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skiwasser

Kitchen and dining area looks sterile.

11 years ago
I'm very happy with my light walls and dark cabinets. Looking for ideas on how to finish it off and make the space feel really homey.

Comments (27)

  • 11 years ago
    It is beautiful! A large rug under the dining table may provide the warmth you are looking for. Would you like window coverings such as roman shades and/or curtain panels?
  • 11 years ago
    I agree, a rug under the dining set should looks fabulous.
  • 11 years ago
    I love it! I'm not sure if you just moved in or you're just naturally so clean and clutter-free, but I would imagine just the signs of everyday use would warm up the space enough (e.g., bowl of fruit or breads on island/counters, more plants or flowers, candles, place settings on table, etc.). More color for your table centerpiece would be nice too. However, I already really like it. Well done!
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    There is no colour in your space , maybe a rug under the table and some side panels on the window would be an area that you could introduce some colour or pattern or texture.
  • 11 years ago
    I definitely want a rug but I've been stumped on which one. I'm attaching a couple of photos from an earlier post that shows our living area right next to dining. This is where I get hung up on "the right look". As for being clutter free, that's a no! Just put all my stuff away when we moved in to get a feel for the space before overloading. You can't see my dishes that need to be done, because I've spent most of this snowy day on Houzz.
  • 11 years ago
    Love the idea of fabric on the windows for softness, but not sure what type would work best (Romans, panels, etc). Should I leave this as the last thing to layer?
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    A rug beneath your dining table will do wonders to warm up the space. A colorful centerpiece on the table would also help. I would get rid of the rooster and get something more colorful to replace it. Do you like orange? It would look fabulous in your space and injecting that color here and there would look amazing with your current color scheme.

    You're kitchen is gorgeous - love the nook with the zebra print upholstery (very chic). Love the finish on the fireplace too.
  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago
    Hi. You have many interesting things... and pattern, fireplaces, texture... :)
    How's the lighting at night? I think fabric at windows will do a lot, and the usual kitchen rug etc.... feet say 'that's neat'. ??
    As said, a rug under table yes, but that requires upkeep. If you need to cover windows I'd try that first / up and down feature, maybe a rock color/ camel tan which though neutral is brighter... with trim of your red pillow color somehow?
  • 11 years ago
    What a view!! It is wonderful!
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    I think adding a large area rug under the dining table would help a lot! Something with pattern and color! Good Luck!
  • 11 years ago
    To me, what seems stark is that most everything is angular, especially in the dining and kitchen area (except the cat :-) ). In the living area, you get a little curve in the Bombay chest, chair back, and sofa arms.
  • 11 years ago
    sootsprite

    You're right. The furniture in the living room we moved from our last home. Thought we would start with it. I added the rug in that area. The one before was traditional. The kitchen table is a glass round. This is where I'm stumped. I've always had lots of color in our homes but for some reason I'm having a hard time here. Like your earlier idea about window coverings.
  • 11 years ago
    Sounds as though you need an inspiration piece - painting, curtain fabric, rug, something. Take your time to find something you love and pull your colors from that.
  • 11 years ago
    You have a beautiful home, very nice pieces and design concept. I think it might feel sterile to you because none of your own pieces are incorporated yet. Before buying anything new, go through what you already have and see what works. I think you'll feel better about the space once your own touch is apparent.
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    skiwasser - where do you live? The view is awesome!
  • 11 years ago
    I love the rooms & how they mix together, even though I think you can use some more color. Not crazy about the zebra print, but that is just a personal quirk I have. I see you do have something placed on the table, however maybe it needs some more height to it. Definitely add an area rug under your dining area. Be sure it is large enough to pull out chairs. I do not think you really need drapes in your lovely living area. Beautiful windows. I think you should add a window treatment on the window above the sink. It can be a print to add some color to that space & it would not even need to cover any part of the window (except the very top of the casing). Start it at the ceiling.
  • 11 years ago
    The window covering should be Roman shades. Don't remove the rooster. I adore it. I would add window coverings to the banquette area, the door that is in that same area (only if necessary, leave it bare if you do not need the privacy or light control.) Make the Romans curve down in the middle instead of going straight across. This will help with all of the straight lines. You say you need help w/ selecting a table for the banquette area? Just go with an off-white (like the rooster) with a dark pedestal.
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    Color, Color, Color. Look for classy glass containers and fill them with bright items. Do not go overboard and ruin your clean aesthetic, but adding a pop of color like green apples will definitely bring some character back into the space!
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    Kitchen looks great! Dining could use some accessories.
  • 11 years ago
    Your living area is bright and warm and full of texture. You need to carry that through to the dining area. I don't think you need a lot of color. A rug in the colors of the fireplace and some roman shades on the bay would be enough.
  • 11 years ago
    I can't believe all the suggestions I've received from my post. You are all amazing. Thank you so much. Keep them coming. Love the idea of window treatment starting at ceiling over the sink. The table and chairs are from Restoration and I went with the plain chairs with the intent to do something else on them but changed my mind. Anybody want to change my mind again??? Have to get a rug. Someone asked where we are-Park City, UT and consider ourselves very blessed with these views. Thank you Houzzers.
  • 11 years ago
    Stools are a great opportunity for a splash of color!! There's a lot of black and white maybe a red in a hue of your choice might look nice. Also the stainless steel lamps over the counter table look a little sterile. It would be a great place for a large light fixture, it would add some cozy-ness.
  • 11 years ago
    Some rugs from Restoration Hardware and a turned wood bowl on the table:
  • 11 years ago
    Roman shades in the bay will add just enough softness and still keep the place contemporary.
  • 11 years ago
    You need a carpet.
  • 11 years ago
    I love the chandelier in the living room, but somehow the version of it over the dining just isn't working with the sleek pendants and the vent hood. I can't really see detail on the one in the bay, but I wish there were one to meld the rustic living room one with the contemporary kitchen ones.