A cheerful color scheme can help to brighten up any room, and with the right color choices, you can easily make your kitchen look like it's straight from the pages of a magazine.
Whether you're thinking of giving your kitchen a total refresh, or just wondering how you can update your space with new accessories, incorporating accent décor is a great way to transform your space. But what exactly is accent décor, how do you pick the right accent color, and how can you use it in your kitchen for maximum impact?
Here, we'll tell you everything you need to know about incorporating accent décor and colors into your kitchen. We'll cover:
- What is accent décor?
- How to choose an accent color
- What colors go with my kitchen?
- How to incorporate accent décor into your kitchen
what is accent décor?
Accent décor is any piece of furniture or decoration that stands out against the rest of your furnishings. These pieces will be in your accent color, which is the hue that is used to add the finishing touches to a room and can either complement or contrast the rest of the room's color scheme.
When you decorate a room, you'll no doubt have a main, dominant color. This is your 'foundation' color and will be the shade of your main furniture pieces. In your kitchen, this is usually the color of your cabinets. You'll also have a secondary color, which you may have used on your walls and your worktops. Your accent color will be a tone that you use for your accessories, such as your tableware, kitchenware, and any decorative accessories such as vases, ornaments, or artwork.
Depending on how it's used, accent décor can either bring the whole room together or highlight a certain focal point. For example, by using wallpaper in a complementary color or with a pattern on an accent wall, you can draw attention to interesting architectural pieces such as decorative cornices and dado rails. Similarly, painting a standalone cabinet in your accent color can transform it into an interesting statement piece.
Your accessories don't need to be limited to one color either. You can have one or more accent colors depending on the look you'd like to achieve. For a minimalistic style, one accent color will be enough, while two or more will help you achieve a bolder look.
how to choose an accent color.
When it comes to choosing a color scheme, it’s a good idea to consult the color wheel. This wheel is made up of primary, secondary, and tertiary colors and shows the relationship between each one. A color wheel can also show shades of each color, which are formed with the addition of black and white tones. The lightest shades are in the center of the wheel, while the darkest hues are on the outside.
The color wheel can be used to find coordinating colors for anything from illustration to interior design. There are three ways you can use the color wheel to create a color scheme. These are:
complementary.
Complementary colors are those that sit opposite each other on the color wheel. These will always be one cool tone and one warm. This ensures harmony throughout your space. For example, various tones of blue complement perfectly with orange, yellow, and pink, and you can experiment with different shades of each to find a combination you love.
monochromatic.
A monochromatic look uses different shades of the same color to achieve a more subtle palette. To get this look, pick different tones from the same section of the color wheel, but vary them from light to dark. White, black, and gray are a popular combination, but you can use any color you like, such as a mixture of dark and light blues.
A monochrome look is a great option for smaller spaces that may look a little cluttered with a few different colors. To keep things interesting, incorporate different textures and finishes into your décor, such as matching shiny worktops and tiles paired with matte cabinetry.
harmonious.
Harmonious colors, also called analogous colors, are those that sit next to each other on the color wheel. This can be similar to a monochromatic color scheme in that it may include various tones of one color. However, monochrome is based on colors that get lighter or darker with the addition of white or black tones. So, you might pair a dark leafy green with a lighter sage. Harmonious, on the other hand, can include different hues that all share the same base colors, for example, blue, green-blue, and green.
The type of color scheme you go for can depend on the kind of look and mood you're trying to achieve. If you'd like to create a bold space where your accents can pop, then a complementary color scheme might be the best option. For example, if you have green kitchen cupboards, purple accent décor will stand out while also pulling the space together. For a calm, coordinated kitchen, look for monochromatic or harmonious tones such as kitchenware in other green shades.
Here at Denby, we offer tableware in a range of colors, and you can find out how to use the color wheel to style our most popular ranges by taking a look at our 'life in color' trends.
what colors go with my kitchen?
If you're looking to refresh your kitchen space with some new accent décor, you can use the color wheel to work out which harmonious and complementary color pairings would be best. The list below outlines which colors go with anything from green and red to purple and orange, but feel free to experiment with your own combinations.
Green: Yellow, blue, pink, red, purple
Red: Orange, pink, blue, green
Purple: Green, pink, blue, yellow, orange
Orange: Red, yellow, blue, purple
Yellow: Green, orange, blue, purple
Pink: Green, purple, red, blue
Blue: Purple, green, orange, yellow, red, pink
accent colors for a brown, gray, black, white, or cream kitchen.
