Neutral to Neon: Pick Your Kitchen Palette

You’re thinking it’s about time for a kitchen remodel. What will your new kitchen look and feel like? What kind of mood will your new luxury kitchen set for household residents and visitors? 

As you focus on a style you can happily live with, the Pantone Color Institute’s color selections for 2012 may help inform your decision. Whether you want to convey subdued sophistication, an adventurous spirit, or a warm family environment, one of these nine color trend palettes from Pantone is likely to strike a chord.

Nonchalance is a palette blending pastels and neutrals to create feelings of “tranquility and relaxation.” Pastel pinks, ethereal blues and egret white blend with taupe, gray and grape tones.

Subtleties combine “hues that are either closely related or quietly complementary.” Somewhere between bright and pastel, this palette blends hazy coral, soft yellow green, faded rose, stonewashed blue and tinges of gray and green with brown earthy red.

Resilience would be a good choice if you want to achieve an organic outdoor feeling. Deep browns and varietal mushroom tones pair with foliage green and greenish yellow. A dash of flamingo orange “adds an exotic touch.” 

Indigo Effects picks up the rich deep colors of a twilight sky. Pantone describes this palette as “enveloping and protective, yet mysterious.” Celestial and majestic blues, purpled and deep blue indigos mingle with accents of maroon, mauve and gray.

Transcending Time is traditional and timeless with warm, rich heirloom colors: wine and plum, warm beige and wood tones, and a touch of frosted almond.

Back to the Fuchsia will appeal to the person who wants to make a bright, bold statement. Reds, purples, pink and fuchsias are “accentuated and complemented” by the vivid green of peridot.

Reflections takes colors “to new dimensions,” mixing classic silver and gold with tones and tints that will “spark the imagination.” The color names themselves convey adventure and mystery: Turkish sea, blue moon, garnet and cloud dancer. 

Nouveau Neon colors are not the phosphorescent neons of the past. A “fresh perspective” in color combinations is achieved when Asian-inspired bamboo yellow-green partners with orange Popsicle and berry purples, and citrus shades join pink and raspberry. Butter-rum tan adds an unexpected accent.

The Comics palette, as the name suggests, is a whimsical mix of colors taken from the funny pages: phantom black, sulphuric yellow and fiery red join honeysuckle, primrose, green and inky cyan. The result is “quirky joy and spontaneity.”

Certainly, trends in design are good roadmaps and idea starters. Ultimately, the “right”        look for your new kitchen is the one that feels like home.