It's a no from me. I think it will look bitty. I love your fridge though x

Not to my liking but as said above if you love it that's all that counts. Might be hard for resale

I don't love it either, but if YOU do, that's all that matters. I like the white and dark together, I just don't like the 3rd color mixed in.

I think once you finish and all of your bits and pieces are there, it will truly reflect your personality and vision. It's always hard to envision something when it's not finished.

I don't get this renovation.

IMO, you have one too many colors…the white island. I would paint it black.

What I do not like in your kitchen are the shelves. Some on one side, none on the other. Would you consider removing them and painting your walls black? I think you need to bring the black up and your backsplash will become more important.

I like to stick to 3 design colours. The cabinets take away all 3 colours. The floors and back splash are the 4th colour. The SS appliances then tip you into "4.5" colours. The counter tops, because they are textured, pop your space into "5" design colours.

Personally, I would not wish this amount in a single space. To be fair, you have done an excellent job of blending all of the tones and colours. So long as you are happy, that is all that counts. If any of our comments distress you or cause you to second guess yourself and you wish to make a change...I would stain the island the same as the red/mahogany coloured uppers. It would be a (relatively) easy fix...if you felt so inclined.

Probably by the time you are ready to sell, in 10 - 15 years, the kitchen will need updating anyway. I should live with it and love it for the unique space that it is.

Thank you for the comments. I had thought it was a bit busy and couldn't pinpoint what is was...but, I personally love the cabinets. I am a bit quirky myself :) And, I plan on staying in this home until I can afford a home in Key West, so I'll be here a while. I am not concerned about resale...by then it will be 30+ years old and need to be redone regardless what I do now. The floors will be changed to match the backsplash but that is another project in itself as they will flow through the entire downstairs which is very costly....that is next years project.
just now

Not in favor of the mixed colors, but if you love it, make the most of its quirkiness and enjoy!

Brava, Kathryn! I'm happy to see your creativity...all white kitchen cabinets are the rage but so bland. Enjoy your imaginative and quirky kitchen!

Thanks Cyndy! My cabinet guy suggested all white or cream. It looks pretty but very plain. Just like my before kitchen, blah. There was nothing wrong with the cabinets etc before, just very basic and plain. My cabinet guy had suggested doing all white or cream.

Here are pics with some ideas others have suggested implemented. I painted behind one shelf, not sure if I like it or should keep in cream. Keep in mind, I still need to install two shelves on the one side and have trim/molding work to finish.

I love it! I realize resale is important but I hate making all my design decisions solely based on resale. It is your home so enjoy it.

Hmmm. Looks like you were late for a cabinet discontinued sale and got what was left. If this look makes you happy, fine. Rock on. But one day if you have to sell your house in a hurry and there is no cash for a fix up, this kitchen will drag down the best price you could possibly sell your house at. It's a gamble.

I think, personally, painting the wood toned cabinet isolated amongst the bank of black lower cabinets and the island the same colour as the rest of the lower black cabinets would blend better. The only other things that are bothering me is the lack of crown moulding on the upper cabinets next to the sink and wall opposite where the fridge is. Also the shelving to the right of the back wall. Please put another band of wood. Even if it isn't a full shelf it will lend symmetry. (I suspect you didn't because upper cabinet wouldn't be able to open... But a band of wood at same height as shelf to left of cabinets housing microwave would balance things out)

Like others have said if you are happy that's all that matters, but I suspect you aren't otherwise why post?

At first I didn't even notice the odd colored cabinets because all I saw was the open shelves. I know open shelves are "in" but I just can't stand them. Since your kitchen table is white if you are going to change the cabinets I would paint the black ones white.

I think your kitchen is beautiful and very unique!! The 3 color combo does well! If you're happy then that's all that matters but trust me. I love this kitchen. It's time for a change in traditional monotone kitchens. One thing I have to say is you should add an additional cabinet left of the sink. That way it'll tie the whole space together. Anyways gorgeous kitchen!!!

Its a clash for me... I don't like anything about it.. But do whatever makes u happy.. You are the one who has to live with it.. But its a bit toooooo much

Different colors - why not ?

Some years ago there where one monochrome façades on private homes in our country and now you see more and more combinations of two (or more) colors appear.

Personnally I would have limited the painting of my kitchen cabinets to two colors as there are more than two colors in the room anyway if you count the metallic surfaces, the countertops, the walls, the floor amd the rest of the deco.

There is a nice dog on some of the pictures - a Boston Terrier ? - whose coat is not monochrome either ... source of your inspiration maybe ?

Good luck, and don't be afraid of doing it your way :-)

I like the chubby Boston Terrier

Hi Kathryn, what I hear you say is you love the cabinets but you are feeling the kitchen is just a bit busy. They are beautiful cabinets.

I would suggest you play with removing accessories/decorative items to see if the space becomes less "busy" to your eye. As you are wondering, I think you are right to keep the wall cream rather than introducing a new shade behind the shelves. You could try removing all the wall decoration to the left of the sink to give your eye a resting place there.

In the pictures you posted later in the thread (earlier for the actual room?) the shelves are more monochromatic. Perhaps try thinking of shelving display, not practicality, using a unified theme or a color (white to reflect the island?) with a few striking pieces.

I've attached an ideabook from Becky Harris with shelf arrangement ideas for you to consider.

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/9874

If you love your cabinets, making them the star by minimizing background objects seems like the way to go. I know I am always playing around to find the balance I feel is right. You can always put things back, but if part of you is saying it's too busy, you should feel free to listen.