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Neutral kitchen with pops of color


Add Color to Your Kitchen! Here's How...

Let’s dispel the myth that you’re either Team Color or Team Neutral when it comes to design! In our kitchen remodel, we had the opportunity to go bold with cabinet paint colors. But just because your cabinets are a neutral color doesn’t mean your kitchen can’t showcase color and personality in its own way.

One thing I never want to get missed or glossed over in our content is that there’s nothing wrong with a home in primarily neutral colors. But if you are someone who’s drawn to bold hues and you want to add a few pops of color to your kitchen, this post is for you.

Below, you’ll find nine of my ideas for infusing a bit of color into your kitchen. I hope you find some inspiration to pull into your own home while browsing through this list!

01

Add a colorful lamp.

I love the look of a lamp on kitchen countertops. It always reminds me of Nora Ephron movie sets. There are usually loads of little colorful lamp bases at Goodwill that look great with a simple white shade. Or, maybe buy a shade in a fun print on Etsy that will hide any cooking messes that may occur!

02

Get creative with your produce bowl or utensil holder.

This is an easy place to start experimenting with color in your kitchen. Swap out your go-to produce bowl or utensil holder for one in a bold hue of your choosing. I usually rotate a few of my favorite pieces from antique or thrift stores when I feel like changing things up.

03

Take a different approach to a cabinet door.

Adding fabric in a colorful print is a utilitarian way to create a cover for your under-counter storage if you don’t have a cabinet door. I LOVE this look and think it instantly adds charm to a space.

04

Swap out your knobs and drawer pulls.

Colorful knobs on white cabinets can instantly make them look more refined or funky (whatever style feels most like you)! Go for oversized knobs in a contrasting finish (think glossy knobs on matte cabinets) or mix and match antique knobs. You could even paint your own wooden knobs a fun color that you can swap out later if you happen to change your mind.

05

Add greenery.

Any kitchen (or room, for that matter) could benefit from the addition of a couple of plants. Add a few potted herbs of your choosing for a functional greenery addition or place a trailing plant on an open shelf to add a bit of drama.

06

Get creative with dinnerware.

Colorful dinnerware on open shelving adds immediate visual interest to any kitchen. If you don’t know where to start, solid colors are a great entry point. And if you already have a neutral dinnerware set you love, you could start to experiment by adding small plates in a bold pattern or color (I have and love this collection from CB2!).

07

Swap out your linens.

Adding colorful tea towels or cloth napkins to your kitchen is an easy way to test out different styles and patterns without breaking the bank. I’ve slowly been acquiring a collection over time in a variety of patterns and colors. These green-striped napkins I found on Etsy have become a favorite addition to mealtime around here!

08

Hang artwork.

If you have a blank wall, hang a couple of colorful pieces of artwork to add some interest. Antique oil paintings are often affordable and add character to a space. Look on Etsy, attend flea markets, and keep your eye out when at an antique store. I found the painting in our kitchen (pictured below) for $45 at Junk Bonanza last fall!

09

Line your drawers.

Line your kitchen drawers with a beautiful wallpaper for a surprise pop of color. This is a great way to use up old wallpaper from a previous home project or put a small roll of vintage wallpaper to good use! 

Editor’s Note: This article contains affiliate links. Wit & Delight uses affiliate links as a source for revenue to fund operations of the business and to be less dependent on branded content. Wit & Delight stands behind all product recommendations. Still have questions about these links or our process? Feel free to email us.

Kate Arends

Kate is currently learning to play the Ukulele, much to the despair of her husband, kids, and dogs. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.

37 Colorful Kitchens That Are Anything But Neutral

By

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel is an interior design expert who has covered architecture, interiors, and decor trends for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Lonny, and the American and international editions of Elle Decor. She resides in Paris, France, and has traveled to over 30 countries, giving her a global perspective on home design.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 09/07/22

Design by Pluck

There will never be anything wrong with a white kitchen. Kitchens are expensive to install and it makes sense to use classic neutrals like white, black, beige, and gray that outlast trends and will look fresh for years to come.

