The Best Paint Colors for a Kitchen
Color is essentially light : How we perceive a color depends greatly on how light is reflecting off of that color.
Morning light appears differently than evening light, and shadows can affect the color perception. Keep in mind that natural sunlight in the kitchen will change in intensity throughout the day.
There is a term used to describe this color-changing experience: illuminant metameric failure. It simply means that two colors may look similar in one light condition but might not match in another.
Source: Pantone.com
So understanding the light patterns in your kitchen, and knowing what other colors will be going into the kitchen, is incredibly important.
Do you Homework: Select your paint color at home.
Don't choose a paint color while standing in the paint store aisle. Bring home actual paint samples (many brands offer small sample jars) that you can apply to your walls. Paint these swatches next to cabinetry, flooring, countertops and any fabrics you plan on using in the space. Observe how the paint changes during the day and notice if any of your other kitchen materials are affected by light hitting the paint and reflecting onto the surface. For example, a strong red wall color may, at certain times of the day, reflect a pink hue onto white cabinetry or flooring.
Open your senses: Warm colors will be the "key".
Studies have shown that our appetites increase when we see red or orange colors.
Pair cool tones with warm neutrals like a warm gray or warm orange. You'll be surprised how mixing the palette can create the kitchen of your dreams.
Although warm hues may be a popular choice for kitchens, it doesn't mean you have to ignore blues and greens.
Paint isn't just for walls: Trendy and design is "overlay".
Remenber overlay designs are perfect with a flow of colors, material and textures. If your favorite paint color won't work on the walls, try using it on a piece of furniture instead. Paint can be used on a variety of kitchen elements: cabinets, tables, chairs and other decorative objects. Vintage pieces or new pieces can be painted (or spray painted) to create our "overlay design"
