THERE'S A SOFT, FRESH PALETTE BRINGING BOTH SERENITY AND WARMTH TO INTERIORS RIGHT NOW.
‘The trend for gentle greys, creams and taupes translates beautifully to kitchens, and in this age of open-plan living, these colours can complement the remainder of your interior scheme,’ says interior designer Dee Gibson, founder of Velvet Orange Interiors and Property.
PICK A PALER PALETTE
The new neutral look is fresh and light, but never one dimensional. ‘The trick is to add interest by combining two or three colours – the pale shades mean the look is never overwhelming,’ says Dee Gibson. ‘Rather than opting for different degrees of blue, for example, choose complementary colours – a good tip is to look at a wallpaper or fabric and pick out the colours used in the pattern.’ You could try Laura Ashley Chalk Blue paint with Pale Dove Grey, or Cotton White with Eau de Nil.
DESIGN FOR THE TIMES
‘A neutral kitchen can be styled with “wow factor” extras, like chunky open shelves and statement lighting – a copper pendant will create a real focal point,’ suggests Dee Gibson. For a touch of pattern, put wallpaper inside a glazed cabinet, like this Laura Ashley Gosford Meadow Cyclamen Wallpaper. ‘Then use accessories, like a funky radio, to add style to your worktops,’ says Dee. ‘Playing with these changeable elements means your kitchen won’t date and will meld seamlessly with the rest of your living space.’
PERFECT PARTNERS
‘I like to use the strongest tone on the base cabinets or island, with a paler paint for any wall units. It keeps the look fresh and bright, especially in a small or narrow space, where you need eye-level storage but don’t want the room to look crowded,’ says Dee Gibson. Here, White and Cobble Grey make a perfect match.
