This year, there's been a new appreciation for injecting color and personality into the kitchen, and the kitchen is no exception. But it's not always easy to introduce new hues into your kitchen, especially if you have neutral cabinets that can't be changed. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get around them.
So, if you're wondering how to add color to a kitchen with neutral cabinets, you'll be happy to know that there are plenty of kitchen ideas to inspire a vibrant refresh. Whether you want to go bold with a bright color on the walls or opt for something more subdued, there's something to suit any plan.
If you're not sure how to add a new shade to your kitchen that will complement your neutral cabinets, we asked the experts for their favorite ways to bring in color without overwhelming the space or making your neutral cabinets feel out of place.
How to Add Color to Your Kitchen with Neutral Cabinets
Neutral cabinets pair beautifully with almost any color, from earth tones to bold midcentury modern palettes. Pairing neutral cabinets with these colors the right way is key to creating a sophisticated design. These expert tips are sure to give you some ideas for the perfect look.
1. Make your kitchen island colorful
(Image courtesy of Benjamin Moore)
An easy (and ever-popular) way to introduce color into a kitchen with neutral cabinets is with a kitchen island. This has become a popular way to add interest, especially in two-tone kitchens, and is a great way to bring color into the space while coordinating with neutral cabinetry.
“The kitchen island is the first place to consider when introducing color into a neutral kitchen. It's below the natural line of sight and won't overwhelm the space, even in a small kitchen. Neutral cabinets make the perfect backdrop for a bold island,” says Arianna Barone, color marketing manager at Benjamin Moore.
This kitchen is a great example, with off-white kitchen cabinets used around the kitchen and a blue island that injects a pop of color that doesn't overwhelm the overall design.
2. Use colorful décor
(Image courtesy of Third Street Architecture/Christy Kosnic Photography)
Decor is a great way to infuse your kitchen with your personal style – and it's also incredibly easy and affordable to swap out or change as your tastes change. Decor can be anything from vases and knick-knacks to wall displays and home décor pieces.
“Runners, wall art, and florals are great for adding color to a neutral kitchen. They're not permanent pieces, so you can easily change up your style. They add a touch of personality; without these elements, the space can feel bland,” says Sarah Snouffer, founder and principal architect at Third Street Architecture.
This white kitchen features threads of pink throughout: A floor runner grounds the space and adds unexpected vibrancy, while bowls full of fruit and a pretty floral display complement the more saturated hue.
Flat Woven Double Border Performance Rug
3. Add color with patterned tiles
(Image courtesy of Noah Webb)
If you're looking for a more permanent splash of color, tiling is a great way to add color without overpowering your neutral cabinets. In fact, wall tiles create a backdrop for your cabinets, helping them stand out more in your scheme of things.
“Patterned tiles are a great way to introduce color into your space. Opting for bright, fun kitchen backsplash tiles is a simple yet surefire way to liven up a neutral kitchen while creating a design focal point,” say Hilary Gibbs and George Smith, co-founders of LIVDEN.
“You can use the color of your tile to inspire other elements of your design scheme. You can keep it simple with muted tones in your countertops and paint colors to complement the tile, or you can go bold with contrasting colors in your hardware finishes and accessories to add movement to the space,” they add.
4. Add unexpected color with colorful furniture
(Image credit: Lacey Somber Curtis/Lauren Robbins Interiors)
While many people may be drawn to adding colour to prominent areas of the kitchen, adding unexpected elements can create beautiful design elements. Colourful kitchen furniture can help with this. Colourful tables and chairs add a playful element and help to zone the space.
“If your kitchen has an eating area, like a breakfast nook or dining table, painted chairs are a great way to bring in color,” Ariana suggests. Think about what works best in your space. If you don't have a clearly defined eating area in your kitchen, a colorful bar around the island can also work well.
Blue upholstered bar stools add an unexpected pop of color to this white kitchen. Using a muted shade like blue allows you to add a splash of color without upsetting the light and calm feel achieved with the neutral cabinetry.
5. Choose a colorful range cooker
(Image courtesy of Creative Tonic)
Range cookers are currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with homeowners and designers re-evaluating the character they bring to kitchen design. And because they often come in bright colours, they look absolutely beautiful when placed amongst neutral cabinets.
Whether you're looking for ways to style a range cooker that's already in your kitchen or you want to introduce a range cooker into an existing space, you can't go wrong by pairing it with neutral cabinetry. This will allow your colorful range cooker to become the focal point of your scheme, incorporating color in a timeless way.
The striking blue range cooker is the focal point of this kitchen, and surrounding it with warm, neutral cabinet colours creates a cosy atmosphere without taking away from the range's beautiful details.
There are lots of stylish ways to add colour to your kitchen with neutral cabinets – you just need to find what works in your space and suits your style. From investment pieces like your range cooker to subtle decor like wall art and flowers, add some colour to your kitchen this year.
