Colors

Nothing changes the look and feel of a room faster than a change in your color palette. What combination of colors will you choose for your kitchen? Colors, textures, sheens, and materials interplay with each other to create a unique atmosphere. Now is a good time to visit your closet, and view pictures provided in magazines, books, and here on the Internet. By doing this, you will find the color combinations and textures that make you feel good.

You should also learn about the color wheel. What may look good to you as separate colors may not look good together--this is where the principles of the color wheel and your Interior Designer can influence your color palette.

Colors are a combination of white, black, and the primary colors of red, yellow and blue. They are categorized as warm, cool or neutral. Red, orange, and yellow are warm, stimulating colors that make a room feel cozy, like a glowing fire on a cold winter's night. Blues and greens are cool, refreshing colors that make you feel relaxed, like waving, green grass under soft blue skies. Soft white, creams, tans, and grays are neutrals that go with anything and provide a subtle background for accents. White and black are not on the color wheel, but separate or together they create an extreme contrast with any color.

The tone (hue or intensity) of a color defines the amount of white or black it contains. White is added to create light (muted) tones, like soft, pastel colors, which reflect more light and expand a room's feeling. Black is added to create dark (deep) tones, like intense jewel colors, which absorb light and make a room feel smaller. Keep in mind that light colors tend to require more maintenance because they readily show dirt. Speckled or patterned color combinations can hide some of the dirt and everyday nicks that solid colors can't easily hide. Contrasting colors provide excitement and delight the eye. With the right balance, they can add interest without being too overbearing.

Texture and sheen are tactile and visual elements that can add interest to any color. Texture is characterized by its appearance, ranging from course to smooth. Sheen is classified by its finish, ranging from flat to gloss. When using neutrals you should incorporate textures to add interest.

To gain more information about color and its effects, visit Sherwin-Williams Paints' "Color Selection Guide" which includes The "Color Wheel", the "Color Planning Guide", and "Decorating Do's and Don'ts" .

Try GE's interactive Virtual Lighting Designer to see how different lighting options can change the look of your kitchen.