Color Me Trendy: Kitchens Go Bold, Stay Classic and Try On New Palettes

Kitchen design has everything to do with functionality and lifestyle, and color is a key component for establishing your kitchen personality.

But, what if selecting and matching colors is just not your strong suit?  Leave it to the color experts to point you toward the trendiest hues:

Color Marketing Group international sees more soothing oranges and yellows with the rise of India on the world stage.

A Good Morning Palette from the Paint Quality Institute picks up on “consumers continued desire to create both warm and functional spaces” with “hues that are fresh, clean and comfortable” – honey-like hues (tan, pale gold); coral; yellow; mineral grey.

Other top color choices, the experts say, are creamy neutrals, soft violet shades, grays (light to charcoal), greens (pale to bright spring green) and turquoise (the Pantone Color Institute’s 2010 color of the year.)

Meanwhile, Home and Garden Television (HGTV) likes the following color pairings this year:

•    Gray + brown

• Green + stainless appliances

• Red + white.
• Blue + black
• Jewel tones + darker solids
• Black + white (This combo never really gets old.)

Ultimately, the ideal colors for your kitchen – or any room in your home –  are the ones that most perfectly complement your vision for what that room should become: a haven from a hectic world, an elegant entertainment venue, a favorite family gathering spot. 

What’s the color palette of your dream kitchen?

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                                                              Meet the Trend Spotters

Color Marketing Group International - a not-for-profit, international association for color designers that forecasts Color Directions® 

www.colormarketing.org

Paint Quality Institute – Educates consumers, contractors and retailers about quality paints and coatings; provides information on cutting-edge trends in color and decorative techniques.

www.paintquality.com

Pantone Color Institute - Color research center recognized as the leading source of color information. PCI shares its color expertise with professionals in fashion, commercial/industrial, contract and interior design, graphic arts, advertising, film and education.

www.pantone.com