Cabinetry and valances can have an integrated look in today's kitchen

An industrial look in gourmet kitchens filled with stainless steel appliances can be offset by brighter hues in cooking accessories, chair cushions or brightly-painted chairs.

Gone are the softer colors of the brown family, with gray coming on strong as the new base color. Traditional yellows will continue to be popular, but they are being joined by colors that include deep purples, reds and blues, according to KitchenKool.com.


"With the era of stainless steel or black appliances comes matching colors that are sure to make any kitchen stand out," the website reports. "The 'industrial' kitchen is sure to make any household cook feel like a gourmet chef. It will turn your kitchen from being outdated to looking like it just stepped out of the future."


A variety of woods, as well as traditional white, continue to be used for kitchen cabinets. One way to tie cabinetry into window treatments for windows that fall between cabinets is to install a wood valance in matching wood tones.

Valances can be mounted over window shades, blinds or curtains. They add a different texture against a range of materials available in shades or blinds, or a strong contrast to print fabrics chosen for curtains.