Kitchens & Colours | Paul Rowles Kitchens

One of the most common questions I am asked as a kitchen designer is ‘what colour should I opt for in my kitchen?’ An important question – so what I aim to do in this post is briefly describe the effect that colour can have in a room and talk about the latest colour trends. The idea being it will give you some of the background info you need before making an informed colour decision.

Strong, warm colours such as red and orange can make a room seem cosy and intimate, these colours look great in candlelight and are thought to help with digestion hence their popularity in dining rooms! I’m not saying that a full-on fire engine red kitchen is the way to go but check out the gorgeous earthy (and very on trend) tones of ‘Tuscan Red’ one of Burbidge’s newest colours in their paint to order collection. Or for the less brave, the beautifully dusky ‘Pale rose’ would have the same effect. You can also create the same cosseting effect with cooler colours such as Navy blue and Emerald Green, but they need to be rich in tone. See our Second Nature Kitchen in Hartforth blue (see Image 1) and Burbidge Chartwell dresser in Emerald Green (see Image 2)

The cool colours on the spectrum (green, blue/green, blue, blue/violet) are receding colours – in that they appear to go away from you.

The paler versions of these colours are particularly useful in helping to create an illusion of space and are often described as light and airy tones so are useful in smaller rooms or galley kitchens. The brighter versions can also cool down a too-warm room scheme.

In a room with high ceilings where a feeling of intimacy is desired a darker shade of colour or an accent door on the units will draw the eye lower and create the visual effect of lowering the ceiling. By applying the opposite, say, bright white wall units against base units that are at least a couple of shades darker the ceiling is visually lifted. (see Image 3)

Using pure white may seem the obvious choice to make a room lighter but in a north facing room it could also make it feel colder, stark, and cast shadows. Using warmer shades of neutrals such as ‘cashmere’ or ‘Porcelain’ will warm up the room without overpowering the space. Pale blonde wood accent doors will also bring a lightness but warmth at the same time. (see Image 4)

It would be advised to steer clear of warmer shades in a south facing room as it could make the room feel uncomfortable in the summer months. Using pure white may also emphasise the bright light and be uncomfortable at certain parts of the day. Using colours from the cooler side of the spectrum, in particular light values and tones of these colours will help to cool the room down and balance the amount of reflectivity in the room.

Use of Ice blue or pale blue-grey like Burbidge’s ‘Seal grey’ paired with a soft neutral like ‘soft grey’ will give a room a freshness and an airiness that will feel comfortable in even the brightest sunlight. (see Image 5)

Here’s some ideas for how to apply colour in a kitchen.

1. Two tone kitchens – typically the darker colour on the base unit and lighter on the wall. These were the mainstay of the Victorian kitchen where the dark colours would hide all manner of scuffs and scratches and have seen a huge revival in the past few years in both the classic shaker and contemporary kitchen styles.(see Image 6)

2. Use of accent doors. Particularly paired with a slab door, these can bring an element of pattern and texture as well as colour and are great for bridging between full height doors and on islands. Look for marbled patterns and textured wood veneers for real interest. (see Image 7)

3. Choosing a colour for the bulk of the units and then something contrasting for the island is still a classic option. In a larger space pairing the island with a contrasting work surface than with the main run can also look fantastic! (see Image 8)

If you are nervous of anything other than a neutral – consider adding some interest with less expensive elements of the kitchen such as the handles, sink and tap finishes. These now come in an array of finishes including the ever popular matte black or gunmetal or warmer brushed finishes in nickel, brass and copper. (see Image 9)

Whatever your colour preferences, you will be guided through the process of choosing using our extensive range of sample doors and swatches until we reach your colour perfection.

Feel free to pick up the phone or drop us an email to book in for your kitchen design consultation and don’t forget to follow us on social media for lots of beautiful kitchen inspo.