Bright, bold colors are making their way into America's kitchens. Homeowners are painting over the whites and beiges that once were the kitchen trend and making a statement with cobalt blue, pink, turquoise, orange, red and even lime green. In many cases, white has been relegated to a small role as accent or trim.

"Neutral colors in the kitchen are not the goal anymore," says Sharon Hanby-Robie, interior designer and author of "My Name Isn't Martha, But I Can Decorate My Home." "Today, it's OK to be expressive, and it's OK to use bright, bold colors to complement or totally create the look you want. Why not use the colors that you want to live with, instead of the ones you think your home's next owner will settle for?" Hanby-Robie asks.

So what's behind this revolution of color in the kitchen? "It could have to do with basic societal changes," said Hanby-Robie. She believes that during the '80s and much of the '90s we were a transitional society. Many people lived in starter homes or homes in which they did not plan to stay very long. As a result, most people stuck with the neutral hues that represented a low-risk look they could easily leave if they decided to sell.

Today, Hanby-Robie says, more people are in homes in which they plan to stay for quite some time. In addition, individuality, rather than conformity, is again in vogue. The result, she says, is that people are less afraid of taking chances and more concerned with expressing themselves, and it shows in their homes, particularly in the kitchen.

Expression Through Colorful Hues

So what is the best use of color in the kitchen to create a mood? Let's take a look at some color palettes.

Warm Colors

Colors such as red, yellow and orange invite a person into a room with warmth and coziness. However, the cozy feeling these colors create in a large room can make a small room look even smaller. When using warm colors, be sure to intersperse whites and neutrals to balance some of their intensity. According to information from Better Homes and Gardens, amber, peach or coral in eating areas spark appetites and electrify the conversation, while red evokes emotions. Liberal use of any of these warm colors is sure to give the kitchen the color pampering it deserves as the hearth of the home.

For "warm" color finishes in cookware, faucets and accessories, copper is the latest trend. Copper is a perfect complement to kitchen materials such as granite and marble. It also blends beautifully with other warm colors in the kitchen including terra cotta, rust, peach and sage green.

Cool Colors

To make a room appear larger, look to cool colors like blue, green or purple. These colors calm and soothe and are said to "reenergize weary souls." Better Homes and Gardens also notes that proud, strong blues add responsibility and contentment into the mood while pale purple blues prompt reflection and dreaming.

For finishes that match this cooler palette, there are now many more options than just plain, shiny chrome. Brushed finishes in stainless and nickel add interest and texture to a kitchen. Plus, these finishes clean up well and hold their beauty in one of the busiest rooms in the house.

Spicing It Up

And where in the kitchen can these colors can be presented most effectively?

Paint is the obvious place to start when adding color to a kitchen or any other room. It's easy to apply and, if the homeowner decides he or she doesn't like it later, also easy to change. Kitchen remodelers shouldn't let the fear factor stop them from doing something bold or using a color they really like.

Some of the hottest paint colors right now are rich jewel tones which can change an otherwise ordinary room into an eye-popping gem. Once a color is chosen, be sure to make use of some of the latest techniques to apply the paint such as sponging, ragging and stenciling. Major manufacturers like Sherwin-Williams, Glidden and Dutch Boy all offer helpful brochures and color guides to get you started.

But paint is only the beginning. Today's kitchens use color in wallpaper and borders, too. Choose wall coverings which feature colorful flowers or a bold pattern to showcase the homeowner's personality or interests.

A word of caution when planning the look of a new kitchen: don't go overboard on a lot of different colors. Experts say that two to three colors, when blended in a room properly, can create a dramatic look, but adding too many colors can be overwhelming.

Functionality in Color

Why stop the color with the kitchen's walls? Color is now popping up in some of the areas once reserved for chromes and neutrals. When it comes to faucets, manufacturers like Moen are offering new finish options to brighten up the room. Finishes such as