Kitchen Designs – How to Choose the Right Colors for Your Kitchen Designs

A kitchen designer will start the process by discussing your general needs. Exact measurements will be taken later.

Look for a kitchen design that takes traffic into consideration. Keep primary prep areas free of through traffic as much as possible.

Even in an open-plan room, zoning can help improve workflow. Use half partitions or slatted screens to separate cooking, eating and living spaces.

Color Theory

Color is a key element in any kitchen design. It creates the atmosphere and unifies all of the other elements. It can also be used to highlight a particular texture, pattern or line.

Grays, beiges and whites are some of the most popular colors for new kitchen ideas. However, they are not the only options. For example, plaster pinks can work as a neutral but still provide a hint of color and can be paired with deep hues like plum or purple.

Complementary colors (opposites on the color wheel) offer a vibrant and eye-catching contrast. These can be used for small accents or for the majority of a room.

Dynamic lines (diagonals, zigzags) infuse a scheme with energy and can be achieved by installing shelving following the angled line of a staircase wall or using a chevron patterned backsplash.

Storage

The kitchen is a place that can quickly accumulate clutter, from utensils tossed haphazardly in drawers to cumbersome pots and pans taking up precious cupboard space. Smart kitchen storage ideas keep the cook zone looking streamlined and organized.

Integrated add-ons like trash pullouts, divider kits for pantry cabinets, and corner revolving shelves make it easier to find things without scrounging around. Scandi modular shelving ideas (like the system pictured here from ajhome) also work well in kitchen designs, providing easy access to jars and canisters and a neat display of cookbooks.

Freestanding furniture is another great way to add kitchen storage and surface area, particularly in smaller homes or open-plan layouts. A butcher’s block, a sideboard, or a vintage trolley not only looks good but is also practical for storing stacks of plates and glassware. Even larger kitchens can benefit from a bit of extra storage. Consider installing a handy command station, as seen here from Roundhouse Design, complete with bookshelves and a dedicated mail station to avoid that midweek paper pileup.

Eat-In Kitchens

The best kitchen designs keep food prep and dining as close together as possible to create an efficient workspace. This is especially true when working with an eat-in nook or kitchen table. This arrangement allows homeowners to quickly shift between cooking and dining. It also encourages guests to join in on meals, making it a great choice for small spaces or homes with an open floor plan.

The right kitchen tables and chairs can really make the difference in a room’s visual appeal. Consider a monochromatic scheme in which all ivory countertops, island and chairs match each other to instantly add depth and make the space feel larger. For example, this kitchen designed by Nanette Brown extended the backsplash to the ceiling for a jewel-box effect and opted for skinny dining chairs with custom back cushions for cohesion and comfort.

If you’re working with an open layout, this kitchen from Charlie Interior Design shows how to incorporate a dining spot seamlessly into the living area. By pairing a simple wooden bench with a simple marble table and glass bulb statement lighting, this space feels sleek and modern.

Neutrals

Like white and gray, warm neutrals set the stage for your kitchen design. They’re a good choice if you want your space to look more homey and less stark than a pure white scheme. Warm neutrals include any color with golden, amber or tan undertones. They work well with natural wood tones and warmer metals, such as brass or oxidised gold.

From knocked-back olive to smoky sage, muted greens are becoming the new neutrals in kitchen designs. This textured palette by Rachel Halvorson uses Farrow and Ball’s Treron shade on cabinets and Rocky Mountain Hardware handles for an earthy look.

Nothing clashes with a neutral backdrop, making it easy to swap out décor for holidays or changing seasons. And while neutral trends go in and out of fashion, they’re also timeless. Just be sure to choose colors that reflect your personal style or the overarching aesthetic of your home. Mixing finishes is another creative way to add visual interest to a neutral kitchen. Glossy backsplash tiles look great with matte cabinetry, while cast iron lighting fixtures and hardware complement concrete countertops.