Arabella Youens said that when decorating the kitchen, the color must now be on the menu.

Traditionalists may hesitate, but a variety of rich or vibrant tones are entering the kitchen. Edward Bulmer, an interior designer who has designed many first-class protected houses, said that in the kitchen of an old country house, the focus is on practicality rather than decoration. “There are Frans Snyders paintings of slaughter cows in the kitchen in Bogley, Lincolnshire, which may be an exception,” he added. "In general, the priority materials are fireproof, durable, strong and washable."

Mr. Bulmer explained that when cork wood was more commonly used in the kitchen, painted cabinets became a necessity. A transparent layer of linseed oil is needed to protect the wood, but it will turn yellow over time.

"Adding some pigments to flaxseed has become a well-known route," said Mr. Bulmer, an expert in natural paint making methods. "Of course, it depends on the budget; the space mainly used for servants will not be painted with expensive paint. Therefore, brown and off-white are commonly used in the kitchen.

Tom Howley's serpentine and pink dusk

However, the kitchen is increasingly attracted by color, not only on the cabinets, but also on the appliances.

The products and equipment of the Florentine manufacturer Officine Gullo are available in a variety of colors, from bright orange to pale pink (www.officinegullo.com). Everhot is a cooktop manufacturer located in the Cotswolds, offering vivid blue-green, mustard and orange models (www.everhot.co.uk).

Those who are nervous about embracing strong colors in the kitchen will choose to paint the cabinets in one color and a contrasting color in the other part. This can be done below and above the workbench, or when the kitchen island is undergoing different treatments.

This is a popular trend among Neptune customers. "This effect creates a calm atmosphere where balance and contrast work together," said George Miller, one of the furniture designers. He suggested comparing its new lilac-colored juniper berry chestnut with the cool neutral color. "Or it can be paired with other statement shades, such as mustard or even olive, to get a touch of weirdness."

Kitchen designer Tom Howley pointed out that over time, people have become more confident in color. 'When I think back to the early exhibition hall I designed, it is a timeless, neutral color combination. Fast forward to the present, our nearest showroom is a celebration of color.

Mr. Howley’s clients mistakenly wanted richer, bolder colors in their kitchens, and paired them with polished brass hardware. "This helps to create a more unified space, which is especially useful if you divide areas in an open-plan room."

Lilac Neptune's Chardonnay Sideboard

Another more cautious way to introduce color is to paint the inside of glass cabinets. Mr. Howley explained: “This is a great way to link spaces and add functions to unremarkable spaces.”

Patrick O'Donnell, a color consultant at Farrow &, said that although dark kitchen units always look elegant, “if you have acres of cabinets, they can sometimes feel overwhelming, so choose one on the wall. The delicate neutral color is the key as a softer counterpoint." The ball.

"For example, the Studio Green unit reduces weight by introducing soft white walls, eliminating any heaviness of installing furniture."

One of the main advantages of painting units is their versatility. "Through careful preparation and correct paint, high-quality furniture can be easily repainted to extend its life and introduce another color combination," Mr. Howley added.