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Neutral kitchen colours


10 designs you will love forever |

(Image credit: Future)

If you're after the latest neutral kitchen ideas, then our curated selection of the best designs are here to inspire. For many years we were in love with all shades of beige, cream and magnolia – the color choices of property developers despite being the butt of many ‘discerning’ interior designer’s jokes. 

However, now the tide has turned, and those once reviled neutrals have been brought up-to-date with a sophisticated gray, taupe and coffee palette. These are the new neutral kitchen color ideas and painted kitchen ideas that will happily blend with bold contemporary shades or complement stronger, deeper heritage tones.  

Team neutral kitchen ideas with the latest wood finishes, and look at contrasting kitchen cabinet colors and textured materials. We show you how to create the perfect neutral living kitchen room scheme.

Neutral kitchen ideas 

There is a whole range of neutral colors to choose from – from elegant, just-off-whites, such as ivory, chalk and alabaster, to gray-beiges, such as taupe and stone, and more earthy shades, like linen.  For anyone who has dismissed neutral color schemes as a top option for their list of kitchen ideas, let us change your mind.

1. Paint with a subtle shade of green

(Image credit: Rachel Halvorson Designs)

From knocked-back olive to smoky sage, for many kitchen designers green is the new neutral. Rachel Halvorson Designs is behind this wonderfully textured scheme, featuring Farrow & Ball’s Treron shade on the cabinets, handles from Rocky Mountain Hardware and an original brick floor. 

‘I wanted the cabinetry to be earthy yet elegant,’ says Rachel. ‘Softer greens are my favorite neutral paint color – I think green goes with everything. This green kitchen idea was all about playing off the old brick flooring and finding that balance between elegant and rustic.’

2. Set the scene in a neutral kitchen

(Image credit: Pluck / Malcom Menzies)

A plain white backdrop will bring interesting materials into sharp relief. The striking grain of natural elm wood on this island really stands proud against the crisp white units behind. ‘White alone can look a touch stark. Pairing wood with white cabinetry brings warmth to this scheme, alongside texture and depth,’ explains Pluck’s co-founder Leila Touwen. 

‘The warm timber also accentuates the subtle undertones that exist in all whites.’ It’s worth understanding how undertones work before committing to a white kitchen idea. Cool whites have hints of blue undertone, while warm whites have more yellow. Use this intel to help coordinate other materials and colors on your mood board.

3. Invest in honest materials 

(Image credit: Brad Krefman)

Reclaimed materials and raw finishes lend natural and earthy charm in this calming neutral kitchen space. Created by California-based designer Brad Krefman of BK Interior Design, a warm, neutral backdrop – Dulux’s Brave Ground is similar – tones serenely with unstained oak cabinet kitchen ideas. 

Copper mesh brings a modern farmhouse kitchen vibe to wall cabinets, while the perimeter worktops in creamy precast concrete are a practical choice. A rugged slab of reclaimed oak links the bespoke cooker hood with the salvaged ceiling beams above, helping to achieve a smooth transition from new oak to ancient timber. On the island, delicately veined Taj Mahal quartzite adds subtle pattern to the mix

4. Shake up the shine

(Image credit: Neptune)

A neutral kitchen is effortlessly timeless and its beauty is that it can be modern or classic, whichever you desire. 

Mix up paint sheen levels to create layers of interest without diluting the purity of a predominantly white palette. For this neutral kitchen idea, glazed zellige-style tiles on the kitchen backsplash catch and refract the light, providing a dynamic contrast against low-sheen painted cabinetry. 

‘A glossy tiled backsplash also has the additional practicality of being easy to keep clean and looks fresh and hygienic,’ adds Stephanie Nix, kitchen designer at Neptune Wimbledon. ‘For work surfaces, you could opt for a cool polished marble for a sophisticated, contemporary feel. ’ Additional shininess can be introduced via chrome or nickel taps, glass light pendants and polished steel appliances.

5. Take a tone on tone approach to decorating

(Image credit: Neptune)

The sage of Neptune’s Henley cabinetry continued onto the walls has a restful, serene effect. ‘The strong architectural elements, such as the beams, provided instant charm and interest so we decided not to compete with them, creating a simple, pared-back monochromatic scheme,’ says Simon Temprell, interior design manager at Neptune. ‘A light-oak countertop with black-bronze hardware enhances the vintage feel and the result is one of calm, understated elegance.’

