Design dead end....

12 years ago

I have been looking at this kitchen wall and counter all Summer without coming up with an idea that would help me improve the overall feel and look.

Suggestions?

Thank you!
Ghislain

Featured Answer

lucidos

11 years ago

Thank you for sharing all this is gives a far better perspective on what you are dealing with.

Pull up a chair and grab a coffee - or beverage of choice, let's have a chat. Looks are one thing but function is quite another and we need to get you a kitchen that functions. You are so crafty and artistic and that got ahead of you.

In the kitchen, when you prepare food, you want to make it easy on yourself. To do that there is a golden kitchen set of rules sent down the mountian by the gods and approved of by the good housekeeping seal of approval and my Aunt Persnickety that we need to follow. It states the following (I'm paraphrasing a bit).

"A kitchen should have a drop spot on the left and right of the stove and sink. A clear area to load and unload the fridge. The fridge, sink and stove should be arranged in such a way to reduce steps and that means the famous triangle. The stove and sink should be the same height as the counter."

Now for pure function:

1. Move the fridge to the doorway where the bathroom is and switch the way it opens....All fridges can move the swing of the openings.

2. Put your smallest base cabinet next.

3. Move the stove next getting it off the heater and the window.

4. Raise the height of the stove with the little stabilizers under it or even put it on a platform to make it the same height as the counter.

5. Place a countertop next to the stove that spans the window with nothing under the heating register. You can use this as a prep area and even put a stool under it for a quick snack.

6. Switch the cabinet by the dishwasher with the cabinet in the corner (the corner cabinet needs to be shorter). Face it the same way as the fridge and stove.

7. You will be left with the larger drawered cabinet. Put that on an "L" by the doorway near the dishwasher.

8. Build a shelf for the microwave so it doesn't fall on your head.

9. Lower the TV, your neck will love you for it :)

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Comments (58)

kcmnc
12 years ago
I really like your open shelves and wood counters, and think they "fit" in with the feel I get from your place (exposed rafters, etc). Some rearranging would be good, as others have suggested.

To me, the problem is the vivid blue paint color. It reminds me of the off-campus houses my friends lived in in college. Colorful is good, but I think this is too bright. Either grayer or richer would be my suggestion, but I am not one of the paint color knowers.
Sue Geddes
12 years ago
I like your open shelving and think you need to unify the shelves a bit. I've added a couple of inspiration photos to show you some ideas on using either the same shape , size , or material on the same shelve.
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carmanah woo
Original Author
12 years ago
Thank you for all your inputs.

I am sorry I was silent for a long while. Life got in the way of remodeling.

First off, I should have mentioned that I am going for a rustic, industrial, Scandinavian, inexpensive and practical thing in my kitchen.

I like the clutter it creates and how practical it has been.

I am struggling with the shade of blue. I wish I had made it colder, with more black instead of white.

I should make a tiled splash guard above the counter. I think.

I intend to refinish the counter but wonder if I should give it a light coloring to match the floors.

The shelves are bugling me. Should I paint them white or leave them the same color as the counter?

I liked the photoshop picture of the bottom cabinet. Depending of what I do to the shelves, I might chose to do the same thing with this cabinet. By the way, I am kind of proud of it, as it is the first one I ever made from scratch.

I moved the wine glasses as suggested and I like it. I will probably make them hanging from the ceilings.

I agree that the pots would be better someplace else but I am running out of room.

During the week, I did move the plates and bowls to the left of the sink but did not find it as practical since the dishwasher is to the right. So I put them back to the right but slightly closer to the sink. I think it is better this way.

Thank you for spotting the hardware malfunction on the tall cabinet. I will fix that.

I ended up hanging the pans on the walls to free up some space and make it less cluttered. I like that as well.

Sorry, closed in shelves or cabinets were not in the plan.

Here is a picture as it is today. Do you have an opinion about the color of the shelves and of the counter?
carmanah woo
Original Author
12 years ago
Oh and you can see the floorplans of our house at the following link:

http://plans.sensopia.com/532f268cea152

Do not hesitate to let us know what you think.

