When It Comes to Color in the Kitchen, Your Personal Taste Reigns Supreme

When It Comes to Color in the Kitchen, Your Personal Taste Reigns Supreme

When it comes to using color in the kitchen, anything goes if that’s your personal taste. That’s the general consensus of designer panelists at the Color Talks panel at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Orlando. Nate Berkus, a prominent designer, noted, A lot of people turn to me and these esteemed panelists not to ask ‘What should I do?’ but for permission to actually do what they’d like to do. Other panelists included Laurel Bern, Amy Wax, Daniel Germani, Andrea Magno, and moderator Alena Capra.

A Shift Toward Personalization

A personalized approach to design is driving the influx of new products showcased at KBIS. The trend? There is no trend—your vision is likely achievable. Designers help clients refine their tastes, source products, and apply finishes to meet their goals. This client-centered approach counters the era of automation and generic solutions, now expanding across economic brackets. As Berkus emphasized, If you find yourself wearing autumn colors and feel beautiful in that, chances are you’ll feel good in a family room with that same palette. Put blinders on to the noise and focus on what makes you feel best.

Cabinetry: Bold Choices and Practical Tips

Laurel Bern highlighted the importance of kitchen size when selecting cabinetry colors: A small kitchen is enhanced by monochromatic cabinets. For larger spaces, break it up with a contrasting island color. Daniel Germani shared his love for texture: Wood grains tell a story. Combine textures and colors to create depth. Designers also stressed adaptability—dark wood, for example, can be incorporated through stains, mixed materials, or lacquer finishes.

Amy Wax advised caution with bold hues: Bold colors are a commitment. They define your kitchen’s identity and must stand the test of time. Berkus, however, championed neutrals: Neutral grays—from putty to charcoal—offer timeless flexibility. Let countertops, hardware, and decor inject color.

Appliances: Statement Pieces or Subtle Accents

Berkus, collaborating with LG Studios on stainless steel appliances, revealed excitement about black stainless steel: It has a bronzed warmth and timelessness that defies expectations. Bern added, Red appliances in an all-white kitchen make a bold statement—if that’s your priority, embrace it.

Countertops: The Future of Surfaces

Daniel Germani pointed to non-porous materials like acrylic and engineered quartz as the next frontier: More color options mean greater personalization. With nearly unlimited choices in counters, cabinetry, and appliances, homeowners can craft kitchens that truly reflect their individuality.

Final Thoughts

As the panelists affirmed, your home should be a sanctuary shaped by your preferences. Trends aren’t for everybody, said Germani. Follow your heart. Your home is where you live, love, and create memories—it needs to feel uniquely yours.