Overwhelmed

8 years ago

Just bought first home, and have completely gutted it to created open concept layout/change entrance, add walk in closet. Feeling overwhelmed bc of all the design decisions. My questions are as follows:

1. I would like same floor for dining room and living room. Would a gray wood look floor look nice with a gray color wall for living room and dining room?

2. I would like a white kitchen with brass hardware, and a countertop that’s grayish/white marbled pattern. What is a back splash that can match? I think white subway tile can be boring, should I do something different?

If I don’t make sense please let me know.

Picture below is take from living looking towards dining room then kitchen.

Thanks for all of your help!

Featured Answer

Irene Morresey

8 years ago

Some inspiration. It depends a lot on the amount of natural light you have and style you like. I prefer a mid tone brown flooring other than grey. Too much grey could look cold. Also a backsplash the same as your countertop could look good also. Perhaps some cool bar stools in cowhide to add interest

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Comments (12)

Irene Morresey
8 years ago
More inspiration. Tell us more what style you like, modern, rustic, farmhouse
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nysee
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks so much for your suggestions! You are right about gray on gray looking cold. What I gravitate towards is modern, but warm, inviting, cozy.
mehdiadeco
8 years ago
Congratulations on buying your first home!

I agree with Irene that too much grey can look cold, although I was about to suggest keeping your grey wood-look floor and choose another wall colour, so I guess you have a choice now, ha!

About subway tile being boring, I know what you mean because I had the same question when I bought my flat. In the end I did go with white subway tile in a glossy finish (white grout) but I did a herringbone pattern, and I'm very happy with it. It reflects light, it's a classic look but with a bit of a twist... My kitchen is fairly small so I did the same pattern everywhere but here are some examples.

Same pattern:

Willowbranch Home · More Info

Mirror Lake Remodel · More Info

Mixed patterns:
Honed Marble? No problem! · More Info

Longer tiles:
Zebrino Fantasy Marble Island · More Info

Hope it helps / inspires you

Mehdia
Anna S
8 years ago
I would do the floors in a non-trendy color - grey has been “in” for several years already and soon will look horribly dated.

I used these Walker Zanger tiles from their 6th Avenue collection to avoid the dreaded subway tile.
PRO
Sina Sadeddin Architectural Design
8 years ago
Absolutely no gray wood. It's a trend that is already dead. You put them in your home and it will instantly be dated. Go for a medium stained hardwood- it's timeless and classic!

Don't stress about wall colors and backsplashes until the larger elements are in. Those features will really change once they're in your home, so wait.
nysee
Original Author
8 years ago
This is truly helpful. I really like the herringbone subway tile pattern. It looks beautiful and reflects the light really well.

I was not 100% on the gray, and will def look at some medium hardwoods.
:)
pink_peony
8 years ago
I personally think instead of a straight gray floor I would do something in a cool wood tone. Gray is great but I think it may not stand the test of time. Wood floors are a long term investment and you want them to transition around your decorating over the years.

We've been building with your same color thoughts and if you have the time to read through about 900 comments I have received invaluable advice on back splash advice on my post. Ive shared a lot of design decisions and choices as well as mistakes I've made over the past year. https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/5231036/stacked-cabinets-and-hardware-choices#22268525

As far as brass hardware.........I think a more current and softer look that will carry you forward would be to go with a brushed gold or what they call a white gold.
User
8 years ago
We are building with grey walls, island dark grey and pantry wall dark grey but still doing. Lighter floor. This is our kitchen cabinet colours and main flooring
Laura Mac
8 years ago
@nysee, I agree with all the others. Do a light or dark, warm hardwood (no gray). If you like a light/white kitchen, browse on Houzz and find that one that you love and copy it exactly. It's easy to get overwhelmed with too many choices.

Here are a few of my white inspiration kitchens to add to others posted above. The style you like may be different, but I love various elements from all these....

White with gold hardware is so beautiful. And I found this gorgeous fridge by TRUE in matte white with gold handles....just in case you like. I think white appliances are so ugly, but this fridge is stunning...(they also have black/copper and cobalt blue/gold)....

https://true-residential.com/Inspiration-and-Design/True-Portfolio/

Taj Mahal Quartzite

Classic Traditional White Kitchen Remodel · More Info

Calcatta Marble
Mediterranean Kitchen · More Info

Kitchens · More Info

Powell Ohio Kitchen · More Info

Kitchen · More Info

Elegant Living (Back Bay Residence) · More Info

Glamourous in Black & White · More Info
Laura Mac
8 years ago
@Alison, how is your remodel coming along? Any photos to share? Hoping it's all working out for you!
User
8 years ago
Not yet! We are still finishing drywall. Priming next week and flooring a week or so later. Millwork is end of August.