In this article we will tell you and show you with simple examples how to select colors.
1. Basic rules for combining colors in the interior 2. Rule 60/30/10 3. Identifying an accent item 4. Starting from the wall decoration 5. From the work apron 6. Starting from the color of the table top 7. From the color of the furniture 8. Depending on the accessories and textiles
You won’t find any abstruse terms like “monochrome”, “achrome” here. No theory or unclear reasoning!
Let professional designers use this, and we will go the other way: we will start from the color of the main piece of furniture, and then try on various contrast options for it. And along the way, discuss what is good and what is bad.
We are sure that among the variety of examples offered, you will certainly find something suitable!
Basic rules for combining colors in the interior
The basic rules for combining colors in the interior are as simple as two: don’t try to embrace everything at once and don’t use all the colors you like at the same time!
It sounds simple, right?
But when it comes down to it, this is what begins: “Or maybe I should buy an apron for this red tabletop, in a lilac-coral tone? Or, in orange-red? Or, in terracotta brown? No? Too much? Then maybe we should buy purple chairs and curtains?”
As a result, we get what we said initially: an overload of bright elements that form a chaotic mess in which not a single object “plays.”
And no matter how difficult it may be, you need to highlight ONE thing that you would like to pay attention to first!
We will tell you exactly how to do this a little below, but now we will reassure those who want everything at once.
For such cases, there is a wonderful “Boho” style, which we will also talk about later, in the corresponding subsection. This is where excesses are welcomed and you don’t have to worry about overdoing it.
The most successful corner kitchen projects
When designing corner kitchens, designers make every effort to create a comfortable and beautiful room, using the most daring solutions.
The classic design of corner kitchens provides for uniform proportions, rectilinear geometry and symmetry. The dominant material is MDF, imitating various types of wood. Decor is required, giving the set idleness.
Loft style Source wcdfac.org
A modern corner kitchen designed in a loft style in dark warm tones, where comfortable furnishings are combined with vintage finishes. The unconstrained space of the room is complemented by a light floor and lighting in some areas. The furniture is made using the “artificial aging” technique.
A small kitchen with a corner sink that fits comfortably and organically into a limited space. Narrow and tall cabinets, made in light colors, visually expand the space of the room. Compact arrangement of the work area, when “everything is at hand.”
Metallic white kitchen Source wapand.sayt.im Modern minimalistic design Source drevolub.com.ua
Rule 60/30/10
And here is another rule, more specific and most useful. Perhaps, besides this, an amateur should not worry about anything else, since it works 100% effectively.
Law 60/30/10 means that the interior should have no more than 3 color schemes, and their distribution is as follows:
60% - dominant color 30% - complementary color 10% - accent
Attention here!
The dominant color is not the one that is your favorite and that you want to use everywhere.
The dominant color is the background color against which other colors will be clearly visible: the additional and most important one on which you want to focus.
For example, if you really like the color red, then to ensure that it is noticeable, but at the same time unobtrusive, you only need 10%. And nothing more.
The meaning of this law is shown very well in the photo below. Unfortunately, this is not a kitchen interior, but the main thing here is to show you the rule with a live example:
As you can see, following this rule, we get an interesting effect.
The room is essentially beige and brown, but we see it as yellow!
And, if you overload the accent, the look will look something like this:
Looking at this photo I remember: “Horses and people mixed together…” ©.
And for some reason we are sure that the owner of the interior wanted to emphasize the red color, but simply went too far.
But in the end, against the background of this bright red spot, neither the kitchen furniture, nor the stylish hood, nor the beautiful tiles on the apron are visible at all.
Of course, there will be designers who will immediately say: this is not bad taste, it’s just a monochrome interior (that is, in which there is one color and all its shades).
But, you yourself understand that this is just a beautiful theory and words. But in reality, we just see a red spot that hurts our eyes.
So, you have to think carefully and decide what is really important to you.
And one more thing: the three-color rule does not mean that you need to choose only three colors.
It means that 3 color schemes are allowed.
That is, if you have a light beige wall as a background, then the floor can be made dark beige and the carpet almost white. But, all these shades need to be included in 60% of the original percentages.
