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Design Dilemma
jcolecav

Kitchen lacking flow...need wow factor

14 years ago
We bought this fairly new house, so I hate to have to change the cabinets or granite...however, the tiny pendants and matching lighting over the kitchen table need to go. Thoughts on size? maybe 2 or 3 big ones? Brushed nickel or dark bronze? I like the Harmon pendants at RH. and maybe a backsplash? Any ideas to take it to the next level...I want that "wow"! I was told once that the room is "too warm" and need some cool ideas! thanks for your input
(kitchen furniture and couch is cognac/dark brown, not black)
Featured Answer
  • 14 years ago
    I agree completely with your own assessment of your kitchen and think you should follow your excellent instincts. The RH Harmon pendant(s) would add a nice modern industrial touch, and I think a backsplash that came up to the bottom of the cabinets would look both more interesting and more finished. You'll need to be very thoughtful in choosing the backsplash material, however. I'd caution against anything with too much of a mosaic pattern, partly because you already have that mini-splash from your countertop, so you don't want the patterns and materials to compete on the same plane. Take a look at kitchens on Houzz with that combination of 4-6" granite backsplash with tile above it and see how other designers have solved the problem. (I'm going to do a search and see if I can find some examples. I'll post some below if I find any I think are useful). I'm not going to suggest any particular materials since I can't see what your granite looks like up close, but it may help to see how other designers have approached the "two backsplash" materials problem in general.

    Finally, I have two tiny suggestions for changes that you didn't mention in your initial assessment. First, I think you need to find a place to hide your trash bin. Even if you have to lose a lower cabinet to convert it into a trash drawer, that would be better than having it out next to the island. Second, I'd like to see something more decorative in the two glass cabinets. Either glassware or all white china pieces or something that adds to the aesthetic effect of the kitchen. While I can't quite tell from the picture what you have in there, I can tell that it looks pretty random.

    Looking at it as a whole, I think you have a lovely, modern-looking kitchen that needs only fairly minor tweaks to really shine.

    Comments (32)

    • 14 years ago
      You kitchen is very pretty. I am not a designer, and I am sure one will probably comment on your kitchen. I will just give you my quickie impression about your question on the back splash. I am not sure how it would look, since your cabinets are not designed to go all the way over to the windows. If you put a back splash in, then that would have to go all the way over to the windows, and then you'd have the wall expanse over the back splash. To me, that would make it look rather awkward, as my eye tells me I would want a uniform look, Going from the back splash with the beautiful wood over it to the back splash with a stark bare wall on top just makes it seem like its incomplete somehow. Maybe one way to get around that would be to paint the wall as close to the back splash color as possible. Like I said, though, I am not a designer, so they could advise better about the feasibility of a back splash.
      One thing I do think you need, though, is more color. Everything is way too neutral. I don't really feel your kitchen is "warm" or "cool" in terms of one being dominant, as you have the warm wood, but the cooler silver metal surfaces, gray granite, and white wall.
      In terms of light fixtures, two larger ones over the island would look nice. I would stay with the silver tones on them, though, since you have the stainless steel items in the kitchen.
    • 14 years ago
      last modified: 14 years ago
      I agree, the lights look silly. Have three – one for each chair, a little bit larger. Perhaps have shades to match the dining table.
      My biggest dislike is the soulless flooring.
      Repaint the white trim.

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    • 14 years ago
      It looks like the window over your sink is in a bumpout/recess (depending on how you think of it) - what about doing something special right there, and taking some sexy tile from the countertop around the window all the way to the ceiling? Maybe remove the window moulding and wrap it around the windowsill? Then wrap that around underneath the cabinets. That little strip of granite has always been a pet peeve of mine - I dunno if that can be removed without ruining the countertop but if you could I would and take the tile to the countertop for a more cohesive look.

      I see something in a small-format mosaic tile with some bling not TOO much bling. Maybe a tumbled travertine/glass combo, or a slate with a little of that quartz veining for some shine. I am seeing small tiles, 1 by 2 or 2 by 4 inches maybe. And I feel like something in the slate green family is the way to go.

      For the pendants - I agree that three is better. I see something in clear glass, but with color. Maybe something in either green glass, or amber to pick up on the tone of your cabinets. How do you feel about Mason Jar pendants?

      Have you also considered recovering your stools, bringing in some color/pattern that way? They are big enough that they sort of create a wall of beige across your kitchen. If it's an option maybe change to something backless.
    • PRO
      14 years ago
      As you look the photos you see that the kitchen is busy or heavy at the floor line. You see a window that is white and blank. And you are correct that the pendants get lost because they are small and white.

