Kitchen Color Basics

Have you ever noticed your moods change when you go from one room to another? It has been shown that colors can affect your mood. When you are re-modeling or designing your kitchen you need to keep this in mind. Space is also viewed differently according to color you have chosen.

According to experts the color red makes your heartbeat speed up, and increases your appetite. A nice soft yellow can make you feel happier. An accent of bright yellow in your kitchen can brighten up your kitchen and attract attention.

White, with its clean appearance, remains a popular choice. It is usually accented with blue or another color to reduce a cold, sterile feeling in your kitchen. You can also use design elements like light oak floors or curtains to bring warmth to a white kitchen. Generally, it is a good idea to select one color as the overall base with one or two accent colors.

There are three common color schemes used today:

1. monochromatic
2. complementary
3. analogous.

The monochromatic scheme uses only one color and uses tones, shades and tints of that color. A complementary color scheme created drama by choosing two colors that are opposites on the color wheel. Three hues that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel would be the analogous color scheme. Kitchens usually do not use the analogous scheme as they are more suited to less formal rooms.

Using color schemes found in nature is also a good decorating scheme. Light is an important element in emphasizing colors and a sky blue or earth brown can take on different shades a views with changes in light intensity.

60-30-10 Split:

There is an important guideline when considering using color in a room. It is called the 60-30-10 split between colors. This is where 60% of the room would be in the dominant color, 30% a secondary, and 10% for accents (these can be artwork, pillows, or dishes). Keep in mind nothing ruins a design more than mismatched color schemes.

Many cabinet, appliance, flooring and countertop manufacturers are diversifying their color choices. Most cabinets should be kept a neutral color because they can be paired with any other color as an accent.

Make sure you take care when you choose your colors as you will be stuck with them for some time!