15 Easy Ways to Add Color to Your Kitchen

Wall decals aren’t just for sports fans — they’re for design lovers, too. (And renters, because they aren’t permanent and don’t damage walls.) WALLTAT Wall Decals, for example, offers hundreds of images inspired by nature, pop art and vintage design. All you need is masking tape, a friend to help hold the decal in place, and the squeegee included with the product to apply directly to your wall. Presto, instant color! 

Even if you don’t have the budget to hire a top designer, you can still take a cue from her design strategy. This high-end kitchen designed by Jennifer Gilmer includes open shelving that makes the most of a beautiful collection of colorful dinnerware. Gilmer’s advice for a cohesive look: “Don’t use objects that conflict with one another in both color and shape,” she says. “And give the items room to breathe by not cramming too much into one space.”

A new window treatment can dramatically change the look of the whole kitchen, especially if you pair it with just a single prominent accessory in the same color. Here, the red shade is complemented by a vase and bowls, but you could also harmonize with that shiny red toaster or sunny yellow stand mixer you’ve been eyeing. Shown is the Bali® Soft Roman Shade from Blinds.com; the fabric is Bazaar Off Broadway. 

If you’ve got just a bit of money to spend on color, consider putting it into one high-impact piece: your sink. While showstopping cast-iron or fireclay sinks can run you well into four figures, this porcelain-coated stainless steel Porcela sink from Houzer is durable, lightweight and can be found for under $400 at Wayfair.com. This model comes in lemon yellow, mint green and navy blue (shown).