By Katherine Sorrell
If your kitchen is feeling bland and boring, there are plenty of ways to add colour, whether you’re planning a major renovation or just want a quick fix. Kitchen cupboards and appliances Add colour with glossy, flat-fronted modern units or commission a traditional painted kitchen in any paint colour under the sun. Alternatively, just specify a coloured island unit combined with plain cupboards elsewhere. If replacing freestanding appliances, consider less usual colours – ice cream-coloured retro fridges, for example, or an Aga in a jewel-bright enamel. This look is best teamed with neutrals in other areas of the room so as not to overwhelm. Worktops and splashbacks Teamed with understated kitchen cupboards, a colourful worktop or splashback can give a welcome lift. Sleek toughened glass can be painted on the back in a range of shades with some showrooms offering a colour-matching service at extra cost. Others options include a dramatic shade of natural stone, stone composites (often called quartz), man-made solid surfaces (such as Corian), and laminates (generally the least expensive option), all in a range of interesting shades.
A vividly coloured seating area and a painted island unit add colour to this otherwise neutral space. Twickenham Framed Handleless Shaker kitchen, Higham Furniture: 020 73810 488; higham.co.uk.
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Painting free-standing furniture is a quick and cost-effective way to change your colour scheme. These pieces are by The Painted Furniture Company: 01285 656 041; paintedfurnitureco.co.uk.
Walls and floors A simple way to add oomph is to paint a wall or two in a strong colour, or replace wall tiles – choose dramatic colours for impact even over a relatively small area. Another cheap trick is to use plain white tiles with brightly coloured grout (lemon yellow and sky blue are great). One way to add instant colour for flooring is with a small, washable rug with an underlay to stop it slipping. If it’s a complete renovation, vinyl and rubber flooring is available in many colourways, while poured floors – polished concrete or resin – can be dyed in any colour.
