HERE, UPLIFTING HUES CREATE A JOYFUL SCHEME – COLOUR EXPERT RUTH MOTTERSHEAD EXPLAINS WHY IT WORKS
Choosing colours for any project is always dependent on the light, proportions and architecture of the space. In a kitchen, however, as the hub of the home, the use of bright, fun colours adds a welcome dynamism and energy. Even a neutralkitchencanpackapunchwithacontrasting highlight or a bold lowlight, so long as that contrasting tone is used in the correct proportion – amaximum of 30% of the entire scheme.
A plaster finish is wonderful because it feels soft and somewhat rustic. The key to this look is coordinating block colour, as well as colours of the same tone as the plaster – in this case, the wall light and skirting board, which act to provide stability and definition.
Texture in colour choice can often be achieved through light. Light hits a textured surface to create a graduation of tones. Here, the scalloped edge of the kitchen unit provides a tactile experience as well as tonal variation thanks to the way the pastel aquamarine tone alternates between light and dark. Layering colours also creates texture. Without the energetic stripe of strong pink across the ceiling, this scheme would be somewhat subdued and lack the essential charisma required for an entertaining space.
The pinks used within this scheme are differing strengths of similar tones. The plaster is the lighter tone, the tap is mid-strength and the beam is the most intense pink. The plaster contains more pink than orange, the tap contains more orange than pink, and the beam contains both red and orange. If the colours were a match, the scheme would feel less interesting. As a rule,one light, one mid and one dark tone will provide immediate contrast. Pick your hero colour first – the one that grounds your scheme (in this case, the plaster) – then choose two colours to use in combination, picking out the undertones of your hero colour as a starting point.
The blue is delicate, but slightly fresher and brighter than the walls. Avoid colours of similar strength in a scheme; they often fight for attention. In th
