My kitchen used to be all golden/beige with a U-shaped cabinetry plan. To save money, we kept the cabinets, granite and tile floors. To remodel I've added a peninsula w/a raised bar, so the shape is a "G" and separates the kitchen & eating area. I painted the walls with SW Tavern Taupe (except I had it darkened a bit...I’ll call it “darker tavern”) and the ceiling is SW Canvas Tan.
The problem areas are the focal wall and peninsula wall (the ones w/ color samples on them). Is it better to go neutral on the wall/peninsula and just add pops of color or go bold to warm up the space and separate the dining from the kitchen? I would continue the darker tavern onto the focal wall, but the peninsula and focal wall painted darker creates visual separation from the kitchen.
I’m going for a café feel, on the modern side but not too much (the cabinets are traditional). The cabinets have red undertones, but red for the focal wall is pretty bold & maybe dated? A dark gray seems nice, but when sampled, it’s too dark/muddy/boring. I like the light clay color currently on the wall, but it’s not bringing warmth. I’ve tried reddish/brown, but it seems so dark…or like I’m trying too hard. That wall darkens colors about ½ shade because of light play.
On the peninsula, the light washes color out. Seems only really dark colors look decent. Maybe I’ll cover it with wood panels and paint it…but what color?
I will add a rug under the table later, but I can’t move forward. I'm at a standstill, and what’s worse is that I have a BS in interior design (but very little experience) and I’m losing confidence by the second. I hate when people come to my house and say…”you went to school for what?” Or, “You should know what to do, you’re the designer.” But for some things I just need life experience and this is my first house. Did I mention I have 3 little kids that are sick of me staring at walls? I appreciate any/all advice! Thank you!!!