Thank you again for your great help.
Ghislain
everdebz
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
sorry I skimmed, but as to counter, seems fine because [and does it match?] it seems good with flooring. Shelves ok and neater, thanks to time on your hands.
Scandinavian - that's me - there are as you said softer muted blues.
A bedroom but reminds me of your blonds and blue wish
Presidio Heights traditional · More Info

is that green, but new fabric color?
Vintage Kitchen · More Info

linen colored wall with brighter blue accents - and didn't sue mention a pretty light over sink? how's blue?
Burlingame Residence Two · More Info
refurbish
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
Adorable! I love your shelves as they are - the wood-color, and all the items, and the counter. If this were mine, I would just paint the wall the same white as the cabinets or the ceiling. I think that might make the space brighter and seem more spacious, less choppy. Let your items provide the color. And paint is easy to change if you don't like it. This is very charming and cute! It really works.

I lived for 10 yrs in a converted garage with less kitchen. So much less to worry about, and enough function for one or two people. Looking back, those were good times! I love your little space!!!! Don't worry too much...if the color bugs you, change it, otherwise...just be happy... You've got everything you need. Please post more pics if you add to or change it.
carmanah woo thanked refurbish
sueplatt
12 years ago
I like it but I would suggest a sheer from sill to sill over the window ( to allow light and block neighbor). Next a really nice drop down light over the sink. Something to compliment your decor. Declutter the shelves and color match dishes. Then take a step back and see what you think.
everdebz
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
red used with white and blue
Scandinavian Kitchen · More Info

Valance using blue patterns [see shams] but informal eyelet or?
Farmhouse Bedroom · More Info
beachlily
12 years ago
http://houzz.com/photos/6564977
everdebz
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
mixed Scand. blue check valance and red check below sink!
Sophisiticated Master · More Info

red toile valance / red check bottom
In The Country · More Info

just fyi
Morningside Beach House · More Info
everdebz
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
historic wythe blue paint
Living room · More Info
mathomson5
12 years ago
Rustic, Scandinavian -- I would tone down the blue and not worry if it shows through the one coat of white paint that is needed -- maybe a little beige/tan/?? if you don't want to use white -- and if you want a contrast -- but if you are keeping the shelves full, white is better -- I would not worry about adding more to the shelves, either -- once you have too much, more is better -- maybe some green or cobalt blue glass, or straw -- can be recycled food containers with colorful scraps of fabric tied onto top of the lids. No need to purchase anything -- and as for your backsplash -- I suggest that you ask for samples in white/cream/blue/green/brown -- glass colors -- before long, you might just have an eclectic backsplash. On the other hand -- tile can be very inexpensive, especially if you buy at Habitat. Or contact a local builder for leftovers -- they may let you pick up what they don't use. have fun -- keep it evolving -- make it you -- if you like the tile and have enough -- run it up the entire wall.
everdebz
12 years ago
always blue and yellow
A Cottage Inspired Dining Room · More Info
lucidos
12 years ago
Much nicer!!

I have a few more suggestions:

1. Bear with me this is a tiny bit difficult to word. On the pantry side of the shelves cut in wood between the shelves on the pantry wall. It will give the shelves a more finished appearance and make the shelves look more like a unit. Add another shelf on the bottom of the pantry side at the same line as the opposite side this can be just a strip with dowels to hang a small picture or item such as potholders.

2. Add an old style wicker laundry basket or another larger type basket over the pantry unit it will hide and fugly mess up there.

3. Clipboards are great for displaying kids work and art. You can even paint them to match the room. It frees up the fridge so stuff doesn't go flying every time you open it too.
everdebz
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
checks: https://www.fabric.com/buy/0315477/sunflower-medium-checks-cream-blue

https://www.fabric.com/buy/0363436/every-living-thing-checkerboard-yellow-turquoise

