Spicing It Up in the Kitchen with Orange

There's no two ways about it: orange is a bold color. Even toned down shades, like cantaloupe and goldenrod, are pretty saucy. Fortunately, we like saucy. After all, what could be more appropriate for the kitchen?

Science agrees with us, too. Orange tends to stimulate mental activity and energizes by increasing the oxygen supply to the brain. Plus, it's associated with healthy food and it boosts the appetite - perfect for anytime you need a little kick to get cooking.

Fortunately, though orange is a striking color, it's not a one-trick pony. Whether your tastes run modern, traditional, girly or sophisticated, there's a way to incorporate the color into your kitchen. Try these on for size:

The Modern Kitchen

This understated Scandinavian kitchen is stunning in its clean modernity - but wouldn't it be boring without the shot of color those pillows add?We'd love to see the space further brightened up with a Duo pendant in cantaloupe and mimosa:

The colors add vibrancy and the simple design wouldn't distract from the room's sleek lines and commitment to minimalism.

The Retro Kitchen

OK, we have to admit that orange sometimes makes us think of all things '70s. The Brady Bunch, Barbie campers, those so-hideous-they're-cool (almost) puffy vests? Yes, we get it. But there's a gentler side to 70's retro, too, and it's one we've embraced in our own kitchen. Check out our orange and green kitchen tools: You know what would look amazing with those? A Tribeca pendant in cantaloupe, sage, and light spring grass:
The colors aren't so over-the-top that they recall the avocado and goldenrod nightmares of the past, but they've got a great retro vibe.

The Feminine Kitchen

For whatever reason, orange isn't usually thought of as a particularly feminine color. It's just a little too aggressive. But strong shades of orange combine fabulously with shocking pink and more subtle shades are great with a whole host of pastels.

We think this kitchen, in all its Tiffany-blue glory, is a great example of how to use orange accents in a girly space:In addition to the colors, we love the marble countertops and the pretty tiled backsplash. We would love to femme it up a little more with a Roma lamp in cantaloupe and sand dollar:

The pattern recalls Laura Ashley comforters, but the colors prove that this lamp is all grown up.

The Sophisticated Kitchen

Speaking of grown-up, it's hard to imagine a kitchen more sophisticated than the one in designer Miles Redd's old apartment. Redd admits that he rarely did more than mix a cocktail in his kitchen, but who needs food when you have black walls and outrageous mirrored countertops? Oh yes, and amazing orange accent pieces:
We think Redd's kitchen would look even more glam lit by zebra pendants in mimosa and silver:

Silver dresses up softer, yellower shades of orange quite nicely - and nothing says Hollywood glamour quite like animal prints!

What's your favorite way to use orange in the kitchen? Any tips for how to make it work? Leave a comment!

[Photo credits: Modern Kitchen from Apartment Therapy; Retro Kitchen from Houzz.com; Feminine Kitchen from Apartment Therapy; Miles Redd Kitchen from New York Social Diary; All lamps from Alluminare.com]