Transform your culinary space into a work of art with these 10 vibrant and imaginative ways to infuse colour into your kitchen. Our style director, Louise Hilsz, shares some inspiration.

The kitchen once had a single purpose: food preparation. Today, it’s the heart of any home, regardless of its size. A room to gather and create delicious aromas to share with family and friends; the ultimate hub of the house. So why not fill it with energising and comforting colours? Our resident colour expert shares the kitchens she is coveting by Louise Hilsz.

Create contrast using tiles

Make a statement in a simple kitchen space with colourful tiles. Beyond a splashback, tiling a kitchen island is a great way to feature it in the kitchen.

Tile Space Artisan Rose Mallow Gloss, $126 to $142 per m2. Tile Depot City Aqua Blue Gloss, $49.90 per m2.

Block your colours

For a crisp and contemporary feel, keep bold colours confined to block-like areas, such as kitchen cupboards, splashbacks, or feature walls.

Resene Festival paint and Resene Groovy paint available from Resene ColorShops.

Make the floor matter

Elevate the heart of your coastal-style kitchen by making the floor a focal point. A beautifully painted floor can anchor the space, adding character and charm that complements airy, outdoors-inspired décor, with bold greens to poppy reds, consider this a statement shade.

Resene Oxley paint and Resene Shop Cove paint available from Resene ColorShops.

cheerful appliances

A fun and easy way to brighten up your kitchen and showcase your personality is by adding colour with appliances. Vibrant toasters, colourful kettles, or playful blenders in bold hues. This not only enhances the aesthetic but also infuses your kitchen with joy.

Smeg Dolce & Gabbana Kettle, $1699. Delonghi Icona Capitals 4 Slice Toaster New York Yellow, $192.

Mix and match

Mixing metals, stone and paint colours gives your kitchen depth and texture. It also gives you lots of variety to create your own individual style and add interesting accessories.

Zazzle Modern Abstract Italian Terrazzo Seamless Pattern Tile, $23 each. Resene Hippie Blue paint available from Resene ColorShops.

Update your hardware

You don’t even need to replace your kitchen cupboards and drawers to add a splash of colour. Simply update the handles; there are plenty on offer that will refresh your room.

Sylvan Flower Cabinet Knob, $9.38 each. House of Antique Hardware Aqua Square Crystal Knob with Solid Brass Base, $37.

Accent with bold furniture

If you’re blessed with an open-plan kitchen, there’s even more opportunity to add colour. Furniture is an easy way to inject a bright pop of your favourite shade.

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Systems Commercial Furniture Muze Chair, $173. In Soul Living Carlo, $279.

Play with pattern

Be expressive with patterned wallpaper, making it the feature wall or focal point of the room. Use an accent colour for painting cabinets and trims to make the wallpaper design pop.

Resene Pip Studio 6 Wallpaper Collection 333161 and Resene Pentanque paint available from Resene ColorShops

tonal

A tonal-coloured kitchen uses varying shades of the same colour, creating a sophisticated and cohesive look. This subtle contrast adds depth and character without overwhelming the senses.

Resene Petite Orchid paint and Resene Minx paint available from Resene ColorShops.

TEXTILES

Enhance the vibrancy of your kitchen by adding colourful textiles, such as tea towels, oven mitts, and a charming apron. This is a great way to add colour to a neutral space.