https://www.fabric.com/buy/0343903/newcastle-novelties-gingham-blue
zazfuzzroc
12 years ago
I think what you've done has made a world of difference. Looks good. I don't mind your color, but maybe painting the shelves white would make it even brighter. It's amazing what just moving the dishes and pots has done. Great job! :)
sphomik
12 years ago
I would change the blue to a nice pale sea foam green, or even buttery yellow. Then you could echo those colours with one or two accessories on the countertop. I like open shelves. I think all of the white dishes look too visually heavy over each other . Try to put all the small bowls and plates on the same shelf with the big white plates. If the big white plates are too tall once stacked to fit on a lower shelf, split them into 2 stacks. Also, just reorganizing a bit will make a big difference...things look great in 3's...put 3 canisters together. 3 small brown items together, etc.
bgfuqua
12 years ago
it is good now with the changes you made.
regina5697
12 years ago
Much nicer with your changes. Good job!
I think changing your handles and drawer pulls to something less stock would finish it.
magada
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
Am i the only one who just loves that blue as it is ? although computer color rendering is rarely faithful of course.
I find most blues lovely against cream.
But if you really feel you need the paint change then go i'd for a softer wedge wood blue.
In fact i love the look altogether and it's already vastly improved with the rearrangement.
However it is true that the shelves dip slightly towards the middle and would make a big difference if they could be repositioned to be perfectly level.
carmanah woo
Original Author
11 years ago
A progression report:
zazfuzzroc
11 years ago
You've been busy. The shelving looks nice white. That really opened up the space. :)
lucidos
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
You removed the pantry! What about putting that new counter next to the stove and building a counter to the sink portion? It would give you a mile more space and additional storage below the counter. You really need the counter space. I like how you did the shelves.
carmanah woo
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you zaz and Lucidos for sticking with me. Thank you for your comments as well.

Well, as far as counters go, we have quite enough. It is just that I never posted the kitchen as a whole. Here is a picture of the whole thing.

And, another one with the shelves filled out.

I am sorry to say that I have been living with this for a week now and I am not loving it. Too convoluted and not at all the clean lines I was thinking when I started this project.

I am open to suggestions as I am probably too much into it now that I don't see the posititive anymore. Oh God, is there any positive? OK, sorry for the melodramatic this morning...
carmanah woo
Original Author
11 years ago
And here are a few more pictures to give you a feel of the whole floor.
carmanah woo
Original Author
11 years ago
And these...
carmanah woo
Original Author
11 years ago
And the floor plan.
housegal200
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
If you wanted a clean look, I'm afraid having so many open shelves crammed with stuff isn't going to give you that. Ditto the open living area. Shelves are just jammed right to the ceiling throughout the entire space. This isn't Scandinavian or industrial. One shelf blocks the window, one of your positive features and a place where the eyes could get a rest from all the clutter.

If you like a homey, lived-in look, you've got it. You said you like the cluttered look, but sometimes clutter spills over to mess. At the very least, take all the stuff off the front of the fridge and the counter next to it. Remove the hanging baskets with nothing in them. Hang crisp looking color-coordinated dishtowels off the stove handles or none at all. Get an indoor-outdoor rug that coordinates with your colors in the kitchen.

Get rid of random clutter that breaks up the rest of the room--stuff on the windowsills; stuff by the door; stuff blocking the staircase. Leave some open space here and there for the eyes to rest. I'm guessing you can't even see it anymore, but some of the clutter is adding to your dissatisfaction. Pillows and accessories in other parts of the larger room should coordinate with your kitchen since it's all one big room.

Embrace the practicality and comfort and forget the abstract concepts like Scandinavian or industrial, which do not resemble your house.

BTW, if you Google "Scandinavian kitchen," they are invariably all white. That's a beautiful blue, but it's yet one more element for the eye to register. If you went white, then put that same blue in a curtain under the sink, the space would look maginally more unified. If you go all white, with blue curtain, then paint your chairs white and blue to unify them.
magada
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Your kitchen is just great now carmanah, and in all just the kind of room i love to hang out in with friends to the early hours or more.
Most people, well myself and my friends anyhow, love to be simply at a table in the kitchen with a view out to the yard and have a good natter about this and the other.
What more do you need really.
So glad you kept that lovely blue.

The rest of the room you'll declutter and work out later and it'll all be just fine.
carmanah woo thanked magada
housegal200
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Unity of background elements--shelves, cabinets, furniture-- is important when you display a lot of items. Accessories in the living room area--pillows and throws should coordinate with kitchen color. To help tie everything together:

--Move the microwave to the cabinet to the left of the fridge. Nothing on top of the fridge.

