7 Fun Ways to Add Color to Your Kitchen

If you invested in statement-making colorful cabinetry, the last thing you want is an appliance that steals focus. Opt for a panel-ready refrigerator like the Liebherr Monolith Bottom Freezer/ Refrigerator for a completely customizable look that will seamlessly fit with your millwork, whether you have Shaker-style cabinets painted navy blue or a more modern flat panel in deep green.

For something more unexpected, consider a refrigerator panel in a contrasting shade, like this gray wood grain paired with sage. Or incorporate some color blocking by matching the bottom freezer panel to your lower cabinets and the refrigerator panel to the upper ones. A classic palette like blue and white will keep the look clean without being overwhelming.

You don’t need a background in interior design to know that paint is an easy and inexpensive way to instantly add a splash of color to any room. But the walls aren’t the only places that can benefit from this trick of the trade.

Painting the millwork, trim, or even the base cabinets on your island a contrasting shade, like cornflower blue or jade green, is a striking way to lend color to your space. Another unexpected place for paint is the ceiling. Try a warm yellow for a bright and sunny space or go bold with a sophisticated shade of eggplant.

If you’re not ready to make a big color commitment, look to your dinnerware to make a bright statement. Not sure which shade will work for you? Choose a color found in your decor—like hints of green in the breakfast nook rug—to ensure your tablescape will complement your overall aesthetic, not stand in contrast to it.

Mix pieces from different sets (we love to scour vintage shops) to avoid place settings that look too matchy. Go with a range of textures to add interest. Pro tip: Use a white tablecloth or placemats to make your dishes pop.

Here’s a bright idea: Illuminate your kitchen island with fixtures in an unexpected hue. Adding modern pendant lights in a stunning color—like these deep teal shades—are a chic way to infuse a neutral room with a touch of playful personality.

For a sweet surprise every time you open a drawer, line the exterior sides with wallpaper. A moody floral lends intrigue to plain white cabinetry, but also looks stunning against sage or navy if you’re after a bolder design choice. Other clever places for wallpaper pattern play? Line the inside of the cabinets or the pantry walls.

Open shelves don’t have to be purely functional. Instead, think of them as a way to display your most colorful kitchen accouterments—serving platters, personalized cutting boards, mixing bowls, and ceramic mugs. Add in frame prints, vases, and plants to fill out the display. Want to make it extra striking? Organize it all by color to create a vibrant vignette that’s put-together but not precious.

Natural wood Shaker-style chairs may be staples, but why not shake things up with a splashier seat? Whether your tastes lean toward high-gloss powder-coated metal or rich velvet upholstery, there are many ways to go bold. Take a cue from this polished arrangement and choose chairs in two complementary shades for a bit of style variety.