Creating a Cohesive Color Scheme in Kitchen Design

an image of a green clored kitchen

As I was gearing up for a kitchen remodel, I convinced myself that choosing colours would be the most straightforward task.

I couldn’t be more mistaken! What was meant to be a quick job has ushered me into colour theory, designer psychology, and the strange world of building a look.

Today, I’m passing on this knowledge and experience I acquired on the journey. Suppose you are doing an extensive renovation or just want to give your space a fresh look.

In that case, I do hope that my endeavour will assist you in designing a functional yet visually appealing kitchen that will be a true reflection of you.

Understanding Color Basics

The Colour Wheel: The Mantra I Started By

Before plunging into the intricacies of kitchen design, I cannot overemphasise how little I recall about the use of the colour wheel in art lessons.

However, upon embarking on this project, I sharpened my focus. The colour wheel became a reference for pictures of colours and how they relate to each other, the intecray of colours.

For instance, I found out that wheels that lie towards each other on the wheel (for example, blue and green) are progressive and have a soothing effect.

Colours that lie directly across each other on the wheel (blue and orange) are used in contrast and produce a high-intensity image. This is what I believe is the building block of everything that came after.

The 60-30-10 Rule

Two-thirds of the wall factor idea is the sixty-thirty-ten rule divided into years. One of the most valuable tips I stumbled upon was the 60-30-10 rule.

It suggests using 60% of a dominant colour, 30% of a secondary colour, and 10% of an accent colour.

This rule provided me with a golden goal to aim at. In my kitchen, I settled for soft cream for 60% (walls and cabinets), warm grey for 30% (countertops and backsplash), and vibrant teal for 10% (accessories and feature wall).

Choosing Your Color Palette

Start With What You Can’t Change

When I began, I made the mistake of picking colours I loved without considering the elements I couldn’t change – like my hardwood floors and some built-in appliances. Learn from my error: start with the fixed elements in your kitchen and build your colour scheme around them.

Consider the Mood You Want to Create

I realised that colors do more than just look pretty – they set the mood of a space. I wanted my kitchen to feel warm and inviting but also bright and energising. This led me to a palette of warm neutrals with pops of color.

For a calm, spa-like feel, consider cool blues and greens. For a vibrant, social space, warmer tones like yellows and oranges might be the way to go.

Test, Test, and Test Again

Here’s something I wish I’d known from the start: colours look different on small swatches than they do on large surfaces, and they change depending on the light. I ended up with three different shades of “white” on my walls before finding the right one.

My advice? Get sample pots and paint large squares on your walls. Look at them at different times of day and in different weather conditions. It’s a bit of extra work, but it saves a lot of headaches (and money) in the long run.

Applying Your Color Scheme

Cabinets

When we picture an average kitchen, we can say that a lot of its visual space is normally occupied by kitchen cabinets.

Thus, they influence your colour scheme very much. Taking into consideration that I wanted a bright, clean, symmetrical style in the kitchen, which imposes the usage of white colour only for everything that is visible, I first talked to a kitchen cabinet supplier in China.

Then I thought, why not use a soft cream colour which brings warmth to the kitchen without making the place too dark? 

If, however, you use existing cabinets, do not say to yourself how a layer of white paint or new hardware will not make any difference in their look.

Walls and Backsplash: Achieving Wholeness

I also used my walls and backsplash to create continuity in the whole space. The walls were done in the same soft cream as the cupboards, which made the space a lot more seamless and even made the room look bigger.

Regarding the backsplash, I went for a tile that was in warm grey, which was one of my secondary colours.

However, the individual triangle pieces had slight differences in hue, which gave it texture without being overbearing in the design. 

Countertops: Balancing Skills

Countertops were challenging. I wanted something that would coordinate with the drawers and the board on the walls but would also not steal the attention from them.

I finished with a quartz warm gray hue that sealed everything together perfectly in the end. 

If you have existing countertops, treat them as a design feature and select other shades that will go well with those colours. 

Floors: The Base of Your Design

Although I happen to own very nice hardwood floors, I understand that not everyone can be so fortunate.

Hence, when new flooring is being selected, picture the leftover colours as well and how they will work with the new items. An off-white floor should work with almost every colour. 

Appliances: Merging the Useful with the Aesthetic 

When it comes to colour schemes, such articles as household appliances are somewhat problematic.

It is easy to see why stainless steel has become so popular – it is rather neutral and simply goes well with almost everything.

But there is still the option of being colourful! A vividly coloured refrigerator or a bright orange can easily turn into a fine recommendation.

Bringing It All Together

Accessories: The Final Touch

This is where my accent colour really came into play. Teal dish towels, a colourful fruit bowl, and vibrant artwork added life to the space without overwhelming it. The best part? These are easy and inexpensive to change if I want to update the look in the future.

Lighting: Setting the Mood

Don’t forget about lighting! It can dramatically affect how your colours look. I installed under-cabinet lighting to brighten work areas and a dimmer on my main lights so I could adjust the ambience.

Living with Your New Color Scheme

It’s been a few months since I finished my kitchen, and I’m happy to report that I still love the colours. The warm neutrals are soothing and timeless, while the pops of teal keep things interesting.

But here’s the real test: how does it feel to live and work in space? I’ve found that the colours energise me in the morning as I’m making coffee, create a welcoming atmosphere for family dinners, and provide a calm backdrop for late-night chats with friends.

Creating a cohesive colour scheme was more challenging than I expected, but the results were worth every swatch I taped to the wall and every sample pot I bought. My advice? Take your time, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to experiment. After all, it’s your kitchen – it should be a reflection of you.

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