But there are times in life when it feels right to embrace color, turning your kitchen into a one-of-a-kind gathering space that feels personal and specific, rather than staged for an open house designed to appeal to anyone. Depending on whether you live in a temporary rental or a forever home, and your personality, preferences, and budget, colorizing your kitchen might involve adding a few choice accents or going bold by saturating the space in a statement color.

If you are hankering to add bold paint on the walls, install colorful kitchen cabinets, lay some striking kitchen floor tiles or an eye-catching kitchen backsplash, or hang some decorative kitchen wallpaper, check out these mood-boosting, rainbow-hued kitchens that embrace color in some of its infinite variations.

10 Easy Tips to Add Color to Your Kitchen

modern ideas on 70 real photos

You need to cook in a good mood - such food brings maximum benefit. A kitchen with a bright accent can awaken a chef in any hostess. Scroll through the photos selected by the Dekorin.me project. You will see how you can refresh the bored interior. A few bright strokes - and now the kitchen is filled with a new mood, and routine cooking is not a burden. Ready to create designer (and culinary!) masterpieces? Then let's see how it's done. nine0003

Kitchen with a bright accent: design rules

Looking through the photos, you might get the impression that everything is simple. A bright vase, a curtain, a rug on the floor and - you're done! Not really. Emphasis in design must be placed correctly, otherwise there is a risk of making the kitchen colorful, but still faceless.

There is a rule that you can't go wrong with. It can be expressed in the following figures: 60% / 30% / 10%. Let's figure out what's what. In any kitchen there is a color that prevails. It's called main. So it's usually around 60%. To make the interior more expressive, you will need additional colors. They need no more than 30%. The remaining 10% can be used for accents. nine0003

Now let's see how it works. In this kitchen, white is the main color, pale blue is the secondary color, and blue was used for accents. In general, the design turned out to be “live” and dynamic.

Let's move on. Here is an interesting solution.

The dominant color is white, with a shade of blue selected as an additional color. Accents are placed with the help of bright orange.

And such an interior will appeal to those who prefer restraint in design. Here the main color is milky. nine0003

Notice how well the brown sets it off. Black was chosen as accents (lamps above the dining table).

What can be a bright accent in the kitchen? (With design examples)

A large object in the design, such as a stove, can be a bright accent in the kitchen. She, as a descendant of the stove, symbolizes the hearth, and therefore is the center of gravity of this room. Take a look at photo examples.

But the heart of the kitchen is the dining table. It can also be distinguished. nine0003

Interiors with bright chairs look non-trivial.

How do you like it?

You can also focus on small elements. Arrange on the shelves colored jars-flasks with spices. Choose textiles made in the same color scheme (dishtowels, potholders, napkins, tablecloths).

Curtains are a bright accent here.

By the way, it should be noted that monochrome interiors are no worse. There are many beautiful kitchens made in the same color palette. It's about something else. How to bring novelty, if the existing design is a bit tired. nine0003

What bright colors are chosen for accents in the kitchen (with photo examples)

We have decided on the quantity, now let's talk about quality. More precisely, about choosing colors for accents in kitchen design. Here are some photos. You see, there can be several bright spots and, of different colors.

Use the color combination wheel to find the right accents. Everything is simple here. If the interior is made in warm colors, then the adjacent colors will be additional colors. In order to make the design brighter in cold colors, you need to look at the shades opposite. nine0003

For bright accent spots often choose:

And here are examples where deep blue, rich olive, rotten cherry color is taken as accents.

White kitchen - what color to choose for bright accents?

Bright kitchens look amazing. However, the design can look frozen and boring. But the white interior of the kitchen with bright accents is able to charge with positive for the whole day. We drank coffee in the morning and flew off to work in a good mood. nine0003

The kitchen has long ceased to be just a place to prepare food. That is why design is given a lot of attention here. The photo below shows a white kitchen with bright accents. Well, how not to fall in love with this magic of color combinations?

