The colors you choose for any kitchen and bathroom set the tone for the aesthetics and overall feel of these essential spaces. Whether you’re embarking on a full-scale renovation or making a few minor updates, the right combination of hues can make or break your overall design.
While trends come and go and everyone’s style is unique, we aim to help everyone make informed decisions that align with their preferences. This article covers the key factors to consider when choosing the color scheme for your kitchen and bathroom areas.
Consider How Spaces Are Used
The first step in choosing colors for your kitchen and bathroom involves considering the primary purpose of these spaces. For example, is your kitchen simply a place to prepare meals, or is it a popular entertaining area when guests visit?
Light-colored cabinets and countertops can make a small kitchen feel open and spacious, while bolder shades can add a vibrant energy to the area. If you have a large space where everyone tends to congregate, keeping things bright is beneficial in most cases.
When choosing bathroom colors, it’s best to differentiate between “private” bathrooms (i.e., en suites in a primary bedroom) and “guest” bathrooms like those on the main level or basement. For your personal space, calming and relaxing colors are typically preferred. For example, light tile floors create a lightness to the area. In bathrooms or powder rooms that guests frequently use, let your creativity run wild by treating it as an extension of your home’s overall design.
Factor in Natural Light
Natural light can significantly influence the way colors appear throughout the day. If your kitchen or bath has large windows and receives ample natural light, you have more flexibility with darker or bolder colors. However, lighter shades can prevent the room from feeling cramped in spaces with limited natural light.
If you prefer darker, richer colors but are concerned about these tones making a room feel smaller, consider incorporating them in fixtures or décor accessories where their impact won’t be as significant.
Bold Kitchen Colors Make a Trendy Statement
Bold colors have emerged as a recent trend in contemporary kitchen design. Many homeowners and designers are choosing vibrant, statement-making hues for cabinets, appliances, and fixtures that break away from the traditional neutral palette. This shift towards bolder choices reflects a desire for kitchens to be functional and visually captivating.
Incorporating bold colors into kitchen design can instantly transform a space into a dynamic and lively environment. Deep, moody tones like dark teal or burgundy can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere, while brighter shades such as sunny yellows or energetic reds can infuse the kitchen with new energy. These color choices are a testament to the evolving role of the kitchen as a place for self-expression and creativity.
The versatility of color options in kitchen design is another driving factor behind the trend. By using colored cabinetry, vibrant backsplashes, or bold appliances, homeowners can personalize their kitchens to reflect their unique style and personality. Kitchens are often a de facto gathering area in the home where combining functionality with aesthetics can create a truly memorable space.
Coordinate with Other Elements in the Space
The fixtures in your kitchen and bathroom (cabinets, faucets, handles, lighting, etc.) should work together. If you’re executing a complete remodel and plan to replace everything in the space, you can start from scratch and be as creative as possible. If you’re keeping some of your existing fixtures and finishes, colors like beige or gray work well with nearly everything.
For those who prefer metallic elements like bronze, brushed nickel, or brass, bold cabinet, and wall colors work well as a complement and help create a dynamic, exciting space.
Maintenance and Durability
Both kitchens and bathrooms are high-traffic areas prone to moisture and spills, meaning you should consider durability and maintenance requirements when choosing a color palette.
It’s tempting to think that heavier colors are the solution to hiding minor imperfections, but the opposite is true. Navy blues, maroons, and dark greens, for example, are notorious for showing scratches and scrapes. These colors may also make cooking oil splatter more visible and require regular cleaning.
Bathrooms, especially those with a shower, must contend with regular exposure to moisture. The general opinion among experts is that lighter colors are better at reducing or preventing mold and mildew. But in addition to color, choosing the right type of paint is also important. Many of today’s options have mold and mildew-fighting properties, which help them stand up to moisture and humidity.
Your Kitchen and Bath Project Begins at Hantel
With so many decisions to make, remodeling a kitchen or bathroom can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, the experts at Hantel Kitchens & Baths have decades of experience helping Nashville-area homeowners design inspired spaces.
If you’re considering a kitchen or bath upgrade and need a partner to help you during the process, get in touch with our team today for a free initial consultation.