Warm Up a Modern Space
Comments (50)
lucky998877
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoLove it, so different! I would add fabric in barstools. Some greenery in modern pots by the window.
cakaspari
5 years agoRelated Discussions
All in one kitchen & living space
Comments (14)Thanks everyone. AMN - The lighting in the photo isn't great - the walls and venetian blinds are both white and the green is a wallpaper. I've a TV on one side and radiator on the other side of the wall but I do like the idea of painting it a different colour. What do you mean by "because the sectional is too big for the space already" thanks! Dar Eckert - like your suggestion of introducing another colour, I was thinking about aubergine but again it could be over modern and not the slightly warm vibe I'm looking for - what do you think? Carolyn - thanks for posting the rug, going to look it up and see about shipping costs etc to Ireland from that site. Really happy with the rooms but we've just had a baby and I want a bit more of a cosier feel with her around whilst still keeping with my modern twist!! Long post, sorry!!!...See Moreupstairs space
Comments (7)Do a search on "attic family room." So many awesome attic spaces! What colors are you leaning towards? Do you have items already that you need to incorporate? I know you want something relaxing, but what style do you prefer - modern, traditional, transitional, etc?...See MoreAdvice on living room
Comments (6)Hello aoifej, Firstly that is a good sized room... The fireplace is very interesting indeed! It is the main focus and so perhaps you want to consider painting it a darker shade still. The base a very dark shade of charcoal so it is separate and looks like a base stand....... Put a fabulous mirror over it... Something simple in design and squared or full circle like a convex. The red and wood box shelving, don't discard but consider painting it and then you could, if you have enough create a screen/divider for floor area arranged with gaps so it's not solid. Or mount in an interesting configuration on the walls for storage, and painted to match the walls... This then gives you something textured on the walls... that is somewhat bolder and would sit well with the fireplace which is really fantastic.. The sofa is the wrong period style for this room really as it's not old enough or rustic..for french style.. Also the french doors are very modern, so the room takes on a far more modern feel... So you will find it hard to make it sit right such as it is..... It would be best to place it to face the fireplace and leave the french doors free.... You want to be able to have them open so you can easily walk outside... So try situating it in the bay window but not too far in... You may like to have a console table behind the sofa in the window with a table lamp... To take the ornate feel of the sofa away and to make it blend more... Try a sheet over the entire sofa... Then add a throw over the back and both arms... Something you could layer perhaps to disguise it's design more... I think then it will sit better in the room... You then at least can use the sofa, whilst you work out what to do as a sheet will protect it, should you wish to sell it... but I think if you keep it, as it is you will struggle, so re-upholster would be my suggestion.. So have it upholstered in a dark plain fabric and a colour to blend with the wooden frame, charcoal or something dark like mole, earthy tones........ This too then makes it really solid rather than ornate... It will help to blend it into the room and allow you to coordinate furniture to go with it.. Old and new can sit well together if you know how and what to do to make it work..... So some ideas for you to consider if you modify the sofa accordingly.... With a bit of artistic licence as I have used the fireplace as a focus twice and brought the garden in.. simply to cover your sofa, so I could add a similar one in a darker colour to show you what I mean.. I have added a whole array of styles to illustrate how you can integrate many styles to create something interesting.. In reality you will have far more space... as you won't be looking at duplicates! It's done very quickly merely to offer you some ideas as to how to work with what you have, rather than start again! Good design is about working with rather than against what someone has... ... NB: The hare pictured is merely for styling purposes as I like to use it.... BUT I would always recommend natural expiration or accidental expiration for taxidermy as opposed to acquiring by any other less humane means! . : ))...See MoreLarge 1970s internal refurb to open plan, larger living spaces
Comments (2)Another option that I was thinking of, knock the internal glass walls of the conservatory and make the hall smaller - this leaves a very large open plan space (9m x 6.4m) but I have no idea how best a space like this could be used?? Can anyone give me their thoughts here? Need to move if I am to make an offer...See More
PRONorwood Architects
5 years agonosoccermom
5 years agodisfromage
5 years ago
kim k
5 years agocakaspari
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5 years ago cakaspari
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5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago 
PROBeth H. :
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agowow. I'm so in love w/that walnut cab and the unusual hardware. what a beautiful, modern kitchen. I really like the stools in the first comment. (but I'd prob do the gold) That island needs a better light fixture though. that one shown is too common looking. I'd get something a little showier, more modern looking. Put a nice orchid arrangement in the middle, maybe a little fern over by the sink.
I don't think it looks overly stark. the walnut lends quite a bit of natural warmth. Tell me about the wall oven w/the blue. I kind of like that color pop w/that.Walnut is beautiful when it's oiled. I don't think you need to do anything else.
housegal200
5 years agoYour kitchen is stunning. Do you have undercabinet lighting planned? This would add an eye-level glow to the room. I think some small, beautiful antique items--just a couple--out on the island or the counter could add a lot:
--Antique alabaster table lamp in a corner.
