As the nights draw in and our days become shorter, now is the perfect time to consider adding a splash of colour to the kitchen. Nothing brightens up a dark, dreary weekend like a vibrant colour scheme that makes you want to linger in the kitchen, cooking up hearty soups, stews and casseroles for family and friends. Whether you’re planning a whole new design in time for Christmas or you just want a quick update before the festive season begins, there are plenty of ways to add pizzazz and personality to your room.
The easiest thing is to give walls a fresh lick of paint. Dulux has named its Colour of the Year 2018 as Heart Wood, which, while being more subtle than something bold and bright, is an ideal shade to liven up an otherwise neutral scheme. The calming, dusky mauve tone is described by Dulux as a ‘warm neutral with a hint of heather’ and is sure to be a key interiors trend for the year ahead. Keep an eye out for all sorts of accessories and finishing touches in this on-trend shade, in everything from wooden window shutters to toasters and tea towels. If you want instant wow factor however, go for a citrus shade such as sunflower yellow or burnt orange and balance the look with grey, charcoal or timber cabinets, which are set to continue as key themes for 2018.
As well as walls, floors and window dressings, you can also create an eye-catching focal point with a statement appliance. Rangemaster offers the largest variety of styles, sizes and fuel types for range cookers, so there’s bound to be something to suit. Depending on the model chosen, there are 14 colours to pick from – Stainless Steel, Cream, Cherry Red, Black, Regal Blue, White, Ivory, Cranberry, Slate, Racing Green, Royal Pearl, Olive Green, China Blue and Fawn - the ideal complement or contrast to a colourful kitchen.
One of my favourite Rangemaster colours is Cherry Red, as it suits both classic and contemporary kitchen designs. The Elise 90 shown below is A/A rated for energy efficiency and is available as a dual fuel or induction model. Key features include a multifunction oven, Handyrack, catalytic liners, wok cradle and Steadfast™ pan supports.
For a truly traditional look, check out the Classic Deluxe, which has all the hallmarks of an elegant, timeless design. This 110 dual fuel version comes in eight colours including Cream, Olive Green and Regal Blue and includes a proving drawer for dough – a fantastic benefit for home bakers.
To brighten up your kitchen scheme, here’s our pick of the latest finishing touches that will enhance any classic or contemporary interior…
With similar shading to Dulux’s Colour of the Year 2018, these heather-toned napkins will add elegance to the dining table. Pure linen napkins in Rosewood, £24 for four at www.tollymcrae.co.uk
Add a pop of vibrant colour to walls with a striking clock in an eye-catching finish. Newgate pantry wall clock in Pumpkin Orange, £35 from www.black-by-design.co.uk
Create a feature wall or upcycle an old cabinet with a fresh lick of paint. Farrow and Ball India Yellow No. 66, £17.40 per litre, www.farrow-ball.com
Tiles make great splashbacks for areas behind the worktops, sink and hob and you can really go to town with high impact shapes and shades. Rustic Metro ceramic tiles, £29.95 per sq m, www.wallsandfloors.co.uk
Copper is a finish that’s set to continue as a key trend for 2018. School Rise and fall pendants in polished copper, from a selection at www.davey-lighting.co.uk
Keep it simple with interesting flooring underfoot. Arabesque floor tiles, £199.95 per sq m, www.originalstyle.com
