The Color Trap Erin Napier Urges Fans To Avoid Falling Into During A Kitchen Reno
When it comes to renovating a kitchen that you can be proud of entertaining in, there are a lot of elements to consider. The type of interior décor is a particularly important starting point for your home in general, as is applying specific elements from that décor, like natural materials for decorating your home with a bohemian style, for example. However, color is also a vital factor in portraying a specific vibe in your kitchen. The question now becomes, what shades best relay the message you're telling through your kitchen's palette, and how can you apply that to your kitchen without it overwhelming friends and guests? If you were to ask Erin Napier, one-half of HGTV's "Home Town," she'd tell you that with respect to using bold colors in your kitchen, you should avoid falling into the trap of allowing outsider comments to weigh too heavily in your design choices.
From matching wood flooring to putting too much emphasis on design, Napier has a lot to say about what design mistakes to avoid at all costs. For kitchen renovations specifically, it can be tempting to follow the trend of modernizing everything with muted tones in an effort to make it a neutral space for your guests, as it's often considered the heart of the home. More importantly, though, you want this space to authentically reflect your unique personality, architecturally speaking, while still maintaining a sense of warmth and comfort. And if that means breaking the mold through your color choices, so be it.
How to avoid falling into the color trap
Your kitchen is a place for social connection, comfort, and sharing meals, so it makes sense that your color choice for this room conveys the feeling of togetherness. Since kitchens are a hub of efficiency and function, many choose the cleanliness of minimalist design, such as white walls and corresponding marble countertops. When it comes to rules to follow when designing a new kitchen, Napier believes that what others will think of your color choices should be the least of your worries. Sure, you want to maintain the essence of function and comfort, but if bold hues are a better reflection of your personal style, that's an opinion to honor over someone else's.
With that in mind, you may consider bold colors to elevate your kitchen and allow your personality to peek through. Using color psychology can not only help add visual intrigue to your space, but it can also evoke certain emotions. It's a great place to start when you don't know what scheme will complement the rest of your home. Red is often associated with metabolism and energy, so it could be an honorable choice to use in your kitchen, from your cabinetry to your dining seating. You might also incorporate bold colors in existing furnishings, such as installing a gorgeous green quartz laminate to your countertops or painting your cabinets a nautical navy blue.