The same goes for the second color and accent color. But, here too, without fanaticism. A spread of two or three tones will look organic, but a big contrast will look like two different color schemes.
Naturally, the room cannot do without a fourth or fifth color. No other way. But their share should be very small.
What will experts tell us about the importance of choosing colors for the kitchen, or what does it affect?
The best option in any job is to turn to the experience of professionals. Below are tips from professional designers and their opinions.
Olga Kostritskaya, interior designer:
“Color is the most important thing in a room. No one will see a beautiful slab or a bizarre play of shapes if it is all replete with incompatible tones. When working on selection, I recommend turning to conciseness - it will not be superfluous even when creating a Victorian-style kitchen!”
Dmitry Peskov, interior designer:
“Beginner designers underestimate the play of color and shades. They come up with great ergonomic solutions, but ruin everything with unnatural or incompatible colors. You shouldn’t start working with it - the primary sketch is more important, but the scale should be done with a careful approach.”
We identify the most important subject on which we would like to focus
So where do we start? Of course, by choosing a detail or object that you consider the most important and beautiful of the entire environment.
It could be:
- Wall decoration
- Finishing the work apron
- Kitchen furniture
- Stylish accessories
- Latest household appliances
No matter how much you want, you need to choose one thing that you want to focus on. And it is this element that should include the main color that you focus on (in a ratio of 10% of the rest).
Let's say you have an incredibly beautiful work apron on the wall, red.
Then, you focus on it, and add a little more red in the form of splashes to the rest of the details: a small inclusion of red in the chandelier, paintings, decor.
Very small, please note! So that in total you get only 10% red.
But, let's look at each point in more detail.
Glossy or matte
The matte set absorbs sunlight, creating an atmosphere of comfort in the room. Also, splashes, scratches, and dust are less noticeable on such a surface. However, the rough texture is more difficult to maintain.
Glossy furniture also has its advantages: it visually increases the space, is easy to maintain (sometimes it is enough to wipe the surface with a dry cloth), and has an impressive appearance. But there is a drawback - any dirt is visible on the glossy surface, so it will need to be constantly wiped.
We start from wall decoration
If you dream of an unusual and eye-catching wall decoration, then you will have to say goodbye to the thought of too bright furniture, flashy accessories and unusual floor coverings. Walls that are decorated pretentiously are very obliging.
And so that you can take a good look at them, you will have to give up other things and choose them as neutral in appearance and color as possible.
If you're willing to give it all up for colored walls, then go for it!
If you want to emphasize the intentional asceticism of the walls (for example, just white, without decorations or other embellishments), then you need to select contrasting accessories, against which the white wall will look very appropriate and elegant.
This refers to paintings, chandeliers, shelves, etc.
White walls
The combination of white in the kitchen interior is possible with almost any color in the spectrum.
But, if white is taken as the background, then the best second color is the color of light, natural wood. And already accented - whatever you like.
It’s simply impossible to come up with something better!
With this classic combination, almost any accent will be appropriate, except dark brown and black.
But if you make black the second color, and wood the accent, you get a very elegant look!
In a word, the combination: white wall + unpainted wood is a classic that is good in any interpretation.
Colored walls (photo wallpapers, ornaments, etc.)
If you have flashy walls, then the furniture should be as simple and unobtrusive as possible. Otherwise, these walls will simply mix with the cabinets and there can be no talk of any elegance.
The combination of colors in this case should be something like this: a colored wall and plain furniture, moreover, in a contrasting color, and not in the same color scheme.
The best option for the second tone in this case:
- White
- Grey
- Brown
- Black
If you find it difficult to choose a good contrast for the second tone, then you can use the color selection spectrum.
Moreover, it is better to do this online, on a special service: colorscheme.ru
There you can choose both contrasts and mono-color colors.
If you figure out how to use this site, then you will never again be faced with the question of how to correctly combine colors in your kitchen interior.
Stone walls
A stone wall is a very bright decorative element that doesn’t go well with anything other than white and light beige.
