The orange used on the rangehood and island bench (Resene Ecstasy) of this kitchen both blend with the warm tones of the wood-grain cabinets, but also stand out.

It’s a clever combo, and is part of an award-winning house built by Turnkey Homes in Wanaka. Owner Jen Milburn wanted a sunny, happy kitchen and it now reminds her of having an orange kitchen back in the 1980s. The walls are painted in Resene Half Spanish White.

With a client brief for a clean and simple look but one that didn’t look sterile, designer Debra DeLorenzo responded with a new layout and palette of Resene colour.

A splashback in Resene Karma makes the kitchen look fresh and young while a large storage cupboard is finished in Resene Silver Aluminium from the Resene Metallics and Special Effects range. Cabinets in Resene Half Sea Fog and walls in Resene Sea Fog complete the effect.

Here’s another example of a pop of colour, used on a back-painted splashback, giving a timeless design and edgy twist.

Designed by Natalie Du Bois, the splashback is Resene Blaze while the cabinets are Resene Soapstone, the walls are Resene Sandspit Brown and the ceiling is Resene White.

Here’s how to use a strong colour but in a very sophisticated way.

Designer Mal Corboy framed these oak wall cabinets in Resene Whizz Bang, and also used this dark orange on the lower cabinets. He was going for a smoky sophisticated cigar lounge look… and nailed it. The recessed handles and orange also give the kitchen a subtle retro look.

If painting the cabinets or walls in yellow or orange is too much for you, choose punchy accessories like these yellow bar stools.

They really pop against walls painted in Resene Foundry, which homeowner Katie Williamson chose to create a bit of drama and definition from the rest of the living room (painted in Resene Half Sea Fog).