Red as bright accents in a white kitchen design

Red is bold and ambitious. It must be used in design dosed. And for accents - he is what you need. Add splashes of red to the interior of a white kitchen if you think for a long time before deciding on something drastic. In such a kitchen, you will be able to quickly and rationally assess various situations that require immediate action from you. Here's what the design looks like with red strokes on a white background. How do you like this kitchen? nine0003

Take a closer look at these interiors if you feel like a squeezed lemon in the evenings. A cup of tea, drunk in such an environment, will not let you completely unravel. And, on the contrary, it will help to gather strength, concentrate.

Bright orange accents in a white kitchen (with photo)

Orange is a discreet red. This color has a businesslike and persistent character, but at the same time it radiates a lot of solar energy and positive. See how orange accents look in a pure white kitchen. The mood rises from one viewing of the photo. Imagine the charge of vivacity that you get by having breakfast in such a kitchen. nine0003

Orange has no "contraindications". However, not everyone is able to accept its directness and naturalness. Although this is a matter of taste.

Vibrant turquoise accents in a dazzling white kitchen

Vibrant navy blue combines the natural power of green with the serenity of blue, a great choice for accents in a white kitchen. Turquoise is liked by creative people who are full of ideas. Here's a look at some examples. The color of the sea wave helps to make the sterile interior of the bright kitchen warm and homely. nine0003

Dark blue - can it be used as an accent color in a white kitchen? (+ photo)

Blue - ideal for those who are too impulsive by nature. This color is able to calm the most hyperactive person. If you want to learn how to control your emotions, add splashes of blue in a white kitchen. Over time, you will notice how much easier it will become for you to restrain manifestations of temperament. Kitchens with blue accents create a sense of calmness and tranquility. Here, take a look at the photo examples of the design. nine0003

Beige kitchen with bright accents

Beige is often chosen for decorating small kitchens. It goes well with bright accents.

Beige is a wonderfully warm and soft color. And he is able to visually expand the space.

And how many shades it has!

This color is versatile and goes well with any color scheme. Therefore, any bright tone can be used to place accents. Here, for example, take a look at how a lime-colored accent wall harmoniously fit into a light beige kitchen.

Bright red touches make this small kitchen stand out.

What bright accents to dilute the gray kitchen?

Many underestimate the gray color, consider it boring and even gloomy. But in vain. See how stylish gray kitchens look. Due to bright accents, the design turns out to be trendy. nine0003

Gray has an amazing ability to bring out other colors. Even rough massive kitchen furniture in light gray colors does not look heavy, but somehow easy.

Any bright spots can be used to create bright accents in a gray kitchen. It can be:

Perfectly harmonizes with gray chrome fittings, lamps in bronze. nine0003

Do you need bright accents in the interior of a black kitchen?

Not everyone will decide to design a kitchen in dark colors. Black is a deep color with powerful energy. It must be used carefully. From luxury to gloom is just one step. Make a mistake in the design, and even bright accents will not correct the situation.

If the kitchen area is small, then it is better to refuse a black set. It will visually hide square meters, it can create an oppressive feeling. nine0003

But you can decorate the kitchen in black and white colors. In addition, a black kitchen with bright accents will sparkle in a new way.

Black can be diluted with natural shades. It is brown, herbal, yellow, light green.

How do you like this design?

You can get more information on the design of the kitchen from this article from Decorin specialists. Here the question is sorted out, what color to choose the facade.

What is your favorite kitchen with a bright accent? If the soul "lay down" to one of the designs, take it into service. Think about what touches to the interior of your kitchen will help it open up from a new side. Dekorin.me wishes you inspiration and successful design solutions!

bright, colorful, backsplash and textile designs

Contents

Interior accents are a focal point created by harmonious inclusions of color in an almost monochrome or two-tone interior. Accents can be color (hue), light (backlight), shiny (gold, silver, steel, gloss). The most beautiful accents in the interior of the kitchen look, which add depth to it and emphasize the existing color scheme. For example, in a beige kitchen, gold accents look the most luxurious, while in a gray kitchen, blue or silver ones look the most luxurious. nine0003

