The Color Scheme That Can Make A Small Kitchen Look Larger

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Kitchens are often called the heart of a home, but what if yours is tiny? You've followed the tips for the best way to make the most of a small kitchen and it still feels cramped. The good news is there's hope, and it's found in a few tins of paint. Changing your color scheme can make a small kitchen look larger. The key is to aim for a low-contrast coloring across your walls, cupboards, counter tops, and ceiling.

Contrast describes two objects of strikingly different colors placed next to each other – picture white cupboards topped with black granite. The dramatic shift forces the eye to stop and breaks the area into separate sections. Create low-contrast by sticking to lighter colors that are within the same tonal range and you'll create a seamless flow for the eyes, which enhances the sense of space.

To check your contrast levels, try squinting your eyes to see if individual objects or areas stand out from the rest. If the blurred view of the space blends well, you've succeeded at creating a low-contrast color scheme. If not, invest in a few tins of multi-purpose paint such as the Heirloom Traditions All-In-One Paint, which comes in 30 different shades and has a built-in primer. This type of paint is versatile enough to be used on walls, cabinets, metal, glass, ceramics, tiles, walls, and floors. Drench the room in similar hues and you should see an instant difference.

Does this mean you have to stick to white? Not necessarily. White is a great choice as it reflects light, bouncing it back into the space and increasing the levels of brightness, which makes the room look bigger. There are many variations of white and you can explore the trendy shade of white you'll want to incorporate into your home. But if you're hankering for some color, you have options.

The main thing is to pick light, desaturated colors — those with low levels of color that make them closer to neutral – as these reflect light similar to the way white does. Think of the difference you feel wearing black or white clothing outside in the sun. There's no ignoring the fact that darker colors absorb light and heat! As long as you use a light, similar color palette within a few hues of the main color throughout your space, your kitchen will naturally seem bigger than it is. 

Let's talk about those wooden cabinets and window frames. While you may be tempted to leave them untouched, if your goal is a kitchen that feels bigger than it is, they have to blend in. Use acrylic cabinet paint, such as the INSL-X Stores Cabinet Coat, that gives your wood an instant upgrade that is smooth and long-lasting. To take the hair-graying factor out of the process, follow these helpful tips and tricks for painting solid wood cabinets.