Alair Homes
Many homeowners consider their kitchen to be the heart of their home. They want it to be a place that is both stimulating and relaxing as opposed to boring and uninspiring. Though it’s a bit challenging to dynamize a room that’s full of neutral colors, the good news is that it doesn’t take a great deal of money to do so. Here are 10 ideas from Alair Homes Hamilton to enhance a neutral kitchen:
1. Stainless Steel
This versatile material can be incorporated in ways that makes a room look welcoming and not so much like a surgical suite. Use it for the shades of hanging lamps over the island or peninsula, for the sink, the range, the floor cabinets and the refrigerator. Additions of natural wood, glass, and stone soften the look.
2. Shiplap Paneling
This type of paneling with its clean, overlapping boards gives the room an interesting look even if the colors are subdued. MDF (Medium-density fiberboard) can imitate wood beautifully and doesn’t have the drawbacks such as swelling or warping.
3. Tile
Tile can not only come in any neutral color but can be different shapes, sizes and textures. Tiles that are smaller and narrower give the room a timeless feel no matter what style is “in” at the moment.
4. Dark Neutrals
Black and dark grays can be dramatic, especially if they’re combined with white. A homeowner might consider black floor cabinets, a fridge tucked behind black-painted MDF doors and a black pantry combined with white walls. White marble countertops and grayish floors with a lighter gray area rug beneath the table and chairs complete the look.
5. Wallpaper
Some homeowners are nervous of wallpaper, but there are wallpapers made to withstand the heat and humidity of the kitchen. A wallpaper with subtle colors but bold patterns might be the thing for a space that’s predominantly white and light gray. Professionals such as those at Alair Homes Hamilton can help the homeowner choose the right wallpaper for them.
6. Mirrors
Mirrors make any room look bigger and brighter. A mirrored backsplash creates interest all by itself.
7. Wood
If the neutral colors of the room seem a little overwhelming, they can be broken up by an area of beautifully grained wood. Install the wood in a conspicuous area such as a section of wall cabinets.
8. Use Paint to Deepen the Look
Paints that are similar but different enough for a viewer to tell the difference keep the room from being one dimensional. Pantry cabinets and the island might be painted a steel gray while the wall and floor cabinets can be more of a soft silver.
9. Upholstery
Like wallpaper, some homeowners are wary of upholstery because they’re scared it will be hard to clean. But a seating area well away from the stove can be upholstered with all types of durable but interesting fabrics in different patterns and textures.
10. Add an Area of Bright Color
People who want the softness and subtlety of neutral tones but like a bit of excitement shouldn’t hesitate to add some bold color somewhere in the room. One idea is a brightly colored island or pantry while the rest of the room stays in neutral.
