Calling all Designers!!

14 years ago

This is the view of my condo from the front door. I've decided to makeover the entire place from scratch, with the exception of the couch (see image below)
I am going to replace all the white tile with a faux wood porcelain tile, (image sample below) Preferbaly something medium dark to dark. And I'm going to reface the kitchen cabinets,replace counter and backsplash.
My question: Since this is one small space, do I need to keep the cabinets in the same color as the floor? I've heard that it is best in small spaces. Is a dark floor too dark for a small space?
What would you do?

Featured Answer

Faireden

14 years ago

last modified: 14 years ago

No and no. This is why; so much of design is about creating illusions, but there are many illusions to create and rules are just guidelines. A very dark floor will appear "endless." Think tasteful contrast, very light cabinets would look great too and getting lighter as you go up the wall will appear dignified - which is sort of the opposite of small! Visual weight is what you have to "manage" use transparent materials as much as possible, leggy furniture. Balance is an important element of design and the smaller the space the more aware of it we are. Maintain visual balance on all the walls. Keep lines clean. Consider an Asian influence - looks great with clean lines and high contrast.

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Comments (11)

houssaon
14 years ago
Here is one example of a wood tile with dark wood cabinets:
DC Row Home Kitchen - Range · More Info
And another with light wood cabinets:
Grant Park Kitchen Remodel · More Info

I love the look of mahogany wood with a lighter wood tile floor:
Urban Homestead · More Info

I think this might be close to what you're thinking about and it looks great:
San Carlos Craftsman 2nd Story Addition · More Info

Doing your whole condo in the same tile will give you continuity, which helps to make the space feel larger.
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Gina Johnson
14 years ago
I'm really liking the dark floor tile, and good choice on the sofa. I agree with faireden in regards to contrast with lighter cabinets. I think a lot of what it will take to make the room feel larger is to reduce the visual bulk of the furniture so, if possible, eliminating the large tv cabinet would help
Frank
14 years ago
What options are you considering for the lighting? The first thing I would suggest is perhaps a hanging light over the end of the peninsula to replace the overhead fluorescent light. Maybe something kinda funky and interesting like the Corbett Embrace. I feel that would give a nicer light and be a good focal point.
User
14 years ago
last modified: 14 years ago
Did you decide what you are going to do with the mirrors and the mirrored door in your dining room? Because of the fairly open floor plan, it's best to go with one continuous theme like Asian as faireden suggested or Art Deco. And definitely follow Frank's suggestion about new lighting. I just attended a trade show where there was a phenomenal light selection, including designs from Nervous System: http://n-e-r-v-o-u-s.com/shop/product.php?code=67&tag=lighting. The dark wood floors will look lovely. Kyoto Rakushian had beautiful blue and white tapestries that would look nice either over the mirrors or behind the TV if you ditch the media cabinet; you could also get the coordinating throw pillows.
ferji425
14 years ago
Hi there. I'm sorry I don't have any input to offer on your makeover questions. I'm in the same boat myself! I hope you don't mind but I wanted to ask about your couch. Did you by chance get it at City Furniture? If so, how do you like it? It seemed super comfortable when I tested it at the store. Thanks in advance!
srareyes13
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for all the input. As it turns out the ideas in my head are mostly in tune with faireden's. However, I am not a fan of Asian or Art Deco. I lean more towards monochromatic with splashes of color from art work and accessories. Regardless, I think I'm going to need help. The big confusion for me is going to be how to intergrate all the rest of it (i.e. wall color, drapes, rugs, tables etc) the way I see it in my head. I think maybe I need to find an e-decorator? this way I can put it together at my own pace.
Ferji425; the couch is comfortable, but a bit to soft for my taste. I like more back support.
User
14 years ago
Have you seen the queen's house on Once Upon A Time? That is an outstanding example of monochromatic style. For affordable art, go to SPKCreative.com, Artspan or Etsy. Post pics when you're done!
michigammemom
14 years ago
I like the choice of your faux wood tile, but I would suggest that you select a low console for your television. Your current entertainment center takes up a lot of your valuable wall space and closes in an already narrow room. With the addition of your darker cabinets and floor, I would also recommend that you lighten up the wall color for a fresh, modern look.
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Mona Ives
14 years ago
I would do a dark handscraped floor and white kitchen cabinets. I love contrast in small spaces because it gives you something to look at :) and that scheme would complement your sofa.
lefty47
14 years ago
HI -- Oh ! your the lady with the mirror wall question . The floor choice sounds fine -remember dark floors show all the dust . With small condos it is always best to keep everything very mono and tailored . Think about glossy white or light grey cabinets with quartz counters in white or grey or dark.Or black granite counters . Use the same material for a full backsplash. Have a look at the glossy doors at Ikea . I did a condo penthouse several years ago that was all light mono tones and lots of textures and colorful modern paintings - it was beautiful if I do say so myself.