Choosing Colors for a kitchen

I found this article very informative for those who are not quite sure of themselves when attempting the overwhelming process of a kitchen remodel. They encapsulate the rules of design anyone can understand and follow.

10 tips for selecting colors for a fab kitchen

By Amy Wax

Choosing the right colors is crucial when you are designing a kitchen, be it for cabinetry, tile, flooring or even hardware. When reviewing cabinet options, for example, not only should you be looking at whether you want a raised or flat panel door style, a durable surface on both  inside and outside, as well as an efficient layout to fully accommodate your client's needs, but you should also be really “fussy” about selecting the perfect hue, shade, tint and/or tone. Creating the right color combination is critical and can mean the difference between a space that is ho-hum and one that is stunning.

Following are some important ideas to keep in mind when designing your new kitchen:
1. If you decide you want two colors for your kitchen cabinetry—one for the wall or perimeter units and another for the island, for example—make sure they’re different enough from each other that your selections look intentional. If not, the result will look like you tried to match the colors and failed.
2. Choose hardware that stands out from the cabinets. A white porcelain knob on a white cabinet will get lost visually, whereas a rubbed bronze knob on the same white cabinets will give you more style.
3. Also, keep in mind the color of your faucet when selecting your hardware. Although they don’t have to be exactly the same, they should be colors/finishes that will work together.
4. Often the hardware on your cabinets is an opportunity to add a little sparkle in the room. For the understated kitchen without a lot of colors or textures, a cut-glass-style knob or a colorful door knob can be the perfect jewelry to accessorize the design.
5. Create a backsplash that lightens your workspace. Going darker will darken work areas and work surfaces, thus requiring more task lighting, while paler colors will add brightness by reflecting light onto countertops.
6. A hard-working component of any kitchen, the kitchen sink demands a color/finish that is as appealing as it is functional. Keep in mind that a sink in a lighter tone or even stainless steel tends to appear clean and bright whereas darker options may blend in with the countertops but will lose that feeling of cleanliness.
7. Take time to evaluate and examine your work surface selection before placing an order. Some people may find a black, shiny countertop hard on their eyes and feel more comfortable living with and working on one in a medium or lighter color.
8. When choosing an island work surface, either opt for a color that differs noticeably from that of the perimeter countertops or go with a completely different material. As an example, you might specify granite for your built-in cabinets and then contrast it with a beautiful wood surface on the island.

9. However, if you do use wood for your island countertop, avoid choosing one in the same color as the cabinetry below.  A dark wood or black island might work better with a lighter wood top and vice versa.
10. Finally, the color of the walls of your kitchen should contrast with that of your cabinets. To really show off the cabinets, make sure they stand out against the color of the room.
Hopefully, you’ll find these color ideas useful. People frequently select a function or style they like when designing their kitchen without remembering that selecting the right color, or depth of color, can make or break a kitchen design.As usual, please contact me if you are attempting any kind of remodel and need help with selecting and procuring product.

2011 Color of the Year

Click on the link to see Pantone's 2011 Color of the year.  Please tell me what you think of this color...

I am wondering where this color would be appropriate and aesthetically pleasing to anyone over the age of 12.

This is the explanation of why this color is so "popular":

Pantone has announced PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle as the color of the year for 2011. The vibrant reddish pink color was chosen for its encouraging and uplifting effect: a hue that can help meet the challenges of everyday life.

“In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going—perfect to ward off the blues,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum.”

Honeysuckle is an eye-catching hue that works well for day and night in apparel, accessories and cosmetics. Interior spaces can be livened up with Honeysuckle patterned pillows, bedspreads, small appliances and tabletop accessories. Painting a wall in the hue will impart a dynamic burst of energy in the kitchen, hallway, bath or family room.

“The intensity of this festive reddish pink allures and engages,” said Eiseman. “In fact, this color, not the sweet fragrance of the flower blossoms for which it was named, is what attracts hummingbirds to nectar. Honeysuckle may also bring a wave of nostalgia for its associated delicious scent reminiscent of the carefree days of spring and summer.”