Break the Mold with These Standout Kitchens

This week on the Blog, Julia Abriola, our talented Design Intern, takes over one last time to share her tips on designing a bold and unique kitchen.

Recently it seems like every kitchen you see on television, online, or in magazines is white on white on white. Shaker cabinets and subway tile and brass accents, oh my! Don’t get me wrong: here at Delia Designs we think the all-white kitchen trend is a classic look—you can’t go wrong. But we also like to design creative and standout spaces that break the mold. So if you’re tired of seeing the same old kitchen everywhere you look, think outside the box and mix it up! Have your kitchen be the most unique on the block with these bold tips.

Go dark.

Perhaps one of the simplest ways to ditch the all-white kitchen is to go totally dark. If you’re feeling courageous, choose both a dark backsplash and a dark paint color for the cabinets. Maybe totally dark isn’t your thing—that’s okay; opt for a pop of contrast with a dark backsplash with bright cabinets, or paint your lower cabinets a darker color and keep it light up top. One of the reasons the all-white kitchen became so popular is because it adds so much light to your space, which is always a plus. So remember to add elements of contrast like white countertops or light accessories to not make your kitchen feel so heavy.

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Mix colors and materials.

Not every element in your kitchen has to match exactly. Add contrast with two-tone cabinets in complementary shades, or have the lowers be an eye-catching color. When designing your kitchen with two-tone cabinets, keep your upper cabinets a lighter color so your eyes move upward and the space feels more balanced and grounded. If color isn’t your thing, try mismatched countertops. Make your island standout, or interrupt one material with another. There are so many winning combinations, including (but not limited to) marble and butcher block, concrete and butcher block, and marble and stainless steel.

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Be bold with fun patterns.

The kitchen is a great place to introduce pattern, whether it’s on the walls or on the floor. You can go for a funky tile or even cool wallpaper—yes, wallpaper in the kitchen! Use wallpaper in an area of your kitchen that sees the least splatters, like by a breakfast nook or above your upper cabinets if they don’t reach the ceiling. When introducing crazy patterns to your kitchen, it’s helpful to keep the other elements clean and simple to create balance. A patterned tile floor should be the center of attention, so keep your walls more understated.

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Try a different appliance finish other than stainless steel.

Every kitchen nowadays has stainless steel appliances; mix it up and try a different finish or even a color. When most people think of black or white appliances they think outdated, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Black appliances can look sleek and modern, while white appliances are more retro. A great way to add a pop of color to your kitchen is with appliances. BlueStar offers over 750 colors to customize your kitchen appliances to your unique style.

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Add retro elements.

Vintage pieces can always make a space feel homier, and that goes for kitchens too. Retro appliances add a fun, quirky element to your kitchen; they’re also often warmer, which is a nice break from the cool, modern appliances we see today. Another way to achieve a retro look in your kitchen is with tile; a classic black and white small-scale tile on the floor or as a backsplash is reminiscent of the old days, but can still feel fresh when paired with modern elements.

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Ditch the mosaic backsplash for a seamless look.

Mosaic tile is a great option for kitchen backsplashes because there are so many different styles. But if you’re looking to add more sophistication to your kitchen, a great way to achieve that look is with a seamless backsplash. A nice marble slab will give off a classic and elegant feel, while a sheet of metal is edgier.

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Introduce more industrial elements.

The all-white kitchen can sometimes feel too soft and feminine, so if you’re looking for more of an industrial look, add elements of wood and metal. Butcher block countertops or wood shelves will add warmth to the space, especially rough wood or live edge wood. Hardware and light fixtures with a matte finish will also give your space that modern, industrial feel.

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Go crazy with color.

Adding color to your kitchen is a great way to set yourself apart and really show off your personality. Opt for a softer, lighter color on your cabinets for a subtle look, or go all out with a bold cabinet color that doesn’t hold back. Be really fun and mix in colored appliances and patterned tile. Balance out all your crazy colors with clean countertops and simple light fixtures and hardware. For a really different look, consider painting your walls the same color as your cabinets; this design will make your kitchen feel more elevated and elegant, and unlike any of your neighbors’.

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