THOPRE DIRECTORY MAY 2021

By Katherine Sorrell
If your kitchen is feeling bland and
boring, there are plenty of ways to add
colour, whether you’re planning a major
renovation or just want a quick fix.
Kitchen cupboards and appliances
Add colour with glossy, flat-fronted modern units
or commission a traditional painted kitchen in
any paint colour under the sun. Alternatively,
just specify a coloured island unit combined with
plain cupboards elsewhere. If replacing freestanding
appliances, consider less usual colours
– ice cream-coloured retro fridges, for example,
or an Aga in a jewel-bright enamel. This look is
best teamed with neutrals in other areas of the
room so as not to overwhelm.
Worktops and splashbacks
Teamed with understated kitchen cupboards,
a colourful worktop or splashback can give a
welcome lift. Sleek toughened glass can be
painted on the back in a range of shades with
some showrooms offering a colour-matching
service at extra cost. Others options include
a dramatic shade of natural stone, stone
composites (often called quartz), man-made
solid surfaces (such as Corian), and laminates
(generally the least expensive option), all in a
range of interesting shades.
Painting free-standing furniture is a quick and cost-effective
way to change your colour scheme. These pieces are
by The Painted Furniture Company: 01285 656 041;
paintedfurnitureco.co.uk.
Walls and floors
A simple way to add oomph is to paint a wall
or two in a strong colour, or replace wall tiles –
choose dramatic colours for impact even over
a relatively small area. Another cheap trick is to
use plain white tiles with brightly coloured grout
(lemon yellow and sky blue are great). One way
to add instant colour for flooring is with a small,
washable rug with an underlay to stop it slipping.
If it’s a complete renovation, vinyl and rubber
flooring is available in many colourways, while
poured floors – polished concrete or resin – can
be dyed in any colour.
A vividly coloured seating area and a painted island
unit add colour to this otherwise neutral space.
Twickenham Framed Handleless Shaker kitchen,
Higham Furniture: 020 73810 488; higham.co.uk.
Please menon the Thorpe Directory when responding to ads - thanks! 13