Painting your kitchen

The effect of colour in our lives is very profound one. The kitchen is a place in which the housewife spends most of her time. Yet how often does she choose over dramatic, stimulating colours like red or bright orange? Colour is a matter of taste, but the aspect of the room, the amount of natural light, the proportions and the outlook should be studied before deciding on a scheme. Strong colours are fine for a month or two but how many of us can afford to change colour schemes every six months? It is therefore better to stick to a basic scheme of white, cream or natural wood with bright tea cloths and plenty of bright coloured kitchen equipment.

Although white rules, it should be punctuated by strong accent colours that add impact to the overall look. A large kitchen can take strong colours, vibrant contrasts and bold patterns whereas to maximize the illusion of space and light in a small kitchen, painting the walls in white or soft off white is better than the harsh brilliant variety. Cream is a softer choice than brilliant white and can be used in large doses. By using it you can guarantee a light look and then you can liven things up with small amounts of brighter colour. Pale cream walls combined with buttery yellow units and neutral stone floorings create a cheerful but relaxing atmosphere.

If you want to make the most of limited space, don’t crowd a small kitchen with strong colour. Walls painted in white or light neutral will make the room feel brighter and larger. White walls and black vinyl-flooring set the scene for a plain modern look. Take a poll for kitchen colours…the colour blue comes on top - it’s a universally popular colour and never seems to be outdated! Warmed up with red and pinks, blue springs to life. If you want a warm and stimulating kitchen then think pink. A shade like this will create an all around glow. For a dramatically modern look, balance it with dazzling white units and then lay down a neutral coloured flooring. Yellow is a wonderful colour for a dining area as it promotes sociability, and a stimulating shade is just the thing to cheer up a sluggish family first thing in the morning.

Many people shy away from using strong shades, afraid that they will look brash, but dark green adds colour without drama. Restful and easy on the eye, it is often seen as traditional in character but works just as well in a contemporary setting if freshened by plenty of white and lighter neutrals. Cool contemporary aqua creates an upbeat mood for both cooking and casual dining. Subtle shades of cool colours - green, aqua and blues create a harmonious combination that makes the kitchen a relaxing spot for family meals.