Choosing the right colors for your kitchen can be an overwhelming task. With so many options to consider, it can be difficult to know where to start. One color that often pops up in kitchen design is red. But is red really a good choice for the heart of your home? Here’s a look at why red can be an excellent color for kitchens.
Red Stimulates the Appetite
One of the main reasons red is recommended for kitchens is because it is known to stimulate the appetite. The color red is associated with energy, strength, and excitement. It catches people’s attention and gets the digestive juices flowing. So painting your kitchen walls or cabinets red can get you and your family excited about cooking and eating.
Studies have shown that people eat less when in a blue room but eat more in a red room. Researchers believe this is because red is an appetite-stimulating color. So if you want to get creative in the kitchen and prepare delicious meals, go for vibrant red tones. Just be careful not to overdo it – you don’t want to feel like you’re dining inside a stop sign!
Red Evokes Warmth and Energy
Kitchens are high-activity spaces where people come together to cook, eat, and socialize. The color red evokes feelings of warmth, energy and excitement. It gets the heart pumping faster and stimulates lively conversation. Red makes the kitchen feel inviting, lively, and fun. It encourages people to linger for longer.
Red also symbolizes fire and passion. It can spark creativity when preparing meals. The bold color inspires cooks to try new recipe ideas and experiment with exciting ingredients. Red makes cooking feel more joyful and makes the kitchen a space you want to spend time using.
Red Accents Make a Statement
One great way to incorporate red into the kitchen is through accents and accessories. For example, painting the wall behind the stove or sink red creates an eye-catching focal point. Hanging red pots and pans provide personality. And placing red kitchen appliances like a stand mixer or toaster on the counter adds a pop of color.
Red bar stools around the kitchen island make a bold statement. Complementary red accents like rugs, curtains, and decorative bowls pull the whole look together. The great thing about red accents is they are easy to switch out if you want to change up the kitchen’s style down the road.
Red Pairs Perfectly with White and Wood Tones
Red is extremely versatile when it comes to color pairing. It looks fantastic combined with crisp white and natural wood tones. This is ideal for kitchens as white countertops, cabinets, and tile are common. And wood floors, butcher block counters, and table accents also pair wonderfully with red.
The high contrast between red and white makes both colors pop. Red injects visual interest while white keeps things feeling fresh and clean. Wood adds warmth and texture while still allowing the red to stand out. Together they create a kitchen that is stimulating yet still feels classic and timeless.
Red Works with Vintage and Modern Designs
Another great aspect of red is that it fits right in with a wide range of kitchen design styles. For vintage-inspired kitchens, an apple red with distressed wooden cabinets oozes farmhouse charm. A 1950s style retro kitchen comes alive with cherry red appliances and checkered floor tiling.
In contemporary kitchens, fire engine red lacquered cabinets make a sleek style statement. Rich oxblood red paired with black granite countertops creates drama. Red works magic in modern minimalist kitchens to inject color into the neutral palette.
Tips for Using Red in Your Kitchen
Ready to deck out your kitchen in red? Here are some tips to make sure you use this passionate color successfully:
- Stick to two or three red tones in order to create a cohesive look.
- Pair red with neutral colors like white, black, gray, or wood textures to keep the space feeling grounded.
- Use red sparingly on large surfaces. Too much red can feel overwhelming.
- Accessorize with red kitchen towels, utensils, rugs, curtains, and more.
- Choose red equipment like a stand mixer, toaster, or refrigerator to add functional pops of color.
- Use deeper tomato and wine reds for a sophisticated vibe, or go for bright cherry red to make a cheerful statement.
- If using red walls, keep the ceiling and trim neutral white to provide contrast.
- Let red inspire you to prepare delicious recipes and gather around the table with loved ones.
The Best Red Paint Colors for Kitchens
Here are some popular red paint colors to consider for your kitchen:
| Paint Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Scarlet Red | Vibrant true red, perfect for adding drama |
| Valentine Red | Rich red with a hint of pink, very romantic |
| Apple Red | Classic bright red with orange undertones, fits farmhouse style |
| Post Box Red | Slightly muted red, a nice alternative to bright red |
| Ruby Red | Jewel-toned deep red, elegant and luxurious |
| Fire Engine Red | Intense, vibrant true red, modern and eye-catching |
| Oxblood Red | Deep red with brown undertones, feels rich and sophisticated |
Usage Ideas for Red Kitchens
Not sure where exactly to incorporate red into your kitchen design? Here are some clever ways to utilize this passionate color:
- Paint the wall behind the stove or sink red.
- Choose a red refrigerator, range, or dishwasher.
- Use red on open shelves or the interiors of glass cabinet doors.
- Pick red barstools, chairs, or a bench for seating.
- Hang a red metal pendant light over the kitchen island.
- Install red tile as a backsplash.
- Choose red kitchen appliances like a stand mixer, toaster, or coffee maker.
- Incorporate red into countertop decor like a rug, fruit bowl, or utensil holder.
- Layer in red with kitchen towels, potholders, utensils, and linens.
Conclusion
With its appetizing qualities, energizing tone, and versatile design options, red is an excellent color choice for kitchens. It instantly livens up the space, sparking creativity and bringing warmth into the heart of your home. Red kitchens make spending time cooking, eating and gathering with loved ones more enjoyable.
Whether you go for bold fire engine red cabinets or stick to subtle red accents, this color does not disappoint. Consider adding some red the next time you remodel or redecorate your kitchen. Let red inspire you to whip up tasty recipes and make memories around the table.
