Debbie Travis
King Features Syndicate

Dear Debbie: I am about to embark on installing new kitchen cabinets and want to go modern. I’m tempted by the new high-gloss kitchens in bright colors. But I’m worried that I’m making a rash decision. Hope you can advise. — Elizabeth

Dear Elizabeth: Putting in new kitchen cabinets is a big decision but an exciting challenge.

I absolutely adore these new high-gloss kitchens in the latest vivid colors. The trend began with shiny white cabinets and has progressed to the most luscious deep reds, vibrant greens and bright blues. I have even seen citrus yellow and baby pink.

My heart is pounding already. If you are as excited as I am, then go for it, but there are a few points you might want to think about.

To avoid these bright bands of bold color from being overwhelming, partner them with sleek wood countertops and stick to steel accessories. The handles should be simple, clean designs. Take a look at some of the new patterns in wallpaper and tile to complete your modern kitchen.

For those who would like this new glossy look but are not prepared to start from scratch, you can replicate the look with paint. The cabinet doors should be flat-faced, and if they are laminate, prepare them first with a good sanding and a coat of high-adhesion primer. Brush marks are more prone to show in high-gloss paint, so try using a sponge brush or sponge roller. Apply two coats for solid coverage. Metal trim is a clean, modern touch.

Another option for infusing glossy color is to reface cabinet doors with sheets of plastic cut to size. Check with your local building store or the Internet to see what’s available in your area. The plastic is glued on and finished with metal trim. To capture a more industrial flavor, secure the plastic with large screws, grommets and washers.

Dear Debbie: We recently bought a condo unit in a 20-year-old building. The kitchen has never had a backsplash, and we are having difficulty deciding what type and color of tile we should use. The cabinets are white with stainless-steel hardware. The floor is ash-blond hardwood. We are thinking of painting the walls lemon yellow. Thanks. — Joan

Dear Joan: One of the most exciting trends this year is the array of tiles, including ceramic tiles that emulate wallpaper. Tiles have branched out from their traditional place in the kitchen and bath, and you’ll be seeing tile floors in living and dining rooms, even stunning walls created with porcelain tiles that are embossed to look like leather.

The backsplash is a perfect area to infuse some character into your kitchen, and you might decide to expand from there. With your neutral background, you can choose any color or design. Inexpensive ceramic tiles can be used as a background inlaid with a pattern of metal, glass, porcelain, even bamboo tiles, so here’s the place to be adventurous. Try a pale-blue mosaic design, or go a bit bolder, with a band of royal-blue high-gloss tiles sandwiched between white or glass tiles. Experiment with designs on a board to see the difference it will make not only to your kitchen, but also to the overall feel of the apartment.

Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. E-mail questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.