      Consider a shade for the window mounted approximately 12" above the window on the wall, giving the window a taller feel and it will allow for some of the shade to show while up without covering up view.

      Second consider Hubbardton Forge pendant lights for a more dramatic feel over the island. I have these in my showroom on display and they look fabulous.
    • PRO
      14 years ago
      Look at these lights .
    • 14 years ago
      Hmm. Interesting. The colors are somewhat neutral, but the dark/light values vary so much the effect is more busy than calm. Plus there are enough shapes and textures that it approaches busy, even though no one piece is a standout accent. There's no personality. If it were a painting, it would feel disorganized, as if every part was competing to be attractive and I am not finding the important part. So bring some lights and darks closer to the background, then choose a focal point and make it stand out.

      I think I would paint the remaining wall a bright warm sunflower gold, (or pale peach if you want more subtle), and try for chairs that gently pick up the accent. Maybe just embellish these chairs with gold tassels or a row of brass nailheads across the top, but that putty color is not helping. Or a brown leather accent. They used to make little mini slip cover things that only cover the top six inches of the chair back and protect it from your hair. That would add personality.

      These lights just hang in your face and contribute to the complexity. My eyes don't know whether to focus on them or the wall. First try just raising them. I bet they would essentially disappear if raised a foot, and help resolve the background or accent question.

      Of course my kitchen is accented by dirty dishes, so don't do as I do! kudos on clean!
    • 14 years ago
      I notice that you have one important factor missing in your 'boring/expected' kitchen. You don't have an accent color. I see browns in cabinetry and furniture, and grey on the wall, chairs and appliances. Choose another color that will unite the cool grey and warm brown......THEN use that color in the backsplash, fabric on the chairs at the island, and in window treatments. Bring that color into the family room with throw pillows and an area rug. I would use a rust color, but if you are sassy emerald green might look nice.

      Your assessment of the kitchen is correct, it is builder standard. But the problem is not the cabinets or the flooring, or really even the light fixtures. It's lack of embellishment. You have to go to the next design layer.
    • 14 years ago
      I think your kitchen is beautiful, but if you just want to just step it up, I have a few suggestions. Don't we all:).

      First, if you think the drop down lights are too small...change the glass globe. Put up some w multi colors or clear or frosted...

      Then, let's get something done to that window over the sink. Shutters would beef it up or a cornice board that is big enough to go up to the cabinet level and that will just barely come into the window an inch or two. Cornice boards are simple to make and can be upholstered in an accent fabric or painted in an accent paint. Then put a piece of wrought iron on the board on top of the paint or fabric.
      Then again, a LARGE piece of wrought iron could be hung on the wall over the sink and forget dressing the window at all.

      Then a small chandelier over the sink would certainly give you a wow factor.

      Now, see that empty space over your adorably clever chalkboard door...well, add a matching piece of wrought iron over there too. Draws the eye up! And that arched door...put the same wrought iron piece over that door too. I think this will help unify the room.

      Personally I love the bar stools, but a lumbar pillow could be added in the accent color you choose.

      Ffinally, the backsplash...mmmmm...I have a solid slab of granite on mine (I know I took the lazy quick way out, but was just DONE IYKWIM) but since you already have the surround , I think I would just leave that alone.

      I know I've rambled, but hope you can make sense of what Im saying.
      Good luck with an already gorgeous space!
    • 14 years ago
      last modified: 14 years ago
      As promised, I've included a few photos of tile back splashes installed above a short granite backsplash, each with a different approach to the design (the first one is closest to your colors and situation, I think). I'm also including a link to a discussion thread on this particular issue where various designers and others weighed in with suggestions, as well as a debate about whether or not it is advisable to try to take off the short backsplash to expand your options for a full sized one. You may find useful info in it, or at least some things to consider:
      https://www.houzz.com/discussions/need-help-with-my-kitchen-backsplash-dsvw-vd~128069
      Best of luck!

