Kitchen trends have been on the bland side for a long time. White, gray, and greige have dominated the kitchen scene for several decades, and many people are done with this slightly sterile and muted feel. If you are ready for color in your kitchen, consider implementing a bohemian or midcentury modern look. The styles are very different, but both support the liberal use of bright, cheerful colors. Here are some of the easiest ways you can implement color into your kitchen, without doing a full-on remodel.
Curtains
Adding cheerful window treatments can be one of the easiest ways to bring color to a room. For a bohemian style, eccentric curtains in a variety of styles can add flair to a room. For a vintage room, look for 50s or 60s style curtains. Red, turquoise, and yellow are all popular shades for a vintage kitchen.
Another popular way to accent windows is by adding plants. Whether it’s a window shelf covered with plants, hanging plants in front of the window, or a vine trained around the edges like a curtain, greenery can be used as an effective and colorful window treatment.
Cabinet
Colorful cabinets are becoming trendier. Blue and green are replacing gray and white for cabinets. These colors are being used as “new neutrals” in many color palettes and designs. If the idea of colorful cabinets is too much of a stretch for you, consider going halfway. Some people are opting to use color on lower cabinets and keep the uppers white for a light, open look. Others are painting a feature cabinet, like a hutch or pantry, in a colorful shade while keeping the other cupboards more neutral.
Range Hood
An eye-catching, unusual range hood is a great way to add color and style to your kitchen. While most range hoods are designed to match the cabinets or are a neutral color, a contrasting hood can bring attention to the center of your kitchen- the cooking area. Colorful features like red, copper, or blue range hoods can be the focal point of your kitchen and set the stage for the rest of the scene.
Countertops
Countertops come in all colors. Whether you prefer laminate, an excellent choice in a vintage kitchen, or solid surface, you will have plenty of options. Both surfaces can be made in almost any color, unlike natural stone. Pale wood cabinets with bright red or yellow countertops can be the foundation of a midcentury room.
Decorations
Decorations are the easiest way to add splashes of color to your kitchen, but they may also be the easiest way to clutter and confuse your style. Buy decorations sparingly and carefully, and only buy what you know will support your overall look. Greenery is a great addition to all kitchens and adds decoration and color without looking overdone or kitschy.
Colorful Appliances
You can now buy appliances in many colors and styles. While appliances are a big purchase and you want to be sure you know what you want, those confident in their decision can use them as statement pieces like none other. If you are working towards a vintage style, consider replica vintage appliances to pull the look together.
Open Shelves
Open shelving has become popular in kitchens. While the shelves themselves might not be colorful, the items you place on them can be. One great way to add color and practicality to a kitchen is to buy cheerful dishes that you love and will use, and implement them as display pieces and everyday items by storing them on open shelves. The downside of open shelves is their tendency to attract clutter and unattractive but necessary items. Open shelves are attractive and practical if you are organized and disciplined enough to make them work.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is “in” again. While you may not want wallpaper all over your kitchen, it makes a great accent wall. This works especially well if you have an eating area or other wall without cabinets on it. Wallpaper in a vintage pattern and color is perfect for a midcentury kitchen, while wallpaper with vining plants or bright patterns might be better for a boho room.
Painted Walls
One of the easiest and most effective ways to bring color into a room is by painting one or more walls. Many people are fearful of adding too much color to their walls, preferring to stick with white or gray. But in fact, painting is one of the most reversible of all decorating projects. If you don’t like it, simply paint back over it with your original color. Using color on your walls is a great way to add more color in a way that looks planned and intentional.
Cookware
Pots and pans can now be found in many colors. A bright-colored enamel pot set might be a beautiful addition to your kitchen that’s both practical and emphasizes your style. This is especially the case if you have open shelving or a pot rack to display them. But even if you are sticking your pots inside a cupboard, they will bring you joy when you use them, add cheer while you’re cooking, and look great while simmering on your stove.