4 Colorful Kitchens that Pop
In the past, pops of color in the kitchen haven’t been the typical “go-to” finishing touch when it comes to interior design and decor. We did see a fun wave of it during the 1950s, with black and white kitchens sporting splashes of red here and there, but that quickly evolved into the smooth, excessively monochrome kitchens of the 1970s (think avocado green and mustard yellow literally everywhere).
Today’s kitchen color trends offer coordinating pops of color that bring the eyes to a certain focal point, such as an elegant stove or a commanding kitchen island. Many of these pops of color are found in decorative dishes, appliances, and details on the walls themselves.
The idea of this trend is to create continuity in the kitchen without colors overwhelming and assaulting the eyes (again, think of the avocado kitchen). For your stylistic edification and viewing pleasure, we’ve pulled up four photos of trending kitchens that pop, all of which are unique and tastefully done.
Earth Tones and Delicate Details
This kitchen puts a new spin on a traditional vibe, with an array of light tones that coordinate beautifully. The blue, green, and white are understated enough that they make room for the bold copper range hood that immediately draws your attention.
The light earthy tones in the kitchen also create an open, airy feel in the room, much to the contrast of kitchens of yesteryear. The white cabinetry offers soft contrast to the bold, sleek and industrial display of the stainless steel range as well.
Nothing in this kitchen is dark or overbearing, and each color, pattern, and dish is intentionally placed to increase visual interest. Gone are the days when kitchens were solely rooms of purpose and nothing more. Today, kitchens that pop are inviting, informal gathering places that invoke a sense of purpose without restricting the room’s beauty.
In this kitchen, every piece gracing the white shelves features one of the colors used in the actual structure. This is a kitchen remodeling trend that is also quite simple to accomplish. Even though several different colors are present, they are all pulled together perfectly with these items.
For example, notice the copper bowl and tea kettle, which coordinate nicely with the copper kitchen range hood. Next, turn your attention to the green-trimmed plate and bowl, matching the decorative wall tile that runs along the counter beautifully.
This counter reflects some of the same gray shadings that appear on the marvelous gray backsplash behind the range. The white window trim coordinates with the white shelves and the white drawers and cabinets, bringing all vertical levels of the kitchen together.
Notice the trending theme here in this kitchen: The colors reflect the blue of the sky up high, the green follows as the ground, and the steel is the darkest of the tones to reflect lower ground colors.
Light and Airy with a Splash of Bold
Few kitchens can tie together such contrasting colors and finishes as well as this kitchen does! Everywhere you look, you can see details that are normally considered to be “opposites.” But in truth, these actually work very well together.
For example, let’s start with the white ceiling and the dark floor. Both are wood, yet they present contrasting finishes that are almost reflective of the sky and the earth below our feet, respectively. The white island top and drawers, as well as the white countertops, are pieces connecting the ceiling and floor by “bringing down” the white of the ceiling closer to ground level.
The light blue of the cabinetry walls in this kitchen adds soft visual interest and suggests a peaceful, calming aura for the room. One of the most interesting additions to this kitchen is the strong contrast of the stainless steel finishes. It’s used not only in the dishwasher, range, microwave, and refrigerator, but also in the wall decoration hanging on the right.
This strong metallic finish is also used for the industrial pendant lights that we see hanging directly above the island. The range hood is also a deep color that contrasts with the light and airy blue and white scheme of the rest of the kitchen.
Speaking of contrast, although the room showcases neutral tones, for the most part, it’s accented with bold, bright, contemporary colors. Specifically, the vibrant green plant on the windowsill, the red and orange tulips in the vase on the counter, and even the vase of flowers on the island provide that much-needed pop of color that breaks up any monotony that might otherwise plague the kitchen.
Making the Most of Industrial Colors and Finishes
Although this kitchen uses some of the same colors and finishes as the previous two kitchens, the blue featured here is a much deeper, stronger hue. Furthermore, patterns here are limited.
The kitchen island in the center of the room commands the most attention right away. But if you look closely at the rack on the right, you’ll notice plates on display that are also a shade of blue, tying these elements all together.
The stain of the cabinets, drawers, and even the island stools is a rich, earthy brown that is almost the same shade as the gorgeous copper hood above the range. Notice the warm accent lighting under the cabinets, which also complements and enhances the copper tone of the room.
Speaking of lighting, the window above the sink does let in a good amount of natural light, but it’s not too much. Too much lighting (whether natural or artificial) can easily make a kitchen too bright and almost “sterile” in nature. The small pendant lights above the sink add a classy yet understated touch to the room, as does the recessed lighting on the ceiling.
The white wall and ceiling of this kitchen are anything but plain and boring, despite their color. Each has its own pattern and designs, which add visual interest and provide more depth to the room.
The range, refrigerator, and dishwasher all have elements of both black and stainless steel in them, tying these appliances to each other in a way that both complements and contrasts with the more natural wood used on the floor and the cupboards.
The knives on the countertop and even the dark bottles of wine underneath the plates take this even further. The color black is present on the lower, middle, and upper levels of this kitchen, making the vertical flow of the room extraordinary.
Traditional Meets Contemporary
This kitchen showcases a perfect blend of traditional patterns with contemporary features, and it does so beautifully. At first glance, it may seem like there is no rhyme or reason to the finishes and colors that were used. But when you look further, you can tell that it’s all been expertly planned.
Each color matches an element found in the kitchen that features that same color or finish. The black range mirrors the black dishwasher, for example. The blue cabinets continue from the range wall to the island across from it. The white ceiling is paired with the white top of the island, as well as the counters and sink.
In addition, the range hood in a stainless steel finish reflects the same steel as the rim around the pendant light hovering above the island, as well as the light above the sink and even the faucet. The cabinet handles and drawer pulls are also stainless steel.
The traditional, kaleidoscopic design that covers the walls of this kitchen complements the blue of the cabinetry, offering visual consistency throughout the room without being boring. This traditional pattern contrasts the more contemporary, clean lines of the range hood and the island light, but it does so delicately to bring the entire room together.
Notice the recessed lighting above the blue cabinets. Recessed lighting is an excellent way to provide extra light without overcrowding a space. It’s frequently used in kitchens because of how quickly countertops and all other available space can fill with utensils, decorations, or even just dirty dishes.
If you look closely, you’ll notice a pot-filler faucet above the stove. This special faucet features a brass finish, and at first glance, it may look out of place. You may think it is the one element that does not have a mirrored mate in the room.
This, however, has been carefully planned, just like everything else. Just as you must look carefully to notice the faucet, you must also look carefully to notice that the arm of the pendant light above the island in this kitchen is also brass!
Mix and Match for Complementary Contrasts
The kitchen color trends of today are anything but ordinary when they’re properly planned and thoughtfully added. When neutral colors are used, almost anything goes.
Creating a light, airy, inviting kitchen that still has depth and visual interest can be achieved by adding special features like custom range hoods, pot-filler faucets, and all kinds of little details. Don’t be afraid to make your kitchen pop with color!