6. Let the light dictate your color palette

(Image credit: Roundhouse / Photography Mary Wadsworth)

Using similar neutral tones for the kitchen countertops and cabinetry provides a modern, modular look that’s particularly effective with a handleless design like Roundhouse’s Urbo range. 

‘Most homeowners appreciate the benefits of testing paint colors in location but, with whites and other neutrals, it is crucial as they can be altered beyond recognition by light and shadow,’ says Ben Hawkswell, senior designer at Roundhouse . ‘Here on the cabinets we used Hardwick White by Farrow & Ball, which is a clean off-white that can look like a traditional grey in some lights. But it has chalky undertones that, in a sun-filled room like this, appear much brighter and more contemporary.’

7. Introduce subtle hints of color

(Image credit: Darren Chung)

The beauty of a neutral kitchen is that it works with pretty much all colors – the sign of a great neutral. If you love cream kitchen ideas but feel they will be too stark in your kitchen then consider teaming white with pastel accents, which will create a subtly layered look.

Top-to-toe neutrals make a great blank canvas. ‘Add small elements to entice the eye, and use a variety of materials,’ says Richard Moore of Martin Moore .

8. Nod to the past

(Image credit: British Standard)

Wood kitchen cabinet ideas and stoneware, two of the oldest and most sustainable materials, are used in harmony in this neutral kitchen.  

Here warm, natural materials, antique pieces and a balance of neutral tones have been brought together to create a timeless look. Reclaimed materials have a great sense of history – for instance, display shelves made from reclaimed wood might have grooves, stamp markings or nail marks, which will add character to your kitchen. 

9. Chase the light

(Image credit: Andrew Steel)

'The impact of sunlight levels on paint colors is well documented and I’m often asked which shades work best in north-facing kitchens with colder light levels,' says Anna Haines, director, Anna Haines Design . 

'One approach is to seek out neutrals with yellow undertones that will knock back cooler northern light. I also love the warmth of pink, but nothing too sugary. Dirty pinks resonate well in moodier light – try Plain English’s Mash, which is a warm, creamy hue with a hint of pink that is just the right side of muddy. Mix in copper and aged brass accents for extra warmth.  

Another favorite approach is to work with the poor light and go for cosseting dark shades. In my own neutral kitchen, the cabinets and window frames are in Farrow & Ball’s Railings, a deep inky blue. Paired with pure white on the walls, it feels enveloping and cozy.’ 

10. Put the focus on the details

(Image credit: Gunter & Co)

Neutral kitchen ideas need not be dull. The impact comes from layering in this design, with gorgeous brass hardware combined with superb detailing on the cabinetry. ‘We had the pleasure of designing every last detail of this kitchen with our client who was very open to the idea of adding textural touches – reeded paneling on the top doors and fluted detailing at the back of the kitchen cabinet ideas – combined with the quest for the perfect green,’ says interior designer Irene Gunter, founder, Gunter & Co. Interiors . ‘It took three attempts by the painters to get the shade just so.'

How do you style a neutral kitchen?

Neutral kitchens are ripe for styling. First think about which colors go best with neutrals. Unsurprisingly, natural, earthy colors go best with most neutral kitchen ideas. At the most neutral end of the spectrum, that includes white, gray, browns and blacks – and you can include everything from marble to wood to slate within that color spectrum. 

In terms of styling, take inspiration from the outdoors by introducing flora and fauna in delicate tones. Dried flowers are a lovely way to bring the beauty of nature into your kitchen all year round. Dried flowers are everlasting and will bring joy to interiors month after month without having to be continually refreshed, making them a sustainable way of decorating with flowers.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space.  Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

The Best Neutral Paint Colors for Kitchens

1

Light Gray

Shapeless Studio

Shapeless Studio used warm materials, like blond wood, zellige tiles, and pale green-gray paint in this Brooklyn kitchen to set a welcoming, yet polished tone. This results in a more relaxing atmosphere to cook, clean, and hang out in.

