Kitchen Remodel Tips. Custom Island, Pantry, Handcrafted Cabinet Finishes Painting Hinsdale Illinois

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The kitchen is the heart of the home – with social gatherings, homework and mealtimes making appearances throughout the day. Decorating a kitchen is important because the room is used heavily every day of the year. Choosing the color of a kitchen´s walls sets the mood and atmosphere for a home.

The psychology of color

According to Pantone Inc., "The psychological association of a color is often more meaningful than the visual experience." A kitchen´s wall colors can subconsciously affect the appetite. Warm colors such as reds, oranges and yellows have been proven to increase hunger and stimulation. So if you are dieting, a warm, golden color palette may not be the right choice. Instead, opt for cool blues, grays and violets. These palettes decrease food cravings and excitement and create a naturally calm and relaxing atmosphere.

Small kitchens can be made to feel larger by using light colors. Darker kitchens have a smaller yet cozier appearance to them. Consider the colors of cabinets when choosing wall color. If the cabinets are painted or stained a darker color, a contrasting light paint color will balance the room.

Swatch time

Make a firm decision on a color before starting a paint job. A kitchen can take much longer to paint than almost any other room in the house. Though there is much less wall space, taping off cabinetry and cutting into nooks and crannies is time-consuming for any painter. Always buy several pints of sample paint to test various shades at home. Trial containers can be purchased at a wide variety of retailers, often for around $5.

Paint large cardboard sheets the sample color, applying the color all the way to the edge; do not leave a white border. Place the sample board in different areas of the kitchen, such as above and below cabinetry and near windows. Look at the color at different times of the day. The difference between direct light and artificial light can sometimes be substantial in how a wall color appears.

Proper paint

Kitchen walls must be durable. Because of stains such as grease marks and food splatters, the walls must stand up to many cleaning sessions and scrub downs. First, make sure to use a paint that contains chemicals that fight mold and mildew. Kitchens, like bathrooms, are much more humid than other rooms in the house. Second, choose a paint that is washable. Many paint companies have formulated paints that are easy to clean and specifically made for kitchens. Ensure that the sheen of the paint is eggshell, at minimum. Flat paint often attracts fingerprints and dirt, and because of the chalky coating, the debris commonly cannot be removed or wiped away. High-level sheens have additional gloss, allowing sponges and rags to simply wipe splatters and smudges away.

Spreading color

Once the kitchen walls have a fresh coat of paint, coordinate other accessories in the kitchen to complement the new walls. Décor above and below cabinets, such as decorative plates, jars and figurines, can be added. Placemats, chair covers and window treatments can soften the kitchen by bringing fabrics and patterns into the room. Dishes can be mixed and matched for different occasions, while cloth napkins can add a punch of color and design to a table setting. To finish off the room, nothing speaks of color as much as a vase of fresh flowers on the kitchen table.

To learn more about how to build a kitchen to fit your family´s lifestyle and budget, call Joliet Cabinet at 815-727-4096 or e-mail info@jolietcabinet.com. For more information on Joliet Cabinet and to see images from its portfolio, visit www.jolietcabinet.com.