No matter how big the kitchen is, you always want to make it cozy and beautiful, turn it into a place where it will always be comfortable and calm. The choice of colors for interior decoration plays an important role in this desire. What color to choose for a small kitchen so that it is pleasant to be in and gather as a family not only to cook and eat?
In fact, the main question is not even what color to choose for a small kitchen. And how to correctly combine colors in such a limited space so that the interior does not look too tacky or boring. In this article you will find all the necessary information on how to correctly combine colors in a small kitchen, which color compositions are advantageous, and which decisions it is better to avoid.
Win-win solutions
When in doubt, they always choose “beige”. Calm neutral tones and pastel shades chosen as colors for the kitchen can always be complemented with bright accents. For example, in the form of a glass apron with a print.
I changed the curtains on the window, laid out a new tablecloth and hung a poster with a bright abstraction over the dining table - and behold, the kitchen was transformed beyond recognition. But you can also re-stick the wallpaper and choose a new chandelier, buy new handles for the cabinets and hang roof rails - there are plenty of options for updating the interior of the kitchen, making it more spectacular and interesting.
If we talk about the rules for choosing colors, they differ little from those generally accepted in the design environment. The color palette in the form of the familiar “rainbow” circle and cards of combined colors is found among many designers working both in the field of beauty and renovation.
combination of colors on the color wheel
100% compliance with the recommended color palette when combining different shades in the interior is not required. As practice shows, both contrasting and adjacent, monochrome and related colors look impressive together. The same rule of compatibility of shades along the color wheel applies, in steps of one, two, three, four colors.
decoding color combinations according to the color wheel
There are ready-made color compatibility cards that are very convenient to use.
color matching cards
When choosing a color for a set in a small kitchen, do not lose sight of the choice of finishes for the walls, floors and ceilings.
It doesn't matter what color you choose for your small or small kitchen. Absolutely everything is good. It’s just that some are more difficult to play with in the interior without understanding the general principles of color.
Furniture arrangement
The finished kitchen is carried out according to a specific project and the latter assumes a fixed arrangement of all items. Accordingly, all kitchen furniture projects are divided into several groups.
- Linear kitchen - appliances and furniture are located along one wall. It is rational to choose this option if the kitchen area is very small, when the distance between the sink, stove and refrigerator is less than 1 m.
In this case, the golden triangle rule loses its meaning, and only one practical requirement arises: where to place the worktop. Whatever the kitchen design and interior style, it is located between the refrigerator and the stove. It is easiest to assemble a linear kitchen with your own hands.
- Corner - or L-shaped. It is located along two walls and occupies a corner. Corner kitchen is more economical. It is more difficult to assemble it with your own hands, but with a larger number of items, it is more compact and convenient. A right triangle is formed here by default, besides, in a small Khrushchev the distance between the sink and the refrigerator, for example, will still be small.
The photo shows a white corner kitchen.
Corner ready-made kitchens are the most popular option for small spaces. Firstly, they are really ergonomic, and secondly, they allow you to use an angle. They make corner kitchens in any price class - from luxury to economy.
- U-shaped - located along 3 walls and occupies both corners. This model is often chosen for large kitchen areas, which is not entirely true. The U-shape allows you to place a tabletop or sink in front of the window, combining, for example, a work table and a window sill. As a result, the furniture for a small kitchen turns out to be larger and more convenient. Often the third part of the kitchen set becomes the bar counter.
A U-shaped kitchen, unlike a corner one, does not automatically form a triangle, so here the project needs to be pre-calculated with your own hands.
The photo shows a U-shaped kitchen with a bar counter.
- Island kitchen - a model designed for a large space and cannot be implemented in the Khrushchev era. The exception is the rotary kitchen, which includes all the necessary equipment and cabinets, although of minimal size. But, however, such a model cannot be classified as economy class, despite its size.
Two main secrets of color harmony in a small and small kitchen
There are two main recommendations for choosing colors for a small or small kitchen:
- Do not use more than three primary colors; halftones are allowed.
