Paint colors are important in the kitchen - and every room, for that matter - because they help set the mood. Do you want a vibrant space that suggests a flurry of family activity, or would you prefer a calming space where you can quietly sip coffee and read the paper in the morning? Perhaps something in between? Paint color goes a long way in setting the tone.
Here are five of our best tips for choosing a paint color that not only sets the right mood in the kitchen, but also one that reflects your personal taste and works within the overall design and feel of the home. These are considerations we use when selecting paint colors for our clients.
1. Choose colors that make you happy
This may sound oversimplified, but it’s true. Paint color is a very personal choice. Some people find the color yellow warm and inviting while others find it harsh and jarring. This is your home, and you have to be satisfied with the choice. Avoid choosing a color simply because it is trendy or because a designer suggests it. We always talk to our clients in depth about their personal likes and dislikes before suggesting a color palette.
2. Consider the rest of the home
Proper flow from room to room is a crucial component of beautiful design. Consider the color scheme in the rest of the home before choosing a paint color for the kitchen. If the dining room is teal, you don’t want to paint the kitchen red. When you’re considering paint colors, walk from the kitchen to adjacent rooms. Imagine how the color will flow from one room to the next.
3. Don’t be afraid of bold colors
In some rooms of the home, bold colors are a risky choice. The bedroom, for example, is supposed to be a calm and soothing space. If you like bold colors, however, the kitchen is a great place to introduce them. The kitchen tends to be a center of activity. Also, kitchens tend to have less visible wall space than other rooms because of the cabinets. So a bold color can be more like an accent or a pop, contrasting with more muted cabinets and countertops.
4. Always test your colors first
Paint colors will always look different on your walls than they do on a swatch or in the can. The finished look is affected by factors such as the size of the room and lighting. Always buy samples of any paint color you’re considering and test them first by painting a small spot on the wall. Better yet, test two or three similar shades to find out which you like best. Tempting as it may be, it’s risky to invest in paint without having tested it first. The last thing you want is to paint the entire room only to discover that the color doesn’t work.
5. Never underestimate the importance of good lighting
As we’ve mentioned, lighting has a tremendous impact on how a paint color looks in a room. Consider both the natural and artificial light in the kitchen when choosing a color. In general, all paint colors look their best with softer and more natural light. However, bulbs that are higher on the Kelvin scale can be used to warm up a paint color, while bulbs lower on the Kelvin scale can be used to cool it down. When you’re sampling paint colors, be sure to inspect the colors at different times of the day as the lighting changes.
For many Jessica Dauray Interiors clients, the kitchen is the center of the home. It is a place to gather with the kids to do homework at night, a place to socialize and entertain guests, and a place to share relaxing meals after a long day of work. Work with an interior designer that understands color and can create an environment that meets your lifestyle and makes you happy when you enter the room.
Jessica Dauray Interiors is a full-service, residential and commercial interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington, North Carolina. Founder, Jessica Dauray, and her design team specialize in custom interior design, as well as renovation and new home construction project consulting and management. JDI' unique interiors can best be described as livable and sophisticated. The designs incorporate classic, clean lines that function to fit your family's lifestyle and design aesthetic. JDI's projects include residences and corporate interiors throughout the New York Metropolitan area.