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Color Love: Kitchen Cabinets in Surprising Colors

May 05, 2010

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Maybe you're celebrating in your kitchen, and maybe it could use a little festive makeover. One of the fastest and cheapest ways to update a kitchen is to paint the cabinetry. Most people who get past the old adage that "you can't paint wood" choose white or off-white. It's crisp, clean, and classic. It's also safe, which is smart if you're planning to sell within a few years. But if you really want to live in this kitchen and love every minute of it, why not express your personality with an unconventional color on the cabinets?

Here are a few photos to inspire you to go for it! In ROYGBIV order. :)

Red is energizing and in this distressed finish creates a vibrant country feel that works nicely with the oak flooring. Photo: twiceremembered.blogspot.com

Orange cabinets? Yes, in small doses. Amid the white walls and dark grey flooring, it's just enough of a pop of personality. Photo: Kearch.

This soft buttercup yellow creates a welcoming glow in a narrow but well lit galley kitchen. Note the color extending halfway up the walls to create an enveloping effect. Photo: Living Etc.

Paint it like you mean it! Leaf green works with white subway tile, natural wood tones, and a wallpaper effect on the ceiling. Photo: R. Lemermeyer for Canadian House & Home.

Grey-green is a more subtle option that looks fabulous with stainless steel and marble. Check out the stainless mosaic backsplash. Natural textures like the raw wood on the ceiling and sisal rug create an interesting counterpoint. Photo: S. Upton for House Beautiful.

Turquoise base cabinets paired with white up top is a way to enjoy color without totally committing. Accessories displayed in open cabinetry above (hint: just take the doors off) carry the palette throughout the space. Photo: leannhuntington.blogspot.com

Especially when cabinets are few, a powerful color can have just the right amount of impact. Deep grey-blue works nicely in this modern kitchen with a commercial feel. Photo: L. Moss for House Beautiful.

Indigo. You'd have to love it in this kitchen, but what a gutsy move. Navy would be a more manageabe choice. Photo: Q. Bacon for House Beautiful.

This purple-based grey has a very soothing effect in a mostly white kitchen. Photo: M. Burstyn for Canadian House & Home.

French grey sets the tone for a sophisticated monochromatic look. Photo: E. McDermott for House Beautiful.

Black is an adaptable choice. It works with modern, traditional, rustic, and in this case, a French country design. A sage green ceiling keeps the room from feeling too serious. Photo: Country Living.

Designer Tip

Remember, you aren't limited to the millions of colors in the rainbow, either. Metallics can create an interesting effect, too. Check out how Theresa used them to fine effect in her kitchen.

How to Choose a Paint Color for Kitchen Cabinets

Choosing the right shade of paint is usually the most difficult part of the any painting project. First consider which elements of the kitchen cannot change. That might be countertops, flooring, backsplash, or appliances. Take a look at those permanent colors and choose a color for your cabinets that either blends or pleasantly contrasts. Do not ignore the colors you're stuck with, even if you hate them. The idea is to have a harmonious palette for the whole room. It can be overwhelming, for sure. If you don't have a natural eye for color or you just can't make a decision from dozens of options, I can help. I offer in-home and online color consultations for $75 first room, $30 per additional room in the same house. It's fast and simple, and my color plan is based on your style and preferences. Want more info? Just email me. —Diane

TAGS: painting kitchen cabinets how to choose color for cabinetry color consultation consultant online traverse city leelanau northern michigan

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Find: Factory 20, if only for the browsing

May 04, 2010

Rarely do I find a website that satisfies that inner craving for a day of flea-market browsing like the one I recently stumbled across with a Google search for "modern industrial shelving." This site strips away the pedantic conventions of virtual antiquing and brings online the thrill of discovery that's usually only experienced between the musty shelves of a roadside junk shop. (Even if the prices are a bit higher.)

Factory 20 sums up their purpose best: "Factory 20 is a multi-disciplinary art and design collective which strives to create an ever-evolving nonlinear consumer lifestyles collection. Discovering intrinsically valuable decorative arts and furnishings to convey a different impression of 20th-century design. Reclaiming salvaged materials, using uncommon combinations and adhering to modernist tenets we are confident that we can give to you the unexpected and the unforgettable."

