5 Unusual and Inspiring Color Combinations for Kitchens and Bathrooms

If a certain color combination appeals to you, don't be afraid to run with it. Color combinations that usually aren't used in home décor can make your home unforgettable, and as unique as you are. You can also use colorful pieces of cabinet hardware to add color in the most unexpected ways.

Cabinet knobs and pulls don't have to always be in metallic finishes. There is a world of color possibilities in cabinet hardware, waiting for someone to be bold enough. Here are some interesting and unusual color combos for some colorful inspiration.

Black and Orange

A sleek black bathroom or kitchen needs bright colors and white to balance it out. Usually a lot of white is included with all black walls, counters, and cabinets. Orange adds the right kind of zest to this much black, and orange cabinet knobs and pulls are easier to see!

Pink and Gray

Shades of pink along with different shades of gray and silver look stunning together. To keep it from looking flat, use a couple different shades of the gray, and a couple different shades of pink, which are only a little lighter or darker than the other. Gunmetal gray and hot pink look edgy, while light pink and light gray are more soothing.

Aqua and Yellow

Aqua and yellow or gold contrast beautifully, especially when there is a large area of aqua, with yellow accents. Usually aqua or turquoise is used as an accent color, but it can add a feeling of happy serenity to a room if used on the walls, cabinets or in tables and chairs. Pair it aqua cabinets with yellow knobs or pulls. Together, these colors make for a cheery, yet calm atmosphere,

Purple and Green

Muted, bright or dark and jewel-toned, green and purple together make a room feel lush and lively. Purple is mystical and royal, while green is down-to-earth, A purple or green accent wall, with wood cabinets and green cabinet knobs or pulls would be great for a bathroom. 

Red and Blue

Red and blue (dark blue in particular) are bold colors that many people avoid using together in large amounts, because they can be so imposing. Red and blue work best together when one is more muted than the other. Be sure to add plenty of white, black or other neutral shades or colors to balance it out. This color combination for a bathroom, kitchen or dining room is not for the faint of heart.

5 Out-of-the-ordinary Ideas for Using Home Hardware

Many types of home hardware have uses outside of the standard, you just need to think outside the box! Being innovative is a great way to change things up and help make your home look a little more interesting, or to save some money.

Here are a few different ways to use home hardware that you might not have thought of.

Hooks...

… To Hang a Curtain

Get a piece of scrap wood, or a new piece of wood and paint it or stain it to the color you want. Use scrap wood that has faded paint would be good if you like the “shabby chic” look in your home. This piece of wood needs to be long enough to span the top of a window, and only needs to be a few inches wide, and about an inch thick.

Install single hooks about 3 or 4 inches apart across the board, or at least so that they are distanced from each other evenly. Get a curtain with loops at the top, and hang them on each hook, with the edges of the curtains meeting in the middle, so you can pull them apart to let the sun in during the day. You can also do this for a shower curtain, or wherever you want to hang a curtain!

… To Re-organize a closet

Take the rods out of your closet, and install hook racks along the inside walls. Install some up high, as well as some lower, so children can reach to hang their coats. This is a much more convenient way to hang coats in a closet.

House Address Numbers...

… On a Planter

Get a box planter that is big and noticeable, and one that will match the outside of your home. It should be up high (like on a porch railing, or even attached to the front of the house), or at least clearly visible from the road, with a flat front so you can easily install the numbers. Add plants, just not ones that will hang in front of the numbers.

… On a Monogram

Cut out or purchase a large capital letter of your family's last initial. Depending on the shape of the letter, arrange the house numbers so they read evenly spaced, from left to right (straight or diagonally), or top to bottom.

… On a Shutter

Get an old window shutter, or a new one in the color you want. Install your house numbers onto the shutter. You can get extra creative and decorate the shutter in different ways.