Hues of hunger

Logo: Inside

Sukhmani

One can use warmer colours such as yellow and red for the kitchen as these colours are believed to stimulate appetite

The kitchen is the heart of the household, a place where you prepare your meals. So, it has to have a relaxing and comfortable feel. Ideally a neutral kitchen is the perfect canvas for personalising the space. You can add a dash of your favourite colour by means of a colourful rug, curtains, dinnerware, backsplash etc.

Before you start painting your kitchen, make sure you give thought to the square footage of your kitchen. If the space is small, opt for paler hues for cabinets, walls, and countertops. Shades of white or cream reflect light and help a tiny kitchen feel brighter and more spacious.

Also, remember that colours change throughout the day. During the day colours appear different than they do in the evening light. If you have a kitchen that does not get too much daylight or is windowless, then choose the colour of your kitchen based on the type of light bulbs you use. Yellow light gives a warm glow whereas white light will give a cold blue-ish tinge. Open kitchens, with nearby dining rooms or family rooms, will need to be colour-conscious when it comes to walls. Not only will your paint colour need to match the kitchen elements, you’ll want to make sure that it coordinates with the other rooms as well.

Colours like blue, purple or violet do not promote hunger, and thus don’t work well in kitchens. Warmer colours such as yellow and red are believed to stimulate the appetite and are an excellent option for kitchens. If you still want to use a cold colour, pair it up with white for a clean crisp look or use it with warm woods.

Some popular colour trends

Red: Red is incredibly versatile and there are multiple shades that would really pop in a kitchen, either on the cabinets or the walls. It's a strong colour, and one that is indelibly associated with food.

Green: This colour also gives the kitchen a more open and relaxing feel, as it provides a connection to nature. There are many different shades to choose from, including mint and apple green, which pair nicely with white and wood accents.

Yellow: Like a ray of sunshine, yellow can instantly brighten up a room. Also, this colour is believed to make people hungry. Yellow has a soothing quality and will instantly make people feel calm and happy in your kitchen.

Grey: Grey is a neutral colour that's been taking centre stage lately in many homes. It often gets categorised as being too cold, but with the right shade, it can work wonders in a kitchen. Best of all, it pairs beautifully with a wide array of other colours and is the perfect base to build upon in a kitchen.

Black: Black is conventionally a poor kitchen colour, but when paired with silver or white, it can be made to look good in a contemporary style kitchen.

Blue: Blue barely makes it to the best kitchen colours list. It has traditionally been considered a "downer" colour, not conducive to stimulating one's appetite. Having said that, modern designers are using this colour in kitchens and are creating stunning effects. The trick lies in the tone. It can give a modern retro look to your kitchen.

(Sukhmani is a Chandigarh-based interior and landscape designer)