How to add colour using kitchen accessories

Knives are available in bold primary colours in translucent blocks, and casserole dishes and chopping boards are offered in far more shades than standard white or black.

For those willing to make an investment, choosing a high-quality copper pan set will make a striking statement. These pieces are often available with either a shiny, glossy finish which creates an almost rose gold effect, or a matte finish that's perfect for a traditional set. These pans will also do more than just look good; a well-made set will last for years.

An essential for every kitchen, crockery is available for every budget and style preference, making it one of the easiest parts of the kitchen to suit to your exact style.

Crockery in stone grey or similarly muted pastel shades adds a soft touch of colour to the kitchen. Those who prefer bolder styles should look out for graphic designs of contemporary patterns. These can even be stored on a display shelf or behind frosted glass in a cabinet – the right set could make a fantastic showpiece.

Bread bins, tea, coffee and sugar pots, jars to hold cooking utensils: you can have fun with the colour of your countertop storage to make it about more than function.

For a consistent scheme that you can marry up with your overall kitchen style, look out for complementing sets that are often sold in identical or complementary colours – found in anything from vibrant neon to natural, earthy shades. This will help to achieve harmony between each piece of storage, giving your room cohesion that feels as good as it looks.

Those who really want to make a statement could create a jumbled effect by buying each piece separately. Vintage and retro pieces from the 1950s to 1980s will be particularly striking, thanks to the eras' eye-catching colours. Charity shops should be your first port of call here.

It seems like baking supplies have never been more readily available in a variety of colours and styles. Don't forget equipment such as free-standing mixers and larger, ceramic mixing bowls can be used both practically and as decoration proudly displayed on a worktop.

1950s inspired colours and styles are particularly popular at the moment. Shades of lemon yellow, sky blue and baby pink can encourage a feeling of freshness.

Large kitchen appliances are most commonly found in white or brushed steel so they stand a better chance of blending into a range of kitchens. However, some ovens and fridges are available in alternative shades – helping you to make a design statement.

A coloured oven or fridge is the perfect choice for anyone who really wants to commit to a particular colour scheme in their kitchen, as the step away from the norm will be sure to catch the eye of guests.

Deep red for an oven can look fantastic set against an otherwise all white kitchen design. Pastel fridges, inspired by American 1950s design, are another great choice for anyone looking to create a vintage theme.

The simple tea towel is an often forgotten part of kitchen design. However, with the vast selection of styles and even materials available on the market, you can find a set that will add a final flourish to your colour scheme.

Plain towels in a solid block of colour are subtle and understated, while graphic patterns can look anything from twee to contemporary. For a kitsch twist, consider hunting down retro tea towels with outlandish patterns.

Lots of modern kitchen lighting is embedded into ceilings and tucked under cupboards. However, those who have the benefit of hanging lighting can add stylish colour to the room with light shades.

Metallic light shades make for a striking effect, particularly those in the more unusual and warmer-feeling copper or rose gold. Alternatively, rubber or light ceramic shades in grey, white and cream are a minimalist choice that can make the room look modern and on-trend.

The final flourishes to your kitchen can also be used to add colour to the design. Art work hung on the walls can obviously add vibrancy and texture to the room, and accessories such as clocks can be both practical and attractive.

Of course, fresh flowers can make the room feel more colourful, and the lifespan means you can adjust the colour scheme on a weekly basis. Store them in a large milk jug for a truly rustic look.

The variety of appliances and accessories available on the modern market mean that every style is well catered for. Adding colourful versions of the above pieces to your kitchen can help to brighten the room, and add a personal touch to the design.