Timeless Colors for Your Kitchen

Have you ever been tempted to paint a room with the latest combination of trendy colors? Sometimes the results are fantastic; but there are times when you end up with colors that look great at first, but eventually wear on the senses. After a while, the look feels outdated, and you find yourself wishing you could redesign the room.

Design trends do change, but experts consider some kitchen colors “timeless.” It’s a good idea to consider these combinations when you plan the look of your new kitchen. Quoted on HGTV.com, Leatrice Eiseman, author of Color Messages and Meanings, says, “A classic color is timeless, associated with elements of nature that we think of as ever-present: rock, stone, pebbles, marble and granite.” Designers generally agree that earthy and neutral colors look best in the kitchen, while, blues, greens, purples, and similar colors tend to look worst, according to About.com.

When you are thinking about designing your kitchen, consider the colors of several elements together: cabinetry, walls, countertops, appliances, and floors.

According to BrightHub.com, natural woods, such as oak or cherry, are popular choices for kitchen cabinets. If you plan to stain your cabinets, choose a stain that complements the natural wood for a timeless look, or a clear-color stain that will simply protect the natural color.

Now what about the walls? Consider these colors:

Yellows: Muted yet distinctive, light yellow complements many wood colors used for cabinets. In fact yellow in general, a color found in nature, is a classic color that complements nearly any size kitchen.

Browns: Browns are earthy and work well with a number of complimentary colors. Brown evokes the very place where the food in your kitchen comes from – the earth.

Neutral Colors: Neutral colors include beige, tan, and even mauve. These colors tend to give the room a harmonious feel. Neutral wall paint colors will complement the neutral wood colors of your cabinetry.

At the same time you’re considering your wall color, you’ll also focus on countertops. Although custom countertop colors such as yellow or turquoise might be popular today – the trend could pass. When choosing countertop colors, consider the classic color trio of white, green or black for lasting color when it comes to laminate, solid surface, tile or marble. Granite, ceramic tile, and quartz usually come in naturally enduring colors.

Finally, think about your appliances. Stainless steel appliances are hugely popular now, and they offer many attractive benefits. But your color options range as widely as burnt orange, eggplant, and red. The old standard white is a popular choice if you’re seeking a timeless look. White blends well with the wood colors of cabinetry. Black is also a timeless, monochrome option.

Yet another great way to handle appliance coloring is to match it to the cabinetry so that rather than sticking out, appliances recede into the color scheme of the kitchen.

When it comes to the kitchen floor, most people install either ceramic tiles or wood. Although white-tiled floors were once standard (and notoriously difficult to clean), earthy, natural colors are now popular choices. They blend in or accent other colors, and offer an enduring look. Some designers advise against creating a color pattern with floor tiles, as the pattern might eventually look outdated.

In the end, the most important thing is that the colors you choose for your kitchen complement each other and create the look you seek. At AthertonAtherton Appliance & Kitchens and BSC Culinary, the design experts in our showrooms will be happy to talk you through color combinations, so you can come up with the perfect choice. Our goal is to help you create a look for your kitchen that will make you happy not just today – but for many years to come.