Multigenerational homes

Kitchen Colour Palette for Multigenerational homes

Choose colour against the surfaces that will stay. Test it on a large sample at the room's brightest and darkest points.

Kitchen inspiration: a single-wall arrangement with task lighting.

Compare the options

Set the brief: Collect samples of permanent finishes, upholstery and hardware before picking a paint or laminate.
Compare: Assign a background colour, one wayfinding or feature colour, and contrast where people need to distinguish edges.
Before buying: Check painted or laminated samples vertically beside the same light source the finished room will use.

Worked example

A windowless kitchen has pale cabinets but the existing floor and countertop are warm and visually busy.

Sample cabinet and wall colours beside both fixed finishes under the installed light; reserve contrast for handles and work edges.

How to test it

Compare the samples in daylight and artificial light, and check that handles and door edges remain easy to distinguish.

Apply it to this space

Layout: Keep the primary work triangle clear and add a separate tea or snack point outside the hot zone.
Detail: Use labeled pantry sections, reachable everyday shelves and task lighting at prep areas.
Trade-off: A second snack station reduces kitchen traffic but duplicates appliances and storage.

The Elixir portfolio

Photographs for design inspiration

Kitchen inspiration: two opposing work runs in a compact plan.