Brighten up a dark kitchen

13 years ago

We are buying a new house that comes with dark hardwoods and dark cabinets. I've attached a few images of how it looks so far. The floors aren't in yet, but this is what they will be:

http://www.hillcountryinnovations.com/hardwood-flooring/hardwood-product-detail?SKUGROUPID=271&skuid=5187

The walls and ceilings are currently SW kilim beige, but we're considering painting the ceilings white before we move in.

We actually chose these materials many months ago, but now we're worried that we shouldn't have gone dark with both the floors and the cabinets. It's too late to change anything now, so what would you do to brighten things up? We were thinking area rugs, but we're not sure how that will look in a kitchen. Any ideas? Thanks!

Featured Answer

PRO

Oellien Design, Inc.

13 years ago

Hello, please just remember the sparkle to the kitchen hasn't arrived yet. I assume the appliance are going to be stainless steel and maybe even the cabinet hardware so those details will add light. Right now everything is dusty and dirty and sometimes it is hard to see the forest for the trees. I have to admitt I'm never a ceiling white kind-of-guy. I'll talke a warm white that I am using on a ceiling and add 25% of my wall color to the mix just to cut the edge off the white. Your kitchen is going to look great. What till the appliances go in and the place is cleaned up.

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Comments (10)

Jessica
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks! Yes, the appliances will be stainless and the hardware is brushed nickel. I think we've just been stewing with these selections for so long that we're starting to second guess ourselves. :-)
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PRO
Barnhart Gallery
13 years ago
This looks rich and wonderful. So long as you have task lighting, I'd bring in some silvers -- mercury glass canisters, etc. -- and start mixing martinis. Without kids and dogs, rugs can be okay.
Jessica
Original Author
13 years ago
There will be task lighting and some undermount lighting as well. I know that I need to see the finished product, but I have a nervous husband who is definitely having trouble seeing the forest. :-)
onthefence
13 years ago
I think your color/surface choices are gorgeous! I've always thought that white was a beautiful contrast to cabinets and floors in the shades you have. Perhaps when everything is moved in - and dusted off ;-) consider some bright white accessories.
Madeline
13 years ago
I don't know where the expression "nervous Nellie" originated but in my humble opinion it should always be replaced with "nervous Ned." Men are the worse about worrying and second guessing their decisions although macho to the end they will always deny it later on. Please tell your sweet husband not to worry, you have everything under control. You'll let him know if something big comes up that only he can handle, otherwise kitchen's coming along nicely.....!
Lina
13 years ago
did you consider replacing the back splash with a brighter one? apple green maybe would look great. add a bowl with apples on your island and VOILA!!!!!
PRO
Oellien Design, Inc.
13 years ago
I have to remind myself as a project is under construction and starting to come together that when I saw the project in my mind's eye I saw it completed.....not in pieces. Then we have to pull the whole thing apart to put it back together as we design it and complete the documents. So, i have to be really carefull as the project is coming together not to judge it too quickly because I saw it complete in my minds eye and not a messy construction site. Stay where you are headed because it is going to be GREAT.
PRO
User
13 years ago
We've found that sometimes brightening a room doesn't mean, changing the paint, the walls, the tables, or any main elements of the room. Accessorizing with a bright colored bar stool like in this picture can easily do the trick. Hope you get inspired :)
Green Tea
13 years ago
Just to clarify, the walls aren't actually painted yet in these pictures I think. There's a small patch of Kilim Beige in the background. Eventually they're going to put that on the ceiling and just about every other surface in the house. Hardwood will be Hillcountry Innovations Napa Valley Collection Syrah. Just not digging all the warm colors, though by themselves dark floors, cabinets, or countertops don't bother me when contrasted by some cool colors.