The colour you paint your walls will set the tone for your whole kitchen, so consider your options carefully. Here are some things to think about...
1. Don't rush it.
Painting your kitchen is a big job. There are usually lots of little nooks and crannies to cover, so you don't want to do it all again next week. You may have your instincts, but give them time to settle in your mind.
2. Consider everything.
Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain: a little reminder of the colours of the rainbow. It's worth putting coloured paper in each of these shades up on your wall, just to give you a taste of what each of them looks like. Put them on every wall and in every corner; it's surprising how much difference it makes looking at these colours in shady or highly exposed areas.
3. Give your kitchen a personality.
Take some time to imagine the kind of experience you want from your kitchen. This will involve taking a long look at your layout, your units and your appliances. Is this a kitchen that is modern, streamlined and utilitarian? Or relaxed, comfortable and social? This will give you a broad idea of the mood you are creating and the colour that reflects this the most. Think in terms of warm and cool. Earth colours like reds and greens are warmer, whereas blues and greys will help create that sleek, modern look.
4. Think lighting.
If you're planning to do other work at the same time, think about what you're changing and how it affects the paint colour. Lighting is a classic pitfall. Fluorescent lights affect paint much differently to natural light.
5. Consider painting your cabinets.
If you have wooden cabinets you might have the opportunity to give them a complete makeover with a new coat of paint. You don't just have to paint the walls.
6. Don't forget accessories.
When you get into it, it's all too easy to plump for some crazy new colour. But don't forget that your hand towels, ornaments, chair covers, light shades, floor and curtains must all tone with the new colour. Take everything into account!
7. Contrast different areas.
If your kitchen also comprises an eating area you could consider giving them different colours. The food preparation area could be more vibrant and stimulating, while the eating area could be more calm and relaxing. For greater subtlety, choose different shades of the same colour.
8. Walk through your house.
Different rooms do not exist in isolation. If the rest of your house is decorated in softer tones, it will be too much for your kitchen to be extremely vibrant and intense. Consider your journey around the house as a journey in colour.
9. Buy the right paint.
Sounds obvious, but you don't want to spend all this time, money and energy on a paint job that won't last. Kitchens are intense environments in terms of moisture and heat, so buying paint that is made especially for that environment is very important.
10. Start with a hidden piece of wall.
Try the paint out on an area behind a cupboard. Paint can dry into unexpected colours, so test it first. Otherwise your canary yellow kitchen could end up giving you a very real headache.
See our ideas for small kitchens.
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