More flexibility with your style is just one of several advantages of neutral kitchens. Yet you may be hesitant to embrace this particular look because you think you are limited with how much pizazz you can incorporate into your kitchen’s design. You may be surprised to learn just how visually stimulating a neutral kitchen can be. Here are some ideas to get you started.
1. Embrace Metal
Whether it’s metal cabinets or a stainless steel sink and stove, metal is a must-have material in a neutral kitchen. Enhance your metal with faux marble countertops or vintage apothecary cabinets.
2. Add Subtle Stripes
Just because you are limited with color doesn’t mean you can’t have stripes. The trick is to use shiplap paneling to take advantage of the texture of reclaimed wood. Another option is medium-density fiberboard. It’s both practical and decorative on walls and cabinets since it won’t warp like real wood.
3. Explore the Wonderful World of Tile
Looking for texture and style without dramatic flare? Bring in the tile. Subway tile tends to work well in most neutral kitchens, although there are literally hundreds of tile patterns to choose from, even when sticking with neutral patterns. Avoid over-sized tiles since smaller tiles have more timeless appeal.
4. Go Darker with Your Hues
You’re not limited to varying shades of white with a neutral look. Darker hues like different shades of brown and gray can have the same impact. Make the room feel less enclosed by mixing lighter walls with darker countertops and cabinets. Copper is another classic neutral color, and it works great as a backsplash.
5. Paper It Up
Soft hues can be added to your design with wallpaper. Choose subtle, soft shades in a pattern that appeals to you. It’s an excellent enhancement to white countertops and cabinetry and silver fixtures. Complete the look with silvered glass pendant lights and antique accents like mirrors and picture frames.
6. Mirror, Mirror…
Speaking of mirrors, this one detail can definitely make a big difference in a kitchen-dining area dominated by a single color. Get creative and go with mirrored backsplash. Mirrors also have the added benefit of reflecting more natural light.
7. Break Up the Monotony with Wood
A few strategic wood panels can break up your neutral kitchen’s color scheme without taking away from the desired look. Consider going with a stain that allows the wood’s grain to come through for some added character.
8. Combine Similar Paint Shades
Add dimension and texture to your neutral space by pairing different shades of your dominant color. For instance, you could make the island one shade and use a slightly lighter or darker shade of the same color for the cabinets or countertops. You can even have your upper cabinets in one tone and your lower cabinets in another shade!
9. Dress Up Your Fabrics
Switch things up and use your upholstery to enhance your neutral space. Pepper your room with chairs or stools with fabrics that have darker hues or stripes. Go a little bolder, but in a neutral way, of course, and choose varying textures for a booth table or cushioned window seat.
10. Break the Rules and Be a Little Bold
Maintain the overall neutral look of your room while breaking the rules a little bit with an eye-catching color variation. Pick and choose where you do this though. You could, for example, go with a bold blue for your island and keep the rest of your decor white. Limit your color variations to one or two specific focal points so you can easily re-paint if you want to back to a traditional neutral color scheme.
With the right infusion of style, a neutral approach to design can result in an elegant, eye-catching space that’s a perfect spot to dine and entertain. Are you ready to explore the neutral look with a new or remodeled kitchen? The team at Alair Homes Bradford is here to help. We’ll gladly get you started on your project.