The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in any house. Many people start their morning routine in the kitchen, and a home-cooked meal signals the end of the day, making the kitchen a vital component of the day. Due to how much time you spend in your kitchen, you want the room to be visually appealing. You will not want to use your kitchen, and spending time in the room will drag you down if you hate how it looks. Remodeling is an option, but the average kitchen remodels costs around $21,000 with the ability to cost substantially more. Thankfully, there are many basic and inexpensive ways to update the look of your kitchen without resorting to a full remodel. Combine a few of these decor ideas to make a significant visual impact.

Color Planning

When you think about a kitchen, you likely think of appliances or countertops. However, there are elements of your kitchen that often go unnoticed but still affect the visual appeal of the room. Cabinets, walls, and kitchen accessories are key components to any kitchen and changing their color can greatly change the look of the room. By following the three-color palette guidelines, you can easily introduce some well-balanced color to your kitchen.

When you are looking to add color to your kitchen, you first need to identify existing colors that cannot be changed.  Clearly, separate what elements you plan on changing the color of and which ones will be staying the same. It doesn’t matter what features you leave untouched, only that you consider the color they are staying in. The color that is not changing is the first color in your three-color palette.

The second color in your three-color palette should be neutral. Neutral colors act as the backdrop and allow bolder colors to shine. Neutral colors don’t need to be restricted to walls either. Cabinets, countertops, backsplash, and more can all suitably carry a neutral color.

The last color in your three-color palette is what makes your kitchen different from the rest. The last color is generally bold, bright, and perhaps unexpected. Make a statement with this final color. Balance your bold color with the other two in the palette to create a cohesive kitchen.

Color Selection

Your kitchen can, of course, be any color you want, but there are a handful of colors traditionally associated with kitchens. White, gray, blue, red, yellow, and green are colors that really shine in kitchens. Each of these colors can be altered to suit your needs with different shades and tints.

If you find an element you want to add to your kitchen but it is the wrong color, you can solve the problem with paint. Cabinets, chairs, and other accessories can be painted to suit your color scheme. Often times all that is required to paint fixtures is sandpaper, primer, and appropriate paint. Cabinet painting kits include most of the materials you will need.

Focal Point

When you walk into your kitchen you have a unique view of the room due to your history with it. Try to see your kitchen how a visitor would when they walk in for the first time. What is the first thing you notice? Do you like the first thing you see or do you want it to be something else? Decide what you want to make the focal point and then amplify it. To draw more attention to your desired focal point paint the wall a bright color with vibrant pigment, hang a large piece of art, or use a patterned wallpaper. You can be fearless when creating a focal point, as the goal is to draw attention.

Hardware and Fixtures

Hardware and fixtures like drawer handles and faucets may seem insignificant, but they can put the finishing touches on a visual theme. New hardware is relatively easy to install, too. With a few tools and some time, you can easily replace all the hardware in your kitchen. Be sure to count how many drawers pulls you will need so you don’t come up short. A new faucet for the kitchen sink can help bolster a focal point and make the whole space feel more up to date.

Given the amount of time you spend in your kitchen you should like the way it looks. Changing the colors in your kitchen can make a huge difference. By planning out the colors in your kitchen you can express yourself while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. Create a focal point to bring attention to a certain area of the room. Use hardware and fixtures to tie the whole room together.