What to Consider When Choosing Colors for a Kitchen

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.

Kitchen and Bath Tile That Won't Go Out Of Style Quickly

Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expensive rooms of the home to remodel.  You want the spaces to look fresh and modern, but you don’t want to choose materials that are too trendy and will go out of style. Some design trends, like granite counters and eco-friendly appliances, have staying power, while others are hot for a few years and then fall out of fashion. Kitchen and bath tile are one of the telltale signs of age in a kitchen or bathroom. Picture the bright pink and blue tiles of the 1960s or the ornatly patterned tiles of the 1980s. The make a home feel dated. To avoid regretting your decision in a couple years, follow these tips for choosing tile that won’t go out of style. 

Play it safe with neutrals

While you don’t want the kitchen or bathroom to look drab, colorful and bold tiles - while trendy - are a risk. If you tire of the color in a few years or the shade goes out of style, you’ll have to either live with the tile or rip it out and start again. If you’re craving a pop of color, consider incorporating a row of accent tiles in the bathroom or using a colorful backsplash in the kitchen. Or, you can introduce color with paint or accessories instead. Generally, it is best to avoid tiling your entire kitchen or bathroom in a bold color.

Consider white subway tiles

Subway tiles have been popular in bathroom and kitchen design for nearly a century. They are neutral and classic, but they also have character. Subway tiles are also easy to clean, which is imperative for kitchens and bathrooms.

If you choose a pattern, keep it classic

Patterned tile is far more likely to look dated in a few years than plain tile. However, that is not to say that you can’t choose a pattern if that’s what you like. They key is to find a pattern that is subtle, classic and understated. Think a subtle geometric pattern in a neutral shade such as light gray.

Avoid anything too new

Any style that is brand new can be a risk. There’s a balance here, naturally, because you want to design a space that looks fresh and modern. But it’s unwise to jump on the latest trend without knowing if it has staying power. Be wary of any tile trend that is brand new to the market or different from anything you’ve seen before. Sometimes these tiles are in vogue for just a season or two, then fall out of fashion. When in doubt, consult an interior designer to ask for an opinion on the whether the tile will look dated in a few years.

Consider natural stone

Natural stone has proved its staying power. No other material has survived the test of time so well. If you’re looking for a safe choice that is also beautiful, natural stone, granite or marble is an excellent choice. You won’t regret the choice five or 10 years down the road.

Choose dark tiles

Dark tiles in shades of black, gray or brown are in fashion, and this is a trend that doesn’t appear to be going anywhere. Darker tiles look fresh and unexpected, but they’re still classic in style because they are neutrals. Tread lightly with dark tiles, however. You don’t want to cover the entire bathroom in dark tiles - perhaps just one area such as the shower. And if your bathroom is very small, it is probably wise to avoid them altogether.

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.