5 Kitchens Show Off Their Colorful Side

Vivid proof there’s more to kitchen design than all-white

There’s a reason why so many renovators prefer neutrals. Soft shades of cream and linen, or cloud-gray and pewter, never go out of style. But they can also feel a little flat. Injecting a bright color into your space adds a splash of personality. Sweeten—a free service matching renovators with vetted general contractors—outlines some of our favorite ways that homeowners have brought color into their kitchen.

In Janna and Jeremy’s kitchen, the only storage options were a shelving unit and one, lonely cabinet that had to do the work of a full set. “We joked that it looked like a corner deli,” Janna reminisces. A patterned teal backsplash provides just enough interest—in addition to walnut cabinets—to take the kitchen from deli-style to dazzling.

Modern design, combined with a stark palette, runs the risk of making your space feel a little cold. The owners of this Clinton Hill kitchen incorporated a coral accent wall to inject plenty of warmth. Painting a single wall is a simple way to infuse personality, and if you ever get tired of the shade, you can easily change it.

Tile isn’t the only option when it comes to bringing color to your backsplash. Rashmi chose a peacock-blue semi-gloss paint for the walls of her kitchen, a choice that makes wiping them down a piece of cake. Plus, the cool hue contrasts beautifully with her warm, gold-toned cabinet hardware.

If you’re feeling bold, colorful cabinets are the way to go. Nikki and Chris selected a brilliant shade of blue for their lower cabinets, balancing the bold choice with white upper cabinets. The approach feels stylish and chic without becoming overwhelming. Brushed brass hardware and a champagne-gold faucet are the perfect complements to the jewel-tone hue.

If you’re not afraid of color, go big! A well-balanced palette, like this combo of Benjamin Moore’s Juniper and Citron, paired with Farrow & Ball’s Light Blue for the cabinets, is just the right amount of light and dark, bright and subdued. Nearby white walls and wood floors anchor the vibrant colors, elevating them to contemporary flair in Erica and Donna’s kitchen.

This post has been revised and updated from its original publication on August 3, 2016.

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With options like gleaming marble or swirling granite, countertops provide another layer of interest to your kitchen. Read our primer on everything you need to know to select the best material for your space.

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