Kitchen Color Schemes

The idea behind a layered lighting design is to have a variety of light levels available at your fingertips. "Dimmers and switches are the most economical way to coordinate lighting levels," Joe says. "For about $20 per layer, you're able to do most anything to modulate the mood and environment." Randall recommends implementing zones, wherein each layer of lighting is on a different dimmer for easy adjustability. Design by Shazalynn Cavin-Winfrey

"Accent lighting is the least common layer in the kitchen, but it is becoming more common as people spend more time in the kitchen for casual entertaining," says Joe. You may want to hang a piece of artwork on the wall behind the breakfast table, or a tile splashback over the sink may be a decorative focal point. Occasionally, Randall installs lighting inside glass cabinets to illuminate collections of china and glassware.

The kitchen used to be strictly for food preparation and children who were not to be seen or heard. Now, floor plans are more open and parties often flow from the living room through the dining room and into the kitchen. "Ambient lighting will attract people into the kitchen and make them feel welcome while eating appetizers and sipping wine at the island," says Randall. Ambient lighting fixtures may include flush-mounted ceiling fixtures, a pendant hanging over the island and adjustable track lighting.

"Task lighting is what people think of first when designing a lighting system in the kitchen because it's integral to preparing food," says Joe Rey-Barreau, director of education for the American Lighting Association. "However, if task lighting is misplaced it can actually hinder your ability to work efficiently, throwing shadows on your workspace."

Quartz is one of the hardest substances on earth and is practically maintenance-free. It doesn't need to be sealed like many other stone countertops and is extremely durable. Designer Andreas Charalambous chose white quartz to create a stark contrast against the bold red walls in this contemporary kitchen.

Tile countertops are a great choice if you want an inexpensive material that's easy to maintain. It's simple to coordinate with or mix and match with different design styles. Designer Christopher J. Grubb incorporated the countertop tiles in the backsplash and archway edging to continue the bold, colorful look.

Aside from its sleek, clean appearance, glass countertops have many benefits. Glass can be cut into any shape and texture and can be stained in any color. Even though it's a pricier option, it's becoming increasingly more popular because of its modern look. It's easy to keep clean and its non-porous surface makes it stain-resistant and one of the most hygienic countertop materials available. To make it more durable, choose glass that's at least 1 inch thick and tempered. Danenberg Design continued the sleek look in this modern Italian kitchen with lacquered kitchen cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

Stainless steel lends a modern look to this stylish kitchen designed by Andreea Avram Rusu. Stainless steel coordinates with any color and is one of the easiest countertop materials to clean — just wipe it with a cloth and mild soap. The most appealing characteristic of this material is its ability to prevent bacteria buildup, making it the most hygienic countertop available.

Transitional kitchens blend the best of traditional familiarity with modern sophistication to create comfortable, livable spaces. The high-end Calacatta marble countertops and built-in breakfast nook are traditional elements, while the sleek wood-veneered cabinets and ebonized flooring are modern influences.

Still the reigning design style, the timeless look of traditional kitchens speaks to most of us. Cabinets can be painted or stained, and glass-front doors are a popular option, as are multipurpose islands. The best traditional kitchens pull in classic elements without looking too stodgy or trapped in a time warp. Keep the look fresh by mixing in modern or industrial elements like these patinated lighting fixtures or streamlined barstools.

Simplicity can go a long way with light wood cabinetry and white accents. In such an open and bright space, kitchen utensils can even become decorative pieces when displayed on the walls.

Contrasting light and dark wood grain adds a contemporary feel to a modern kitchen, while integrated lighting under cabinets and bold accent color choices give your kitchen a dramatic twist.

A kitchen that mixes traditional and modern styles is all about balance. An island is perfect for cooking and entertaining, while spotlights show the beauty of cabinetry that is equally functional.

To add visual warmth to this urban kitchen, designer Tina Muller used tumbled natural stone along the walls for the backsplash. When paired with stainless steel appliances, white fusion granite countertops and dark-chocolate maple cabinetry, the backsplash instantly appears clean and contemporary.

To create a rich and natural look in this country-style kitchen, designer Joel Snayd used Carrera marble with a stunning pattern for the backsplash and countertops. The veins in the marble prevent the kitchen's all-white elements from appearing washed out. Considered a "living surface," marble can easily chip, crack and will acquire a patina over time, so proper care is essential to keep it looking beautiful.

The first thing you notice upon entering HGTV Dream Home 2010's kitchen is the dramatic floor-to-ceiling backsplash in soothing hues of aqua and turquoise. Designer Linda Woodrum wanted to ensure that the backsplash was the star of the kitchen by keeping the cabinetry low and by using soft, subtle neutrals in the surrounding decor. Inlaid in recycled aluminum, the sleek glass tiles coordinate well with the contemporary stainless steel furnishings, while also lending a colorful and artistic element to the space.

Nothing is more eye-catching than a sparkling mosaic backsplash. Designer Linda Woodrum created this kitchen's focal point by combining reclaimed stained-glass tiles in gray, white and yellow to create a stunning, detailed backsplash against the entire back wall. The colorful glass tiles complement the dark wood cabinetry and the kitchen's overall urban edge, while also integrating a bold dose of color to match the golden-yellow work island.

"Keeping a kitchen neutral allows you to personalize it to reflect your style," says IKEA spokesperson Mary Ann Barroso. "This RAMSJÖ kitchen in red-brown can be matched to be on trend with lavenders, purples and mauves — we have a kitchen in our showroom accessorized that way right now." The real treat in this otherwise traditional kitchen is the unexpected light fixtures: IKEA's industrial-chic OTTAVA pendant lamps in aluminum, with shades made of mouth-blown glass.

Designer Mark Donnell and architect Michael Cook chose the finishes in this open kitchen to coordinate with the existing tile floor. The Poggenpohl cabinetry in Curit (a warm reddish brown), Titan Gray and Light Yellow makes a cozy combination. Plus, using flat-front wood veneer cabinets like these along with a traditional wood-plank table gives this midcentury home a contemporary vibe.

Caesarstone recently introduced a line of six neutral colors for its durable quartz countertops. Shown is the grayish-beige "Linen," whose subtle color gradation lends itself well to sleek contemporary designs. Caesarstone countertops are nonporous and are resistant to heat, spills and scratches.