How bold should you go with kitchen color? Several different elements can bring color into the kitchen. Find the level of commitment—and impact—that's right for you.
| Item |
Commitment |
Impact |
Painted Walls
 |
Low. Painting walls is an inexpensive and easily changed proposition. Plus, most kitchens have minimal open wall space. |
Moderate to high. A color change can transform a room. If wall space is limited, so is the impact if it's the only change made. |
Countertops
 |
High. Countertops are one of the harder and pricier kitchen elements to change. Pick a color you can live with for a while.
|
Moderate to high. Going from light to dark or vice versa has a big impact, as does changing from a solid to a pattern. |
Cabinets
|
Moderate to high. New cabinets are a substantial investment, but painting old ones a bold new color can be low-cost and low-risk. |
High. Whether a stained wood tone or painted wood, colorful cabinetry alone is often enough to set off a kitchen. |
Flooring
 |
High. Vinyl and laminates are less of a commitment, but hardwood, stone, and ceramic tile are big-ticket and long-term.
|
Low to moderate. Flooring is valued more for its durability and ease of care than color impact. It's easy to overlook. |
Hardware
 |
Low. It's one of the fastest and easiest elements to change, and usually the cheapest. Plus, you can mix and match styles.
|
Low to moderate. Knobs and pulls can add welcome splashes of color. Distinctive pieces can have a surprisingly high impact. |
Appliances
 |
Low to high. Special-order colors or vintage hues are a big step, but changeable appliance panels in designer colors are not. |
High. Anything not white, black, or metallic stands out today. One colorful appliance in a kitchen can be plenty, though. |
