How can I turn off translucency effects in iOS 7?

On newer devices iOS 7 automatically displays translucency on the Control Center, Notification Center and elsewhere, blurring the background for effect. Besides using more processor power, this feature can be a distraction to some. To keep these parts of iOS flat and remove the translucency, change this setting:

Navigate to Settings -> General -> Accessibility -> Increase Contrast -> ON (green switch).

This will disable iOS 7 translucency and increase contrast in other places, including the keyboard.