Color in the Kitchen and Bath
Color is one of the most powerful tools in design, capable of transforming the mood of a space and giving it personality. While many designers feel comfortable using color in living rooms, bedrooms and soft furnishings, there’s no reason to stop there. Kitchens and bathrooms are ideal spaces to get creative with color and make bold design choices. The key is to think beyond just painting walls. While paint is a versatile and cost-effective way to add color, there are countless other ways to infuse vibrancy and depth into these functional spaces.
Above photo: Designer Jessica Davis of Atelier Davis and Nest Studio used color in this Palo Alto, Calif., bathroom to give it a sense of calm while still having it feel period appropriate and fun. The blues and greens hearken to the natural foliage and sky hues outside the windows. Photo credit: David Duncan Livingston
Rethink Plumbing & Fixtures
Plumbing doesn’t have to be limited to traditional finishes like nickel, brass or matte black. Colorful fixtures are trending, and they’re a fantastic way to inject personality into a bathroom or kitchen. Consider a white powder-coated faucet for a sleek, minimalist look or go bold with vibrant reds, blues or even greens. These unexpected hues can turn a standard fixture into a design statement.
And don’t stop at faucets. Porcelainware like sinks and toilets can also add a pop of color. In a small bathroom, a colored sink or toilet can make all the difference, tying the space together and reinforcing the design scheme. Think about blush pinks, forest greens or even deep navy to add interest without overwhelming the room.
Let Surfaces Stand Out
Tile and stone are natural canvases for color. A backsplash in sage green or rust-hued marble can elevate a kitchen or bathroom, creating a rich and sophisticated look. Nature-inspired tones like terracotta, natural greens and tobacco shades offer subtle warmth while maintaining versatility. These earthy hues act as neutrals, providing more interest and depth than standard whites and grays.
Don’t forget about the flooring. A colorful mosaic pattern using penny rounds, hexagonal tiles or encaustic cement tiles can bring a playful or dramatic touch to the room. Mixing in colors sparingly or going all-in with bold tones allows you to customize the intensity of your design.
Wallpaper Innovation
Wallpaper is no longer limited to living rooms and bedrooms; it’s a game-changer for kitchens and bathrooms, too. Powder rooms are perfect for bold patterns and vibrant hues. Since there’s minimal moisture from showering, you can experiment fearlessly.
For kitchens, wallpaper can add charm and personality, even in high-use areas. Protect your wallpaper by placing a sheet of glass or plexiglass over it as a backsplash, allowing the pattern to continue seamlessly to the countertop. This combination of practicality and creativity makes wallpaper a surprisingly versatile option for these spaces.
Experiment with Illumination
Lighting is another often-overlooked opportunity to introduce color. Beyond the fixture itself, glass lenses and shades can bring a subtle or dramatic wash of color to your space. Amber, smoked or even pastel-colored glass can create a warm, inviting atmosphere or a playful, modern vibe. A statement pendant light or a series of sconces with colorful accents can become focal points that tie the room’s color scheme together.
Don’t Forget the Ceiling
Often called the “fifth wall,” the ceiling is an untapped canvas for creativity. Painting it a bold or complementary accent color can draw the eye upward and add unexpected interest. For even more drama, consider wallpapering the ceiling with a pattern that complements the rest of the room. This technique works especially well in powder rooms or kitchens with higher ceilings, where the visual impact can be truly stunning.
Accents, Appliances & Accessories
Small details can make a big difference. Consider adding color through hardware, such as cabinet knobs or drawer pulls, in materials like enamel or painted finishes. Similarly, colored appliances, from refrigerators to stoves, can anchor the room’s design while making a bold statement. Don’t underestimate the power of colorful textiles, either – think patterned curtains, vibrant dish towels or even a statement rug for added warmth and personality.
Kitchens and bathrooms are among the most functional spaces in a home, but that doesn’t mean they have to be purely utilitarian. By incorporating color creatively, you can turn these rooms into vibrant, inviting spaces that reflect personality. Whether you choose subtle earthy tones or bold, saturated hues, color has the power to elevate these spaces and make them feel truly special. Color isn’t just about making a statement, it’s about creating a mood and a sense of joy in the spaces used every day.