That they do, very well. Browsing the site is refreshing. With a scroll-for-days list of inventory anchored at the left of the content area, it's easy to blindly click through the offerings and wonder at the vintage beauty that unfolds. The photography is superb— a real treat for Ebay-weary eyes. There is a loose categorical setup: tables, storage, seating, lighting, mirrors & wall, art, fashion, objects, oddities. Beyond that, you're on your own to discover industrial furnishings, reclaimed objects, cast-off office furniture, primitive cabinetry, chippy metal stools, all manner of lighting fixtures, shapely mirrors, one-of-a-kind art, giant gas station signage… you get the idea.

While the prices may seem steep at first glance, compare them to similar new items and then account for the uniqueness factor. After all, it's hard to put a price on authentic patina or a piece with a story. Here's a small sampling of my favorite finds for the home from Factory 20. Happy browsing! —Diane

Half the fun is in the finding, so I'm leaving these images linkless! Head over and see what you discover yourself.

Last day to enter the Dwelement giveaway! Email me three photos of your room to have a chance to win a free Mini-Makeover!

TAGS: factory 20 vintage modern industrial 20th century antiques unique unusual home accessories mod moderne one of a kind

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TC Readers: Don't miss the Small Works Exhibition and Sale

May 03, 2010

There's nothing like original art to give a room soul and character. But one-of-a-kind will cost you, and rightly so. Here's a unique event where even the most budget-conscious art lover can afford an original. The Small Works Exhibition and Sale at the Dennos Museum in Traverse City features works that measure no greater than 5"x7"x1", and all are priced at $50 or less.

Joan Richmond, North to Kew, 2010, gouache on paper

Dennos Museum Small Works Exhibition and Sale

Reception and sale open at 5 pm on Thursday, May 6, 2010. Sale continues Friday and Saturday, May 7–8, 10 am–5 pm; Sunday, May 9, 1–5 pm.

Check out the exhibition and bring home your favorite tiny painting, then check out my previous post about hanging small paintings in your home. —Diane

TAGS: dennos museum small works exhibition and sale traverse city mi tiny paintings art affordable original art

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Look for Less: Outdoor Room in a… Garage?

Apr 29, 2010

I keep running into inspiring spaces in the photo galleries at the Canadian House & Home website. I was going to make this post about furnishing an outdoor space like a porch or sunroom, but when I found this photo it sparked a whole different idea that will probably be more useful to more people. (And maybe a little controversial, too?) Not everyone is blessed with a room to link the indoors with the out, but lots of people have garages.

Granted, this room has been intentionally designed as a livable space that connects a pool and outdoor dining area, but I don't see why someone craving a little sheltered comfort in the fresh air couldn't set up a temporary living space in their garage. After a thorough cleaning and maybe a paint job, find your bargains below to recreate this room on the cheap.

The fun, modern furniture in the inspiration photo came from Design Within Reach. Here's a collection of much more affordable pieces that can perform equally well indoors during the cold season.

Sofa

Lubi Daybed in Mocha from CB2, $799

(The original: Twilight Sleep Sofa from DWR, $1,680)

Chair

Bertoia Wire Diamond Chair Knock-off from inMod, $175

(The original: Bertoia Diamond Chair from DWR, $971)

Table

Adesso Regency Bent-Metal Coffee Table from Brandsplace, $100

Stool

Sally Stool from Chiasso, $58

(The original: Philippe Starck's Prince Aha Stool from DWR, $110)

Rug

I'm going to veer from the plan here to inject some color… and to showcase this huge wool rug for an amazing price!

Hand-tufted New Zealand Wool Rug, 8'x11', from Overstock.com, $405

Want some help arranging an outdoor space of your own? Whether you're starting from scratch or working with what you have, I can help! Email me for more details, or check out the breadth of my services here. —Diane

TAGS: converting garage to living space outdoor room indoor outdoor living room look for less room design blog bertoia diamond chair fake knock-off philippe starck prince aha stool cheap alternative

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Craving: Springy Paintings

Apr 27, 2010

It's fun to switch out the decor as the seasons change, and one of the easiest things to swap is artwork. I spent a rainy Sunday afternoon browsing everyone's favorite online source for art direct from the artist: Etsy. Here are a few of my favorite finds to bring a little spring to your rooms. —Diane