Vibrant, energetic colors — especially in kitchens — is one of the top trends seen in 2014. Kitchens remain a top remodeling project of members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.The use of color in kitchen designs was a theme that emerged in the association’s awards program, which recognizes the top national projects in 25 categories.
This year in the kitchen, design professionals are deploying color and creating contrasts, from pairing classic with contemporary styles to infusing touches of color into the timeless combination of black and
white. Since most appliances are basic black, white or stainless steel, bold bursts of color are appearing on other surfaces. Color is often used to highlight the base of island or peninsula cabinets, colored stone in the countertop, different blends of cabinetry wood and in the tiles of the backsplash. For some homeowners, adding touches of color can update an existing look, while for others, it can be the starting point for a total remodeling of the space.
“Bright colors are very trendy, especially in contemporary kitchens,” says association leader George Edwards, of A & C Kitchens and Baths in Chester, Penn. “Color is a great way to create harmony, especially in open concept kitchens that flow into other parts of living and dining room space.”
In many of this year’s award-winning kitchen designs, bolder colors such as blues, oranges, sunny yellows and avocado greens complement stainless steel and darker cabinet colors with neutral white finishes.
What is making color trends different is fusing them together in fresh and inventive ways. Colors found in nature, such as relaxing silver blues, gray/greens and earthy browns, remain popular, but are now being integrated with bursts of poppy, vibrant pink, daiquiri green or purple. Warm yellow and red shades continue to be popular in kitchens because of their comforting and subtle hues.
Coppery browns and Aztec clay colors—such as henna, ginger and gold tones—are also popular choices, especially in backsplashes where homeowners are inspired to use a variety of colors to personalize their kitchens and create a distinct décor. Improving the overall look and feel of the kitchen was most often cited as the main motivating factor by homeowners for remodeling, followed by improving function.
“Homeowners are ready to get started with home improvement projects, and are being encouraged with improving home prices to remodel their homes,” Edwards says. If you’re planning a home renovation project this year, consider incorporating some of these color trends to update your kitchen. Before construction gets underway, consult with a professional remodeler about the renovation projects you have planned.
