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Living with Red Kitchen Cabinets

abstrakt high-gloss red kitchen cabinets at ikea

A bold red is not the typically color people would choose when they selecting their doors. But look at how great these two kitchen look.

A bold red like that used to be restricted to high-end Italian and German kitchens. Ikea made the high-gloss red kitchen accessible.

People often ignore vibrant colors when it comes to big items because they are afraid to get bored with a few years. In reality, whatever the color, you will get bored at some point. Playing safe has its merits but it can also lacks personality.

My Own Experience Living with Red

We renovated our current home in 1995. Our house was built around 1860.

I believe that there must be a connection between the interior and the exterior of a building. Since I leaned towards a modern look, we opted for shaker-style door in natural maple. But I added a twist. I alternated the color of the inside panels between the natural maple and bright red panel tint. I selected a sort of crimson red almost fire engine red. Some days, I regret not having more red panels.

I have seen elegant rooms with a fuchsia painted wall. The color alone does not determine if a room is stylish or not. It is the ensemble that produces the overall effects. You can also tone down a stronger color with the other surfaces of a room if you have a change of heart. If you renovate your home this summer, do not be afraid to be adventurous if you feel like it.

Introducing Abstrakt Kitchen Collection at Ikea

The low cost of an Akurum/Abstrakt kitchen at Ikea greatly reduces the risk. As the new advertising illustrates, a high-gloss bright red kitchen can look very stylish if you put sophisticated wall tiles, install a real stone or a man-made solid surface countertop, lay down dark flooring and hang cool light fixtures.

The bottom picture has a fun vibe. Both layouts are great for entertaining. I prefer the kitchen on the top. It represents a trendier style. While we’re on the subject, I will publish early next week a post about the social kitchen from a guest blogger, the certified kitchen designer Susan Serra. I read it; you will not want to miss it. Stay tuned for Susan’s excellent advices.

>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Abstrakt kitchen cabinet doors at Ikea – starting at $45 CAD
Buy online Akurum/Abstrakt High-Gloss Kitchen at Ikea – starting at $2980 CAD for a 10′ x 10′ kitchen

  • Nathalie Rivard
    May 9, 2008 at 18:43

    I live in a red kitchen. However, it is the walls that are painted fire engine red. The cabinets are oak colors and the counters are natural wood. I have to say that the vibrant color is perfect for that room.

    Some people are afraid of color but they should not. I agree with you, it could bring life to a room without compromising style

  • a home far away
    May 10, 2008 at 01:59

    What a great blog I´ve found here. I love the red kitchen from IKEA!

    Have a great day

    Hugs from Singapore

  • azad dabirzadeh
    September 21, 2009 at 12:14

    GOOD
    The bottom picture has a fun vibe…