--Paint the bookcases by your other doors white. Remove all the items on top of those shelves.

--Consider changing your white open kitchen shelves to the same wood as the counter, dining table, and floor. This will add a bit of that rustic look you said you wanted.

--I hope you can remove the piece by the double doors, which blocks the stairs. At least try it, then step back and see if the space looks cleaner.
carmanah woo thanked housegal200
lnicol8
11 years ago
I would go for more of an Ikea open shelf look, if you are up to replacing the shelves with new (and a bit thicker) white, stainless or natural wood would all look good. I would not go across the window like that, changing this will make it feel bigger and brighter right away. And then it's just organization. Keeping like minded colours grouped together.
I would put all the stainless pots etc on the right it looks too big/heavy for the left side, your white plates bowls stack across one shelf, stand back and squint your eyes...put clear glass where you need to lighting it up a bit and a few pops of colour in places.
carmanah woo thanked lnicol8
lnicol8
11 years ago
Oh sorry didn't realize this was an old thread...disregard, seems you figured it out.
zazfuzzroc
11 years ago
Hi! Okay, first off, I'm so sorry for not seeing your response. I didn't bookmark your dilemma (did now) and had to scroll through all my activity to find you. I get around a bit let me tell ya! lol :) Funny thing is the only reason I ended up looking for your dilemma....was because I found a photo that reminded me of your kitchen, during a houzz stroll. :) So, with that I was determined to show you. Okay, so now I'm here. Sorry you're feeling a bit stressed. :( I know the feeling, believe me. So, it must have been meant to be....that I saw that photo and felt the need to search for you. ;) Okay, so what about this....
Dandelion House by Jennifer Ott Design · More Info

Let me know what you think. And don't be down or give up, okay? ;)
carmanah woo thanked zazfuzzroc
carmanah woo
Original Author
11 years ago
Long time... Things have progressed. In my head as well.

Thank you for your comments. As you will see, I have incorporated most of them.

Zaz..., thank you for finding that picture. It does look like what I had in mind when I first started.

Here are some pictures of how it looks tonight.

I am still open for comments but I think I am nearing the end.
zazfuzzroc
11 years ago
Hi, glad you're feeling better about your space! :) I'm sure you will get much more help. Stick around a bit. ;) Good luck! :)
carmanah woo thanked zazfuzzroc
carmanah woo
Original Author
11 years ago
housegal200... Thank you so much for your straight and direct comment from Nov. 30th. You gave me a lot to think about and helped me refocus of the functionality of my space (and less on the Scandinavian look I thought I wanted). I have taken some steps towards decluttering ( I am encountering some serious challenge in this from my companion and our daughter). I am wanting to follow your advice on accessorizing but for now, our budget does not allow for more spending. Moving the microwave was a great idea. Dido for the block at the bottom of the stairs (now behind the couch). Painting the bookcases by the double door? I need more time to visualise this.

Magada... Thank you for making me feel better. Your comment arrived right when I needed it most. We do enjoy sitting at the table with friends. Most of the time, we spend our evenings there even when we are long done eating.

lnicol8... Great insights. Thank you. You are not the first one to suggest clearing the shelves in front of the window. I want to do it but cannot see how I will fit all the stuff to another place. For now. I think that down the road, I will get different shelves. But for now, we can't. I do regret painting them white but I am for now committed to it.

lucidos... Thank you for the hot beverage and the chat. I needed that. Thank you also for the great suggestions. The golden triangle is a great reminder. I am afraid it is a bit too late for this kind of change (read: I would jeopardize my mariage if I was to make more changes like the ones you suggested). I will let it rest for a few years... I did lower the TV and yes, my neck is happier!
partim
11 years ago
You've come a long way since your last picture. I'll suggest a few tweaks.

In your original picture you had clear glass items in front of your window. I think it worked better than the heavy items you have there now. I see some clear glass items on your top shelf to the far right. Can they be moved to the window? Also, I'd remove any items leaning against the window glass or sitting on the window ledges.

