I would use something in the greige family rather than gray because you have brown/cream on island. BM Edgecomb Gray

The island needs to be much darker, and the floor needs replacing before you pick paint. Paint is the absolute last thing to select. You need to finish the rest of the renovation first.

Vinyl plank over the tile. Paint the island dark blue. Then you can do a medium greige for the walls. Otherwise its so washed out and blah with no contrast that you need a dark dramatic paint for the walls.

Can you put vinyl plank directly over existing tile?

You do not have enough dark elements in your kitchen to be able to do a light paint color. The values of all of your choices are too similar. I agree with painting the island a dark color, and the wall a medium tone. Not light.

If you used an epoxy grout colorant to match the background color of your tiles, the grid pattern would be eliminated and that issue would diminish. You could then use several darker rugs against the light floor. Or just do the vinyl plank suggestion. It's inexpensive and it's an fairly easy DIY project.

Pros -- could you further explain this concept, please? I am intrigued how light/dark contrasting colors work in kitchens. I have seen many examples of light colored kitchens (white cabinets and islands, very light countertops) that look great with light colored walls. Fairly monotone and very little contrast, yes, but it works and can look very nice IMO. Do these kitchens look nice because there are no other dark elements which are fighting it in the kitchen (like dark perimeter countertops and dark grout)? Or do you feel there should always be some contrast using light/dark in kitchens?

I am curious, because we were planning on a lighter kitchen (natural wood floors, off white cabinets and island, cream/beige/gray countertops, off white backsplash, with light wall color). I don't like "busy" and I prefer lighter colors, but now I am wondering if it will look totally blah and drab?

Nixx,

Can you add another tall dark finish book case like the one you already have next to the end of cabinets nearest the sliding door? You can fill it with cookbooks, etc. I see you have a young child so make sure its mounted to the wall securely. You can even put some baskets on the bottom shelves for toys (well disguised).

I think you have a good balance of darker items with the table, bookcase, and countertops. A medium toned grey will give you just enough color for your neutral scheme.

A tailored valance on the sink window, plus some new drapes will add some much needed additional textures.

Karen Haggard, CID

Hello CLC,

There is no rule of thumb when it comes to a kitchen being too light or too dark, or having enough contrast IMO. Its about the balance of texture or lack thereof.

For instance, countertops are usually smooth and the mind knows that before touching them. Cabinets can be lacquer smooth contemporary or textured visually or literally as in wood recessed panels, no matter whether they are light or dark. The tiles (floor or wall) can be smooth or textured as well.

The key to a well dressed kitchen is to make sure the overall plan and design style are determined prior to starting, along with the color palette - the big picture. Whites can be layered on whites, and darks layered on darks freely provided they adhere to the desired style. Its when multiple styles are combined in error that a kitchen will 'miss the mark'. And all the details in the kitchen must be completed in order for the room to look finished.

A kitchen is full of hard items (cabinets, countertops, tile, wood, etc.) and is usually minimal in the soft items (cushions, drapes, placemats, etc). The key is to balance these out texturally.

In a clean, sleek, minimally colored contemporary kitchen, just about everything will be glossy smooth to the eye and touch. The subtle things that will bring in the texture and depth can be a single large wooden bowl, some natural element placemats, etc.

In a traditional kitchen (light version), the cabinets will bring in the visual texture with say a Shaker door style. The countertop can be a smooth marble, with a white subway tile with a linen colored grout, a light wood floor (which will mimic the grout color), and silver knobs. All within a very tight, light, somewhat monochromatic color palette. Any curtains can also be within this color scheme. The visual textural elements will come in with the fabrics and accessories. An old jug with wooden cooking utensils, a small countertop herb garden, etc.

The last thing to account for is lighting - it can make or break a space. General, task, and ambient light and placement must be taken into consideration. It must consist of natural and artificial sources.

If you need other information, please feel free to contact me directly.

Karen Haggard, CID

That is so helpful, Karen......I appreciate your explanation. Thank you!