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walkerkali77

Too much gray?

11 years ago

Hi,

Let me start off by saying I've never been great with decorating, so right now I'm stuck.


We are in the process of getting ready to build a house, builder suggested we start picking out colors now or if we wait it will hold up the process... I see what he means!


For sure have the granite picked out, it is mostly white with specks of gray and black within. Very pretty. We are pretty sure we want a very light gray wall. Thinking of doing a medium gray tile in the living room and kitchen and a white with specks of gray tile in the bathroom. Carpet can't be too light because we have dogs, and again we are leaning toward a steel gray color. He wants black cabinets, which I don't think will look too bad considering the other colors and a white trim around the entire house.



Like I said, too much gray?


I can visualize the bedroom easily. But its the kitchen and the living room I just can not see. Help?


We don't want to do wood cabinets because there would be nothing else of that color in the house.

Comments (23)

  • 11 years ago

    The only sample I've been able to take home is the granite.


    I've been looking around on the site, haven't found any good kitchen ones yet.


    Found a good bathroom that I love, it looks almost like what I want minus a few details and the same with a bedroom one I found.

    Master Bath (5), North Wales, PA · More Info

    The Lynwood · More Info


    (Credit to the people who took the pictures.)

  • 11 years ago

    If you can't take samples, try to take pictures. I just did one of the DATs and it was the first time I'd actually combined elements together into an electronic collage. Made such a difference!

    Do you love grey, or are you gravitating toward it because it's trendy?

  • PRO
    11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Your different subs should supply you with full samples of the tiles and a wood sample for the cabinets. Many will supply a full size door sample. You're not out of line requesting these samples. It's the only way to make sound decisions for such a large purchase on your part.

    Also you should see the ACTUAL SLAB they plan to use for your counters. Go to the granite yard, select your slab, take a picture of it and sign the back of the slab when it's time. No samples illustrate the slabs exactly. You don't want any surprises.

    Both of these photos illustrate Alaska White granite. They couldn't be more different. And if you only received a sample of the corner, how would you guess what you selected.

    Here are two more black cabinet kitchens for you to consider for inspiration.

  • 11 years ago
    I think we are gravitating toward it because of the color paint we went with.

    Plus it's a very neutral color that won't show stains as bad.

    Our dogs are crazy kids.

    The granite is definitely what we're choosing. Second is possible bathroom. third is living. last is carpet
  • 11 years ago

    You're at the fun part...picking out all the finishes! I would not do white tile on the bathroom floor....it shows every speck. I had it and I was so happy when it was gone. You might want to consider white kitchen cabinets. They look lovely with gray and that is a big expanse of black.....combined with gray floors it might make for a gloomy kitchen unless you have tons of windows and light in there.

  • 11 years ago

    If you are fond of a gray palette (and it sounds like you are), then I think you will love it. Google images of gray rooms and get some inspiration! And you can sprinkle in pops of color with pillows, drapes, artwork.

  • 11 years ago

    Forgot to add......as Bev suggested write your name on the actual slabs of granite in permanent marker and take pics. You should be able to go in and figure out the layout and cuts with the fabricator so the patterns are where you want them...double check it is your slab when you do.


    We had leftover granite we wanted to use in the powder room. I didn't think anything of it at the time but they put our name on it with masking tape. Sure enough, it was sold to someone else who just ripped off the tape. Fortunately, I was able to find another remnant elsewhere, but I learned my lesson.

  • PRO
    11 years ago

    I believe there are a couple of items you should be aware of. The 12x12 tile you have selected for the floor is fairly small, and based on the info in your photo is CERAMIC,..............very susceptible to chipping.


    You could use this tile in a bathroom, but not for the main floor of your home. You should consider a porcelain tile for the main areas, and a larger tile should be considered. I would consider using the wood look tile for your home in place of the 12x12, and there is no rule that says you can't use the same tile in the bathroom/s. This 6x24 tile is LABELED AS Grade B tile which means there is something wrong with it. Might not be square, or maybe there is a flaw in the images. They clearly indicate the tile is being sold as is.


    This tile called Dapple Gray is from Home Depot at $1.99 sq. ft. For a large enough quantity, you can probably get some money off the price. Looks like the same tile to me.


