Decorating your home can be difficult because there are so many options and few rules to follow. It’s not just about making the home comfortable and livable; you also want it to be an extension of your personality, and that takes some planning. Adding color to your home doesn’t have to be difficult, though.
Kitchens are the heart of most homes, and, as such, they deserve to be beautiful. It’s often easy to overlook the kitchen in terms of interior design, but adding some color can do wonders for transforming it into an enjoyable space to cook and dine in. There are many ways to add color without committing to overhauling the entire space, like through your cabinets, countertops, flooring, and even appliances. Whether you’re looking to update it or just add pops of color, these six tips will help you do just that.
Come Up With a Color Palette
If you have just one wall in your kitchen that you’d like to brighten up, coming up with a complementary color palette is an easy way to do so. Think about what colors go best with white to choose your hues. Yellow and red are warm; blue and green are cool.
Once you’ve got a few colors in mind, try them out on paint chips or sample boards at home improvement stores. Think about how you want to use your room—you may want something bolder for an office-slash-kitchen or something subtler for formal dining. No matter what, make sure all colors work well together, so they complement each other perfectly.
Choose Paint Over Wallpaper
Wallpaper is a beautiful addition to any room, but it’s also quite an investment. With that in mind, we recommend choosing paint over wallpaper if you want a fun pop of color but don’t want to spend big bucks. On average, paints are about one-third less expensive than wallpapers and tend to be easier for DIYers. As a bonus, unlike paper, paint does not have static cling. Just make sure to test out a sample first before applying your new hue. Remember that less is more when it comes to design—three pops of color will typically provide enough contrast without being overwhelming.
Use Statement Pieces
Whether a bold-colored floor lamp or an abstract painting, statement pieces bring an otherwise dull space to life. By using colorful, high-contrast furniture and accessories, you can create contrast in your kitchen. If you have walls painted in neutral tones, color them with one of your favorite colors from your fresh new accessories. This is effective if more than two colors are used throughout your kitchen. It can tie everything together and create an overall pleasing aesthetic when done right.
Go for Bold Accents
Choose one wall and paint it in a bold color. This can be your accent wall, or you can play it safe and go for one on just one cabinet door or appliance. Think outside of the box here, and choose an unusual color that could tie into other elements in your kitchen, such as rugs, dishware, or accents around your windows.
For example, if red is your favorite color, but you aren’t ready to cover up all of your cabinets with it, consider using red accessories like towels or wine glasses instead. If you don’t want to get too colorful, look at pastels instead of primary colors. Pastels are more subtle than bold hues but add depth and interest to any room. Plus, it tends to look great with white.
Change the Flooring
All kitchens can benefit from having some color, but if you’re looking for a way to instantly inject your kitchen with personality, then changing your flooring is an excellent place to start. The kitchen floor is often one of the first things that family and friends will notice when they enter your home—and that attention can help add personality and style to any room. If you have an old or boring-looking wood or tiled kitchen floor, it might be time for an upgrade.
Installing kitchen vinyl floors is an excellent way to add both color and durability to your kitchen. It comes in hundreds of patterns, designs, and colors, meaning you can match it perfectly with any existing decor, is easy to clean and maintain, won’t warp or crack over time like wood floors can, and is guaranteed for life against defects. Vinyl floors are ideal for kitchens because they are moisture-resistant and stain-proof—perfect when you’re working in such a busy environment.
Spice Up Boring Appliances
A drab kitchen is bad enough. But something is depressing about staring at dull and old appliances. Instead of waiting for them to break or wearing a blindfold whenever you use them, opt for an appliance-color makeover. You can easily paint your dishwasher, stove, and refrigerator any color you like—or splurge on new ones that match your new kitchen scheme. No matter how you tackle it, giving boring appliances a little makeover is one way to add some sizzle to your space.
Adding color to your kitchen is fun and affordable. However, sometimes it can be hard to get started. Use these six tips, and soon you’ll be ready for a cookout, the holidays, and any guest who walks through your door.