2

Warm White

Haris Kenjar

A warm white paint color is used on the ceiling and cabinets of this kitchen designed by Landed Interiors and Homes, serving as the perfect backdrop for authentic drawer pulls, salvaged from an 18th-century apothecary. The schoolhouse lights are on dimmers and can be turned up for dinner prep or down to make things moodier for guests, and the paint changes beautifully under any setting. The floor was also hand-painted in a checkerboard pattern, but instead of black and white, it's a lovely cream and wood color combo.

3

Cool White

Laure Joliet

Though a cream can look great in a modern setting, it tends to pair particularly well with antiques or in historic spaces. Here's an example of a kitchen featuring a brighter, cooler white. Designer Regan Baker gave this 1920s Spanish colonial in San Francisco a modern update with contemporary lighting, large windows, simple millwork, and fresh staples, like black barstools and white marble surfaces.

4

Black

Heidi Caillier

Black paint envelopes this kitchen designed by Heidi Caillier, giving it a sophisticated edge. The backsplash extends up framing the window while the beadboard and terra-cotta tiles add a softer touch. Aside from being stylish, black paint can help embrace the intimacy of a smaller kitchen.

5

Icy Light Blue

Read McKendree

Light blue paint brightens up this kitchen designed by Elizabeth Cooper. She hired Jonathan Kutzin of America Painting to custom mix "a very serene blue that pulled the space together" and hand-paint it on the formerly white kitchen cabinets.

6

Maroon

Katie Newburn

The deep red cabinets and range in Shavonda Gardner's kitchen add a fun and unexpected contrast to the copper pots and soapstone counters.

7

Khaki and Clay

Thijs de Leeuw/Space Content/Living Inside

The rest of the home designed by Nicole Dohmen of Atelier ND is dominated by rosy hues, so to prevent it from taking over the kitchen while still ensuring flow with the surrounding rooms, she veiled the ceiling in dusty blush and then opted for alternating earth tones on the cabinets. The back wall is Invisible Green by Little Greene and the island is painted Mouse's Back by Farrow & Ball.

8

Shiny White

paul raeside

White glossy drawers (an IKEA hack!) blend right in with white-painted walls and exposed ceiling beams. This all-white trick is as simple as it is transformative when it comes to making older foundations feel fresh again.

9

Dark Honey

LAURE JOLIET

The old-school energy of stained glass can also be a great problem-solver, providing privacy or hiding a less-than-stellar view while still letting in natural light, as in this home by Reath Design.

10

Greige

neutral kitchen paint colors

A greige tone is used for the cabinets while cream is used on the ceiling and accent wall. But the color-blocking fun doesn't stop there in this Heidi Caillier-designed kitchen—the door is painted in a muted mint shade that picks up on the unique color of the range.

11

Rich Navy

Emily J Followill

This kitchen designed by Melanie Milner features a deep navy, which is glamorous on its own, but even more sumptuous with the bronze, mahogany, and stone materials used throughout. She applied the blue paint to the cabinets and extended it to the trim and ceiling, which allows the color to function as a neutral backdrop (it might feel too bold if only used as an accent wall).

12

Muted Olive

Tessa Neustadt

Though designer Tammy Randall Wood is a believer in hiding appliances and other kitchen essentials behind closed doors, she also makes a strong case for allowing the enclosures to shine with a bold paint color. She opted for a custom mix paired with Winter White by Benjamin Moore on the walls and ceiling.

13

Pale Buttercream and Gray

Tamsin Johnson Interiors

A light buttercream yellow graces the back wall and ceiling in the kitchen designed by Tamsin Johnson Interiors. Besides injecting warmth, it also adds a subtle contrast against the white sconce and flecks of marble in the countertops and backsplash. She painted the cabinets a light gray color to break things up.

14

Pale Sage

Laure Joliet

Frances Merill of Reath Design hung fabric panels from the counter beside the sink to add softness to the exposed materials. The sage accent wall brings in a touch of nature and along with the brick, wood beams, and terra-cotta tiles.

15

Dirty Gray

Paul Raeside

In this 1950s colonial revival kitchen by Michael Maher, neutral colors and materials are layered for subtle dimension. Benjamin Moore's Jute is used on the walls while Farrow & Ball's Hardwick White is used on the cabinets and trims. The gilt-framed still life painting and chandelier deliver dressysensibility.