  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Yes, I agree it's not a good idea to install ceramic tile in main/kitchen areas. I learned that from experience, luckily none of the chips are especially noticeable! But I'll never make that mistake again. I've seen the wood-look tiles installed and they look great, I think Beverly is making a good suggestion here. I think the wood-look will help warm up the spaces, too. To me, all the choices together are sounding kind of dreary BUT that's not to say they will be, especially if you plan to bring color in through your decor. I like grey a lot, and I like most of your selections. The carpet choice seems kind of cold, I wonder if they have an option that will still connect with your other elements but have a bit of warmth to it.

  • 11 years ago

    The ceramic one we planned on putting in the bathroom.


    What color do you think would be more "warm" but not completely out of the colors that we are thinking, for the carpet?


    The reason I am not 100% sure on most of these is because I am afraid it won't look good or it will be too dark.


    My dad, who is the builder, told us that grade B normally means it has flaws in it, like variations in color, I'm sure there could be other flaws, but I was thinking since its cheaper if there was a few odd tiles we could by more and throw the odd ones out?


  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I'm not sure what your carpet choices are, and I have never bought carpeting so am no expert by any means. What I had in mind was a cool-tan or cool-brown, but that might not appeal to you since it sounds like you don't want any brown or tan. I guess what I had in mind would qualify as "greige".

    "Driftwood"

    "Steeple Gray"

    "Stone Path"

    "Mocha"

    "Stormy Weather"

    That should give some idea of the colors I had in mind.

  • PRO
    11 years ago


  • 11 years ago

    https://www.stainmaster.com/Carpet/products/details/u74a-north-american-grey-89832#tab_colorsTab


    I could do something like this. Not a bad color, its in the "gray" family.

  • 11 years ago

    So I decided to look at some with white cabinets, I must say I'm starting to lean toward them..... Makes the space seem much larger and happy.


    If you were to do white cabinets, would you want the floor or walls to be a bit darker?

    North Vancouver · More Info

  • 11 years ago

    People who have had black cabinets and furniture say never again! It shows every little speck of dust, and with dogs....

    Often a wood island or other wood cabinetry or a wood island countertop is added to white and gray so it doesn't feel so cold.

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Since our build job fell through, I've spent hours perusing new and recently-built existing homes for sale online. Seems like black cabinets are the popular trend in my area. They can provide a dramatic look, but I so prefer white cabinets. They make a kitchen feel fresh and - well, just HAPPY, in my estimation. I love the last photo you shared. What a gorgeous space. I'd want to spend lots of time there.

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Everything shows up on black. We put a matte asphalt gray tile floor in our main bathroom...it's a pretty bright space because it has a solatube skylight. As much as I like the floor color, it's so dark everything shows up. Water spots. I never thought I'd be someone who would complain about water spots, but they make the floor look sooooo dirty. At least my boys are learning to wipe up all their little drips ;-)

    I think white cabs are classic, I'm not sure about black -- it probably is as well. I'm not sure if that's a consideration for you, but it is something I take into consideration. Maybe you could compromise, white cabs and a dark gray or black (or dark wood) island. I think that's a very nice look, and those colors would suit your lovely granite.

  • 11 years ago

    It may be my screen, but the tiles you have chosen have a lot of brown in them while the granite reads black and white. It might be worth it to hire a designer to help you make these choices as well as paint colors, etc.. These are high ticket, permanent items that you won't be able to change easily. You'll kick yourself if you don't like them all together when the house is done. It will be money well spent.

  • 11 years ago

    The wood looking tile does have a tinge of brown in it, but the other does not. Must be your computer?

    I like the idea of white cabinets and black island, but our plan has a U shaped kitchen, no island. Hmm...

    I think I will sit down with my other half tonight and look at some more pictures on here and see what he thinks.

    I'm starting to lean more toward white but he is on black. He said "Whatever you want to do is fine" but, its his house too.


  • PRO
    11 years ago

    Why not consider a compromise? You can do dark cabinets on the bottom and light cabinets on top, or do a finish that is halfway between black and white........grey.


  • 11 years ago


    Custom Cabinetry · More Info


  • 11 years ago
    So after lots and lots of scrolling through pictures as inspiration I think we came to a consensus.

    The original granite and tile I posted. A flat cabinet with lots of knots stained black. White trim. Taupe walls with aqua accents. Will be deciding complete on carpet later but will either be a tanish gray or a blueish.