I love designing kitchens for multiple reasons, but my favorite is that this is the area in your home to really make unique to YOU! If you love to cook or have a big family, this is the place you’ll be spending most of your time. So, DARE to be different because this space should have the most character and tell the best story!
While I love a neutral, white palette, my most favorite kitchens are those with layers of interest, contrast, pattern, and texture. Light to dark toned woods, different grains, and pops of moody color are some favorite elements paired with dramatic light fixtures that can tile the whole space together. Don’t be afraid of rich wood tones and bold paint colors as these can really bring a kitchen to life. Walnuts, White Oak, Dark Teals, and Navy’s are staples that can be timeless while providing richness to a space. Adding layers of functional accents helps add character as well. Warm toned jugs or vases, cake stands, and decorative lazy-susans, along with dark accents can really create a warm and inviting space.
Another element to incorporate in your kitchen is built-in appliances. This creates a high end look and allows for another element to be introduced. Custom appliance panels can be an area to add in another pattern, color, or texture and allows for additional interest.
In this all white kitchen, we decided to add in a bit of wood tone with a geometric diamond pattern to bring in some warmth amongst all of the white. This allowed for this space to be more inviting and less cold. We also had an access shaft that we weren’t allowed to demo so we added an integrated wood panel on this element for additional warmth and a way to break up all the white. This wood element tied in nicely with the quartz countertops that had a more gold veining running through.
I love how this kitchen brings in a lighter walnut, lighter countertops, and an accent colored island. I’m also loving this smaller shaker profile. It really helps open up smaller spaces and makes them appear larger. Sometimes the larger shaker is a bit too heavy in smaller kitchens, so this profile is perfect for those spaces. The blue on the island is such a great pop of color, but not overwhelming. it adds a modern element to the space that’s still warm and inviting.
These colors are so beautiful together in this kitchen. Walnut and darker toned woods can either go in a really modern direction or very traditional depending what it’s paired with. In the previous photo, the space was leaning more modern, while in this image the aesthetic is more traditional. The lighter green color is a great accent and adds interest to what would be a very high contrast space had the outer cabinets been a bright white.
Don’t be afraid to add contrast to the ceiling either. Darker wood toned or bold paint on beams can really make a space dynamic and add a wow element when entering. Ceiling heights should always be considered, although even with lower ceilings you can add interest on the ceiling, as long as you don’t add too much.
Making your kitchen special with accents, moments, and layers of interest creates a timeless space that you’ll love walking into every day. Dare to make a statement in your bold kitchen!
If you’re involved in a renovation or considering a new build and love the look of a dynamic kitchen, but aren’t sure where to start, contact an interior designer. We know what will work and what won’t and can provide visual tools to pull it all together for you!
What are your favorite kitchen designs? Head to our Instagram for more inspiration!