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Heat up your kitchen with color
kitchen lt
Color can create new kitchen look. - photo by Photo Contributed
The kitchen is the heart of the home: a place to cook and share a meal, to entertain friends, gather as a family and even pay bills or do homework.

“From a decor perspective, the kitchen is the perfect place to get colorful,” says Ginny Bean, publisher of Ginny’s catalog and founder of Ginnys.com. “Vibrant colors are a great way to reflect and reinforce the high energy of your home’s central gathering place.”

Energizing your kitchen doesn’t take a major decor overhaul. Some strategically selected splashes of color in countertop appliances, cookware, dinnerware, candles, placemats and other linens can do the trick.

“Among this spring’s hottest colors, warm hues like tangerine and butterscotch are perfect for kitchens because they’re comforting and actually stimulate appetite,” explains Bean. “A lot of the fun comes in blending old favorites and new shades in fresh, innovative ways.” Color palettes that Bean recommends for spring 2011 include:

Rustic revival: Relaxed and informal, this palette is inspired by nature and features colors pulled from the outdoors. Shades such as basil, eggplant and copper help create a cozy space reminiscent of the past and simpler times. For a new spin on a traditional rustic color scheme, Bean suggests pairing a deep, earthy hue with accents of cool pink.

Bold expression: Exuding optimism, this palette creates a look that is both unconventional and energetic. Unique color mixes, such as intense purple combined with butterscotch and Capri blue, or sunny orange with dark red balanced against a soft neutral like champagne, create a space that’s eclectic, yet warm and welcoming. Bean recommends mixing patterns, textures and styles for a one-of-a-kind look.

Classic elegance: Evoking the look of 17th century Versailles, this color palette will give your kitchen a serene, elegant look. Traditional shades like lavender, turquoise, antique pink and bronze can be combined with touches of richer colors like peacock, charcoal and delicious red for a more contemporary look.

World market: With the explosion of technology, the world has suddenly become a much smaller place. This modern palette reflects the new global outlook with cookware and other accents in colors from other cultures, such as the calm oranges and yellows of India, the bright reds of the Far East, and the Capri blue of the Mediterranean. Bean suggests grounding these bright colors with black, white, silver or brushed stainless.

“In the final analysis, it’s all about doing what you like and surrounding yourself with the colors that make you happy,” says Bean.

Long recognized as a leader in the colorful kitchen revolution, Ginny’s has recently entered into agreements with top kitchenware manufacturers, including Cuisinart, KitchenAid, Rachael Ray and Paula Deen, to offer their products in exclusive designer colors.  To request a catalog or place an order, log on to Ginnys.com or call (800) 693-0809. You can also find Ginny’s on Facebook.