Choosing accent décor can be simple if you consult the color wheel, but what if your kitchen is a color that doesn't appear on the color wheel? If this is the case, and you have a more neutral kitchen, then you're free to choose whatever color you like. However, to keep everything looking uniform and coordinated, try to choose tones that match those currently in your space. Our tips below will help you choose the perfect accent color to go with a brown, gray, black, white, and cream kitchen.
accent colors for brown kitchen units
As a neutral shade, brown can go with almost any color, particularly other earthy shades such as cream and gray to create a calming monochrome space. If you'd like to add more color, then various shades of brown may work better with certain color combinations. For example, if you're decorating with light brown, then pastel tones such as mint, rose, and lemon can create a soft and airy look. Meanwhile, darker browns suit bold hues such as canary yellow, orange, and turquoise to create a more energetic feel.
accent colors for gray kitchen units.
Gray kitchens can come in a variety of shades, so matching your accent décor to the tone of your cabinets is a great starting point. For example, light gray kitchens pair well with paler colors that also have white undertones, so you may want to focus on colors towards the center of the color wheel. Pastel pink and blue work well with light gray kitchens, as well as kitchen and tableware in neutral tones, such as white and cream. If you'd like to get this look, then our Modus Coral and Studio Blue tableware would tie in perfectly.
On the other hand, dark gray kitchens have black undertones and pair best with colors towards the outside of the color wheel. Again, you can choose any color you like. Yellow can look incredibly effective against the muted backdrop and can add a touch of brightness and joy, while natural tones such as cream and light gray can offset the harshness of a dark gray. The color palette of Modus combines both warm neutrals with cool grays and coordinates perfectly with a dark gray kitchen.
Gold hardware can also work well with this look, so consider switching to gold handles and taps. For a quick shimmer of gold without changing too much of your kitchen, opt for gold-toned cutlery instead of silver.
In some instances, your gray may have a touch of another color, for example, blue-gray or brown-gray. If this is the case, then you may want to use this to help you find the perfect accent color for your gray kitchen. If you're not sure exactly what tones your gray kitchen has, try holding paint color swatches beside your cabinets or walls to see how they look together.
accent colors for black kitchen units.
Black is described as an achromatic color which means that it is a neutral tone free of any other hue. Because of this, black kitchens suit almost any color combination. White and gray accents can look particularly striking for a muted monochrome effect and can help lighten the dark tones for a fresher feel. Pastel tones can also look effective and can help soften the overall look.
However, a dark color palette can make your kitchen feel incredibly cozy in what can sometimes be a slightly cold space. For this look, keep your secondary color light, but choose darker accent colors such as eggplant, cherry red, forest green, or woody browns.
accent colors for white kitchen units.
Like black, white kitchens are achromatic and can work with almost any accent color. However, as they're a little lighter, you have even more freedom with your color choices depending on your interior style.
Choose black and gray accents for a sophisticated monochromatic kitchen, but if you'd like to add a splash of color, then consider what kind of feeling you'd like your space to have.
For a light and airy look and to create a sense of space, choose colors on the brighter end of the spectrum, such as pastels and light-toned neutrals. We love the combination of white and brown to create a cozy rustic style, and the various shades of our Studio Craft collection would pair perfectly with white cabinetry.
White kitchens also form the perfect canvas for you to go bold with your accent colors. Dark green, red, navy and yellow will all add a touch of vibrant personality to make the heart of your home feel more 'you'.
accent colors for cream kitchen units.
As the cream is so similar to white, finding an accent color that goes with cream kitchen units can be just as simple. Warm tones such as red, brown, and orange will complement the toasty hues of cream cabinetry, while a muted green, such as sage green, can add an organic farmhouse feel.
Again, as the cream is on the whiter end of the spectrum, pastel hues can work very well in a cream kitchen, but a bold navy can add an unexpected twist that is effective yet still harmonious. We particularly love the blue-gray tones of Halo and the various shades of our Studio Blue collection against a cream backdrop, creating a calm, tranquil kitchen you'll love to be in.
how to incorporate accent décor into your kitchen.
Adding a few colored accessories is the best way to incorporate your accent color into your kitchen without taking over the dominant color scheme. For a well-put-together look, design experts suggest sticking to the 60-30-10 rule. This states that 60% of your room should be decorated in your dominant color, 30% in your secondary color, and 10% in your accent color (or colors).