The heavy items (chrome bowl and some kind of cooker)currently in front of the window are very utilitarian - not your prettiest things. Can they go in a big square wicker basket on top of your refrigerator?

I'd paint the under-sink cabinet the same color as your cabinet doors. That will add unity and also show off the wicker basket. Also paint the bit of wood above the dishwasher, and your cabinet/drawer knobs.

A very small thing, but a few sets of matching dish towels are inexpensive and will look nice since they are always on display. Maybe in blue?

Your home is very warm and friendly looking.
carmanah woo thanked partim
housegal200
11 years ago
Congratulations. You've really done a lot of work. Your space looks much spiffier. But the important thing is how you feel about it. Let us know since some of us--like me--were pretty tough.

Yes, get two dishtowels in the blue of your accent wall, white, and tan. Just hang one of them at a time if you're going to hang a dish towel at all on the stove handle.
carmanah woo thanked housegal200
magada
11 years ago
Looking great carmanah, when can i come hang out ?
carmanah woo thanked magada
ltomera
11 years ago
I love it! Great job. I love people's comments and it is so helpful but sometimes it feels harsh! I love love the shelves in front of the window and you can search "shelves in front of window" for plenty of examples. I figure if I can find it on this site - it must be ok. Sit back and enjoy it all your hard work! It looks functional and cool!
carmanah woo
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Almost 2 years in the making. Progress report.

Almost 2 years in the making. Thank you for all your comments. I have taken all of them in consideration and it took me a long, long time to process and come up with a final design that was largely inspired by you.

Here is the latest pictures from this kitchen dilemma project.

Monday morning, I took down the shelves. This is a picture of those empty shelves just before they came down.

Here are the after-shots taken on Wed. night after finishing the install.

Finally, about an hour later, the filled-in shelves.

I went to bed last night and slept really well.

However, it is not finished. I did paint the little shelving unit I built under the sink. I like it. I will now add hinges to the long piece of wood below the counter and the sink. This will become a storage space for sink-plugs and sponges.

The last cabinet on the left will receive 3 new drawers and the door will be reinstalled. The vinegar and oil bottles beside the microwave will be in this cabinet and cleared of the counter.

The content on the shelves will be re-arranged. Many times (I suspect). Eventually, we would love to invest in new (more coordinated) dishes.

The stuff on the right of the counter is now gone to recycling :)

One question I have for you all:

I am thinking of either painting between the shelves or applying some sort of wall-paper. Colours? Advice? I wanted to paint before I installed the shelves but could not decide on a

Here is a few pictures that inspire me:

You can't see it yet but there will also be a foldable counter between the island and the dishwasher. The piece of wood above the dishwasher will swivel and provide a stable and secure bloc for the piece of counter to rest on. I will update when it is done.

So folks, I am open to fine-tuning comments. This project if coming to an end. Funnily, it is not making me happy... I liked the struggle this provided me. And I LOVED being connected to all of you throughout. THANK YOU!!!!
partim
9 years ago
Wow, just wow! You have done a great job! I'd live with a for awhile before painting, but only because you seem to enjoy change and it will give you something to look forward to.

Thanks for letting us share this journey with you.
carmanah woo thanked partim
everdebz
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
With wood and ceiling element in a tight space -- instead of color, add texture like this? Your photos are in modern kitchens ... and saturated color in less shelves than yours... too bright for yours imo.
Whitewashed Wood Wall Mural 8-920 · More Info
carmanah woo thanked everdebz
everdebz
9 years ago
Could stain shelving then - adding to stain a color?
everdebz
9 years ago
Coffee grid - Self-Adhesive Wallpaper Home Decor(Sample) · More Info
everdebz
9 years ago
Similar look to your baskets -
Banboo Weave - Self-Adhesive Wallpaper Home Decor(Roll) · More Info
carmanah woo thanked everdebz
thinkdesignlive
9 years ago
Jane and I are eating this. It's so so good in case you want to try someday.
thinkdesignlive
9 years ago
Ok Houzz world I am officially over multi tasking today. I meant to send the above in a text. Sorry!
carmanah woo thanked thinkdesignlive
Olga Kramar
9 years ago
Looks great! Nicely done.
carmanah woo thanked Olga Kramar

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