- One of the shades should be predominant (dominant), the other should serve as a background, and the third should appear only in some small accents.
A visual diagram of how to correctly use color relationships when choosing contrasting or monochrome shades.
rules for combining three colors in a small kitchen
That is, the algorithm of actions when choosing a color scheme for the interior of a small or small kitchen will be as follows:
- Decide on the main three colors that you want to see in your kitchen. To do this, it is convenient to use the above-mentioned color cards.
- Decide which color will be the main one - the darkest, light or medium. Using the scheme, you determine what share in the interior design will be the remaining two colors.
For example, you can choose light or contrastingly dark wallpaper. The facades in the kitchen can be made in the second chosen color, and the details (apron) in the third.
Ikea
The main idea of this network is the opportunity to buy everything you need for the kitchen without leaving the store. Moreover, all furniture and accessories will be designed in the same style, and you will not need to hire a worker for assembly. Thanks to modular production, even for a small kitchen you can quickly come up with your own ideal set.
Corner set in a modern style with MDF facades from Ikea in a small kitchen with an area of 5.5 sq.m. Cost – 2000 dollars.
Corner red kitchen with plastic facades. Cost: $2,700.
Straight classic white kitchen with MDF film facades for $600. The area of the entire kitchen is 8 sq.m.
What color to choose for a small kitchen from a psychological point of view
When choosing the shade of wall decoration and the color of kitchen facades, consider an important psychological point.
Some colors are more pleasant to look at from a distance; at close range they “pressure”. This is an individual perception. And in a small space, everything is located close. It may be that the best solution would be to use your favorite color to decorate the lower facades of the kitchen or backsplash, and for the upper cabinets located at eye level, choose calmer and more neutral colors that are pleasing to the eye.
Small white kitchens: novelty and simplicity
The color white affects people differently. Each has its own associations associated with it. For example, someone will think about novelty, freshness, purity, perfection. And some people will immediately think of hospital wards!
When a kitchen is designed in white, it will visually enlarge the room, making it lighter and cleaner. A white kitchen will be appropriate, especially when its windows face east or north. Then the whole room will be bright, even with minimal lighting.
Small red kitchens: a song of ice and fire
The most win-win option is to combine red and white in a small kitchen. There are other interesting solutions, it all depends on the saturation of the red color. Here you need to be careful - scarlet and burgundy shades have the ability to make the furniture somewhat “heavier” and make it look massive, which is not always appropriate in small spaces.
To order
Most kitchens are made to order - sometimes it is cheaper than from famous factories, sometimes due to non-standard layouts, and private furniture makers have already developed many solutions with real photos for small kitchens. But there are also disadvantages: if something happens, it will be more difficult to complete such a kitchen, and the performers are not always conscientious.
Corner beige kitchen in a modern style. Cost: $3,200. The size of the room is 6 meters.
Corner white kitchen with MDF facades. Kitchen area – 6 sq.m. Cost: $3,200.
Kitchen set for a small kitchen of 7 sq.m., made in a modern style with mother-of-pearl-gold plastic facades.
Corner white kitchen with MDF facades in a modern style. Cost: $6,450. The area of the entire kitchen is 8.3 sq.m.
Corner classic beige kitchen with MDF facades. Cost – 1800 dollars. The total area of the premises is 7.5 sq.m.
See more custom-made kitchens in a special section
Small orange kitchens
The best way to make a kitchen with north-facing windows cozy and sunny is to use orange for the furniture fronts. Shades of orange are quite varied, from rich and bright to neutral pastels. And, what’s doubly nice, this color goes well with both warm and cold tones in various styles.
Orange color in addition to silver and ash will make the kitchen interior modern and laconic. And in a duet with blue it will bring a feeling of Mediterranean hospitality and generosity.
Warm and cool colors and their effect on humans
In human perception, the entire spectrum can be divided into warm and cold tones. It is generally accepted that warm ones are those that evoke associations with the sun, fire, and light. For cold people, the associative series is snow, cold, open space. Artists also highlight achromatic (neutral) colors - black, white, gray, brown. As a rule, in the interior they serve as a background for brighter warm or cool shades.
