What Other Color Could I Use to Complement My Red Kitchen?

Neutrals

• Neutral colors, such as black, white and gray, go with everything. Incorporating white into the décor lightens bold red hues and makes the color seem less commanding; black brings out the deep, rich nuances in the red, while shades of gray lend a dusky, subtle tone to the surroundings. Use neutral colors individually or in combination with each other; white and black enhance harmonious tones while subtle, subdued silvers and grays help bridge the gap between darker and brighter hues.

Analogous Colors

• Analogous colors are those that sit side by side on the color wheel. Combinations of analogous colors are soothing to the spirit and pleasing to the eye. To give the kitchen a warm, inviting air, include orange, yellow and gold in the design scheme; for a cooler feel, use violet, raspberry and cornflower blue. While this type of color scheme is not commonly used in kitchens due to their compact size, there is no hard and fast designing rule that says it cannot be done.

Natural Combinations

• You can't go wrong when imitating the color schemes found in nature. Ruby red roses often look best when surrounded by deep green foliage and rich brown stems. To keep a red-and-green combination from taking on a holiday feel, use warm, olive tones and sages, or light yellow-greens, rather than the usual pine-green, and use taupe, brown, tan or cream colors as a blender or neutralizer.

Considerations

• A simple, monochromatic scheme using multiple shades of red, or a festive, multi-colored affair using every color of the rainbow, can overwhelm the senses and create a restless mood. As a general rule, the walls and cabinets or appliances in the kitchen should bear the main color; trims, curtains, small appliances and rugs should display a second, complementary color while third and fourth colors are most effective when used in accent pieces, such as dishes, wall decor and towels.