ELEMENT OF SURPRISE

TUCKED BEHIND CLOSED DOORS OR PRIMED FOR MAXIMUM PROMINENCE, PUNCHY COLOUR CAN MAKE A BIG IMPACT IN THE KITCHEN

- LINDA CLAYTON

SOMETHING BLUE

'Painting the interior of glazed wall cabinets is a really effective way to add a touch of personality to your kitchen,' says Jayne Everett, creative director, Naked Kitchens. If you really want to celebrate your favourite colour, go for clear glass and let the colour sing. The breezy blue used here only accounts for 10% of the kitchen's overall colour palette but its eye-level placement and vibrancy ensure the colour goes much further. 'Reeded glass doors will provide a more diffused colour, when shut, especially if the shelves are filled with glassware. No colour is too bright or out of bounds, adds Jayne.

Modern Shaker kitchen in Night Harbour and Seal Pup White with Point Blue accents, from £15,000, Naked Kitchens

PULL UP A CHAIR

‘One of the easiest ways to freshen up a neutral kitchen is to work a vibrant accent colour on upholstery. Chairs, bar stools, blinds and banquettes are all perfect fodder for a splash of colour and are much simpler to change than repainting cabinetry should you fancy trying a fresh new shade,’ says Sam Hart, designer, Roundhouse. Accent colour can also work as a zoning tool by drawing attention to a specific area in larger rooms. In this open-plan space, the strong accent colour on the upholstery helps to define the dining area, allowing the kitchen to fade into the background.

Studio Classic kitchen in Cashmere Grey, from £30,000, Roundhouse. Vintage Kai Kristiansen chairs upholstered in Hallingdal 65 by Kvadrat, £135m, SCP

BE SUBTLE