Simple Steps to Choosing a Color Scheme for your Kitchen

With millions of paint colors, cabinet stains, and countertop, tile and backslpash options settling on a final design is both exciting and daunting. How do you make the best decision?

We have a couple of caveats before we jump into our step by step guideline.

First, if you plan on staying in your residence for a long time you can and should be a little more daring with you design choices. It makes sense that if you plan to sell within a few years your design choice may be more conservative to entice future buyers. If you intend to stay a long time – go for it. Have some fun and do what makes you happy!

Second, budget matters when picking color schemes because colors are not just paint. As stated earlier there are millions of paint colors and hues, but cabinets also come in 1,000 of colors, stains and materials. Countertops, floor tiles, and backsplash also come in 10’s of thousands of color options as well. So starting with a budget will you zero in on an overall scheme.

Third, in our opinion, there is really 2 important decisions – cabinet color and countertop material. When you really think about it – the toughest decisions are the cabinet color (not the design or cabinet face – that can come later) but the color of the cabinets and countertop are the 2 most important decisions. Once you pick these – everything else falls into place.

Finally, there is nothing wrong with “stealing” design ideas from your favorite celebrity kitchen, friends or getting free design ideas from your Colonial Marble & Granite designer. Most of us go through 5 design concepts before we find that perfect choice. There is no point to rushing to a decision when you are going to have to live with it for the next few years.

Here is our simple step-by-step guide for choosing a color scheme.

7 Steps to a Kitchen Color Scheme
There are seven essential steps to take when selecting colors for your kitchen remodel.

1) Choosing cabinet colors: Kitchen cabinets generally account for 50% of your kitchen budget and occupy about 40% of the visual space in your kitchen. Logically, it’s best to start out by choosing a cabinet color that fits your personality and your home’s style before deciding the other colors in your kitchen. You don’t have to choose the cabinet style right away, the general color is important because it will set the tone for the for the next decisions. Light, Dark, Natural wood, etc. – this is a great starting point.

2) Choosing countertop colors: Some people may argue that the countertop is the most important choice. We’re biased but that said, once your kitchen is installed you will look at the countertops more often than anything else in your kitchen. A countertop can be a focal point or compliment the kitchen. If you want it to be a focal point and plan on choice an exotic natural stone or quartz material you will need to design around it. For us – this is the fun part. Kitchen countertops are close to eye level and will occupy a large portion of your visual space so be sure to bring a sample of your cabinetry color to help you choose a coordinating countertop color. We have every cabinet color swatch to help you with the process.

3) Choosing appliance colors: Your cabinetry order cannot be finalized until you know which appliances you intend to buy. As focal points, your sink and appliances can have a big impact on your kitchen color scheme. Stainless Steel appliances are still the most popular but many custom cabinet installations include panels that match the cabinets.

4) Choosing flooring colors: When selecting a kitchen floor color, be sure it coordinates well with the cabinets, countertops, and appliances, as well as with the floors in adjoining rooms. Start with broad options – hardwood flooring or ceramic tile floor that looks like hardwood. If you want a modern look or traditional – these are decisions that will help you complete your design.

5) Choosing a backsplash color: By now your kitchen color scheme is nearly complete. There are many backsplash options that can either coordinate or clash with your color scheme, so if you need extra help, don’t hesitate to enlist the services of a designer when selecting a backsplash. The backsplash is meant to be an accent but can be a focal point when designed properly.

6) Choosing a wall color: Often the forgotten backdrop to an overall color scheme, your walls can still play a vital role. While the walls are often obscured by cabinets, pick a color that balances well with the floors, cabinets, and backsplash.

7) Choosing hardware colors: Your faucets and cabinet handles are installed later, after the cabinets and countertop have been completed. While it is common to coordinate the faucets and handles colors, it is not required.