Accents in the interior of the kitchen allow not only to add depth to the space, but also to streamline it. For example, the accent upholstery of the semi-chairs in the dining room allows you to visually separate the culinary area and the dining room. The accent wall in the kitchen also copes very well with the zoning function. A kitchen with a variety of accents always looks more refined and sophisticated than a standard monochrome palette. If you do not like bright colors or accent shades, there is always the opportunity to carefully add gold / silver / highlights. nine0003

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White kitchen interior design with accents: beautiful examples

First of all, we will look at the design of a white kitchen with different types of accents, for example, with an accent splashback, colored mosaic, accent set or gold decorative details. We will show beautiful examples in the photos that will tell you which design option will suit your kitchen. nine0003

Neoclassical white kitchen with emerald backsplash and illuminated cupboards

A kitchen with an emerald accent looks very modern and trendy. True, it should be borne in mind that this shade will determine the mood of the interior for many years, so you should choose an accent tone with extreme caution, together with the interior designer, taking into account the preferences of all family members.

Modern white kitchen interior design with blue accents in mosaic

A white kitchen with blue accents looks very modern. This range is perfect for any size kitchen. In the photo above, you see a kitchen set with black countertops, blue mosaics and a ceiling. Notice how the subtly brown stone effect floor brings an ethnic feel to this interior. Viewed as a whole, mosaics can be the perfect accent spot for any interior style.

White interior with turquoise accents in the form of kitchen fronts and crimson textiles

The next example of a kitchen with an accent is a white interior with a turquoise set that looks eclectic and very stylish. Crimson textiles in an unusual way colors the overall cold palette of the interior. Additional accents here are gold details in fittings and design of household appliances.

White kitchen interior design with gold accents in rococo style

Gold accents in the interior of the kitchen are popular in the classics, rococo, baroque and neoclassical. A white kitchen with gold accents looks especially elegant. Here, there are golden details on the facades, a chandelier, a mixer, luxurious curtains. nine0003

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Modern kitchens classic kitchens Loft kitchens Kitchen Provence Neoclassical kitchens Art Deco Kitchens

Dark kitchen design with different accents: gold, highlights, emerald

A dark kitchen is a very good way to emphasize the originality of your interior. A black or dark brown set will look luxurious with gold accents, neon lighting and an emerald or malachite apron.

Art Deco dark kitchen interior design with golden accents

Accents in a dark kitchen play two very important roles at once. For example, they add depth to the interior and make it detailed. But even more significant is the dilution of the dark background and the highlighting of the interior. After all, a dark background looks good only in some styles, for example, minimalism, and in art deco it needs additional decorative elements. nine0003

Black kitchen interior with gold accents in the design of bas-relief half-columns

The interior of the kitchen with gold accents can be different. Classic, baroque and rococo are characterized by massive wooden kitchens with carved details, bas-reliefs, modulions and medallions in the facade design. Here you can find semi-columns, friezes and crowns. Some of these details may be patinated or gilded.

Two tone beige and brown kitchen with trendy emerald splashback and black appliances

A beige kitchen with an emerald accent is a super trendy take on a modern kitchen. In the photo above, you can see a two-tone beige and brown set with a wood finish, Moroccan tiles on the splashback and black built-in appliances.

Dark brown kitchen with marble tops and backsplash and gold accents in dining room

This brown kitchen is complemented by gold accents not in the design of the headset itself, but in the design of the dining room. The metal frames of the semi-chairs and the table, lamps and zoning screens play the role of spectacular accents in gold here. nine0003

Black high-gloss kitchen with gold accents and gray backsplash with gold accents

The black kitchen with gold accents in the rendering above has an interesting feature: the backsplash design uses gold metal inserts that look very glamorous. By the way, black kitchens with an accent of bright color do not look as stylish as those with gold, silver or dark accents.

Accent lighting in the interior design of the cooking zone

Interior design with lighting can be not only more aesthetic, but also practical. For example, it adds light to the work surface and makes cooking safer. By illuminating cupboards for storing dishes, it simplifies access to them. In general, the built-in spot lighting allows you to create a cozy mood in different corners and small areas of the room, to make each of the zones functional and complete, which is very important in any interior. And the main light source can be a chandelier or large profile modules of built-in lamps. nine0003

Kitchen island with illuminated worktop and central portal

The backlight of the kitchen countertop is the most important after the central light source. This zone must be additionally highlighted, regardless of the chosen style or other design decisions. Note that the countertop lighting can be more original in the hob area.

