting party trick that his guests would enjoy."

"Good design is all about balance," says California designer Cailey Damron of Corio Design House, and homeowners should look at the total package when planning a kitchen renovation. "If a home has characteristics that are charming and authentic to the home, I suggest keeping those and updating around them. Add a chic modern twist on a renovation with new recessed lighting and unique light fixtures that make a statement. If you're not a fan of color, you can incorporate warmth through the use of metals or by adding natural wood to the space."

Though the trends are not on view in this particular kitchen, Cailey says, "I have been seeing a lot of neutral-toned zellige backsplash and natural wood cabinetry in demand right now."

"My clients have one young child and another on the way, so they were excited about the idea of a low maintenance material," says Cailey of this quartz countertop.

"I love mixing metals in kitchens but would recommend limiting yourself to two contrasting metals," says Cailey. She suggests nickel and brass or bronze and brass. Since this kitchen came with stainless steel appliances and nickel hardware on the cabinetry, we chose to incorporate brass to add warmth and variation to the space. Another tip for mixing metals is to keep all of your light fixtures the same finish.

"It's true, when it comes to appliances, people are still wanting stainless steel unless they go with panel-ready appliances, which I would highly recommend for a sleek and modern look," says Cailey.

"If you have 8-foot or 9-foot ceilings, I would definitely recommend it. Let's be honest, that unused space above your cabinets is just collecting dust if they're not utilized," says Cailey.