Colour combinations have been popular in kitchen design for the past few years, not only for paint styles where tonal changes and bold contrasts create an appealing atmosphere for freestanding furniture, but also for modern styles, breaking up simple units or highlighting islands and pantry cabinets.
Picking colour for a space can be a daunting task, especially when there's a big investment involved, but settling on multiple hues takes the pressure off. Colour doesn't have to be “the one”, just part of a palette. There are plenty of classic colour combinations for the kitchen – and they don't have to be bold. Subdued, neutral hues don't have to be boring, argues Alex Cottle, senior designer at Matrix Kitchens. “To make a kitchen stand out in a palette of grey, white and cashmere, play around with texture and different materials,” he says.
Even a simple kitchen color idea like a gray and white kitchen doesn't have to be gray and white. In big-name Kris Jenner's kitchen, designed by Waldo Fernandez of Waldo Designs, neutral tones are right on trend, and the hues allow them to work well on their own with little distraction.
“Grey is a classic kitchen colour that looks great on its own but even better in a two-tone scheme,” enthuses Tom Howley, design director at Tom Howley. Dark grey pairs beautifully with vibrant white, perfect for creating a dramatic contrast.
“If you're thinking of using dark grey for your cabinets, you should use warm whites and creams for the walls and countertops to prevent your kitchen from feeling too dark or creepy,” adds Tom.
Get rid of those battleship images. Grey is a versatile and chic alternative to beige and white. From subtle white to striking black, there's a shade to suit every taste.
Currently the second best-selling paint color after white, gray has established itself as a modern neutral. Finding the right gray is just like buying red lipstick: picking a shade that matches your skin tone. Take a look at a gray paint chart and you'll see just how diverse the shades are.
The size of your kitchen and the amount of light it receives will be important factors in choosing the material for your cabinets, as well as how dark you want them to be. Pale shades work well in small rooms and can make the space appear larger, while a deep slate grey can add drama and elegance to an open-plan kitchen.