--vintage rug runner as below.
--Silver ice bucket with an unopened champage bottle in the bucket and a couple vintage wine glasses would look inviting or, if teetotaling--a vintage tray, teapot, china cups.
--Check Ballard Designs for over-the-island lighting. Again a contrast of classical against your clean, modern aesthetic would warm up the space.
--Other well chosen functional accessories, and not too many, would look great--raw edge wood fruit bowl, big butcher block cutting board, large vintage tray leaning against backsplash, handmade pottery that gets used (to hold utensils, for example)
What makes any space inviting are objects that invite someone to pull up a chair, have a drink, chat in the kitchen, etc.
Marina Del Ray · More Infohollybar
5 years agolucky998877
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoIf you absolutely need window coverings (for privacy) then I would only do a roller shade that can be hidden when not in use. Anything more would take away from the whole idea of doing this kitchen.
cakaspari
5 years agoThanks everyone for the input! I love the idea of mixing old and new. I’ve also been loving nods to nature. I found this fixture, but it is a bit expensive and I’m afraid it will be a fad. What do you think? Even though the space is modern, I’m hoping it will stand the test of time.
There is an oven wall on the RH side of the kitchen that is not shown here. The blue appliance is a rotisserie. We designed this kitchen a bit backwards (ie. ordered appliances before the cupboards), and in the moment cobalt blue seemed like a good idea for a rotisserie!
We hadn’t planned on lighting the base boards although I’m not opposed to it, and the cabinet maker is not pushing back on minor tweaks (so far).
What are your thoughts on finishing the interior of the cabinets? Currently they are spec’d as unfinished solid walnut boxes. To match the exterior would be about $2k more. Is it worth it?
housegal200
5 years agoAged brass pendant to tie in with the brass hardware on the cabinet front would add warmth. (Forget what I said about undercabinet lighting since your photo doesn't show uppers.)
A couple of these if the measurements work. What I like about them is their curviness to contrast with all the straight lines in the kitchen.
1-Light Pendant, Warm Brass, 18.25" · More Info
Hinkley Cartwright Single Tier Foyer Chandelier, Rustic Brass · More Info
Here's the one Beth showed--gorgeous.
Hudson Valley Glendale 13-LT Chandelier 8920-AGB - Aged Brass · More Info
Sputnik Chandelier Satin Brass · More Info- PRO
Beth H. :
5 years ago 
PROAnthony Perez
5 years agocakaspari
5 years agohousegal200
5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago- PRO
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Anthony Perez
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoa kind of fixture like this alone will do wonders in warming up
annettea
5 years agoljptwt7
5 years ago
PROsilviakunst
5 years ago
NHBabs z4b-5a NH
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agocakaspari
5 years agoThanks everyone for the advice! This is a view into kitchen from the dining room. I am not sure i like the stone color rendered inside the cabinets. It matches the kitchen, but was hoping for some added feedback into how to make this go from good to great before signing off and building it as is. The stone cabinet on the right side will extend right to the wall.
Also, I’m attaching a render of kitchen with two simple light fixtures for kitchen. Do either of these work from your perspective? The brass feels a bit too polished for my taste, but if moves to a brushed it might work. LMK
tartanmeup
5 years agocakaspari
5 years agocakaspari
5 years agotartanmeup
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agonmshea
5 years ago
PROAcassa Construction Corporation
5 years agoAdd some dramatic pendants with either colored globes, or warm yellow light. A light in the 3K spectrum will warm up the look. Use colorful vases, props to add color as well.
cakaspari
4 years agoThe view from the corner is a bit cold, but I think furniture and the lighting we end up with should warm it up. Still feeling like the lights should be walnut to blend and warm, and not take away from the fridge handles...
snowcountry
4 years agolast modified: 4 years ago- PRO
Beth H. :
4 years ago 
Kirsten E.
4 years agotartanmeup
4 years agonjmomma
4 years ago
ilikefriday
4 years agocakaspari
4 years agoYou’ve been so helpful with kitchen suggestions. Can anyone recommend a mirror for this powder room?
cakaspari
4 years ago- PRO
Beth H. :
4 years agobeautiful! I would keep it rather simple. you could choose to do a type of beveled or brass framed mirror all the way across . I think that would look nice to reflect back the pendants. or, maybe just a taller mirror over the sink area. I'd go as wide as the sink or just inside of it.
But, I think you could also do 2/3rds the length of the entire span. I really don't think there is any wrong answer.
i have a similar backsplash like yours, but used sconces.
you could do a single mirror like I have, but i'm wondering if it will look to bare on either side
Here's a visual for you
cakaspari
4 years agofelizlady
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4 years ago
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cakaspariOriginal Author