Need help with my kitchen

11 years ago

I have just painted the kitchen /dining room..but I'm not happy with the way it looks....what's missing....please help with your ideas.what would you add or take away...open to all ideas thanks

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bprince300

11 years ago

Im a bit confused by the photo - the working side of the island appears to face away from your work space, (sink, stove and refrig. side) and overhang w/ stools are on the prep side ? If thats the case, give that island a 180 degree spin, keeping the countertop's rounded end at the dining rm edge. (The island's 'squared', more substantial looking hardware would really enhance all your cabs) and I realize that it may be partly the photo reflection, but the lighting in the kitchen looks uneven and has hot spots and dark ones.

Your kitchen is spacious - the wall color is beautiful and intense, but needs to be brought into the neutral, central spaces in small portions. You could pick up that color or one that also enhances the blue-ish tone in your backsplash tile, in a valance and curtain to frame the window, stool cushions, table linens, etc., as well as a few well placed accessories on the dark surfaces - combine pure white with turquoise/teal glass or pottery items, etc. A glazed teal pot with a live plant near the kitchen window maybe ? or long, low horizontal planter on the island ?

Consistent under cab lighting (if not already present) really helps to even out the lighting over dark countertops. The pendants over the island were an ideal choice for your style - They look great !

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Comments (16)

pcmom1
11 years ago
I love the shade of blue (cobalt?) that I see on the two opposite walls. Or, is it also on all the walls and the lighting is disguising it?

I would bring in that blue with a large bowl or plate on the island and in a rug next to the sink. Think about changing the glass in the pendant lights also.

Could you post a picture of your back splash? It seems pretty subdued compared to the blue paint. Perhaps a rug under your dining table in one of the soft gray colors from your back splash would help tie in the two rooms.
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I have same tile, size but a lighter grout. I'm doing glass tile backsplash, under cabinet lighting to make it really pop. New hardware on cabinets, painting cabinets. New sink, can't afford new appliances. But your kitchen is larger, light and nice counter tops. Don't have a clue what to do, white Formica and it's cracking, ugh. I'm thinking of using indoor/ outdoor area rugs and runners. Please share if you find solution. good luck, doecreekgirl
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Can you post some pictures of your kitchen?
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Hi. Your kitchen to me looks large, certainly big enough for a table and maybe some seating (from what I can see in the pic anyway!). I personally wouldn't knock through unless rooms were small and needed space for furniture. I cook a lot and would hate the smell travelling, the noise and the mess etc. if the house has 2 living areas it's also nice for family members to have their own space at times. That's just my opinion though and what works for me and not you! ! Have you looked at pics where people have done the same thing with similar size rooms? Or is there anyone in the road with a similar house? Re paint, are you painting the units or just the walls? I would probably change the kitchen floor regardless if you knock through as its absorbing some of the light.
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Elise
11 years ago
Love your color choices. Your cabinets are great. I am also confused like bprince300. Your stove is not in the work triangle?

More undercabinet lighting on the LH side of the sink would be good. How about bringing a 3rd color into the equation. Consider some green accents or teal as suggested. They are in the blue color family and a great way to give the palette more depth.

The colors in your saltillo tile floor beg to be brought up to the countertop level. Do you like shades of red or rust or orange? Natural woods or woven basket materials would also work.
Teddybear123
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for all the ideas,you're right I need to spin the island lol, I have the under cabinet lighting,forgot to turn it on.The Cabinets were a dark brown which I painted off white & I'm pleased with the way they turned out...I have a lot of teal accents in the dining room part...but I hate the tile floor..I live in Ireland...My Hob (stove) is built into the counter top..PCMOM1...sorry I don't understand 'back splash'....Thanks so much I love this site.
charleee
11 years ago
Your kitchen is HUGE!! My first thoughts were the island is too small, you could almost add another one back-to-back with the one you have! Backsplash is the wall behind your countertop, below your cabinets. I've also heard it called spash back, if that helps.

You hate the tile floor in the kitchen, or the wood floor in the dining room?
Teddybear123
Original Author
11 years ago
Hi Bobbie P..it was 2 rooms..I broke down the wall Myself * lol.....I hate both the tile & the wood...
charleee
11 years ago
Marguerite, digging up that tile floor would be a nightmare. But if you broke down the wall yourself, you could do it!!! That is amazing.

The least expensive way to go would be thru the use of area rugs. In the kitchen get one for both sides of the island; in the dining room get the largest one you could find to fit the room.

If you want to replace the floor altogether, what are you looking for? Vinyl, or a different tile, or ?
Teddybear123
Original Author
11 years ago
Id love Vinyl..but have been told I need to screen the whole floor very expensive..as for the rugs...I've thrown out more than I can remember,I share the kitchen with my 3 Newfoundland dogs!
charleee
11 years ago
Perhaps you could go with an indoor/outdoor carpet. I hear they hold up very well to kids and pets and are easy to clean. I see a teal? or blue? on your back wall, perhaps one of these:
Mod Floral Blue Indoor Outdoor Rug · More Info

Outdoor or Indoor Summer Trellis Hooked Rug · More Info

Chains Indoor-Outdoor Rug · More Info

Since you are so handy, are you also artistic? If you could get a piece of heavy weight vinyl, like a remnant, turn it over and paint your own area rug and then seal it well, would that work?
Teddybear123
Original Author
11 years ago
I love those Bobbie,great idea thank you!
charleee
11 years ago
You're welcome!
pcmom1
11 years ago
Gel mats are great on tile, give you some wonderful cushioning, dog proof, and don't slip around.

So funny about the island. I knew something was off, but didn't pick up that the sides were, basically, flipped! The space does seem to call for a larger island. And that one end with the overhang needs a stool.
Elise
11 years ago
I finally found your hob, down in the corner to the right of the window. Wow, it's almost invisible! BobbiP's suggestion of the indoor/outdoor carpets is great. They have some amazing colors and patterns available now. Durability is what you need with large dogs and grandchildren! With your artistic skills, painting your own vinyl rugs could be a snap!

I had a chance to visit Ireland a couple of years ago, flew into Galway, drove across to Dublin and trained up to fly out of Belfast. I am looking forward to another visit in the future, hopefully Southern Ireland next time.
Manon Floreat
11 years ago
I think this is a really nice kitchen - you've done a nice job. The only thing that is throwing it off are the two different floors in dining and kitchen area. I'd like to see the same flooring continued through both areas. I think you'll be very pleased with the difference it makes.

Since you do not like the wood or the tile, perhaps a porcelain 12x24 tile would work for you. It's very durable, so you wouldn't have to worry about the Newfies scratching it and very easy to maintain. You'd could opt for one of the wood grains on the market or one made to simulate stone. I think a greyish color would work well.

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Teddybear123
Original Author
11 years ago
Great ideas...thank you all so much...now I just need the funds lol
njrealtor
11 years ago
change the floor and flip the island around

Need help with my kitchen

bprince300

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pcmom1

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