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Pro Spotlight: How to Add Eye-Catching Hints of Color to Your Home
A Pennsylvania-based designer shares her insights on how color can add visual interest without overwhelming the senses
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Who: Jennifer Atherton of Atherton Design
Where: Easton, Pennsylvania
In her own words: “I absolutely love taking an existing space and transforming it into something that my clients love.”
When designing or remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, white and neutral palettes are always in style. Yet it’s the bright pops of color and variety of textures that stand out to our eye, inspire our sensibilities and stay present in our minds. “Color and wood tones are making a big appearance in design trends,” says Jennifer Atherton, the owner and principal designer of Atherton Design. “Color and texture add a needed warmth and visual interest to our most-used spaces.”
Where: Easton, Pennsylvania
In her own words: “I absolutely love taking an existing space and transforming it into something that my clients love.”
When designing or remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, white and neutral palettes are always in style. Yet it’s the bright pops of color and variety of textures that stand out to our eye, inspire our sensibilities and stay present in our minds. “Color and wood tones are making a big appearance in design trends,” says Jennifer Atherton, the owner and principal designer of Atherton Design. “Color and texture add a needed warmth and visual interest to our most-used spaces.”
Stepping stones to success. Atherton began her career in graphic design before deciding she needed a change. She transitioned to kitchen and bathroom design, eventually mastering every aspect of the process. Each step on her path — from big-box store to high-end showroom to principal designer for a contractor — added to her expertise. After nearly 15 years of industry experience, Atherton felt ready to launch her own business. “My husband, Blake, who is our head contractor, joined me and now we run Atherton Design together as a design and build company,” she says.
Fostering a sense of excitement. For Atherton, transformation is the key to her creative process. “It’s the idea of transforming a space into something completely different,” she says. Collaborating closely with her clients, she can help visualize the possibilities within a kitchen or bathroom in a way that can be challenging for others. Even after 15 years, Atherton is continuously excited by the design process. “It’s so rewarding to see your work come alive and be built in the real world,” she says.
Ready to add a splash of color to your home’s style? Atherton shares some tips below.
Ready to add a splash of color to your home’s style? Atherton shares some tips below.
1. Pair Colorful Accents With a Neutral Base
If you’re hesitant to take a dramatic dive into the color pool, wade in instead with more subtle hints of color. For this gorgeous converted barn in New Hope, Pennsylvania, the homeowner wanted a light and bright space that still featured a unique application of color.
Atherton’s design for the kitchen began with a two-tone base, with white cabinets along the walls and a powder blue island. She then added something unexpected: a splash of red. “We decided that red had to be the accent color,” Atherton says. “We brought that in through the accessories, the small appliances and range knobs.” The pale shades and cool-toned flooring bring the brightness, while the hit of red and the use of a darker-toned wood warm up the look without being overbearing.
See more of this project
If you’re hesitant to take a dramatic dive into the color pool, wade in instead with more subtle hints of color. For this gorgeous converted barn in New Hope, Pennsylvania, the homeowner wanted a light and bright space that still featured a unique application of color.
Atherton’s design for the kitchen began with a two-tone base, with white cabinets along the walls and a powder blue island. She then added something unexpected: a splash of red. “We decided that red had to be the accent color,” Atherton says. “We brought that in through the accessories, the small appliances and range knobs.” The pale shades and cool-toned flooring bring the brightness, while the hit of red and the use of a darker-toned wood warm up the look without being overbearing.
See more of this project
2. Try New Textures On for Size
Another way to add interest without overwhelming the eye? Focus on texture. “Use different textures, including wood tones, to make your kitchen interesting to look at,” Atherton says. For this Hillsborough, New Jersey, home, the owners initially needed some convincing to bring color into their space.
Starting with a medium shade of wood for the cabinetry and flooring, Atherton added a custom mercury mosaic backsplash with pops of color in it. The chevron pattern of the backsplash contrasts with the wood grain for extra visual interest. Taking a color cue from the mosaic, Atherton gave the kitchen palette a boost with a peacock blue shade of paint on the island and range hood. Custom concrete countertops and shelving, including wine storage, add the perfect textural balance for a unique yet cohesive look.
See more of this project
Another way to add interest without overwhelming the eye? Focus on texture. “Use different textures, including wood tones, to make your kitchen interesting to look at,” Atherton says. For this Hillsborough, New Jersey, home, the owners initially needed some convincing to bring color into their space.
Starting with a medium shade of wood for the cabinetry and flooring, Atherton added a custom mercury mosaic backsplash with pops of color in it. The chevron pattern of the backsplash contrasts with the wood grain for extra visual interest. Taking a color cue from the mosaic, Atherton gave the kitchen palette a boost with a peacock blue shade of paint on the island and range hood. Custom concrete countertops and shelving, including wine storage, add the perfect textural balance for a unique yet cohesive look.
See more of this project
3. Add Color in Unexpected Places
A colorful kitchen or bathroom doesn’t have to include a vivid shade of cabinetry. To add a touch of the unexpected, think outside the box. “If you’re hesitant to use color or wood in your cabinetry, you can bring pops of color out in your countertop, backsplash or accessories,” Atherton says.
For this powder room, she was guided by the home’s history and context. The older home, complete with unusual room sizes and ceiling heights, is in the New Hope artists community. “We were able to use unique and fun elements, such as the patterned wallpaper and crystal vessel sink, to create a dramatic powder room,” Atherton says. The dark wood millwork is the perfect contrast to the crystal sink and vanity, gold-patterned wallpaper and detailed marble flooring, which together create a space fit for an artist.
See more of this project
More: For more information on Jennifer Atherton and examples of her work, visit Atherton Design’s Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
A colorful kitchen or bathroom doesn’t have to include a vivid shade of cabinetry. To add a touch of the unexpected, think outside the box. “If you’re hesitant to use color or wood in your cabinetry, you can bring pops of color out in your countertop, backsplash or accessories,” Atherton says.
For this powder room, she was guided by the home’s history and context. The older home, complete with unusual room sizes and ceiling heights, is in the New Hope artists community. “We were able to use unique and fun elements, such as the patterned wallpaper and crystal vessel sink, to create a dramatic powder room,” Atherton says. The dark wood millwork is the perfect contrast to the crystal sink and vanity, gold-patterned wallpaper and detailed marble flooring, which together create a space fit for an artist.
See more of this project
More: For more information on Jennifer Atherton and examples of her work, visit Atherton Design’s Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
We are Jennifer & Blake Atherton, a husband and wife design/build team. Together, we have over 25 years of... Read More