Filed under: Design, Home Improvement, How To
By Vanessa BrunnerVibrant reds, bold oranges and electric greens all have their place in the kitchen today -- it's just a matter of finding the right tone and using it correctly. Are you ready to get cooking with color? Take a look at some of Houzz's best kitchen color guides, complete with suggested paint picks and color palettes, and start sampling some fresh new hues on your kitchen cabinets, island and backsplash.
Red
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Stimulating shades of red have are purported to up the appetite, which makes it a great kitchen color for families who love to cook (and eat). But should you use a warm red or a cool red? And how much? Get plenty of paint samples before choosing a final tone -- and be aware that red requires at least two coats for full coverage.
Paint picks: When to Use Red in the Kitchen
Orange
Like red, orange grabs the attention right away and is best used on great features that should be exaggerated. Be careful when playing with light tones, though -- sometimes orange can feel like a pastel, so look for oranges with yellow or brown in them if you want something that isn't too vibrant.
Paint picks: When to Use Orange in the Kitchen
Cabinet Stains
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Torn between painting your wood cabinets or leaving them in their unadorned beauty? Luckily, there is a compromise. Staining your cabinets can add subtle color to your kitchen but still retain the texture and original wood grain.
Color picks: Stain Colors for Kitchen Cabinets
Color Combinations
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The good news: You've finally decided what color you want for your kitchen. The bad news: This is only the beginning. Take the time to choose accent colors, materials and the proper paint applications to create the perfect palette for your chosen hue.
Paint picks: 8 Great Kitchen Color Schemes
Miss your favorite hue? Get designer kitchen palette suggestions for every color
Stimulating shades of red have are purported to up the appetite, which makes it a great kitchen color for families who love to cook (and eat). But should you use a warm red or a cool red? And how much? Get plenty of paint samples before choosing a final tone -- and be aware that red requires at least two coats for full coverage.
Paint picks: When to Use Red in the Kitchen
Orange
Like red, orange grabs the attention right away and is best used on great features that should be exaggerated. Be careful when playing with light tones, though -- sometimes orange can feel like a pastel, so look for oranges with yellow or brown in them if you want something that isn't too vibrant.
Paint picks: When to Use Orange in the Kitchen
Green
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Green can be a tricky color to work with -- while the right shades feel refreshing and playful, the wrong shades can look almost sickly. This guide has some great advice to get you started: Go for a hue that reminds you of your favorite green food.
Paint picks: When to Use Green in the Kitchen
Black
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There's a good reason black is always in style -- it goes with everything. Neutral and colorful kitchens can both make use of this dramatic and dark color. But be careful -- black absorbs a lot of light, so it might not be the best bet for a kitchen that doesn't get much sunshine.
Paint picks: When to Use Black in the Kitchen
Green can be a tricky color to work with -- while the right shades feel refreshing and playful, the wrong shades can look almost sickly. This guide has some great advice to get you started: Go for a hue that reminds you of your favorite green food.
Paint picks: When to Use Green in the Kitchen
Blue
This calming color can make even the most chaotic space feel relaxing. But be careful when using it in the kitchen, since blue may be an appetite suppressant. Instead of going overboard with this watery hue, try using it in small doses -- on islands, cabinetry or backsplashes.
Paint picks: When to Use Blue in the Kitchen
This calming color can make even the most chaotic space feel relaxing. But be careful when using it in the kitchen, since blue may be an appetite suppressant. Instead of going overboard with this watery hue, try using it in small doses -- on islands, cabinetry or backsplashes.
Paint picks: When to Use Blue in the Kitchen
Black
There's a good reason black is always in style -- it goes with everything. Neutral and colorful kitchens can both make use of this dramatic and dark color. But be careful -- black absorbs a lot of light, so it might not be the best bet for a kitchen that doesn't get much sunshine.
Paint picks: When to Use Black in the Kitchen
Cabinet Colors
If a new wall color just isn't giving your kitchen the update you want, painting your cabinetry can be an affordable way to amp up your kitchen's style. But it's not just a matter of slapping on some paint -- painting cabinets can be a lot of work, so be careful to choose a palette that you know you'll love.
Paint picks: 8 Great Kitchen Cabinet Color Palettes
If a new wall color just isn't giving your kitchen the update you want, painting your cabinetry can be an affordable way to amp up your kitchen's style. But it's not just a matter of slapping on some paint -- painting cabinets can be a lot of work, so be careful to choose a palette that you know you'll love.
Paint picks: 8 Great Kitchen Cabinet Color Palettes
Cabinet Stains
Torn between painting your wood cabinets or leaving them in their unadorned beauty? Luckily, there is a compromise. Staining your cabinets can add subtle color to your kitchen but still retain the texture and original wood grain.
Color picks: Stain Colors for Kitchen Cabinets
Color Combinations
The good news: You've finally decided what color you want for your kitchen. The bad news: This is only the beginning. Take the time to choose accent colors, materials and the proper paint applications to create the perfect palette for your chosen hue.
Paint picks: 8 Great Kitchen Color Schemes
Miss your favorite hue? Get designer kitchen palette suggestions for every color