Neutral Kitchen and Bath Design

As you begin to imagine your perfect kitchen or bath, you will naturally imagine how the space will feel. Is it inviting? Is it serene? Is it lively? What you put into your kitchen and bath design, like fixtures, appliances, etc., will impact the atmosphere as will the selected color scheme. Wall colors, countertops, tile selections, and cabinets are all ways to introduce color into your space. These items are not easily switched out so you want to select colors that will be timeless, which is why a neutral tone is almost always the best choice to subtly affect the environment.

Neutral Color Attributes

Neutral color doesn't mean bland. The definition of neutral colors has broadened in recent years to include not only the gray, white, and brown color families but also those ambiguous shades with unmistakable undertones of easily identifiable color. A bright white can bring energy to a space while a dark greige can create a more intimate mood. Neutral colors:

• work well with virtually all architectural features and accents; this means you can change the feel of a room with a throw pillow or wall art any time you choose without ripping up your "canvas"
• have an underlying calming effect that can be molded and shaped through accents
• are great for whole-house design; select a neutral base that runs throughout the whole house to create a cohesive eco-system but can be slightly altered with accents to cater to a specific space's purpose
• never go out of style; they are classic and flexible

Kitchen and Bath Design

Tiles and countertops become crucial, essentially permanent, design pieces in your kitchen and bath spaces. These are some elements you may wish to keep neutral. Here are a few of the best neutral choices in each of these areas.

Tiles

Bathroom with Blue Undertones: Akdo Impressions Breeze Ceramic Tile

This lovely grayish-blue tile is perfect for creating a serene bathroom space. It comes in a variety of sizes for a variety of purposes. You can even mix up the textures to create minute changes in your environment's feel.

Kitchen with Green Undertones: Sonoma Tilemakers Whisper Ceramic Tiles

This gray has a subtle green mixed in, giving it a fresh feel perfect for a bright and inviting kitchen space. These tiles come in an assortment of textures and shapes that can further shape the overall aesthetic.

Bathroom with Warm Gray Base: Arto Italian Porcelain Grigio

This porcelain tile has a very natural feel to it, giving a warm, down-to-earth feel to any bathroom remodel. Paired with paint of a yellow hue will create a perfect place to relax while getting ready for the day.

Kitchen with Cool Gray Base: Oceanside Glass & Tile Zoetic Overture Silverlight

Glass tile accents for backsplash application in a kitchen are an excellent way to add color and design. This Silverlight color has a sophistication about it. And with iridescent, non-iridescent, and matte finish selections you can further customize your look.

Countertops

Kitchen with Off-White Base: Caesarstone Aterra Blanca

A true neutral, this countertop is a lovely warm white with delicate taupe veining throughout. It is the perfect base for an earthy kitchen.

Kitchen with Greige Base: Dekton - Tech Collection Strato

If you are exploring a modern industrial style for your kitchen build, this porcelain countertop that imitates a cement surface is perfect for your design. The dark, neutral color has a weight that will anchor the whole room.

Bathroom with Tan Base: Cambria Kentmere

This gorgeous, golden tan is reminiscent of sandy beaches, and paired with the right paint and cabinet colors, it can take you to a warm seaside with a cool breeze blowing through your hair.

Understanding how you want your environment to feel is key to selecting the correct color scheme and finding the specific undertone to match. A grey color with a blue undertone will give a slightly different vibe than a grey with a rosy undertone, just as a bright white feels distinct from an off-white. For more information on how neutrals can create a clean canvas for your kitchen and bathroom design, visit us at www.ceramictilecenter.com