Using this as a starting point ensures that your space will look balanced and cohesive. However, feel free to stray away from this rule to create a look that's unique to you. No two rooms are ever the same and experimenting with color is a great way to create a space that brings you joy.
Below are just some of the ways you can incorporate your accent décor into your kitchen.
Table and kitchenware | Floral arrangements | Accent walls | Painted furniture| Statement lighting | Window treatments
Make color functional
The functional elements of your kitchen can also serve as decorations with the right color scheme. Adding a brightly colored kettle and toaster in your chosen accent color is an effortless way to inject a touch of personality into your space and give it a quick refresh.
You can also go one step further by matching your tableware, glassware, and kitchenware to your appliances. Here at Denby, you can shop all of our dinnerware by color, including our green and blue tableware, as well as our gray and neutral ranges. You'll also find a selection of our home fragrances, designed to match our most popular collections to add an instant pop of color and scent to your home.
While your ceramics work as accent décor when your table is set, let them serve as decorative features even when they're not in use by displaying them on an open shelf or behind a glass cabinet. This is especially useful in smaller kitchens, where you may not have much space for accessories.
Add a floral arrangement
Plants and flowers can instantly brighten up any space and are perfect for adding a small dose of color to a room. If you choose a vase in your accent color, your floral arrangements will always match your décor. Better yet, you can easily move your arrangement around the room until you find a space where it fits best, so it's a great option if you're just testing out a color scheme and aren't yet sure where to add an extra piece of décor.
If flowers aren't quite your style, you can add a muted touch of greenery by growing your herbs on a shelf or windowsill. They'll add a pop of vibrant color while doubling up as delicious ingredients! Growing them in color-coordinated planters can add to the overall look, but if you don't have plant pots, consider growing them in your old ceramics, such as a mug or bowl.
Decorate an accent wall
To fit with the 60-30-10 rule, your walls will most likely be decorated in your dominant or secondary color. However, you can easily add a touch of your accent color by making one wall an accent wall. Using a different paint or a patterned wallpaper, you can add a splash of color while also drawing attention to a certain area. For example, if your kitchen has a dining area, use an accent wall behind it to make this space feel like more of a feature.
If you like the look of an accent wall but you don't have any free and open wall space, consider wallpapering the back of an open cupboard instead. This can create the illusion of a statement wall without taking over the room.
Paint your furniture
Another easy way you can incorporate your accent color into your kitchen is by choosing furniture in your chosen hue. Colorful bar stools and dining chairs can add an instant pop of color to the heart of your kitchen.
If you're giving your kitchen a revamp, painting your existing furniture is a simple way to update your space without having to buy anything new. This is also great for transforming something you love into a statement piece. For example, if you have a standalone cabinet or sideboard in your kitchen, give it a fresh lick of paint in your chosen accent color, or update your dining space by painting or reupholstering your chairs. You could also inject your accent color into your cabinetry by painting just a few doors or the interior shelves.
If you're feeling more ambitious, you can even try out some paint effects. For inspiration, watch @maisieshouse upcycle an item of furniture with a stunning effect that mimics our Statements glaze.
Another great benefit of this option is that as there are so many paints out there, you'll be able to get an exact match to the color you're after.
Install statement lighting
Bold lighting can help dress up any space, particularly over a dining table or island. Incorporate your accent color by choosing a pendant light in your chosen hue. This can be a particularly effective way of dispersing your accent color throughout your kitchen. By having it higher up than the rest of your accessories, your accent décor won't just be focused on one particular area of your room, creating a more balanced look.
Dress up your windows
Bright window treatments can help to add that last finishing touch to your room and are great for changing up a color scheme without swapping your kitchen fittings. Blinds are often a more practical option in this room and are perfect for injecting a small amount of color or an eye-catching pattern into your home accent décor, without taking over the rest of the space.
With the right color scheme, you can instantly transform the look of any room, and these tips should help you find the perfect kitchen accent décor to brighten up your space. Remember to bookmark this page for future reference and be sure to check out our guides and how-tos for more styling inspiration. You'll find plenty of advice to help you refresh your living spaces, including our advice for making your home smell amazing, incorporating color into your life, and tips for choosing and using your Denby tableware.
Denby ceramics aren't just for dinner time either. Our homeware is both beautiful and functional, making it perfect for use in every room. Whether you're using one of our mugs as a toothbrush holder or a teapot as a vase, don't be afraid to think outside the box and create a space that's truly unique.