Color My World

Color may not change the world, but it is one of the strongest ways to define the look, feel and mood of a space. This is particularly apparent in the kitchen and bath - two spaces where the emotional resonance is as much a part of the design scheme as the physical design elements.

In these key rooms, color can be used to warm up the space or create a cool retreat; call attention to an interesting design element or draw the eye away from something less than appealing; reshape the space visually or make the space appear larger or more cohesive; add a cheerful vibe or create a sense of quiet elegance. Indeed, when it comes to what color can do, the opportunities are nearly limitless.

So how are kitchen and bath designers using color today? According to Mary Nolte, interior designer and color consultant for Bayport, NY-based Kaleidoscope Color Consulting & Design, people are looking for kitchens and baths that create warmth. She states: "The feeling of warmth is attainable whether we are using hues that are warm or cool." She points out that to create the desired effect, a number of factors must be taken into consideration, "including the color's undertones, intensity, luminosity, texture of surfaces and placement."

Specifically, she notes that soft blues and greens are growing in popularity in the kitchen and bath, particularly when paired with lighter and white cabinetry. Gray is also trending upward, she adds.

Meanwhile, the Color Marketing Group, based in Alexandria, VA, has announced that "Honeymoon," an upbeat mustard gold, will be hot for 2011 for its cheerful properties.

"No matter the color tones, we are seeing a desire for richer, deeper hues," says Nancy Moon, of Colorado Springs, CO-based Beckony Kitchens. "Rich, dark browns and creamier off-whites as well as the whitest of whites are very popular, and blue is making a determined comeback."

She continues: "Glass tile in matte and gloss finishes is envied in blues, greens and other earth tones. The driving force for these trends is the movement bringing us closer to nature, and the simplicity that we find there. The desire for comforting spaces is often met with color."

The Right Color

According to Nolte: "The biggest advantage in incorporating the right color is ultimately providing clients with a kitchen or bath that makes them happy - not just when the room is new, but to have that happiness be sustained over time."

Jennifer Gilmer, CKD, of Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath in Chevy Chase, MD, believes choosing a color scheme isn't just about aesthetics; it's about reflecting who the homeowner is. She explains: "Clients can select colors that blend with their look, personality and the clothes they wear. It can really make a statement."

Color also helps define the way a space feels, according to Nolte, who states: "Regardless of the color used, generally speaking, less contrast in the colors used will create a more subdued feeling while more contrast is more energizing."

She continues: "[You also want to] use colors that complement the rest of the home in a meaningful way. It's important to blend kitchen colors with the upholstery, rugs and other furniture in the family room. Going from one room to the other should feel comfortable and seamless, not jarring."

Nolte concludes: "Color follows trends. The challenge is to determine whether the clients like the colors because they are the current trend or if they will still love those colors five or 10 years from now. When interviewing new clients, it's always part of the 'getting to know you' stage to ask questions about how the clients will view their space and the feeling the color creates over time."

Going Bold

While neutral colors are often chosen to maintain resale value, the trend toward personalization continues to impact color choices as well, with consumers seeking colors that reflect who they are and the mood they'd like to bring to their individual spaces. As the economy improves and people begin to feel more optimistic in general, that mood is often reflected in bolder, brighter color choices.