While it's true that you should think outside the box and paint your kitchen in colors other than white, there are some colors that designers should definitely avoid in this room of the house. Below I'm sharing the colors that are on my “don't use” list when it comes to cooking space.
neon
Kristin Kearney, design director at Blackberry Farm Design in Worland, Tennessee, says it's best to keep neon paint out of your kitchen all the time. “There's probably a time and place for everything else,” she says. Amy Switzer, founder of Dallas, Texas-based Amy Switzer Design, agrees. “It can be difficult to combine with other elements in the room, and trendy colors may not stand the test of time,” she says of neon.
very dark shades
Switzer says these colors “can make a kitchen feel small and unwelcoming.” Moreover, in rooms where there is a lot of wear and tear, it is not a wise choice from a durability point of view. “Sometimes scratches and imperfections are more visible,” she added. Margie Kercher says that while dark gray and black may certainly be eye-catching in some kitchens, they're not appropriate for all types of spaces. “A space that lacks natural light can feel dim and uncomfortable,” says the founder of Hearth & Honey Homes in Tampa, Florida.
browns
Similarly, shades of brown aren't always appropriate for kitchens, says Andrea Seymour, founding partner of Springdale Custom Builders in Charlotte, North Carolina. “I think brown tones in the kitchen should be reserved for natural wood or stained cabinetry, or possibly countertops,” she says.
stark white
Jennifer McKissick isn't against an all-white kitchen, but she realizes there's a right way and a wrong way to execute the concept. “In some cases, if the white areas are dirty, it can feel a little sterile.” Too It’s white,” she says. “I steer my clients away from bright whites and toward slightly off-white hues,” explains the founder of Jennifer McKissick Interior Design in Greenville, South Carolina. “These creamy hues give a classic, sophisticated look, yet a warmer, more welcoming feel.”
icytones
Erica Volkmer, founder of Evenson Design in Austin, Texas, avoids cool-toned colors like cool blues and ash-toned grays in her kitchen. “As the heart of the home, the kitchen should be welcoming, warm and inviting,” she says.
bright red
According to Bethany Adams, bright tomato red has no place in the kitchen. “Red is too strong for a room that's always noisy,” says founder of Bethany Adams Interiors in Louisville, Kentucky. But that's not the only reason. “The color red has been proven to make us feel hungry, but that's not what we need when we're standing in front of the fridge looking for a late-night snack.” Alisa Popelka also uses bright light in the kitchen. He says he wants to avoid red and orange. “This is a space to sit back and relax while cooking, eating, and entertaining. Too much color can be distracting or overwhelming. ” says founder of Alisa Christine Interiors in Dallas, Texas.
