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.
