Revive your kitchen with splashes of colour, says Justine Kirkham
One of the easiest ways to give a tired kitchen scheme a lift is with bright colour and fresh new accessories. Tropical and rich gemstone colours are back with a vengeance this summer and there’s nowhere better to highlight them than in the kitchen.
Neutral grey (this year’s taupe) or white units with zesty coloured tiles will make a kitchen look lively without being overwhelming. Yellow, red, turquoise, lime green or multi-coloured tiles can brighten the sink and cooking areas. Red and white in particular is always a classic colour combination to add modernity to a traditional scheme.
Stylish kitchen lighting is often overlooked in favour of more practical spotlights or tracks. Try more dramatic lighting in rich colours to illuminate the work space or create a focal point over the dining area with suspended lamps. Use flexible LED striplights under your units to cast an even glow throughout - ideal for creating a chilled ambience.
While you don’t want a million accessories cluttering up counters and tables, having a few key items that pop with colour is an ideal way to brighten up a room. Everyday items such as coffee makers, blenders and even dish drainers are being sold in bold, bright colours to create key highlight.
Italian manufacturer Smeg adds a new collection of retro-inspired small appliances to its popular kitchen range this autumn. DeLonghi also makes a line of kitchen appliances that are almost art, from canary yellow toasters to hot pink coffee makers.
For something even prettier, the Emma Bridgewater collection allows you to channel your inner Mary Berry with pastel-hued mixing bowls, jugs, cookware and serving dishes. Emma Bridgewater has also worked together with Sanderson this year to launch a collection of complementary fabrics, perfect for co-ordinating kitchen blinds, lampshades and cushions for dining chairs or bar stools.
Justine Kirkham is head of interior design at James Brindley, Harrogate
