New kitchen, but mistakes made

7 years ago

This is our new kitchen, but unfortunately I don't love it. I think the white doors are too plain (too many of them) and the handles aren't right. To replace them with a different colour would be hard because of the wine and magazine racks (those bits would need to stay white). To replace handles they would still need to be long because of screw holes, but maybe I could find thinner ones? If anyone has any thoughts they would be most appreciated. The kitchen was completed in December and every day I think about "if only". (lights will be changed later)

Thanks in advance!

Featured Answer

PRO

Chilton Architects

7 years ago

Maybe you could replace the overhead cupboard doors on the cooktop side with timber to match your bar stools or the island and have push catches instead of handles on these doors. The overheads on the oven wall should stay white so the cooktop zone becomes the focus.

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Comments (32)

PRO
Focus Kitchens & Bathrooms
7 years ago
I like the white overhead cupboards but I agree the handles are too heavy, push to open on the oven wall and overhanging base on the other would have given you a better look. Talk to your kitchen supplier to see what it would cost to change it. Pendant lights over the island will make a big difference. Maybe some nice accessories in your favorite colour will brighten things up for you and are easily changed with fashion trends. Overall I think it's a really nice kitchen!
stephki thanked Focus Kitchens & Bathrooms
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PRO
Melanie Hedi
7 years ago
Maybe try removing some off them? I think it can look cool and modern..and keep some to hide some clutter...can add pops of colour inside the cupboards too for something more colourful..just a thought...good Luck!

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PRO
Focus Kitchens & Bathrooms
7 years ago
If you remove the doors you are going to have holes where the hinges are. Also the interior of the cabinets are most likely to be white Melamine which will be different to the finish on the doors.
Anne Foo
7 years ago
The kitchen actually looks quite good. However, I think the suggestion by Chiltern Architects is a very good one. Just changing those 2 doors would break up the white and reduce the number of handles. It would also lift the whole kitchen.
stephki thanked Anne Foo
dohraime
7 years ago
I agree, it's a lovely looking kitchen. And pendant lighting and other finishing details will distract from any elements you currently don't like.

The bar and bar stool combination is great.
stephki thanked dohraime
PRO
MB Design & Drafting
7 years ago
I'd look at lighting initially.

A single thin minimalist pendant perhaps, not the usual three pendants though..... look at the one used by Exactus in Mosman Park house on Houzz....
stephki thanked MB Design & Drafting
Fiona
7 years ago
It's a great kitchen that just needs a little something else. I like the idea of adding pendants. She lighting have some super cool ones in great colours and finishes.
stephki thanked Fiona
Tina Steer
7 years ago
Start by just removing all the handles that are on a white surface. Yes I know, I heard you sigh but it could be that all the criss crossing of the handles are sending your eyes into melt down. Push doors to open and shut may be a better option. Love the stools.
stephki thanked Tina Steer
cloudpants
7 years ago
I thinknyour kitchen is beautiful and agree with Chiltern architects. Also, add some greenery perhaps in a large vase on your countertop.
stephki thanked cloudpants
cloudpants
7 years ago
Affordable and affective
girlguides
7 years ago
Bar stools are sensational stephki - please, where did you get them?
Depending on cost could you replace a couple of cabinets above stove with glass doors to let colours of objects behind through? Or coloured handles ? Or funky coloured lighting to break up white of cupboards Once saw on house 3 pendants all different colours and looked so cool !
stephki thanked girlguides
stephki
Original Author
7 years ago
Wow! Thank you everyone! I am so glad I posted up on here :) I will add some greenery & other accessories to help add colour - thanks! The lighting is on our list, but it's a concrete roof so we're a little unsure where to start! I'm a fan of pendant lights but also love the lighting used by Exactus - thanks! Loving seeing the comments come in - it's definitely making me feel better about the situation (& validating my issues with the handles!)
stephki
Original Author
7 years ago
Girlguides - I got the bar stools from Zanui.com.au - they're called "Neston Bar Stools". They're great, but just be aware if you have young kids - ours like twisting the seats around when they're on them /next to them & they then hit the bar which has caused some of the brown on the backs to chip away - we need to get some touch up paint. But if you don't have young kids I doubt that would be an issue :)
dohraime
7 years ago
Ever thought about painting the ceiling a colour? Light or dark neutral?
cloudpants
7 years ago
stephki, pleas be sure to post updated pics when you make changes to your lovely kitchen.
PRO
Design Organisation
7 years ago
Firstly before changing doors/handles - put your lighting in, go for something that is not glossy or square - choose a natural product and an organic shape to add interest to the room. Have you thought about painting your ceiling a colour other than white?
User
7 years ago
The third one looks easier to clean in a kitchen.
stephki
Original Author
7 years ago
Painting the roof is an interesting idea, I had only toyed with the thought of painting the cornice. Thanks! For the lighting, another idea we had was to try and get a suspended ceiling or such made in the brown to match the breakfast bar with either led lights in it or pendants. Sort of like the below.
PRO
Alicia Xiberras Interiors
7 years ago
My suggestion would be to keep the existing Joinery as is, update the handles to a matt black finish, replace the stools to a black contemporary style, possible changing the kitchen mixer to match the handles and placing an oversized light feature or cluster of pendants in the middle of the space, where the existing light is.

