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lesismore77

What should I do with my kitchen desk area?

13 years ago
I recently renovated my kitchen and added a little desk area. The counter height is lower and I put a dining chair as a desk chair. The wall above where there is no tile backslpash is obviously crying out for something. I have an overall picture of the kitchen so you can see the design (my design by the way). There is a closer picture of the desk with nothing there and one with a computer, chair, etc (desk in use, I call it). I often hide the ugly toaster-oven up in the cupboard but it was left in this pic by mistake. I was thinking a bold piece of photography or artwork. Or perhaps an oversized clock. But I would love some opinions. Please comment on the window treatments too....they were left from the previous kitchen and I will probably change them.

Comments (40)

  • 13 years ago
    oh dear. the one picture is rotated...here it is the right way (I hope)
  • 13 years ago
    oh well....just tilt your head please....technical difficulties :(
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    I love the color of green you have chosen! I would use Roman shades for your window treatment so you can adjust them like the ones you currently have. White would probably be a good color.

    I think either high definition photography in a theme of your choice or an abstract painting. You can check out either on Etsy.com and input what you are looking for in their search Engine. All of the shop owners on there can be contacted to discuss your needs. I have a photography shop on their, nancyhehmann. Do not know what you like but take a look at the photography from Hawaii I just listed. The volcanic black rock with crashing ocean waves is striking and there is greenery as well in it. It is fun to be able to go to amazing places anytime you want which is possible with high def photography. Also, have some PEI photography.

    If you want a famous artist, check out Park and West Gallery website. It might go up in value.

    Or you could just choose a fabric with that color green and stretch it on a frame and staple gun it around the frame.

    When is your next dinner, I'll be there! But, you are probably too far away.
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    HI -- You did a great job - love it. It looks so young and fresh you are probably young too I am guessing . The whole room is very minimal so I am not sure this is an idea for you but I thought maybe fill that back wall with same size square white fames with large matts with some black and white photos . Or three large same size posters/prints or framless paintings . I think the widow coverings should just be some white romans with maybe a smalll trim accent . Or maybe a photo wall paper on the whole wall with a scene of trees and grass or a big close up of a flower or a texture . Maybe search photo wall paper and see what pops up. Try -- eazywallz.com
  • 13 years ago
    I think I would put another one of those white cabinets above, similar to the kitchen, with enough window clearance of course, then below, either a Forbo Bulletin Board or the same mosaic as you have under the window.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Place a black sticker where write on it.
  • 13 years ago
    Many good ideas. I like the idea of floating shelves stacked irregularly for books, pops of colors with knick-knacks, and framed photos. I always need shelves in a workspace to keep books, bills, etc... Many ways to enhance the area.
  • 13 years ago
    My vote is for an oversize photo art or painting...the room needs some "movement" to warm it up and personalize. Lovely remodel though.
  • 13 years ago
    Love your kitchen, how about a large chalkboard wall with a vintage style frame and an old desk or piece of furniture where your current desk is. You could hang some vintage pendant lights or chandieliers where you have the current recessed lighting. It would add an unexpected element. Good luck!!!!
  • 13 years ago
    Are these polyurethane cupboards? I'm not sure if the colours are coming up right in the image. Is the desk area really brown? I feel it should connect with the rest of the kitchen area as it is visible. Stick to blue/ green theme. Agree with white accents such as frames, window treatment. There is a fun shelf by ikea which is a zig zag. You can get it in white...usually. Can't tell what are the bench tops. Are they stone? If so what colour?
  • 13 years ago
    wow. where do I begin. lol. there are too many colors in there to begin with. you can use a light blue or a light green but not both plus the purple in the dining area. .not enough cupboard space or counter space. like the backsplash. for window treatments I would use either conventional curtains or the kind that roll up. the desk area is a real good idea.
  • 13 years ago
    needs something on the walls. they are too stark.
  • 13 years ago
    Love your kitchen design I think you did a beautiful job. I am picturing artwork on that wall I think that would be wonderful. Something abstract or as mentioned earlier a beautiful photograph. Enjoy
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    Love the kitchen. I think a great new desk chair similar in style to the bar stools would be nice. The window treatments for both windows should match of course. A large bold print to bring in alot of interest and another color in a roman shade style. Then a framed cork board and black board to hold your notes.
  • 13 years ago
    We recently remodeled our 3rd bedroom into a home office. I wanted the design to be flexible so it would be a productive work environment and comfortable enough for a guest bedroom when needed. So I understand maximizing a room for multiple uses. I would suggest assessing how you intend to work in the space to dictate your design. Some ideas...

