Help A Crowded Kitchen Feel More Spacious With A Simple Design Tip

It isn't uncommon for us to find our kitchen feeling a bit boxed in. Oftentimes, the countertops look unnecessarily cluttered. Other times, the walls seem as if they're closing in. No amount of rearranging helps at this point. Small kitchens have a way of making us feel like we're constantly in someone's way. And ironically, that someone is often just a chair pulled out too far. But before you start thinking about knocking down walls or purchasing expensive organizers, you'd be intrigued to know a trick designers swear by. A beautiful monochromatic kitchen, where your walls, cabinets, countertops, and appliances share the same color family, can make your space feel open, and, believe it or not, bigger than it is.

When your kitchen sticks to one color palette, the eye doesn't get interrupted by harsh contrasts. There are no unwanted visual breaks either. As such, the space flows well and appears more coherent. Even if your kitchen is tiny, the continuity of color tricks your brain into perceiving more room. The positive thing is, you can still layer texture within that same color range, so your space doesn't look boring. After all, we aren't stripping away the personality of the kitchen anyway, but only giving it more breathing room to shine.

Start by picking one base color that will shape your kitchen's vibe. Ideally, it should take up about 75% of the space. The remaining 25% should come from contrasting shades of the same color family to create a cohesive look. Also, make sure you don't make your flooring match everything else exactly. If, for example, your kitchen is light-colored, go a shade deeper for the floor to ground it. And if your floor is pale, use darker cabinets or backsplash for balance.

When it comes to choosing monochromatic color schemes, a white base is always a classic. You can keep your cabinets and walls crisp white. Then, add some depth with gray countertops, cream backsplash, and off-white bar stools. Those shifts in tone keep things from looking too clinical. Alternatively, you can opt for a soft gray base. It works beautifully with stainless steel appliances. For those of you craving something earthier, sage green gives your kitchen that organic feel. Contrast it with muted olives or dusty tones for a rich, natural palette.

Mixing materials is just as important for perfecting the monochromatic look. You can pair high-gloss tiles with matte cabinets or smooth quartz with a textured backsplash. Lighting is another game-changer. Use accent lighting to highlight your favorite corners and ambient lighting to keep things bright. Finally, remember that a monochromatic kitchen is no less than a blank canvas, perfect for that bold piece of art you've always wanted to display.