subject: Using Colour in the Kitchen [print this page] Using Colour in the Kitchen Using Colour in the Kitchen
Individuals who want their bathroom or kitchen to elevate moods require colour as an important element in their design. A lively kitchen requires a good mixture of colours in the decorating scheme. Having a blue freezer and brown curtains creates a bad colour scheme, just like having green cheap tumble dryers and red washing machines for sale in a blue room can be.
Studies have shown that red increases breathing and heart rate and can increase appetites. Yellows make people feel happy. Bright yellow attracts attention and lightens up rooms. Colour can also be used to change how big the room feels.
The importance of colour schemes in kitchens has led manufacturers of fridge freezers and other items found in kitchens to increase their colour options. Great colour choices for kitchens include brown, pink, blue and yellow shades.
White has a clean look and is still a popular colour for design schemes. However, a kitchen that is all white has a cold feel. Because of this, there is usually another colour used to accent it. Other design elements and accents can make the kitchen feel warmer. A good idea for kitchen design schemes is to choose one base colour and one or two colours for accents.
Use the following guidelines to choose a colour scheme for your kitchen or bathroom:
A good idea for colour in rooms is to have a 60-30-10 split between three different colours. 60 percent of the colour will be the main colour and will most likely be found on the walls. 30 percent should be used on the floors or windows. 10 percent is for accents like artwork, pillows or dishes.
Monochrome colour schemes only use one colour. Using different shades and tones of the same colour adds some variety.
Another good colour scheme is called a complementary colour scheme, which uses two opposing colours such as red and blue. This scheme brings a dramatic touch to home decorating.
Neutral colours include tan, black, white, cream and grey shades. These colours are able to be paired with any colour for accenting. Cabinets make up a major part of kitchen design schemes and should be a neutral colour. Counter tops and floors should also be neutral in colour.
A great decorating scheme emulates nature colour schemes. Light is another important element in emphasizing colour and can bring many shades of the colour into play, depending on the light's intensity.
