Few things are more important in kitchen design than choice of colour scheme. The right blend of colours can help set the ‘theme’ of a room, creating an atmosphere and tone that perfectly suits its intended purpose. But while everyone knows that colour creates mood, did you know that it can actually work to affect your mood as well?
It is now widely accepted that a room’s colour scheme can influence a person’s feelings and thoughts, with many businesses and organisations having already followed this principle. Whether it’s the bright, ‘energising’ colours of a nursery or the more ‘relaxing’ shades of a care home, colour is now considered for its psychological effect. But what influence do certain colours have, and how can they be integrated into your kitchen’s design?
For a colour scheme that seeks to relax or relieve stress, there are a wide range of choices available. The first step is to follow the principles of the ‘harmonious’ colour scheme, which typically uses muted, monochromatic colours to create a gentle, unimposing effect. This scheme is typically combined with more ‘natural’ colours, such as pale blues, greens and purples, and aims for a neutral palette that shies away from bold variations and dramatic contrasts.
These more muted shades are also known as ‘receding’ colours because they seem to visibly recede and make a room feel larger. This can fit particularly well with smaller kitchens or more hectic large kitchens, where the lightness of colour can help to relieve tension and expand the sense of space.
Alternatively, you could look to the other end of the spectrum at the warm, ‘advancing’ tones of reds, oranges and yellows. Fitting in again with that natural theme, these colours can have the effect of advancing into the room, imposing upon the space and enveloping its occupants with cosier, muted, rustic shades. These can be good for a smaller space, using its inherent intimacy to increase comfort and relaxation.
For a completely contrasting effect, ‘dynamic’ colour schemes are the way forward. Utilising bright, vivid tones in a mix of sharp contrasts and impressive banks of colour, these types of schemes can suit a kitchen that is designed for a more active lifestyle. Whether it’s a child friendly room for a young family or an attractive social space that hosts regular gathering, an energetic choice of colours can really help create the right kind of atmosphere. You might even consider using acid pastel colours to really make an impact and keep proceedings lively.
Whatever your choice, it’s clear that a colour scheme must be closely tied a room’s purpose, so you really need to think about what your kitchen is for before making your choices. Of course, colour is only one aspect. Choices about lighting, fittings and surfaces will also be important in setting your room’s theme, so be sure to take everything into account when planning your kitchen design.