I agree completely! I say no island. It will get in my way. (friends/family have suggested an island which is why I mentioned it in my post)

It would depend on the layout of the rest of the house, and the actual dimensions of that area, but I might put a small table and settee there, like this

Or add built in cabinets and make it a beverage center.

First, I have to say I love the white shabby chic buffet in the modern kitchen, to me, that’s eclectic done well. If I might make one small suggestion... please go ahead and hang the mirror so it’s about 3-5” above the top of the buffet. Having just a little more height to that vignette will make it perfection.

I agree with no island, unless you need it for storage of more work surface. And a colorful rug in front of the sink (that’s washable) might be nice, but otherwise I’d leave it open. Looks like a good place to dance if you ask me! ;-)

I also think you don’t need any more seating or dining space since you’ve already got stools at the bar and the dining table right there. The one thing that I’m not sure about, is the little white table to the left of the peninsula. I can’t quite see it, is that a desk?

Do you need that there? Just asking because if you like the idea of having some extra work space when you need it, you could get a rolling butcher block cart or something that could be stored there and brought out to the center when you need it.

what are you feeling it needs? I think it’s actually quite nice already. Maybe pump up or refine the accent colors to various shades of green? The plants and the green lamp base in the dining area are suggesting that to me.

I think your space space is quite nice already tbh. :-)

DH, thank you. You made me tear up. I designed the space and did the remodel myself, in about a month. Your feedback means a lot.

I will definitely hang the mirror. Thank you!

The white table on the one side, across from the counter/bar is the desk where my daughter does her homework.

We have a coffee bar down by the buffet.

I’ll add a picture of each.

I was thinking a jute area rug with a taller round table in the middle sort of between the sink and range. Not sure I did a great job describing what I’m envisioning.

Traci from Seattle, I was thinking of a bench, something like a church pew, along the wall where the buffet is but I hate to lose the buffet.

Here are a few more pictures

I love your kitchen but am going to mention a few things...I would paint your buffet the same color as your cupboards...leave the coffee bar and desk white. Then I would hang the mirror over your buffet upright to give it height....and not more than two inches above your buffet. I realize it might come near to the ceiling but if there is room, I think it would look good. As for the island....a mobile one might be okay but agree that it will cut off the path from sink to refrigerator. How about a tile backsplash behind your stove = sink? I think I would take all the things down from up high...will give your kitchen a clean uncluttered look.

You've done a great job!!!

Consider an island cart. I have this one from Ikea <https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80035920/>; At this price, you can use it for potting plants in the garage, if it doesn't work! I had the base painted black as I wanted it to "disappear". I oiled the heck out of the top with plain old mineral oil (cheap!). I love it!!! It's never a "barrier" as it's small, but it's a great "landing zone" for groceries, ingredients from the refrigerator, cleared plates or ones ready to be served. I could not live without mine!!!

I like the drama of the dark cabinets with the white walls and light countertops! What isn't working for me is the light green walls that seem to compete with the white walls and white fireplace. Do you think you might paint the wall behind the buffet and the wall behind the desk a darker green and keep the buffet white? If you did this, I would also paint the desk to match the cabinets. Good job on your independent project. And I agree that if you get an inland, go with a rolling version.

Thanks for sharing the island from ikea, Anglophilia. I’ll take a closer look at that.

Olive Olive house, interesting suggestion re: the green wall. What type of green are you thinking?

I was thinking of a darker shade than what you have. There is a benjamin moore color tool that you might be able to use to try out different colors. But I admit to being color adventurous but not always color successful....

Now that I see the white cabinets/coffee station, I think you’ve got a bit too much going on there in terms of decoration. I would remove all the framed pieces, and definitely nothing on top of the cabinets, (unless it’s a plant that trails down a little bit).

Its not that I don’t like the pieces individually, it’s just that I don’t like them together and I don’t like them there. It kind of seems like there‘s a pattern on the back wall of the glass cabinets already, or at least the glass is quite textured and creates a pattern, and the large piece sitting on the counter has a competing but not complementary pattern because of the spaced out type in all caps. And the pieces on top of the cabinet are just not working, and are at a weird angle to see, so if anything there is something you love, relocate it to somewhere where you can see it.

Also, I would paint the fronts of the storage baskets with a teal blue that either matches the teal of the light above the desk or the chairs in your dining room (Or cover them with a fairly simple teal fabric). Or simply find ones that have the right color already.

The area above the desk is styled pretty well. It’s a pleasing composition and I like the pops of color. The one thing I would suggest is personalizing it a little bit more for your daughter, and/or with her help. Maybe she has some artwork that she has created that you can frame and put up instead of some of the sayings... or you can add some photos of her and her friends, or family photos from a recent vacation on the shelves and or on the little bulletin board. What are her interests? Horses? Fairies? Sports? Does she aspire to be an astronaut? Whatever it is... I’d let her have some say in what goes up there, and you can help with finishing/framing/placement, to help keep it looking coordinated and organized.

Lastly, and you probably know this already, (and it’s getting down to the nitty gritty details because you’ve done such a good job already), please fix/replace the door frame around the door by the white cabinets and paint it white to match the rest of the trim! The space will never feel completely right or finished until that detail is taken care of. ;-)

Agreed DH! We’re in the process of hiring someone now to finish the trim work. I will definitely remove the pictures on top of the cabinet & update the color of the baskets. Thanks for both suggestions.

