Last Updated on July 30, 2021 by teamobn
It’s often said that the kitchen is the heart of your home. You spend so much time there, with family, entertaining, cooking fabulous meals, that it’s only natural to want to give it a facelift from time to time. While a full kitchen renovation might not be in your budget, there are some simple and cost-effective ways to update your space. Painting the walls is one easy way to refresh your kitchen, painting kitchen cabinets is another simple option to quickly transform the look and feel of your kitchen.
Choosing the right color to paint your kitchen cabinets is a big decision. If you need help making your choice, thinking about the science of color psychology may guide you toward the perfect solution.
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What is Color Psychology?
You may not realize it, but the colors you use to decorate your home can have a big impact on the way you feel.
Different hues can make you feel depressed, joyful, energized, or even hungry. It’s important to define the purpose of the room you’ll be painting to figure out the best colors for what you’re trying to achieve.
Color Psychology in the Kitchen
Think about how you use your kitchen. If you do a lot of entertaining and want to stimulate socialization, painting your cabinets a warm, earthy color will be your best bet. If you want it to be an area where you can relax, a cooler paint color can create a sense of calm and tranquillity. Some people also like to paint their kitchens with the same color scheme as the kitchens from their childhoods. These positive memories can bring a sense of comfort and familiarity to this updated space.
Red hues in your kitchen or dining area can stimulate your appetite. However, keep in mind that using large swaths of red can actually cause you to eat more, which is why it’s such a popular color in the logos of fast-food restaurants.
If you want your kitchen to have a bright, clean feel, opt for white-adjacent neutrals with a pop or two of accent colors like blues, greens, or turquoises to promote a feeling of freshness.
While choosing colors for your kitchen is ultimately up to your personal preference and taste, here are some other popular choices.
Greige
Greige (a mix of gray and beige) is a versatile color that adds a sense of warmth. Because it’s a neutral color, it looks great in most kitchens. Painting your cabinets greige will also add a charming, relaxed, and soothing feel to your kitchen. This color works best if you have furniture like stools or chairs, or decor, like vibrant artwork, to add a pop of color.
Pink
If you want to be a little daring in your kitchen, think pink! You don’t need to go with bright bubble gum or flamingo pink to put a unique stamp on your kitchen. A subtle blush or ballerina pink can be surprisingly sophisticated when paired with white, grays, and golds.
White
White is one of the most popular colors for kitchens. White cabinets can make your kitchen look clean and inviting, while brightening up kitchens with little or no natural light.
It’s a great choice if you want other elements in the room to be the focal point, or if you just can’t decide on a color. White is timeless, and there are many shades to fit your taste and complement other fixtures in your kitchen.
Black
Don’t be afraid to be bold and paint your kitchen cabinets black! It can create a sleek, modern, and polished look when paired with other paint hues or wood accents. Black kitchen cabinets can create an amazing contrast with your walls and backsplash and will look great in kitchens of every size. It’s especially suitable for kitchens that have an abundance of natural light, or if the rest of your kitchen has decor that is lighter in color.
Gray
If you’re not quite ready to commit to black cabinets, go for gray! If your kitchen is small or doesn’t get much natural light, an understated or light gray can open up your space and make it feel larger. Darker, more saturated shades can add depth and contrast. Painting your wood cabinets a soft gray can let the grain show through for a rustic and more natural look.
Bright or Bold Colors
Painting your kitchen cabinets in a bright, bold color will completely energize your space. Think dark blue, golden yellow, or vibrant emerald green. To keep your kitchen from looking too busy, be conscious of how the color will coordinate with your walls and other fixtures. It’s a good choice if your walls are light or neutral colors or if .you want to add more interest to your kitchen fixtures.
Pastels
To give your kitchen an airy, relaxing ambiance, consider painting your cabinets in a pastel tone. Light blues, greens, and yellows can still make a statement while adding charm and a sweet aesthetic to any style of kitchen. Pastels are a great way to brighten up your kitchen without committing to bold colors and look especially good with white or neutral walls and countertops.
No matter which paint colors you ultimately decide on for your kitchen cabinets, be sure to give it some careful consideration for a truly stellar outcome.
