Color Scheming Kitchen Remodels
Color Scheming Kitchen Remodels: It isn’t just about painting walls!
When asked about the color scheme used in their kitchens, most homeowners (and novice DIY renovators) will think about the colors used on their kitchen walls. The truth of the matter is that kitchen color schemes are broader than the walls.
Learn what makes up the overall kitchen color scheme, and find out what you need to do about planning a color scheme when remodeling your kitchen.
Color Scheme Basics
When remodeling any kitchen, there are a few basic elements for color consideration. Then, once the basics have been nailed down, designers tend to look at other aspects and features that require color-attention.
Here are a few to consider:
1) Start at the top with countertops
One of the largest pieces of color in most modern kitchens is the counter top. Since that’s the defining feature that strikes you as soon as you enter the room, start your color considerations from there.
Colors for countertops will depend on the materials you use for the tops, including Caesar stone, granite tops or engineered quarts. Once you decide what color and shades you want your counter tops to contain, you can start piecing together your overall color scheme.
2) Bridging the islands
If your kitchen has an island, it will likely become the next center piece for the color scheme. You therefore need to bridge your color scheme to include it into the mix. Colors for islands are usually closely coordinated with the counter top coloring scheme. However, in some cases, contrarian schemes could be implemented to focus attention on the island and away from other design constraints (such as inconveniently placed pillars and beams).
3) Draws and doors
In a typical kitchen, cabinetry will likely feature 50% to 60% of the color scheme. While some designers start with cabinets, drawers and doors, others like to decide on colors for the cabinets based on what the homeowner wants for the counters and islands. This later approach gives the designer more leeway to introduce harmonizing, contrasting or complementary color schemes into the overall remodelling design.
Once you have decided on these three aspects of the color scheme, turn your attention next on appliances, backsplash, walls and lighting. You can then finish your color scheme by deciding on floor colors. Be mindful however that, each color decision (countertops, islands, appliances, hardware etc.) must fall into your overall color theme. If, at anytime, you see that certain features of the remodelled kitchen are deviating from the overall theme, it’s time to step back and rethink your color scheme.
Bringing It All Together
While colors for individual kitchen features, such as counters, islands, bar stools, microwaves and appliances, need to be picked based on specific criteria, there is an overarching color scheme requirement that much be borne in mind. When remodelling a kitchen, experts often step back and take a 5000-foot view of your kitchen to pull all the color elements together.
For instance, many homeowners like their colors to compliment each other, while some like color contrasts to define their kitchens. A professional eye will discuss your needs and, based on your personality, recommend a color scheme that will pull all the unique elements of the remodeled kitchen together.