16

Eggplant

James Merrell

Everyone defines "neutral" differently, right? In this striking London kitchen, designer Rita Konig opted for cabinets from her own colorful line for Plain English in a shade of purple dubbed Burnt Toast. Calacatta Viola, a mauve-streaked marble, brings out the inky eggplant.

Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.

Bright, strict or neutral: how to choose the color of the kitchen?

08/08/2020

One of the first questions that customers ask us is how to choose the color of the kitchen. The influence of color on the interior and mood is obvious to many, but it can be difficult to imagine which set will look best in your kitchen. We decided to analyze popular colors and compile a useful color guide for you, in which we took into account the factors of practicality and psychological influence. Here are some basic tips to help make the selection process clearer and more transparent:

Pure white: a kitchen with a versatile character

White has several advantages over other colors. Firstly, white fits well into any palette and goes well with literally all shades. Secondly, white is perceived as visually light - this is especially important for a large kitchen so that the set does not look massive. Thirdly, the eye rests on the white color, which is why it is so often used for urban cuisine - so that the shade relaxes after a busy day. There is, however, a minus: it is on a white surface that the consequences of culinary experiments are best seen. nine0003

Strict black: the most mysterious color

In relation to black facades, our customers are divided into two camps: some dark colors seem gloomy and oppressive, while others consider black elegant and stylish. In fact, this color disciplines and gathers the entire interior around itself. If you want to create a trendy kitchen, use a life hack from designers: choose not black, but a very dark anthracite shade for the facades and combine it with a wood texture. Such a kitchen always looks solid and expensive. nine0003

Gray kitchen: a luxury solution

Shades of gray are the most trendy answer to the question of how to choose the color of the kitchen. The influence of color on the interior is ambiguous, but designers love it - and there are several reasons for that. First of all, gray is soothing and therefore perfectly matches the trend for cozy, relaxed interiors. Secondly, it goes well with bright accents - such a kitchen can be “revived” due to yellow, blue or red textiles. Thirdly, both classic and modern kitchens can be gray. The disadvantage of this solution lies in the subjective plane: we noticed that for many of our customers it is gray that tops the list of unloved colors - but this is purely a matter of taste. nine0003

Shades of blue: calmness and depth

Blue, blue and other color variations calm down, cause positive emotions in most people. Hence another non-obvious advantage of color: it is believed that blue helps fight insomnia - and sleep after an evening in the blue kitchen will be deep and healthy. In terms of design, shades of blue also have an advantage - a large variety. Facades in rich blue look serious and solid; in gentle blue - modern and easy. nine0003

Passionate red: a solution for the brave

Shades of red are contradictory: on the one hand, they may seem aggressive, on the other, they inspire a sense of well-being and optimism. Subtle nuance: red enhances the feeling of hunger and provokes appetite. For those who are accustomed to monitor nutrition, this color property can come as an unpleasant surprise.

Juicy yellow: shades of optimism

Yellow is often associated with inner energy: in such an environment it is easy to restore it, so breakfast in a yellow kitchen can energize you for the whole day. True, color can negatively affect children and adults with an excitable psyche - it can annoy with its saturation and tire. nine0003

Fresh greens: a "battery" for a dynamic life

Shades of green are very popular in Eastern cultures: it is believed that such a range contributes to wealth and prosperity. Energetically, this is also a “charging” color: green refreshes and helps to maintain vigor. This solution is especially suitable for those who are used to leading a dynamic lifestyle.

If you have any questions about choosing the main color of the kitchen, our designers and consultants will help you answer them. Departure of the designer, measurement, creation of a project and layout - we will carry out all these stages of creating your future kitchen for free. All you have to do is make a payment and in 30 days you will receive a kitchen ready for installation - exactly the shade that suits your interior and character. nine0003

08/08/2020

08/08/2020

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Kitchens of different colors in the interior - designers' advice on choosing colors for the kitchen and 95 photos

The choice of color for the kitchen set depends on how you would like to see the kitchen after all the work is completed. It can be calm or tonic, effective or calming, bright or gentle. Consider in this article the basic rules and advice from designers on choosing colors for the kitchen. nine0003

Designer tips on how to choose the right color for your kitchen set and what to be aware of:

* Do not use more than two colors in one kitchen set.

