Transform ordinary kitchens with wow color

Pop Stars

Jennifer Ott often fell in love with housewares in bright hues, so it only made sense to integrate these colors into her modern kitchen in Austin, Texas. Her strategy: Use neutrals for materials that are expensive and difficult to change, like countertops and floors, and choose bold colors for things that are easy to swap out like paint and accessories.

Tropical Punch

Taking her cue from the colors in a lush jungle, Justina Blakeney used a splash of rich green and a rainbow cutting board to add brightness to her small Los Angeles kitchen. Not sure you're ready to commit to four walls of color? Try painting one as an accent wall to get the splash you need without going all the way.

ON HOUZZ: Discover Your Kitchen Style

Spanish Lessons

Playing off the traditional San Felipe-pattern floor in this cheerful Los Angeles home, designer Erica Islas added a backsplash with hand-painted Spanish tiles. Colors in the tiles inspired the teal accent color of the cabinets to add character and tie the room together.

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Going Green

"Durability doesn't have to be boring," says designer Alison Glen. Glen's Venice Beach client took that advice to heart and went all out with lime-green countertops and contrasting zebra wood cabinetry. A mosaic backsplash in green, white, black and brown bridges the room's bold hues.

ON HOUZZ: Wake Up Your Kitchen With Eye-Catching Color

Red Hot

Bold accents add warmth and personality to this sleek kitchen by designer Mark Melonas. Cherry red bar stools and a custom red glass bowl in the island circle stand out against the classic wood cabinets and steel appliances. Nature-inspired resin panels soften the look while abstract light pendants accentuate the room's playful theme.

Rainbow Room

The designers at Green Goods embraced their client's favorite shades of turquoise, purple and orange for this vibrant kitchen. The unique countertops are a customized color combination made with a durable blend of concrete and glass. Using analogous colors (shades that are next to each other on the color wheel) ensures it's easy on the eyes, while still keeping things interesting.

Pretty in Pastel

Painted floors can be a fun and unexpected way to add color to your kitchen. This unique galley is a DIY remodel of a 130-year-old Louisiana shotgun-shack-style home. Owner Robert Mace wanted the space to echo the home's quirky personality and his love of antique collectibles. A shabby-chic palette of sage, mauve, rust and mustard yellow brings home the vintage vibe.

Fiesta Time

Designer Ashley Astleford didn't hold anything back when it came to the color palette of this Texas home. The outdoor kitchen features a bold yellow wall that makes the blue Mexican tiles and pink fridge pop. A natural wood table keeps the space grounded, while iron chairs painted in neon hues and paper garlands reflect the festive south-of-the-border vibe.

Minty Fresh

Prefer subtle and simple over wild and loud? Earthy color tones can add energy to your space without overwhelming. Architect Thomas Ahman transformed this tiny garage into a bright and airy kitchen using soft greens and deep blues. The cool mint tiles and cabinets make the room feel larger, while navy light fixtures and dark countertops add warmth and sophistication.

Go Graphic

A bright turquoise island draws attention to a wall of beautiful graphic tile in this eclectic Austin kitchen. Designer Amity Worrell offset the neutral wood floors and white marble countertops with decorative cement tiles for an eye-catching backsplash.

ON HOUZZ: Find Your Kitchen Style