    1) Floating Shelving. Some sleek white lacquered floating shelves (to match your white kitchen cabinets) would look sharp. You can display some modern knick knacks, storage baskets and/or cookbooks. Shelving is an inexpensive option in comparison to cabinetry. After the remodel, I am sure you are looking for ways to keep $ in your pocket.

    2) Modern art. I like your thought of an oversized modern art piece in this area.

    3) Shelving & Art. Hybrid of both! You can use the space from the corner to 1/3 of the wall for shelving and allocate 2/3 of the wall above the countertop to a piece of art.

    4) Chalkboard. If you are the type of person to entertain, you could display menus or notes on a chalkboard. Attached is a pic from Pottery Barn. I know the finishes do not match yours, but it helps illustrate the idea.

    Have fun designing!!!
  • 13 years ago
    Love it. I think a big piece of artwork would be great! Maybe a cool funky chair and shelving too.
  • 13 years ago
    Better late than never...
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    As the founder of Revolution Design House I am always looking for a good spot to plug the Bloomer planter series and the designers we represent. Hanging multiples on your green wall would bee cool. You could add a living pop of green to your color scheme. Even if it is not our planters, I am a big fan of adding living plants to any space. Good luck and love the stools you picked for the island.
  • 13 years ago
    Hi, overall the space is cool and surfaces hard- with the exception of the shades. Why don't add a woven/natural material chair, like from Pier one and an organic linen lamp shade with a shiney silver lamp, like from Pottery barn. These elements will warm up your space and maintain the metal elements, throughout the rest of your kitchen. Or an organic linen wall paper, with metal shelving. Most important, do what you love!
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    You are close, but I think it missed the mark. Lose the blue walls in favor of a white the same as your uppers. Lose the angled support in favor of a 2" column and a 2" thick horizontal support under the counter across to the column. Not sure about that tile with the counter top you have, as the photo is a bit fuzzy for me...add a few white floating shelves starting at the tile height about 9" deep x 3" thick x maybe 30" long. Change the blind to white horizontal, in favor of an awning window if possible. It looks like lighting at the desk area might be needed improving too. Install some strip led lighting at the underside of the floating shelves and maybe a modern pendant from the ceiling, at the corner closest to the window. Good luck!
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    okay...I think I've got it! Get a 3' square canvas....paint the canvas the green color of your cabinets with acrylic. Let dry... Then...take the blue and draw a BIG ampersand...* sign. in the blue color. ( or ? or $..whatever suits you) If it is drippy, or not exactly perfect, all the better! It is original art, goes with your color scheme and also speaks to the "desk" area of your kitchen.
  • 13 years ago
    Love your high energy kitchen! Great design. Add a couple of the L-shaped walnut shelves for shelving, painted if you like to coordinate. Then for your office wall, try the magnetic bulletin boards. Steel squares, alternating with bold colored (coordinating) blue and green board squares, patchwork quilt style. Leftover flooring could be used to create a frame around the bulletin area.

    http://www.crateandbarrel.com/glass-magnetic-17.75-wipe-boards/f44436

    http://www.crateandbarrel.com/l-walnut-shelf/s305049
  • 13 years ago
    I would go for some shelving (floating type, with no visible mounting system). one ore several prints (canvas or framed), maybe typo or abstract with some red in them. I feel the need for some red. taht for the wall on the left. Change the window treatment, I'd go for a plain roll-up in grey(silvery would be great). I would change the top of the cabinets and go for a slight industrial look - maybe cover it in silver metal or something, and add a funky -industrial table lamp. You can aso add a metal framed piece of chicken wire to use as a pinboard, but unstead of pins use metal clems.
    shelving: http://bedroomfurniture.guidestobuy.com/danver-stainless-steel-floating-shelf
    typo: http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m33az1f3T61qae2kzo1_400.jpg
    blinds: http://st.houzz.com/simages/689476_0_4-3426-contemporary-roller-blinds.jpg
    lamp: http://www.buyfurnitureyoulove.org/upload/2468_photos/terry_tynan_table_lamps_industrial_table_lamp_27369.png

