Contrast and Color in the Kitchen | Bedrosians Tile & Stone
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Articles Contrast and Color in the Kitchen

July 10, 2018

There are some kitchens designs that, upon first glance, create a wow factor because its elements are so visually striking, yet still fit together. Contrast is the key ingredient that makes these rooms memorable. When done right, this foundational design principle can add a huge impact to your interiors while simultaneously pulling it together. High contrast tile and countertops, two-toned cabinets and boldly painted islands are exciting ways to mix up your colors and tones to create a kitchen you'll never want to leave.

Opposites Attract

Opposites attract because they are high impact – black with white, vintage with contemporary or concrete with salvaged wood – or relatively subtle – smooth with texture, beige with red or straight with curves. It’s about creating ‘tension’ – design-wise. When creating a room with bold contrasts, settle on just one pairing. Don’t introduce different opposites or your decor can end up looking disjointed.

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Sequel Quartz in Sparkle WhiteSequel Quartz in Sparkle White 2cm polished
Mallorca Arto glass mosaic in CliffMallorca Arto glass mosaic in Cliff

Source: Instagram - Leila Bowden Jaworski | @designshopinteriorsSource: Instagram - Leila Bowden Jaworski | @designshopinteriors

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Sequel Quartz in Brilliant WhiteSequel Quartz in Brilliant White 2cm polished
Remy 8x8 cement tile in NouveauRemy 8"x8" cement tile in Nouveau

Source: Instagram - Leila Bowden Jaworski | @designshopinteriorsSource: Instagram - Lindsday Interior Design | @ll_designco

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Sequel Quartz in Statuario QuartzSequel Quartz in Statuario Quartz 2cm polished
Provincetown 2.5x9 in Harbor BlueProvincetown 2.5"x9" ceramic wall tile in Harbor Blue

Source: HGTV - Joel Kelly DesignSource: HGTV - Joel Kelly Design

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Superlative marble 2cm honedSuperlative marble 2cm honed
90 porcelain herringbone mosaic in White90 porcelain herringbone mosaic in White

Source: Instagram - Nam Dang-Mitchell Design | @namdangmitchellSource: Instagram - Nam Dang-Mitchell Design | @namdangmitchell

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Remy 8x8 cement tile in FrameRemy 8"x8" cement tile in Frame

Add Color to your Island

A vibrant way to incorporate the two-tone kitchen cabinet trend is by painting your island a different color than the rest of your cabinets. This will create a focal point and will naturally draw your guests to congregate in the center of the room. When choosing your countertop and backsplash, select something that will tie the woodwork together.

Paseo 5x9 Arabesque 2(a) in Turquoise - Glazed & Unglazed Ceramic Quarry TilePaseo 5"x9" Arabesque 2(a) in Turquoise - Glazed & Unglazed Ceramic Quarry Tile

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Calacatta Oro honed 3cm marbleCalacatta Oro honed 3cm marble
Paseo 5x9 Arabesque 2(a) in TurquoisePaseo 5"x9" Arabesque 2(a) in Turquoise

Houzz - C3 Studio, LLCSource: Houzz - C3 Studio, LLC

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Sequel Quartz in Paradise WhiteSequel Quartz in Paradise White 2cm polished
White Carrara honed hexagon marble mosaicWhite Carrara honed 2"x2" hexagon marble mosaic

Source: Instagram - strohmaierconstructionSource: Instagram - @strohmaierconstruction

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Sequel Quartz in DreamscapeSequel Quartz in Dreamscape in 3cm polished
Traditions 3x6 in Ice White matteTraditions 3"x6" in Ice White matte

Kate Lester HomeSource: Instagram - Kate Lester Hone | @katelesterhome

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Sequel Quartz in Calacatta Quartz in 2cm polishedSequel Quartz in Calacatta Quartz
White Carrara 3x6 polished marble tileWhite Carrara 3"x6" polished marble tile

Source: Houzz - Dan Vis BuildersSource: Houzz - Dan Vis Builders

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Azul Aran 2cm polished graniteAzul Aran 2cm polished granite
Provincetown 3x6 in Porch WhiteProvincetown 3"x6" ceramic wall tile in Porch White

Split the Difference

Contemporary and chic, two-tone cabinets can breathe unique life into a more traditionally-styled kitchen. This design approach make a visual impact that adds variation that adapts well to tradional or modern styles. Instead of just adding color for the island, you choose one color for the lower cabinets and a coordinating color for the uppers.  You can even add a third color to a bank of floor-to ceiling wall cabinets.

Source: Houzz - Shelton Design BuildSource: Houzz - Shelton Design Build

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Sequel Quartz in MeranoSequel Quartz in Merano 3cm polished
Provincetown 3x6 in Dolphin GreyProvincetown 3"x6" ceramic wall tile in Dolphin Grey

Source: Houzz - Haven Design and ConstructionSource: Houzz - Haven Design and Construction

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European 8x48 wood-look porcelain in French OakEuropean 8"x48" wood-look porcelain in French Oak
White Carrara 3x6 honed marble tileWhite Carrara 3"x6" honed marble tile

Source: Instagram - Stephani Buchman Photo | @stephanibuchmanphotoSource: Instagram - Stephani Buchman Photo | @stephanibuchmanphoto

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Sequel Quartz in Amina BlackSequel Quartz in Amina Black 2cm polished
Provincetown 4x16 glossy ceramic tile in Porch WhiteProvincetown 4"x16" ceramic tile in Porch White

Source: Houzz - Fradkin Fine Construction, Inc.Source: Houzz - Fradkin Fine Construction, Inc.

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Sequel Quartz in Super WhiteSequel Quartz in Super White 2cm polished
Le Cafe porcelain 1x1 hexagon mosaicLe Cafe porcelain in White 1"x1" hexagon mosaic

As you can see from all the examples above, adding color and contrast to your kitchen (or any space) generates drama and interest, yet all the while creating harmony. Continue to get inspired by browsing our Image Gallery.