Contrast and Color in the Kitchen | Bedrosians Tile & Stone
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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 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 White 2cm polished
Mallorca Arto glass mosaic in Cliff
Source: Instagram - Leila Bowden Jaworski | @designshopinteriors

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Sequel Quartz in Brilliant White 2cm polished
Remy 8"x8" cement tile in Nouveau
Source: Instagram - Lindsday Interior Design | @ll_designco

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Sequel Quartz in Statuario Quartz 2cm polished
Provincetown 2.5"x9" ceramic wall tile in Harbor Blue
Source: HGTV - Joel Kelly Design

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Superlative marble 2cm honed
90 porcelain herringbone mosaic in White
Source: Instagram - Nam Dang-Mitchell Design | @namdangmitchell

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Remy 8"x8" cement tile in Frame

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.

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

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Calacatta Oro honed 3cm marble
Paseo 5"x9" Arabesque 2(a) in Turquoise
Source: Houzz - C3 Studio, LLC

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Sequel Quartz in Paradise White 2cm polished
White Carrara honed 2"x2" hexagon marble mosaic
Source: Instagram - @strohmaierconstruction

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Sequel Quartz in Dreamscape in 3cm polished
Traditions 3"x6" in Ice White matte
Source: Instagram - Kate Lester Hone | @katelesterhome

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Sequel Quartz in Calacatta Quartz
White Carrara 3"x6" polished marble tile
Source: Houzz - Dan Vis Builders

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

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 Build

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Sequel Quartz in Merano 3cm polished
Provincetown 3"x6" ceramic wall tile in Dolphin Grey
Source: Houzz - Haven Design and Construction

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European 8"x48" wood-look porcelain in French Oak
White Carrara 3"x6" honed marble tile
Source: Instagram - Stephani Buchman Photo | @stephanibuchmanphoto

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Sequel Quartz in Amina Black 2cm polished
Provincetown 4"x16" ceramic tile in Porch White
Source: Houzz - Fradkin Fine Construction, Inc.

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Sequel Quartz in Super White 2cm polished
Le 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.