Taking out a wall giving us a design headache

14 years ago

I've attached a very not to scale picture to give y'all an idea of the basic layout of the living room and kitchen. :)

We are going to remove the wall between the dining room and living room, however we can't seem to pick tiles, countertops and a backsplash that will tie the space together rather than clash.

Our living room has oak hardwood floors that we put in years ago, while our kitchen cabinets are a nutmegish colour maple. Our original plan was to bring the hardwood into the dining area and use tile in the kitchen area, however, we just can't seem to find a tile that looks good with both the red-toned cabinets and yellow-tone hardwood.

Bring a countertop and backsplash into the mix and we just don't really know where to go with all this. White counters, while my preference, has been nixed.

We are open to having tile throughout the whole kitchen/dining area, as well as doing the hardwood throughout, but we still need ideas for tiles/counters/backsplashes that make the room harmonious (without being plain!) instead of just being a clash of colours.

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Comments (5)

Britt
14 years ago
So I think you have 2 different options

1) Restain your kitchen cabinets to a darker tone; perhaps an espresso or a warmer brown. Choose a light tile for the kitchen floor, a beige/offwhite porcelain of somesort.
-This will help create two completely different rooms even though the wall will be torn down. If you do this route, continue with the more neturals for the backsplash and counter top so it will contrast with the dark cabinets.

2) Keep the orginal kitchen cabinet colors and continue to choose a light floor color, still a beige/off white. I would then choose a darker counter top color and backsplash to give the kitchen a divider from the living room. I wouldn't be so worried about the kitchen cabinets and the existing living room floors to not blend so well because they won't be right on top eachother.

-However, given the options, I think the 1st one will be the best!
Good Luck!
houssaon
14 years ago
last modified: 14 years ago
If I were you I'd go with all wood floors. You could then stain the all the floors darker from a golden oak stain to an ebony or keep the light tone you have now. I can't see a light color floor tile in the kitchen and dining room with the light oak in the livingroom, if you do decide to do the dining room and the kitchen in a tile. I think in that case, I'd do a slate tile, like this: http://www.builddirect.com/Slate-Tile/San-Rio-Rustic/ProductDisplay_6947_p1_10067081.aspx

For counter tops, I prefer a light color to see things better. Just for color choices, look at Amarillo Sand, Bamboo, Ivory Coast, Capri Limestone, Blanco City, Urban Cream or Diana Pearl any of which would look great with your Maple cabinets. Some of these are very close to white. See the web: http://www.silestoneusa.com/colors/

For the backsplash, you can't go wrong with subway tile or you could continue the material of your counter top .
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PRO
KC Cabinetry Design Renovation
14 years ago
I would suggest putting hardwood floor throughout so that all the spaces flow together.
A natural stone back-splash would add interest and texture without having to add a lot of color.
PRO
Jessica Berry Design
14 years ago
If you love the kitchen cabinet color and the living room floor color, consider using a cork flooring that has a touch of both in it to tie it all together. Cork in the kitchen can be controversial, as some types are not made to stand up to kitchen traffic. Consult with a specialist on this before proceeding this way. You could still go with an off-white counter that doesn't have too much texture in it. Choose a natural stone (travertine or limestone would work well) black splash, or consider painting the back-splash and using a soapstone counter-top for contrast and visual interest.
Have fun!
jbhola
14 years ago
I would go with white cabinets and maybe a beige granite countertip with silver pendant lights.