* If the kitchen set is designed in two colors, then the color of the upper cabinets should be lighter in tone than the lower cabinets.

* A monochromatic kitchen looks better when it is made of colors ranging from light beige to dark brown, pleasant, calm and not too flashy. A plain kitchen looks good if the kitchen space is not large. nine0003

* Only one color should be the dominant color in the typeface if the typeface is made in different colors.

* Different colors of the kitchen set must be combined with each other.

Furniture should be the starting point in the interior design of the kitchen.

If you are planning to buy brightly colored furniture, it is advisable to make walls in calm, neutral colors.

And vice versa, a monochromatic and not bright kitchen set requires more catchy, contrasting walls and surrounding decor. nine0003

The following color combinations are popular in one headset: black and white, black and pink, black and red, black and orange, red and gray, red and white, yellow and blue, beige and gray, green and light -yellow, dark brown and light brown, brown and beige, orange and dark brown, lilac/purple and yellow, burgundy and light pink, green and brown.

* In a small kitchen space, you do not need to use dark saturated colors. nine0003

Remember that a light color visually enlarges the space.

* A room with a large area will become more comfortable if the light suite is supplemented, "diluted" with bright accents.

* Too dark a kitchen set, even in a large kitchen, can create a gloomy atmosphere.

* The colors of nature are best suited to the color of kitchen furniture.

The best color combinations in one kitchen set:

- White - goes well with almost all colors. Best with blue, red and black; nine0125
- Beige - matches blue, brown, gray and white;
- Gray is a neutral color that can be used as a base color. Pairs well with beige/cream, pink, red, purple, brown, blue;
- Pink - brown, white, olive, gray, turquoise matches this color;
- Red - ideally combined with yellow, white, green, blue and black, combination with gray is also possible; nine0125
- Brown - with bright blue, cream, pink, green, beige, light brown;
- Orange - with blue, blue, lilac, violet, green;
- Yellow - with blue, lilac, light blue, gray, black, lilac;
- Green - goes well with golden brown, yellow, black, light beige;
- Blue - to red, gray, orange, pink, white, yellow;
- Blue - to purple, green, yellow, orange, red;
- Lilac - to yellow, green, brown, beige;
- Black - universal elegant color. Looks good with all colors. Best combined with orange, pink, green, white, red, yellow.






Color plays a huge role in a person's life, it affects well-being, mood, performance, relationships. The kitchen is an important part of our home, we spend a lot of time there, so choosing the color of the walls for this room should be taken seriously. nine0063

Basic rules for choosing wall colors for the kitchen:

  • A large pattern visually reduces the size of the room.
  • A small pattern, on the other hand, makes the room appear larger than it really is.
  • Geometric patterns on the walls of the kitchen in the form of intersecting stripes, like the ornament on Scottish kilts, create the illusion of a continuous space.
  • Vertical pattern "raises" the ceilings, visually "increasing" the height of the room. nine0010
  • The horizontal pattern and horizontal stripes on the walls expand the kitchen while reducing its height.
  • Diagonal lines on the walls bring dynamism to the kitchen interior, creating the illusion of movement.
  • Textured wallpapers look very extraordinary. By endowing the surface of the walls with new qualities, they are able to create an additional dimension in the room. Thanks to the play of shadows and partial shadows, curious color nuances and unexpected alternations of textures, you can get a lot of interesting effects. nine0010
  • When choosing the color of your kitchen, keep your own tastes and preferences in mind.
  • Undoubtedly, the kitchen set must be in harmony in color with other design solutions of the room: ceiling, walls, floor. However, first of all, its color should cause you only positive emotions. Psychologists do not get tired of repeating that the coloring of the things around us directly affects the character, mood, well-being and even performance.

