Color — it's such an important aspect of home design, and one to consider carefully, not just in those instances when you plan to go ultra bright. In the kitchen it's definitely the more often mainstream choice to go totally neutral with color so we wanted to pay homage to a few rooms that managed to hit the sweet spot; where bold color is part of the plan, but isn't off the charts on the brightness scale.

Subtlety in the kitchen doesn't mean you're forced to only use white or beige, you actually have a lot of options. You can go bold with a wallpaper or paint scheme but to ensure it's not over the top use subtle colors on the chair upholstery or even on the cabinets.

Country kitchens are all about these types of colors and so it's a bit easier to get the look. Cream on the walls, light gray on the cabinets and a rose colored refrigerator is a beautiful way to go. A modern approach is all over white with rustic subtle colored chairs. That way the space isn't over run with white and the touches of color don't blow out the space.

Don't forget, tile is also a perfect way to incorporate subtle color into the kitchen. Either as a backsplash or simply an accent shelf area!

• Black, White & Subtle Red, La Maison d'Anna G
• Colorful & Country, House And Home
• Candy Striper, Scandinavian Chic
• Country Kitchen, Country Living
• Scandanavian Dining Room, Bright Bazaar

Images: as linked above