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Livingetc
Livingetc
Portia Carroll

5 Kitchen Color Myths I've Never Actually Bought Into — They're Clichés That Are Holding Back Your Design From Its Full Potential

A onee wall kitchen of floor cabinets only in two tones of panelled wood and three evenly positioned wall lights across the back wall.

From never choosing dark colors for a small kitchen to the precise pairing of metal finishes, when it comes to kitchen color ideas, the stories we’re told are sometimes said with such conviction that we keep them in our minds and subconsciously steer clear of them and adhere to these crazy rules. Some of these tales may have truth within them, but kitchen color will always come down to the individual space, taste, and preference. I’ve taken some of the more common myths straight to the designers to see what they have to say.What quickly becomes clear is that many of these so-called “rules” are less about design and more about context. For example, of course, dark shades can make a room feel cocooning, but applied to the right space, this can definitely be a strength rather than a flaw. And yes, mismatched metals can definitely look a little chaotic, especially in a small space, but they can just as easily add depth and interest when properly considered. The difference lies in scale, natural light, the material palette, and the actual function for the main users.Ultimately, a kitchen should be designed with confidence and creativity, along with a response to the space at hand. So before you rule out those deep hues, or waste a few months attempting to match metal finishes precisely, it’s worth pausing to consider if these rules below apply to you.

Myth #1: Kitchen Cabinets Should All Be the Same Color

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