I’m having a hard time envisioning white stools in your room, which is very warm and inviting to me, it’s just beautiful. I think that’s probably why I’m not a fan of the wreaths, because the white sticks out and looks out of place. That said, even though you say the stools you have now were supposed to be temporary, I feel they are a good fit for the room, the style works, the iron instead of more wood, the cushions that mimic the table seating instead of again, more wood. What if you were to cover all the cushions in a new fabric, maybe with some pattern to add a little more interest to the room? You could even use two different fabrics, maybe a quiet one for the chairs and a complimentry fabric with some whimsy to it for the stools. I notice that all of your fabrics are solids, so if you’re like a lot of us and have a hard time picking or mixing pattern, there are people who rock at it here, My3dogs for example, she’s the bomb! And she has good examples of how to bring in that touch of whimsy so it works the room.

Thank you for responding. I'm very neutral that's why I prefer the buffalo check that's there. Also the Dayna Stools are off white not bright. Thank you so much for your kind comment about my kitchen. Yes the picture with the wreaths were from last year I was to lazy to take a current picture of my stools.

The new Ballard stools in brown, if they exist, would be better.

Everything that Lukkirish said. IMO those new stools have a very "resort in the tropics" vibe, unlike the feeling and décor in your gorgeous rooms!

Oh see, the buffalo check doesn’t show up in the picture, it just looks cream. I can see you’re neutral and that’s ok, there’s nothing wrong with that. You mentioned wanting to lighten the walls, but you didn’t say which colors your leaning towards, do you have something specific in mind?

The stools may be off white, but next to the woods and darker colors, I still think they’ll stick out. The room has a nice flow for the eyes, everything blends well, I just don’t think the cream or beige would fit well, but I could be wrong, maybe others will chime in with a different perspective. The wreaths are a really cute idea for xmas, I was just trying to use them as a visual example. If you take a picture or two of the room during the day, more details will show and you might get more feedback.

I'm having a really tough time seeing bamboo-l`ike stools in your space. I'm having a tough time linking to sites but try hickory stools on overstock. They come in different colours and if you're looking for something a little less formal they might suit your room.

That’s a popular color and it’s pretty. I think I would wait to deal with the stools until after the painting is done. It could put a completely different feel in the room.

Do these bar stools at Chairish do anything for you, where you think you may paint the area gray? Nantucket Style Bar Stools - Set of 4

I prefer cushions with fabric I can change and also for comfort. We sit there a lot and with teenage boys being able to change the fabric a must.

What about something like this and you could add a light seat cushion.

I like that. Thank you.

I think your stools look great. Save your money and go on a little holiday somewhere.

My husband is really going to love me asking for advice that saves him money. I guess the stools need to stay since no matter how long I look nothing seems to work.

I would suggest trying to find stools without backs. Also, I think your lights over the island are a little high.

Thanks we look for comfort so backless isn't an option. The lights are at a height that is within recommendations. They were also placed at that height because our other ones obstructed the view to the other room and while I love a nicely decorated home it also has to be realistic to our lives.

I like your present stool better than the white ones you were thinking of. I would look for a nice wooden stool that goes with your kitchen table. Since you have the room I would also look for ones with arms.

That's beautiful but to heavy looking for me. Thank you for the suggestion.

Do you like the dark wood? The metal seems cold.

No I don't like the dark wood. Especially since my kitchen is dark and so is my dining area. And yes I agree with the metal which is why I have been on the search for what feels like forever.

Have you considered a wood that is stained in just a lighter or different tone? Something like this maybe? I think a different tone of wood in a style that is more in sync with what you have style wise already would be pretty and not distrupt the flow you have. If not in the direction of the color shown here than another tone. I just don’t have time to look around anymore.

that's a lovely chair

Beautiful kitchen.

I would lighten up with comfort - what about these?

Thank you everyone for all your suggestions and time. At this point I think I'm going to wait on the stools till after the holidays but I will definitely consider the ones suggested.