These changes will give the interior a monochrome style, and blend the existing features incredibly beautifully.
dohraime
7 years ago
Another [image[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/d-house-contemporary-kitchen-boston-phvw-vp~126401) for your suspended ceiling idea. If you feel colour or wood tones overhead is too much, I've seen those done with just the perimeter clad. Similar to [this[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/munro-renovation-contemporary-kitchen-toronto-phvw-vp~6087420). It looks quite effective.
ausmericanunion
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I'd change all the handles, uppers and lowers, to copper in a similar shape to what you have. Then I would add in a copper/glass pendant or three depending on the piece. Add some greenery and/or a large sculptural bowl with fruit then it would have more visual appeal. I do like the suggestion of multiple pendants and also the big natural fiber pendant someone posted above.
Before you do anything you could play around with the styling to see what you like. I think I'd do that first. It's a beautiful kitchen, it just needs a bit of pizazz to draw the eye.

[https://www.houzz.com.au/products/copper-slimline-02-prvw-vr~25417161[(https://www.houzz.com.au/products/copper-slimline-02-prvw-vr~25417161)

[https://www.houzz.com.au/products/godfrey-copper-light-prvw-vr~32297041[(https://www.houzz.com.au/products/godfrey-copper-light-prvw-vr~32297041)
Melissa Attard
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I think you'll get a great result with a few minor changes in these suggestions listed. I love white kitchens, this is ours. We highlight with decore items on the bench top & bulkhead. Lighting can make a huge difference, once you add some drop pendants it will add another element. Have fun with it.
girlguides
7 years ago
Stephki - I wouldn't put any more brown in kitchen Pro idea about doing lights first and living with it for a while is good. Organic pendants would go with your bar stool shape! But downlights throw amazing task lighting
stephki
Original Author
7 years ago
Melissa - could you please send a pic of your kitchen? I'd love to see it.

Based on everyone's comments we're going to get the lighting sorted first (asap!) & then we'll revisit the handle /door situation. It was the best decision ever to post up in here :):) I'll put up pics once the lighting is done.
Iggs
7 years ago
@stephki- what is the light you currently have on your roof? I like how slimline it is
94236633
7 years ago
You know, I really like your kitchen the way it is. You could get away with 2 pendant lights and get beautiful eye catching ones and suddenly your handles will disappear into the background.

Have fun.
stephki thanked 94236633
stephki
Original Author
7 years ago
@iggs85 - I'm not sure sorry. The light was here when we moved in!
User
7 years ago
Shame. This kitchen would have looked amazing without handles and push lock/push open doors.
User
7 years ago
It still is amazing FYI. It's just the worst when you feel disappointed with it. ☹️
Ann B
7 years ago
I also think matte black handles will work well. They are simple and elegant and won't reflect light as the S/S ones do. If and when you add a pendant light (down the track), I think your focus on the handles will diminish. It's possible a suspended ceiling will complicate the look of your kitchen. What is the height of your ceilings? And a suspended ceiling would lower the height to what? Painting the ceiling sounds like an alternative and would certainly add interest. Your kitchen IS beautiful as is. Pls keep us posted!
LesleyH
7 years ago
At the worst I would buy new fosted overhead cupboard fronts and have push doors on them. The other handles on the white doors will then be a feature only. Personally I think it is a great kitchen and wouldn't change it other than lights and greenery. Don't do a thing for at least 6 months until you live with it through several seasons.
stephki thanked LesleyH