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    • PRO
      14 years ago
      Maybe adding a garden window?
    • 14 years ago
      Consider the new cabinet product at rustoleumtransformations.com to rework the entire color scheme in the kitchen. You need a color fabric on the bar chairs too. I agree with the tile around the window idea, just be sure it is the right tile and don't fall for the fads. They don't always work as envisioned. I'm really tired of both subway and glass, especially the skinny contemporary glass tiles in a setting that isn't contemporary enough - they are just too busy to put with anything but crisp, clean, and simple looks.
    • 14 years ago
      How about adding some fabric to the window and I agree with you that the lights need to be bigger and more of a statement w/o detracting from everything else. Stay with brushed nickel or even copper. Not used as much but a great color choice. Backsplash yes...but will depend on if u go with something untraditional or trending right now as far as lightening. Freeny showed u one pic..bottom and that is trending. vicrant showed more of a statement pc bc it's artistic. I am seeing mosaic pcs of glass as backsplash just bc of the traditional look of this kitchen. I do like the windows and trim work...good luck
    • 14 years ago
      I like the idea of stacked 1x4 glass tiles in a grayish blue color in the recessed window area above the sink!
    • PRO
      14 years ago
      This kitchen has potentially to be a WOW-Factor room. If you do what some of the previous comments said before me and different lights over each of the bar stools that would give the room more of a personal touch to it. Also the top of the cabinets look like they could use a little bit of detail to them. I would recommend putting a small plant (fake) to lighten up the top of the cabinets. - Vince Fratantoni
    • 14 years ago
      Have you seen this piece....it is a beautiful light fixture, but not sure if it would work over your bar/island area??? It's called the Solano Chandelier by Zia Priven. Comes in different finishes and I think they make them to order. Pretty darn "wow" to me without being in your face totally.
    • 14 years ago
      thank you! I'm loving the honest comments, especially "soulless floor" (!!) ouch, straight to the heart, but I don't disagree. FYI the trash can is there to keep my little girl from pulling all the wine bottles out! No one has really commented on my oil rubbed bronze idea for big pendant lights??? I thought it would pull together furniture. BUT, now I'm realizing LESS might be better. There is way too much to try to look at right now. Simplify.
    • PRO
      14 years ago
      Ah trisn is just pulling your leg...

      Great kitchen and you should be proud of it I think.
    • 14 years ago
      I personally think that painting the cabinets (perhaps white?) would create a more cool space. I find parts of your kitchen to be warm and other parts to be cool. I love the industrial feel to it. I agree about the lighting. If you found something that was kind of long and retangular, that would look great. Either that or just the three larger lights as you suggested. If I were you, I'd try and find ways to get a bit of color into the room. The chairs could be recovered or maybe add a rug. Gorgeous house though!
    • 14 years ago
      Your kitchen is lovely!!! Agree with feeny, just a few tweaks.
    • 14 years ago
      I think you could get away with painting that backsplash wall a dark color to match the granite, and it would be enough wow. Floor and cabinets keep it nicely warm against the cold hard silver/black/white.
      The 4 tiny lights are too busy, I would do two larger ones.
    • 14 years ago
      I think you have a lovely kitchen! Frankly, I thought one of your pictures had a colored background to it, and was perfect, so perhaps a yellow or orange tone would add more color to the walls. It's the cheapest thing to do, and it's easy to change. The other easy thing to do is to get a colorful rug for the family area near the couch, and a few pillows and flowers to add color there. So far any of these things are easy to change. I would wait on the backsplash and anything else that's a permanent change, until you are sure what colors you want to go to. And don't do anything to those floors! With a little color in the walls, it'll jazz up those floors in a minute, and won't cost a cent!
    • 13 years ago
      Hi I don't know if by now you did anything. I'm a elect trician 36 years plus.the4 pendents are ok just change the glass say a green or blue that will add some cool to the area.i also do stone work.I would do a tumbled. Mix slate on all back splash areas also over windowst this would look great with your cherry cabenetts.hope that helps
    • 13 years ago
      Hi I don't know if by now you did anything. I'm a elect trician 36 years plus.the4 pendents are ok just change the glass say a green or blue that will add some cool to the area.i also do stone work.I would do a tumbled. Mix slate on all back splash areas also over windowst this would look great with your cherry cabenetts.hope that helps
    • 13 years ago
      here some ideas
    • 13 years ago
      Lets face it....it's a great kitchen...just needs color and accessories....vibrant colorful rugs...paint the walls..add some vases, focal pieces...done
    • 13 years ago
      Ps. Forget the matcha, matcha boxwoods...get some height going in one of those areas
    • 13 years ago
      Pass. I see accents to make it snap
    • 13 years ago
      Might want to address the pendants and ceiling above the island, just a thought.
      [houzz=
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      ]
    • 9 years ago

      Love your open area and you have many good suggestions. I agree to go with a darker pendant...I would suggest 2 medium or med. large. What size is your island? Then I would have the 4" backsplash removed and do a solid backsplash counter to cabinets. Around the window go about 1/4 or 1/3 up .

      Bringing a new chandelier in would be nice too and maybe paint /accent a different color. Good luck

    • 9 years ago
      Old post from 2012!
    • PRO
      9 years ago

      I have a few thoughts/suggestions for you. The floor looks bare now and I think the addition of some brighter color rugs would help. Put one under your dining room table set and maybe a runner on the floor between the sink and the island. The area that is between the living room and the kitchen seems very sparse. Can you liven that up with artwork, rug or accent table and lamp?

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