Using this color in your kitchen will inspire creativity, says color psychologist

Kitchens can be the life and soul of a home. Where we go to cook, eat and often even entertain. They are hybrid spaces that seem to be working harder than ever nowadays, especially if you have a large family, a studio or open plan rooms, where it is very much a part of your living or WFH space. 

That said, cheffing doesn’t come naturally to all of us, especially after a long day. Plus, if you're on a tight budget and have found yourself prepping every single meal in the same space, it's no surprise that meal times will start to feel repetitive and like you're in a total culinary rut. 

Adding some fun appliances into the mix – we love an air fryer – sure can shake up your routine but, we all know how important a part color plays when it comes to wellbeing. And when it comes to creativity, the two are pretty intertwined.

We spoke with a trained color psychologist about what kitchen colors will add energy to this space, and ultimately, to your cooking routine. They noted that one color, in particular, could be the one.

'The best colors to inspire creativity are pinks’

Tash Bradley, is Lick’s director of interior design and a trained color psychologist. She says, 'The best colors to inspire creativity are pinks’.

Ironically, this comes at a time when the Barbicore trend is going strong, in some households more than others. 

So does this mean it's pink kitchens all around? 

Next, we spoke with Jonathan Stanley, VP of marketing at Caesarstone UK and EMEA who notes that if you're looking for calm kitchen surroundings, earthy hues work well, whereas vibrant colors can spark a more joyful, creative mood and that pink – when used correctly – can make a great design choice. 

'Depending on the tone chosen, pink kitchens can be sophisticated, cosy or whimsical.' 

Stanley adds how using colors you love to create a kitchen space that you find visually inspiring, will ultimately unlock your imagination. 'Either way, colour is a very personal choice, and choosing colours that make you happy are critical for creating a space that will spark creativity and make you smile whenever you walk in the room.'

The most positive ways to use pink

As with most things in life, it’s all about balance and it’s no different when it comes to decorating and painting rooms. While using pink in solitude is a big move, thankfully, taking a two-tone kitchen approach and combining pink with another color, like green, will actually further enhance its benefits according to Bradley.

‘Funny enough pink and green is a great combination,' she says. 'The color green can encourage you to eat healthier and lead to a more balanced lifestyle.' Lick's Pink-02 matte packs a peachy punch and is a gorgeous hue for a kitchen space.

Bradley's advice if you're hesitant to use pink in your kitchen is to pair it with darker, earthier shades of pink, in cabinetry, with tiles or against a white marble-inspired worktop for a cozy look that feels more timeless. 'Dusky pinks and dark worktops complement each other wonderfully if you want to create a more sophisticated and atmospheric look.'

And, if you want more persuading, Patrick O’Donnell, international brand ambassador of Farrow & Ball says that pinks in a kitchen can actually feel timeless rather than tried and tested.

He says to go all in but to steer clear of Barbiesque hues: 'Go pink... Not a candy pink, but something soothing and almost earthy is a lovely alternative to a ‘safe’ neutral. Setting Plaster in our tough and resilient Modern Eggshell is just the ticket, especially when teamed with the tranquil qualities of School House White in Modern Emulsion – fully washable for peace of mind!'

So there are options, Barbicore fan or not.

How else to inspire creativity in a kitchen

Many factors can impact how creative you feel, and it's no secret that a room with little natural light is not hugely inspiring in itself. If a dark space is actually the root of your culinary rut, consider more yellow kitchen additions in the right hue and possibly combined with a little pink.

'An earthy yet rich yellow like Lick’s Yellow- 02 is also a really great color for a kitchen that lacks natural sunlight especially as it’s bright, positive, and cheerful,' says Bradley.

Additionally, think instead about being more inventive with your approach to decorating and how you stage your surfaces. Small edits like adding pops of pink tableware to an island can make all the difference.

Colors that could sap creativity 

That said, are there any kitchen colors to avoid when decorating for more creativity?

Bradley notes how some colors are more draining than others, but it's all about getting the proportions right – pun unintended.

’As a color psychologist I would urge people to avoid using the color blue excessively as it typically suppresses the appetite unless they are mindful of the proportions and tone of blue that would be used,' she explains. 'For example, I would suggest keeping your cabinets a light muted sky blue like Lick’s Blue-15 or Blue-07, then adding in a warm white or pink undertone to offset the blue.

'Since the kitchen tends to be the heart of the home where a lot of people spend time to socialize and cook, the colors I would stay away from are ones that have a high saturation like a bright red or orange. Those colors can become way too overwhelming and can make you irritable.' 

Whether you try plaster pink on the walls, teamed with green painted kitchen cabinets or lighter countertops, consider adding a splash of this color to your cooking space and watch yourself come out of your culinary funk.