How to Use Color Inspiration to Fuel Your Kitchen or Bath Remodel
Remodeling is more than just replacing old cabinets or installing new flooring — it’s about crafting a space that evokes feeling, function, and flow. And one of the most powerful tools in achieving that is color. At Ram Remodeling in Bloomington, MN, we help clients go beyond the neutral beige trap and instead discover deeply personal, mood-driven palettes that transform kitchens and baths into spaces that truly resonate.
1. Finding Color Inspiration Where You Least Expect It
You don’t have to start with a paint swatch to define your space. Instead, look at:
A photo from your favorite vacation
A garden in bloom
A piece of artwork
An old-world city street at night
These are all sources that communicate mood, energy, and personality. In the original blog, a moody, romantic image was chosen for its shimmering light and deep tones — not because it was a kitchen, but because it evoked a desired feeling.
2. Using Digital Tools Like Sherwin-Williams Chip It!
One game-changing way to capture the essence of an inspiring photo is using tools like Chip It! by Sherwin-Williams. This browser tool allows you to:
Upload or hover over any online image
Instantly generate a coordinated palette of paint colors
Save or share those palettes for design planning
Fact:
People retain 78% more visual information when it’s tied to emotional content, according to studies in environmental psychology. This makes emotionally driven imagery a powerful starting point for remodel design.
3. Turning a Mood Board into a Design Plan
Once you’ve identified a few inspirational images and color palettes, it’s time to translate them into materials:
Cabinet finishes that echo the deeper tones in your photo
Tile and backsplash choices that pick up the mid-tones
Countertops and wall colors that provide contrast or light
Accents like metallic hardware or glass inserts to add visual sparkle
One image in the original post was linked to a kitchen design that incorporated moody flooring, rich cabinetry, and subtle glimmer through hardware and glass.
To explore how you can turn visual inspiration into a cohesive design, click here.
4. Balancing Aesthetics With Practicality
Sure, it’s fun to fall in love with an exotic image or lush color scheme — but real-life constraints like lighting, flooring, and cabinet finishes need to be factored in too.
Tips for balance:
If your kitchen has limited natural light, avoid too many dark finishes
Use glossy tiles or mirrored elements to reflect light
Anchor bolder colors with timeless materials like wood, marble, or glass
Consider paint sheen for durability in kitchens and baths
5. Letting Emotion Lead Without Losing Control
Color inspiration doesn’t mean your space has to be “loud” — it means it should feel intentional. Whether you’re drawn to Mardi Gras vibrancy or a quiet beach at dusk, the emotional undercurrent of those scenes will help guide your design choices.
Think about:
Accent walls instead of full color saturation
Tile mosaics that hint at a theme
Lighting that enhances hue intensity at different times of day
Let your instincts guide you, then work with a designer to refine the details and align it with functionality.
We Bring Your Inspiration to Life — Since the ’70s
At Ram Remodeling, we’ve spent over 50 years helping homeowners translate inspiration into reality. As a family-owned remodeling company in Bloomington, MN, we listen carefully, explore what excites you, and then turn your vision into a custom-built kitchen or bathroom that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
FAQs
How can I find the right colors for my remodel?
Start with imagery that moves you emotionally — nature, travel, or art — then use tools like Chip It! to extract cohesive palettes.
What if my space doesn’t get much natural light?
Use lighter colors or reflective finishes to prevent a dark, heavy feeling. Layer lighting to mimic natural brightness.
Do mood-based designs work long-term?
Yes. When you build a space around personal emotion, it often feels timeless. Avoid chasing trends — follow what makes you feel good.
How do I make bold colors feel balanced?
Use them as accents or focal points, and surround them with neutral tones or natural materials for harmony.
Can color really change how a room feels?
Absolutely. Cool tones can calm and open up a space; warm tones energize and invite. Color psychology is a powerful design tool.
Conclusion
Inspiration isn’t just pretty — it’s powerful. When you design with emotion and vision, your remodel becomes more than an upgrade — it becomes an expression. Let Ram Remodeling help you uncover what moves you and shape a kitchen or bath that feels just as right as it looks.