Kitchens are the heart of the home, serving as a multifunctional space that supports the many facets of daily life and provides a welcoming environment for entertaining guests. It’s therefore a brilliant space to have fun and add personality and character by making a statement with colour. Caroline Milns, Head of Interior Design at Zulufish, explores the role of colour in kitchen design and shares her expertise on adding colour to your kitchen.
Colour not only delivers a sense of energy and enhances the ambience but also adds a practical purpose, zoning the various areas – such as the food preparation and cooking areas, or the dining and relaxing family spaces – allowing each to have its own identity and mood.
‘Kitchens are such interesting places to design as they must be the perfect balance of the practical with the aesthetic. In addition, the layout is always completely unique for each project, created entirely to fulfil the needs of the people who live there – and with the kitchen offering so many different uses this can cover a wide scope.’ Caroline says.
Striking the right balance between functionality and aesthetics is fundamental to kitchen design. Each project demands a bespoke approach, tailored to meet the specific needs and lifestyle of the inhabitants. The multifunctional nature of the kitchen, serving as a space for cooking, dining and socialising, necessitates a thoughtful and holistic design approach.
‘A further consideration is how the kitchen will relate to the rest of the home, and ensuring there is a flow into this more practical space. Storage and layout is key and creating bespoke cabinetry with a joinery expert, such as HUX, is crucial in ensuring a clutter free, ergonomic space.’ Caroline adds.
Colouring the cabinetry in the same shade across the breadth of the kitchen creates a sense of flow, elongating the space and drawing the eye towards the garden. Whilst combining two colours together will subtly add a distinction between kitchen and dining, food preparation and socialising.
Kitchens have a plethora of different surfaces to embrace colour, from flooring, appliances and lighting, to tiles, cabinetry and soft furnishings. In addition, the many different materials within the kitchen; from exposed brickwork, to wooden flooring, ceramic tiles or veneer cabinetry, all have their own finish, which in turn will deliver a different patina as they age over time.
Colour doesn’t have to be bold, opting for a neutral palette will create an easy backdrop allowing for the hustle and bustle of daily life to unfold without overwhelming the room. Neutral colours combined together, with one shade for the lower cabinets in subtle contrast to high level cabinets, will create an extra sense of depth.
A mix of materials such as metallic details, rippled or fluted glass, cool marble and wooden floors will add a layered, contemporary touch. The interplay between these different textures not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a tactile dimension, making the space more engaging and inviting.
Incorporating colour into your kitchen design can dramatically transform the space, enhancing both its aesthetic and functional aspects. Whether you opt for bold hues or a more neutral palette, the key is to create a harmonious balance that reflects your personal style and complements the overall design of your home.
At Zulufish, we understand the impact that thoughtful design and colour selection can have on your daily life and wellbeing. Our expert interior design team, led by Caroline Milns, is here to guide you through the process, ensuring that every detail is carefully considered and perfectly executed. Thinking of a home makeover? Get in touch today for a consultation and explore how we can turn your ideas into reality.
