Putting thought into the color palette or color scheme for your kitchen makes a big difference in the overall look and feel of your home. With the rise of open concept kitchen-living spaces, you can easily end up with clashing colors and mixes of materials. The design of your home not only impacts the joy you have spending in that space, but can even have a psychological impact on your overall mood and wellness.
It sounds like a lot to think about, but we’re here to help.. We’re exploring the power of colorful kitchens, how to build a color scheme, example color pallets and the power of colored kitchen appliances to bring personality into your home.
Psychology of Color At Home
The impact that color has on your mood and mental wellness has been researched and explored for years now, and there are numerous studies that prove that there is in fact a correlation.
These studies have been used not just in kitchens and homes, either. They have looked at the impact of color choices in workplaces, prisons, universities and schools, and even on reducing road rage.
Colors, Their Meanings and Psychological Impact
Different tints and shades of colors can cause variations, but these are some of the most common psychological effects for classic colors.
White
White is popular in commercial kitchens because of its connection to cleanliness and purity. Aside from making any and all dirt stand out, white is also a neutral color and can provide “space” between other colors or elements. White is best used in kitchens as a backdrop color to make any other materials or colors pop.
Red
Red may be a good color for kitchens because it can actually make you feel hungry! That’s why many fast food places–McDonalds, KFC, Pizza Hut, Arby’s, etc–use red in their signage. Red is a bright and energetic color that can invoke a lot of intense moods. There’s a reason red is connected to love, anger, passion and danger.
Green
Green is said to be one of the most soothing colors. There are some studies that show looking at green can relax our nervous system and calm us down. This color, so connected to nature and growth, may be one of the most natural colors in our world. Using green in your kitchen can make it feel cozy, inviting, airy and fresh.
Blue
Blue is one color where shade makes a big difference. Dark shades can be more somber and quiet while lighter blues can be calming. Blue is actually the recommended color for bedrooms. Many doctors offices and medical facilities will use a light blue on their walls to help keep people calm.
Black
Black, so connected to mystery, power and sophistication, is considered a timeless color. Because it absorbs light, it can make it feel smaller, a bit more closed in. Much like white, black can be a great backdrop for a kitchen, especially if you choose specialty finishes or colors for your appliances to pop against the color.
Yellow
Yellow is an overall happy, positive and warm color. Bright yellow can be a stimulating color and make you feel more awake. If you struggle to get into the kitchen and make your coffee and breakfast in the morning, yellow could be a good choice for your kitchen.
Colorful Kitchens
Like we said, kitchens do a lot to build personality into your home. Although we usually only spend about an hour a day cooking, work from home and open-concept floor plans have increased both how much time we spend in our kitchens, and the impact they have on the overall feel of our home.
Cooking is how we nourish our bodies. It’s how many people express love. There’s a reason they say that, “Food is the way to the heart.” So, why not put self expression and joy into the design of your kitchen?
While white kitchens are a staple in commercial kitchens, having personality and color in a home kitchen isn’t new. Designing for fads is less important in homes than building a space that you really love. This is why many traditional “fads”–retro kitchen colors, pastel kitchen pallets, the classic country kitchens–are now coming back! You can build a bright, colorful kitchen however you want.
Colorful Kitchen Appliances
One of the best ways to build a unique and colorful kitchen is to invest in bright kitchen appliances. There are appliance stores, like Elmira Stove Works, that specialize in these types of appliances. Building high-quality, unique and reliable colorful kitchen appliances means that you don’t have to compromise quality for style.
Kitchen appliances you can get in colors include:
- Stoves
- Microwaves
- Dishwashers (both the whole thing or just the front plate)
- Refrigerators
- Ranges
- Wall ovens
Some colors that are available include:
- Black
- Bisque
- Cayenne pepper red
- Liberty blue
- Candy Red
- Robin’s egg blue
- Tropical blue
- Mint green
- White
The exact colors depend on what type of appliance and what collection you’re looking at.
Aside from colors, you can also add a touch of personalization to your appliances with finishes, too! Chrome and copper can add a little somethin’ extra, too.
Building a Color Scheme
When you’re building a color scheme for your kitchen, you need to think about a few things.
1. How does my kitchen fit into the rest of my home?
If your living space is open concept and your kitchen blends into the rest of the home, you will want to ensure your color choices are done purposefully. If you have a purple living room, bright orange or red in your kitchen won’t go well together. Of course, there’s always personal preference, and if you like the cool of high-contrast colors, then go for it! But it is something to be mindful of.
2. How often do I like change?
Maybe you like to update your house colors based on the season–pinks and greens in spring, yellows in summer, oranges in falls, and reds and greens during winter. If so, a more neutral backdrop and base color for your kitchen will give you the foundation for adding and changing color as you like. Choosing neutral wall colors and appliances–like a bisque refrigerator or textured black range with chrome finishes–may be a better choice.
3. What is the big picture?
You may be piecing together your dream kitchen based on individual preferences. Maybe you love the butcher block countertop, the gray herringbone backsplash and also the liberty blue Heritage gas-top range. Individually–beautiful. All together, though, they may not fit the way you think. Pinterest is a great resource to get some ideas of what
2023 Kitchen Colors
In 2023, the top colors for kitchens are grays, warm beiges and other neutral colors.
Neutrals have been common for a while, but the end of 2023 and 2024 will shift into warmer colors, deeper grays, off-whites and creams.
1950s Retro Kitchen Colors
Classic 1950’s retro kitchen colors include bright cherry reds, shocking blues and warm mint greens and yellows. Metal accents like chrome on appliances or metal cabinets help to build that retro aesthetic, too.
Retro kitchens are a color scheme and design aesthetic that are making a comeback. The Northstar collection from Elmira Stove Works is a perfect example of how the classic “retro” kitchen can feel modern and sleek in any kitchen. Because you don’t need to forgo modern comforts like convection ovens or energy efficient refrigerators to get that classic look, it’s much more appealing to retro lovers.
In truth, a true retro kitchen will feature an iconic red Northstar stove.
1970s Vintage Colors
The 1970s kitchens were known for their wood cabinets, patterned backsplash, tiles, and yellow and orange accents. The “modernization” of “old” kitchens meant that gadgets were the thing to get. Electric knives, bun warmers, popcorn poppers and fondue sets were staples in a 1970s kitchen.
To build a vintage kitchen today, you want to look for eclectic backsplashes and wood cabinets. Yellows and oranges can really help to build that vintage vibe.
Victorian Turn-Of-The-Century Kitchen Colors
Another growing kitchen trend follows the Heritage collection aesthetic–Victorian and turn-of-the-century vibes with modern day features. This type of kitchen design works best with neutral colors and natural materials. Black, white, off-white, browns and taupes do well with this style, as do wood and copper accents.
Through Elmira Stove Works, you can get a number of appliances built in this Victorian-era style, including fridges, microwaves, wall ovens, ranges and even dishwashers.
Depending on your comfort level and interest, you can look at investing in a Fireview wood-burning stove, too!
Choosing Colors For Your Kitchen: A Personal Choice
If one thing is very clear it’s that design choices for your home–and especially for your kitchen–really need to come from you. Whatever your preferred style, you can build your kitchen to suit you. Get creative and don’t be afraid to get bold with a colorful kitchen appliance.
Curious what your kitchen could look like with a pop of color? Check out our visualizer tool and see for yourself!