Olive Olive house, I am rarely color successful

We don't think you have room for an island in this kitchen, however we might remove the console (keep the mirror there) and everything on top. It looks like it's too much for the room since you already have a buffet and desk. Perhaps try some seating in place of the console? Notice the blue bench in the image attached.

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I'd focus on the floor, as that is a terrible trip hazard for any guest or elderly or young family member. Obviously, they are different floors, but make an attempt to BLEND them, rather than a large bump in the walking path.

No matter how stunning the scheme looks, the floors give the impression that the owner was too cheap to try to blend them.

Other than make some decor changes with the frames and Knick knacks (which is a personal choice to me) I think a rug would be a great addition. I don’t have any skills to decide if it should be colorful or neutral, or what size. Maybe a runner infromt of the sink area, or a big round.

But ill comment on the island and say don't do it. I used to have a similar kitchen as you with a big space like that. Now I have a kitchen with an island I sometimes hate it. While I love the large counter it provides I feel like I basically gave myself a galley kitchen. Before there was room for my kids to be around me while I cleaned or cooked but not in my way. Now if they are next to me I feel cramped and like I can’t zip around from here to there.

If you think you need one then maybe consider something moveable and keep it where the buffet is instead. But it looks like you have enough counter space for most daily things.

They look like typical floor transition pieces to me. And most normal people DO have to “cheap out” on something when they remodel. We aren’t all living in showroom homes.

Justwantapool. A home is an investment, and "most normal people" acknowledge that and do NOT "cheap-out." Your comment is wide the mark. First of all, most and some are not synonymous. Secondly, home remodeling either adds to your investment or lessens the value when it comes to resale. "Transition pieces" are acceptable in these types of cases- when a wood floor meets a tiled fireplace surround, or a sliding patio door, or base of stairs, or where the wood floor meets the cabinets. The wood floor was not done correctly, as there is a trip hazard in the walking path. There is a reason certain sayings are well known:

"A job worth doing is a job worth doing right."

"A fool and his money are soon parted."

After seeing more of the space and the adjoining space, my opinion changed. (was thinking small round table...ah,perspective) I'd remove the sideboard in favor of an upholstered piece (could be a bench with cushion,a small sofa, maybe even two chairs) and a small,round or oval table.

I’m not going to get into a pissing match over semantics and also something that is already done and the OP asked nothing about. You had a need to point it out. Good for you.

Justwantapool. The OP asked for suggestions re the kitchen remodel. "You all have never let me down. I'm ready for and always appreciate your suggestions. Thank you!"

Any hazard in a remodel is a potential injury claim for a homeowner or contractor. For whatever reason, you felt the need to direct a comment to me and begin a side conversation. Perhaps your claim of "most people cheap out" reveal your tendencies, not that of most people? I don't know you, nor do I care to. If you wish to continue directing comments to me, please message me directly.

To see how an " island " might work in the space you could use the pretty buffet as a makeshift one. I would want something in the middle. It is a lot of empty floor space with out a landing between the fridge and sink for me.

To me ,,,the refrigerator is too far away from all ...so, I would actually put an island so that one can use it to place items from the refrigerator to the island ..I would use that side to prepare the food .., to bake , to dry flowers , to have fun and to break it up .... the other side to wash dishes and organize ...it's great to have a space where you can actually divide and use both sides to your convenience and more storage .
And the area where the mirror is ...I would put a breakfast table . It's a lovely big space ...Just use it put a long narrow table in the middle and live with it before you decide on an island , and enjoy !

DK, I don’t need to privately message you. You made A public comment and I disagreed with it.

Pointing out what may be a trip hazard was fine. But imo, when you added the “cheap” part it was rude and unnecessary.

My point of using quotes around the word cheap was to indicate it was a bad choice of words to me. what you call cheap many people just call a budget.

I would use four matching seagrass or other natural material baskets under the buffet, if anything. And I might paint the buffet a lighter version if another color in the kitchen.

Sherwin Williams has color called Jade Green that,s GORGUSS! ( google ) actually perfect for bottom cabinets not green enough! Needs darker but greener ? I,d take up kitchen floor & go to yu tube to check out “ painted” floors you can do yourself ( maybe w family !! ) I think large checks in the 2 shades of green yu choose for walls & cabs plus white would use up paint & don’t poly let scrapes & stains show a real country kitchen ! Ummm do you really need an island? Yur counter space looks good ! But.... perhaps add a couple of shelves by window? Thanx Peggielee

Was just looking at Houzz,s new rep about islands ! What about using yur buffet? Long (check) hi enough( check) & slim (check) I,d keep white or... go crazy w that 40,s LIM GREEN!! Yea baby !! Jazz it up!! Yu could go pick up a piece of stone ( marble if u bake) for pennies!

Lime green lol!

Definitely don't want to get into any argument but just thought I'd share another perspective on the floor transition: the manufacturer of my flooring recommended using transition strips after 15 feet or so (can't remember the exact distance) in order to permit expansion. My contractor and I decided to omit and continue because it looked so good and didn't have a natural breaking point. Not sure if that was the right decision because there is always a little bounce due to expand/contract cycle. He offered to relay the strips but the truth is that perfection in every way is unattainable. I'm sure that taking up the floor would have induced some other issue with the difficult step transition that is a few feet away. Next time I will think harder about a glue down floor onto my slab. I wish I had a basement but then I'd need a sump pump and my neighbor's just failed and caused a flood, you get my drift....if it isn't one thing it's another in the real world. :)