Do kitchen color schemes reflect what’s happening in the country, or are they affected by homeowners’ needs to create an emotional outcome? It’s a curious question given the trend this year toward simplicity, warmth, and comfort in the face of a troubled economy.  Bright, blazing colors are out, while hues that foster peace and serenity are the rage.

Writers at Kitchens.com characterize this year’s kitchen color schemes as “optimism for trying times.”  To that end, they cite the use of citron, light orange, light violet, soft blues, and neutral grays as the colors of choice in new or remodeled kitchens. Bright, shocking colors should be complementary at most, used to accent a stove or appliance, rather than as an over-arching pigment throughout the room.

Bold Color Schemes Have Their Place
On the other hand, writers at HGTV report that deft touches of new kitchen colors — Bruschetta Brown, Daiquiri Green, or Misty Yellow—can be used sparingly to punch up a room. Bright colors, this year, should not be used to overwhelm the kitchen.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association’s market research specialist Ed Pell echoes others in suggesting yellow lies at the heart of this year’s color trend.  He, too, uses the adjective “optimism” to describe the effect of soft yellows. However, he doesn’t rule out a kitchen color palate that includes environmental greens, raspberry-influenced violets, and accent colors of pinks and reds.

Orange with a brown base, more recently a favorite among homeowners and decorators, is losing its appeal this year, giving way to coral hues. As ever, natural, neutral, and terra cotta hues are a safe bet.

The green revolution is well underway across America. Many homeowners are assuming responsibility for ensuring the health and safety of their homes, searching for environmentally conscious products or using renewable materials. That holds true, too, in the kitchen, where many people have begun searching for green replacement cabinets or countertop materials.

The long-held idea that granite countertops harbor dangerous radon gas has more myth than merit, however you can always have your kitchen countertops tested.  The real green part of the trend in kitchen countertops has been toward the use of recycled materials.  Some homeowners are actually using recycled-paper countertop materials.

Green Kitchen Cabinets
More focus lately seems to be on the use of green materials for kitchen cabinets. That doesn’t mean the color is green, by the way!  You’ll find recent use of veneer from plantation-grown trees, including bamboo or Brazilian Eucalyptus hybrids for the replacement cabinets.  Recycled wood is a green idea that cuts down on deforestation rather than cutting down trees.

The overall unease in replacing kitchen cabinets with veneers stems from the use of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) that may release formaldehyde into the air.  If you’re concerned, you can use formaldehyde-free MDF, straw or wheat boards known to be VOC-free, along with water based sealants that do not contain VOC materials.  You can also insist on solvent-free adhesives.
These kitchen cabinet products not only settle the mind but can increase resale value. In Seattle, green kitchens increased value and helped sell homes faster than non-certified models.

You’ll pay more, but if you’re concerned, you’ll sleep easier.