Planning a kitchen remodel? Think about your color choices ahead of time!

From finding the right cabinets and countertops in Arizona to finalizing the layout, every kitchen remodel involves some degree of decision-making on the part of the homeowner. One of the toughest choices? Picking the right color for your kitchen. After all, color makes the kitchen look nice! But, it’s so much more than that. Color impacts our mood and the emotional resonance of your kitchen. It can bring energy, calm, life, or even a robust appetite to your kitchen.

In this article, we’ll review why your kitchen color choices matter, where to add color in the space, and what you need to do and think about before getting started on your kitchen remodel. As you’ll see, the right color can be the difference between a good kitchen and a great one.

Why does color matter?

Color is essential. Here are just a few reasons why you should think twice about what colors you want to use in your kitchen.

Creating a space you’ll love

It’s one of the first things children ask each other when they meet: what is your favorite color? Even as adults, we all have colors that we find soothing or comfortable. If you have a favorite color, you’ll probably want to incorporate it into your kitchen in some form or fashion.

The psychology of color

Different colors make us feel different things. Blues are introspective and relaxing. Yellows are bright and invigorating. Red can make us inspired and hungry—perfect for the kitchen of an active home cook! Before you settle on a color for your kitchen, think about what impact it will have on the mood of the room. If you appreciate your kitchen as a place of calm serenity, aim to incorporate cooler colors. Color psychology could impact how your family and guests feel in your home. It’s that important!

Aim for wider appeal

When it comes to real estate, no one loves a unicorn. If your dream kitchen uses hot pink everywhere, you may want to find a compromise that appeals to more people than just yourself. Niche color options may make your kitchen a major turnoff for prospective buyers. Even if you’re not planning on selling your home today, you may want to keep your options open—and your kitchen somewhat in the design mainstream!

Where should you add color?

Every kitchen can use a splash of color. However, generally speaking, you don’t want to overdo it. Adding color to your kitchen does not mean everything needs to be that uniform color. You’ll want to mix in neutral colors so that your color choices stand out instead of just overwhelming the senses. Here are a few things that use color effectively:

• Cabinets: Cabinet paint is one of the most effective ways to add color to the kitchen. If you’re having new cabinets installed as part of your kitchen remodeling project, talk to your designer or contractor about paint and color options. Alternately, if you’re having your cabinets refurbished, they should be able to be painted in a variety of colors.
• Backsplash: If you’re looking for a more subtle application of color, consider pairing a vibrant backsplash with your neutral countertops and cabinets. For example, if your kitchen features white cabinets and a white quartz countertop, adding a turquoise or orange backsplash can bring new life to the space.
• Appliances: You can add color with the right appliances. While stainless steel or black appliances are the most popular and widely available options, you may be able to find new appliances in other colors. For example, a striking cherry red refrigerator can add retro flair to your kitchen.

Getting started

Ready to start your kitchen remodel, but need a bit more guidance or help translating your ideas into a real world design? We recommend you talk with a remodeling or design professional in your area. For these people, building great kitchens isn’t just their job: it’s their passion. They’ll help you choose the right materials and colors for your kitchen, and then connect you to the resources—suppliers, licensed contractors, and more—you need to get the job done. If you want your kitchen to come together as a cohesive whole, a design professional can help.

To see the colors outlined above in action and for even more great color-matching tips, check out this new infographic. It takes a deep dive into the psychology behind color and what makes certain colors ideal for your new kitchen.