Fashionable lighting of open shelves in the interior of the kitchen

Lighting for open shelves and cupboards is the most effective. Since there are shelves or pantry modules in almost any kitchen, you should first think about just such a decorative addition.

Kitchen cupboard lighting

A large illuminated sideboard can become a real art object in the interior of your kitchen or dining room. It can be either part of a headset, or a stand-alone module, or, in principle, cabinet furniture. nine0003

Kitchen lighting at floor level

Floor-level LED filament lighting is the perfect solution for a more modern interior. This option looks especially luxurious with marbled porcelain stoneware.

Kitchen interior design with accent textiles

Textiles are an important part of any interior. You can vary its amount and importance in the context of your project. For example, in the Provence style, it will play a significant decorative role, and in the minimalist style, it will be almost invisible. Nevertheless, very often textiles become the accent in interior design. nine0003

Blue gray kitchen with beige floors, countertops, backsplash and blue upholstery

A kitchen with a blue accent (or sky blue) looks very cozy and modern. Many people like this compromise between bright color accents and an almost monochrome palette, especially in neoclassical, Provence and Scandinavian styles.

Light neoclassical kitchen with blue curtains and upholstered dining chairs

Especially important are the accents in the bright interior of the kitchen. For example, in textiles, they can be supplied in the design of curtains, carpets, decorative pillows, chairs, armchairs and breakfast sofas. Working household textiles (an apron, for example) can also be decorated in this style. nine0003

Modern kitchen in white and gray with wood tones

This gray kitchen set with partially wood fronts and black sideboard looks amazing. And bar armchairs in a shade of ginger create an attractive autumn mood in this interior, which echoes the surroundings of piece French parquet on the floor.

Accent kitchen set in interior design

Kitchen with accents can be different. Sometimes the focal point is created not by small objects, but by the headset itself. As a rule, in this case, the floor, backsplash, walls and ceiling have a similar and identical shade. An accent kitchen set always has an extremely reference shade for a particular style. nine0003

For example, in the Provence style it will be a blue set, in the Art Deco style it will be gold or black, in the neoclassical style it will be olive or pale yellow. In unusual styles, such as English or Chinese, you can find a red headset. Sometimes red modules are found in a loft or chalet. At the same time, the accent set may have modules of other colors that are neutral in shades.

Interior design of a white kitchen with a blue set in Provence style

The Provence style blue set is the most original and sophisticated furnishing solution. Such a kitchen immediately attracts attention, defining the atmosphere of the entire apartment. At the same time, it is light enough to look good even with a massive wooden set.

Interior design for dark kitchen with victorian purple cabinets

In the Victorian style, there are options for a headset of lilac, purple, emerald and other rich tones. Dramatic interior design can be especially unique if you add gothic vaults to the glass sideboards. Undoubtedly, a dark set will be an excellent solution for decorating such an interior. nine0003

Multi-coloured kitchen interior with red and green furniture in Italian style

This two-tone kitchen with intricate decorative fronts, unique hood finishes and red framed cupboard fronts is simply stunning. Italian cuisine betrays itself in every skillful detail.

Black and red corner kitchen with glossy black backsplash

If you choose an unusual shade for the headset accent modules, for example, red, dark green or blue, then in this interior it is better to completely abandon other types of accents. nine0003

Blue and white kitchen with dark wallpaper and light marble backsplash

Combined kitchen fronts with accent and neutral modules will be a harmonious solution for modern design or decoration of a small space. For example, a blue bottom and a white top are ideal for styles such as Provence, neoclassic or English country. In general, such options always look more original than monochrome ones.

Kitchen interior with small color accents: design examples

In a monochrome interior, small accents can look even more stylish than in color. We have collected for you a few examples of such design to prove this statement.

Learn more