Any other color will simply “kill” the natural color of the stone, and it will not look expensive.
But if the stone itself is white, then it’s easier in terms of selecting a second color. But here you still need to take into account that not every furniture material or other decoration is compatible with stone.
There can no longer be any plastic, MDF, or metal here. Only natural materials and the simplest possible design.
Walls with stucco or plaster designs
If there is modeling on the wall, then it is best for the main background to be white. The stucco design can be absolutely any and it is better if its color is an accent color, that is, it makes up only 10%, which we talked about above.
How not to make a mistake?
When purchasing finishing materials, accessories and furniture, you will choose a shade if you listen to some tips:
- Form a project. This can be done using specialized programs that can be found on the Internet.
- Check the color compatibility according to the table. They must be in harmony with each other.
- Take as a basis a picture of the interior from the Internet that you liked. Match the colors to the real photo. Analyze whether the design will suit your layout.
The perception of the interior is influenced by the size of the kitchen, natural and artificial lighting, ceiling height and the entire design concept.
Before choosing material and furniture, think about what mood will reign in the kitchen:
- calm and easy;
- balanced;
- cheerful and bright.
When it comes to choosing which kitchen color to choose, the most popular shades are white and gray. But there are also bright design options. It is important to design everything so that a large number of shades does not tire you. Modern design allows you to combine different colors in the upper and lower tiers of the headset.
Tip: Remember that repainting walls is easier than buying new furniture. Therefore, it is better to leave rich colors for walls. A thoughtful choice of color guarantees you a good mood and appetite.
From a work apron
A bright work apron is such a detail on which a lot depends.
If you make colorful walls, then its beauty will fade. The same applies if the kitchen furniture is matched to the tone of the apron.
For example, now quite popular combinations are: a colored apron made of tempered glass and a bright kitchen to match.
This is ugly, to put it mildly. And too intrusive. This is what it looks like:
If you have a colored kitchen, then no colorful aprons! This is the law.
If the apron is colored, then no bright kitchens. It is important.
Here's what a colored apron looks like in combination with neutral furniture:
There is a difference, right?
Now, look at what the aprons look like in terms of color schemes. We have selected the most successful combinations and interiors with the right color.
Aprons in red tones
Red color does not tolerate the presence of many shades of its spectrum nearby. That is, pink, coral, burgundy, etc.
Only the right contrast or black, brown, gray and white colors go with red. The latter is a win-win choice.
Also, mirrors go wonderfully with a red glossy finish.
Aprons in blue and light blue tones
Blue really “loves” the white background color and natural, unpainted wood as an additional, second tone according to the three-color formula.
But blue, without any additives, is not the best option.
Blue is best used as a complementary color as it is too light for an accent color.
And so, it looks great paired with: light green, lilac, white and black.
Aprons in green tones
Green color goes well with yellow. If we are talking about shades of green, such as pistachio, olive and others, then yellow should be in their color scheme.
That is, sand and mustard would go well with olive, not pure yellow. Well, it also goes with white, just perfect.
Aprons in orange and yellow tones
Orange is “friends” with light green. Very good and fresh combination. Brown also goes well with orange. You definitely shouldn’t combine orange with yellow, blue, violet, or lilac.
Aprons made from natural materials
Here we can say the same as about finishing the walls with stone. If you have a marble backsplash, then select furniture or flooring that matches the color of its veins.
If it is made of granite, then you can make the same window sills in color. In general, duplicate the material somewhere again, not exceeding 10%.
Aprons with ornaments
If you have an apron with some kind of pattern, for example, oriental, then it would be good to duplicate it either in curtains, or in tiles on the floor or in a chandelier. You shouldn’t “push” it everywhere, otherwise the result will be excessive diversity.
Furniture and walls should all be neutral colors and textures.
Cold and warm tones
The entire range of tones is divided into warm and cold. The choice of one or another is made based on the planned effect.
Light and cool shades have a calming effect. These include:
- grey;
- blue;
- pale green.
White color is not very practical
For rooms with insufficient lighting, warm colors are the best choice. Such tones will create a cozy atmosphere conducive to friendly communication.