Each person has an individual approach to the choice of color, so you should figure out what will be relevant for the kitchen, and what can hardly be called the right decision. nine0003

Let's take a closer look at the main color options:

Red - This color is considered one of the most intense, bright, impressive and eye-catching. However, do not forget that it can not only arouse appetite, but also inappropriately increase blood pressure. Psychologists say that such a solution for the kitchen is preferable for people who are strong-willed, self-confident and able to always keep any situation under control. Psychologists have come to the conclusion that bright red furniture should not be installed by those who regularly diet, wanting to lose weight. nine0003

Pink - This shade of red can have different effects on a person - it all depends on the saturation. However, he is not so aggressive, but, on the contrary, carries a tendency to calm and tranquility. Pastel shades of pink are able to improve mood, give a feeling of lightness and tenderness, but crimson ones - awaken appetite, increase tone, excite, make people more emotional. nine0003

Orange - If the lady of the house chooses this color for her kitchen furniture, she will always win. The fact is that it is orange shades that moderately increase appetite, and communication in such a bright environment is always relaxed and easy. This is one of the reasons why such tones are chosen in many modern cafes and restaurants. They are considered the key to movement, dynamics and communication. Who should choose such a solution? First of all, those people who are used to quick snacks are active and purposeful. nine0003

Yellow - A yellow kitchen will be filled with light, warmth, comfort and boundless good mood all year round. This choice is most often inclined to cheerful and loving people who love to start their day with beauty. Even in cloudy weather, when it is autumn or winter outside, it will always be sunny and clear in a yellow kitchen. Experts say that this color awakens the "muse" in creative people, and also contributes to the manifestation of imagination, prompts a desire to experiment, including in culinary business. A variety of shades allows you to choose the best one, but it should be borne in mind that too bright contributes to anxiety, and dim - a breakdown. nine0003

Green - Green has long been considered the most pleasant color to perceive. It evokes a feeling of calmness, and the interior in such colors gives people comfort and a sense of security. In addition, it is a symbol of growth, life, development, relaxes, protects from stress, nervous overload. Choosing a green kitchen is for those people who do a lot of work, read, work, and also regularly experience psychological or physical stress. In addition, scientists have found that this coloring is able to reduce pain in the abdominal cavity, harmonizes the general condition of the body. nine0003

Blue - A blue kitchen is sure to give its owners a sense of calm. It is natural that such an environment will evoke associations with relaxation, sea, sky, water. Well, how can you not relax here? Paradoxically, scientists have found that the popularity of blue shades increases at times when a country or the world as a whole is experiencing crises, including economic ones. It's easy enough to explain. It is the heavenly colors that are a sign of security, trust and even devotion. If there are those in the house who want to say goodbye to excess weight forever, then it is worth acquiring a kitchen in a bright blue color, since, unlike red, it perfectly fights hunger, dulling it. nine0003

Violet/Lilac - Violet kitchen is always a bit of a daring option, which always reeks of brightness. Many are inclined to this choice, knowing about some mystical properties of such shades - to attract wealth, strength and power. Nevertheless, it is the purple color that is considered an expression of sensuality, subtlety. To make such a kitchen look luxurious and stylish, you should pay attention to the right combination of shades and accessories. Calm tones, in turn, will create a unique romantic atmosphere in this corner of the house, where it will be pleasant not only to cook and eat, but also to receive guests with a cup of fragrant tea. nine0003

Brown - In most apartments today you can find kitchens in brown made of wood or "under it". This is not surprising, because such a color gives a feeling of confidence, stability, trust, comfort. In addition, it is considered the most neutral, since, in most cases, it does not affect the general well-being or mood. It is worth noting that brown is one of the most combinable colors, as most of the others are combined with it. nine0003

Black - A kitchen in black is, as they say, an amateur. The fact is that many modern people are prone to prejudice and consider this color to be mournful, mystical, dark. However, designers prove the opposite and, with a skillful combination of accessories, turn the black kitchen into a stylish and presentable room, which, in addition to everything, looks spectacular and harmonious. This is a classic that will remain relevant and in demand at any time. Most often, black is combined with white, red and orange. nine0003

White

The indisputable advantage of such a kitchen is the visual expansion of space. Also, this color is able to soften combinations of any, the brightest shades. It is known that it is completely impractical, but it always looks stylish, spectacular, expensive. However, you should not get carried away too much, as the abundance of white can cause eye strain and even headaches.

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