Each color influences a person’s feelings and sensations and creates a certain psychological mood.
The choice of color for kitchen furniture should be taken seriously, since it has been proven that each color has its own effect on a person.
Warm colors
- Red – usually used for bright accents in a room. You shouldn’t get carried away with red, because it has been proven that it can even influence a person’s physiological reactions - blood pressure may increase and the pulse may increase. The abundance of dark red tones in a room can overwhelm a person and negatively affect his well-being. But there is a way out - you can use lighter tones of red. They are generally lighter and look energetic rather than overwhelming.
- Yellow is a bright, sunny color. It evokes positive feelings and the light shades induce a feeling of calm. Golden shades of yellow are often used for retro decor. They give a feeling of peace and stability. In such a room a person feels more calm and confident. However, if there are very young children at home, it is better not to overuse yellow - it can have an overly stimulating effect on their psyche.
- Orange is intermediate between yellow and red, a mixture of them. It has a beneficial effect on vitality and a sense of self-confidence. Used, like red, for bright color accents.
Cool tones
- Green – has a calming effect, helps get rid of feelings of anxiety and excitement. Dark green tones instill a feeling of peace and confidence. Lighter shades mixed with yellow are energetic shades, so green with a predominance of yellow is often classified as warm colors.
- Blue is associated with calm. If you use its light blue tones, the room is well suited for relaxation. In such an interior a person does not feel tense. But in large quantities, dark blue can provoke depression.
- Violet – in moderate doses has a relaxing effect and can even promote drowsiness. But an excess of rich purple suppresses a person and can cause irritability.
Neutral tones
- White and gray are good for Scandinavian style. Closer to cold tones, but at the same time creating a feeling of open space and freedom. Visually expand the room. For a person, this means a surge of inner strength and self-confidence.
- Black is good, but in moderation. The predominance of black tones in a room can be a trigger for depression. Therefore, it must be used with great caution.
- Brown – contains warm tones. It has a relaxing effect, creates a feeling of calm and homeliness. Warm shades of brown help combat anxiety and stress.
Brown color in the kitchen
Deep and warm brown tones are calming and relaxing, making the interior homely and cozy. A feature of brown color is its versatility. It can be combined with any natural shades and textures; in combination with it, “acid” colors look impressive and harmonious. An enduring trend is the combination of brown with light green, turquoise and, of course, white gloss and vanilla.
But here we should not forget about the ability of rich chocolate shades to narrow space. Therefore, in small kitchens, no less relevant combinations with mocha, cappuccino and milk chocolate color are more appropriate.
The question is what color to choose for a small kitchen and the magic of black
In terms of semantic load, the color black has a contradictory meaning. In combination with various elements, it can look feminine and elegant, brutal and monumental. For small spaces it is better to use glossy black - this will even help to visually increase the space.
Black looks great in art deco elements in combination with mirrors, and in a loft - when complemented with wood textures and steel. Therefore, if you are not considering other options when it comes to what color to choose for a small kitchen other than black, then why not. Use gloss, mirrors, contrasting combinations with light wood, think about task lighting - and a black kitchen will fit perfectly into a small space!
Which colors are better
There is no clear answer regarding the color of kitchen units for a small kitchen. Yes, white is a versatile choice. It will help expand the space and make a tiny room with a stove a little more spacious. But you can also experiment.
For example, choose a gray color. After all, you won’t say that this interior looks cramped and doesn’t look good in its gray color? Although the area of this room is only 4.7 square meters, typical for Khrushchev.
Instagram @katya_vokina
Instagram @katya_vokina
Instagram @katya_vokina
Instagram @katya_vokina
Instagram @katya_vokina
What other colors can you use? Light blue, dark blue, green, and in principle even black are not a complete taboo. The main thing is not to accompany all this with a dark floor finish and a small amount of light. And then the interior will turn out beautiful and original.
Instagram @scandi.life
Instagram @_mebelito_
Instagram @_mebelito_
- Kitchen
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