Warm ones include:
- light pink;
- red;
- yellow;
- brick.
Beige
Based on the color of the tabletop
Choosing a countertop is an important thing during the planning stage. If you don’t want to be “attached” to it later, then don’t choose a flashy item. And if you have already chosen, be sure to take this into account when selecting the rest of the color scheme.
Natural stone countertop
Stone countertops are very beautiful. But you shouldn’t install only the countertop, without a duplicate of this stone in any other place in the kitchen, otherwise it will look like a foreign object.
You can decorate with stone: a window sill, a small part of a wall or a floor.
But, under no circumstances make the apron exactly to match the countertop! This is not a very good solution.
Wood table top
The wooden table top matches perfectly with the wooden dining table, chairs, wooden windows and shelves. But not with wooden furniture in kitchen cabinets.
Or rather, they can also be wooden, but painted, and not natural color. Otherwise, you will place a strong emphasis on unpainted wood, your kitchen will begin to resemble a sauna!
What about the color of the walls, the optimal one is white. But the second tone is olive, blue. These are the most win-win options, which are often used in Provence-type interiors.
Two-tone kitchens: 12 photos
Kitchens using two colors are made with a clear distinction between surfaces. It is necessary that the countertop be one color and the cabinet doors another. Combinations are allowed both contrasting and accentuating. An excellent option is a combination of brown and cream, yellow and white.
From the color of the kitchen furniture
The combination of colors in the kitchen interior most often depends on what kind of furniture you have.
Of course, if you are making a design from scratch and haven’t bought anything yet, then it’s easier for you.
But if you already have furniture, then you only need to “dance” from it and there are no other options, since it occupies a large space and is a second, auxiliary color.
Unpainted wooden kitchen
The best background for such a kitchen is white walls.
And as accent colors - any colors except brown and dark orange. They will almost merge with natural wood.
Kitchen in white colors
White furniture looks great against contrasting colored walls. That is, if kitchen furniture is our 30%, then the background is 60%.
There is no point in listing what color white goes with, since it goes with absolutely any color!
Kitchen in red colors
A red kitchen goes very well with gray, stainless steel and mirror surfaces.
Also, it creates a good contrast with black, but it should be no more than 10%, otherwise it will be very dark and gloomy.
In addition, a red kitchen goes well with blue and white. This trio resembles sea colors and looks very fresh.
Here is a wonderful version of a white and red kitchen. Here, although the percentage balance of colors is not maintained, it still looks pretty nice.
Kitchen in brown tones
Brown is a very capricious color and does not tolerate almost any neighbors except white and beige.
The remaining colors must be applied extremely carefully, otherwise all the beauty of the brown kitchen will fade against the bright background.
Also, remember this: if you have brown furniture, then the floor must certainly be light. Otherwise, the room looks dark and sometimes even sloppy.
Kitchen in blue tones
A blue kitchen should not be combined with any colored walls. The maximum is a barely noticeable gray-blue tone of the wall. Or better yet, just white.
On other backgrounds, the blue simply doesn't look as bright as we'd like.
Kitchen in green tones
This is a very bright kitchen if the color is saturated. It is better, of course, to choose either olive or pistachio furniture colors.
But, if you already have a bright green kitchen, then the accent can be blue or lilac, and the background can be light yellow or white.
Kitchen in lilac tones
Lilac furniture goes well with light green, olive and khaki shades.
Also, lilac is combined with dark burgundy, white and black. Sometimes a pink accent looks good, but if there is an additional fourth color – black.
Kitchen in yellow tones
A sunny, yellow kitchen goes well with a light green accent, lilac, and red. And as a background, white is ideal. However, he is always perfect.
Why is it so important to choose the right shades?
Compliance with combinations allows a person who has a mediocre attitude to design to create the most aesthetic appearance of the room himself, without resorting to the help of professional literature or specialists. Guided by simple standards (contrast, “warm-cold”), it is possible to create a unique room design.
Shades are important - one color has a hundred different tones. When viewed “by eye,” they do not differ from each other, which complicates the process.
