"Instead of saturating with color, small kitchens are now embracing the contemporary style of color capping as a trendy new approach for their design."

In the world of kitchen design, color capping has emerged as a popular and effective technique to make small spaces feel larger and more cohesive. This design trick, a variation of color drenching, involves graduating the wall color up to the ceiling using tonal shades.

The key to achieving the look of color capping in a small kitchen is to stay within the same tonal family. Popular choices for color capping include light and bright shades such as white, pastel tones, soft greys, and light blues. These colors create an optical illusion of more space and reflect light better, making them ideal for small kitchens.

A creamy shade called Mylands can brighten up the darkest and smallest kitchens, while tonal variations of cream, linen, and beige can keep a small kitchen looking light and airy, while still adding interest. For those seeking a pop of colour, green is a popular choice. Green Smoke, a shade between green and blue, can pair beautifully with paler tones like Farrow & Ball's Eddy or Vert de Terre.

Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport, suggests using a layered approach in color capping, with darker or bolder tones on base cabinetry and lighter shades of the same tonal palette on wall units, shelving, or paintwork. This approach helps blur boundaries and makes the space feel larger.

Another way to achieve color capping is by running cabinetry and walls in the same shade, then shifting the ceiling into a lighter or darker tonal variation. If the walls are a soft cream or warm grey, a slightly richer hue from the same spectrum should be chosen for the ceiling.

The trend of color capping can create a cocooning feel and emphasize the architecture of the space, particularly effective for period homes with high ceilings or those wanting to add drama without relying on pattern. This technique can also make a small kitchen appear larger than it is.

Painting is a cost-effective method for redecorating a kitchen, as compared to full renovations. The use of color and paint can significantly transform the appearance and feel of a room, particularly small kitchens.

Holly Cockburn, Content Editor at our platform, writes about the best kitchen and bathroom designs and buys. She previously worked at Top Ten Reviews and Howdens, where her interest in interior design, particularly kitchens, was sparked.

In conclusion, color capping is a design trick worth exploring for those looking to transform their small kitchens. By carefully selecting and applying colours, this technique can make a small kitchen feel larger, more cohesive, and more inviting.

"Instead of saturating with color, small kitchens are now embracing the contemporary style of color capping as a trendy new approach for their design."