Color with care
Kristy Kropat’s colorful kitchen has
just the right mix of bright with white.
Here are some tips for adding color.
Be careful. Adding color can paralyze
a homeowner. To overcome that fear,
Kristy, an interior designer, says to mix
confidence with caution. “Be fearless
but strategic, too.”
Think strategically. “Try using color
in only one area and surround it with
neutrals. This creates impact and depth
without excess,” Kristy says. “Also,
consider using color on a horizontal
surface where it is less intense than
when used vertically.”
Consider wear and tear. The ends of
the vibrant orange quartz surfacing
countertops fall to the floor with
a waterfall edge. This continues a
smooth, seamless line, creating a
playful vertical splash visible from the
family room. It’s also a practical design.
“With two small boys, vulnerable white
cabinet sides in a high-traffic area are
sure to show wear,” she says. “Because
this quartz is more durable, it has
passed the test without a scratch.”
Mix textures. When repeating a color,
keep it interesting by varying textures
and finishes, as Kristy did with the
white in her kitchen. “The cabinets are
a white matte and the appliances are
glossy,” she says. The subtle interplay
also provides the perfect foil to the
potent pop of orange.
To the right of the range is a
stack of drawers for handy
storage. The backsplash
gets some zip from a mosaic
tile backsplash with a
subtle shimmer.
“Be fearless but
strategic, too.”
—KRISTY KROPAT
better homes and gardens | creative spaces 9
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