    And really LOVE the kitchen :)
  • 13 years ago
    Lytftgghhghg bhhgyguhgvgg
    kUj
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Justttt change the toaster oven, sorry the chairs gotta go too and blinds horizontal --but someone suggested white--might work ....I didn't like the office/desk color at first but the reasoning for it suits fine! (distinguish separation in room in keeping with same finish I get it) ....I personally would add floating shelves not too much desk clutter n whatever u decide--release pix for too ok ! Good luck GREAT SPACE!!!!! I'm sure the effects look incredible with DIMMING POT LIGHTS--wait ARE THEY?
  • 13 years ago
    I really love your kitchen. It is bright and fresh looking. Well you could add up some shelves on your desk area and keep various things like books, photo frames, show pieces. Whatever you like can go there. But do not make it too cluttered or else, the whole minimal decent look of your kitchen will get spoilt. So be careful what you chose to do.
  • 13 years ago
    Thanks for all the great comments so far!! Just to clarify the colours since the photos don't capture it quite right (taken from my iPhone). Charcoal grey lower cabinets, white uppers, granite counter are "minsk green" (mostly white with grey-black and hints of green), wall colour is grey but looks blue in the pictures, backsplash is green mosaic. Continue you comments now.... ;)
  • 13 years ago
    Oh, and the lower cabinets in the desk area are also charcoal grey but look kind of brown with these pics.
  • 13 years ago
    My favorite suggestion so far, is the addition of another white cabinet, but I would consider adding a small padded bulletin board in a fabric with your tones of green in it, in the back splash area under the cabinet. You could also add a taller, free-standing cabinet in your green like this one, I think it would add color balance and cohesiveness to the the kitchen as a whole It all depends on how much storage you need.
    [houzz=
    Contemporary Home Office · More Info
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    [houzz=
    Traditional Home Office · More Info
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    [houzz=
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  • 13 years ago
    Hi there, I want your kitchen, love it. Hey does it have to be an office. I would love to see what this area would look like with a large open hutch sitting on the bench to collect lots of bowls, plates etc some linen napkins, jugs. Maybe some stainless steal trolley with fruits and vegies. Coffee machine with cups and canisters for tea making. I don't know do you call it an open pantry .
  • 13 years ago
    Just wanted to show another angle so you can see what's behind the "desk" area. And no, it doesn't have to be an office. But it will house my laptop since I'm sick of it being on my dining room table!
  • 13 years ago
    My iPad is always on the dinning table and guess what my table is surrounded by the kitchen.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    NOPE - you need a metal war board or magnetic board to post calendars, notes, kids artwork etc.
    I would have it done in stainless steel. I have two or three made for my design studio and i use it to keep me inspired with fabric, colour and articles to stay fresh - current.

    Either that, or you could go with a wall tattoo and chalk board (not whole wall, just a mdf board mounted to the wall)

    Layer it carefully, you don't want it to start looking cluttered - good luck!
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Here are a couple photography recommendations. I've tried to recommend a couple pieces that would bring in some green to breakup the blue wall. We are a web based gallery that is based in Toronto. You will notice that everything on our site is available in a range of sizes and can be ordered on a number of different materials. Enjoy!

    http://www.committedphotography.ca/photos/frame/281
    http://www.committedphotography.ca/photos/frame/689

    www.committedphotography.ca
  • 13 years ago
    @Committed Photography, Inc: You have hit the nail on the head. How did you read my mind?? I absolutely love macro photography...extreme close ups creating a graphic impact. I try to do some of this on my own but don't have any fancy photography equipment and I assume if I try to print my pictures too large they will lose clarity. I will definitely have a look at your site for more! I do love the two you suggested already!
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Lol thank you for your compliment!! I think you will be more then pleased with either image. By all means if you have any further questions or need help you can reply back here or reach me via email - support@committedphotography.ca. Have a great day!
  • 13 years ago
    Both of them are beautiful. My favorite is the first one. I think something like that would be great.
  • 13 years ago
    Committed Photography, beautiful photos! Perfect for lesismore77!
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Thanks everyone!! Really appreciate the compliments! :)
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