You can improve your kitchen simply by making changes in its colour scheme. Here are some important things to keep in mind when doing so.
Colours rule our everyday lives, whether we notice it or not. From the warm tones of nature to the brutal shades of the city, we’re surrounded by many shades that complement the environment.
While not all are intended to be done this way, most are based on the psychology of colour schemes gathered in specific ways to create a particular effect. For example, analogous colours are a set of tones that lessen their intensity together, while complementary colour schemes do the opposite.
Indeed, these arrangements are more important in art. But considering that interior design is a branch of this industry, colour scheme can be applied to any room in a house, from the living room to the kitchen.
For instance, the kitchen is an underrated part of anyone’s home because its purpose is solely practical. Of course, it might be unfit to invest in fancy furniture or artwork in a place that gets messy quickly and appliances run all the time.
But that’s not always the case. A balanced and pleasantly looking kitchen is as important as a functional one. So, here are some tips on kitchen colour schemes.
Colours don’t always have to be bright and bold.
Most people fear establishing a colour scheme in the kitchen because they’ll have to use flashy tones to make the room special. Indeed, there are people who love maximalism. So, their kitchen is full of decorations and mixed hues. But that only suits a specific audience.
Having a colour scheme in your kitchen is about approaching tones that beautifully complement its features. For example, the windows can be highlighted with a bit of a darker shade. Then the cabinets can be enhanced with paler tones.
So, whether you wish for a green shaker kitchen or an all-white one, know that you can approach almost any tint without making the kitchen look visually busy. The key is to combine three colours that go well with each other, so the room is neither dull nor tireless.
What colour schemes are best?
Choosing a colour scheme that fits the kitchen doesn’t have to be influenced by trends. It can be composed of the tones you like and an additional shade that matches it.
For instance, let’s say you love violet but don’t know how to make it agreeable in the kitchen. What you can do is try pairing it with white and charcoal for an expensive but effortless look.
Of course, some colour schemes are timeless and will always impress regardless of the period. These include grey and gold. These colors go extremely well with both traditional and modern kitchens. For a better look, add diverse metals, like a copper tap, for your appliances.
Another bold and modern arrangement is orange, black and grey. These colors make the kitchen lively and an excellent place for kids. This scheme works best in a room with big windows, so the natural light beautifully enhances the tangerine shades.
For an earthy feeling, combining spring green, white and dark brown will bring nature closer to your home. The combination successfully imitates the outside. So, this makes the kitchen a safe space of relaxation. Again, this scheme requires a lot of natural lighting to avoid the dark brown to overcome the other shades.
Learn about undertones and the warmness of colours.
Now that we got through the basic colour schemes, it’s time to get in professional mode and learn about the aspects that make all the difference: undertones and cool versus warm shades.
Undertones vary depending on the construction of the shade. So, white can have pinkish and even green undertones that make it the perfect match for other pigments. You can check the undertone of a specific shade by putting the pure colour next to it. A colour wheel will help you in this case so you can identify the true shade of the preferred colour.
Another essential aspect linked with undertones and choosing the best shade includes cold and warm tones. Colour temperatures are separated into those that emanate warmness such as orange, yellow and red. On the other hand, cold shades like green, blue and purple, inspire calmness.
Depending on how you want to feel when entering the kitchen, choosing a particular colour scheme following temperatures will help you create the best space. So, if your kitchen should feel cosy and relaxing when entering, warm tones are best. But cold shades are better if you want to feel energised.
How does light influence undertones and colour temperatures?
Kitchen lighting sources are important, especially when layered because they enhance the room’s features and help you focus better when cooking. However, you might be surprised that different light options will completely change the feel of the colour.
For instance, yellow incandescent light bulbs will make your kitchen look warmer regardless of the colour scheme. This option works best with warmer colours, from red and orange, and even increases their brightness.
On the contrary, fluorescent lights define the room as more emotionless since it has blue tones. They work great with blue or green and their undertones. While this lighting source is usually used in offices and kitchens since it boosts concentration levels, warmer colours should not be ignored.
Final task: how to position lights?
After breaking up the two possible ways of colouring the kitchen, we’ll get into light positioning to fully take advantage of its features.
Chandeliers are necessary to distribute light across the room. Still, fixtures consisting of table and floor lamps will enhance the space you use the most. These provide accurate brightness even during the evening.
Don’t forget about string lights or rope lights that make the kitchen a little bit welcoming. They’re great for warmer colour schemes. These lights create a great setting when the kitchen is your usual gathering space with friends and family.
What do you think about colour schemes for kitchens?
Kitchen colour schemes are necessary to make the most out of your space. They enhance what’s best in the room and make design mistakes or dissimilarities disappear immediately.
Colour schemes are best for fixing such things but are also required to make your house a home.
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