the shelves in the corner will be fine, great place for a display of some kind.

Not a fan of the lights over island... a smaller solid whit glass in a cone shape would be my choice.

Natural wood shelves will add warmth, not black... too harsh for your small space.

the hood is fine to address down the road.

the chandelier is a bit cute, but chose what you will.

@RL Relocation LLC

1. thanks for the advice on this- wondering if you coukd be more specific. Should the L be at the depth if the microwave (deep) and then the side thats on the wall be the same depth as the ither shelves?

2. Thanks for confirming this. Hubby and I didn’t care for them when they went up, and feelings have worsened about them lol. Thanks for the pics and the mock up!

3 & 4 I was initially going for an MCM look, but realized it wasn’t for me. I’m looking for a flush mount or semi flush mount light that coordinates with my updated classic home. It doesn’t have to be as fancy as my dining chandelier, but coordinates nonetheless.

5. I think we are done with the electricians right now, but I hadnt even given that a thought. Maybe in the future.

Thanks @HU-695822714 I dont think I will go with black or charcoal as you say. I am considering trim white or my cabinet color. Idk if I want the wood tone anymore. What color would you suggest? my floor color, a warm grey wash like PB’s finish?

TY

would these go btw?

they are 10x7 So definately smaller than the current ones

photos from crate & barrel

I would do the shelves with what ever depth you had originally planned. Look at your example photo, the shelves are not as deep as the cupboard.

Of the two pendants I would go with the first one, as it will give you the best lighting there

In the living room, can you post a picture so I can see the ceiling? If you do a flush or semi flush in there you wont really be able to see it so I am wondering if hanging would still be a good option. also it looks to be hanging from a beam? or next to it?

@RL Relocation LLC

Yes, the original owner had a really heavy fan in there. We wouldnt have done this ourselves, but inspector wont make an issue of it b/c wiring was original to the house and any fixture we put up is much much lighter and we have updated wiring to be safer throughout the house. If it hangs it still needs to be not too tall b/c ceilings are MAYBE 10-12 ft and beam is maybe 10 inches. I do love the soft light that comes from the milk glass.

Pendants:

Ok, I see what you mean. I may go with that first one, or something even more simple and that hubby likes too.

Shelves:

As far as the shelves I do see that, maybe I can get away with doing about 2/3 depth and keep the other side of L at 8 -12 consistently with the other shelves as originally planned. Thank you for noticing that detail.

And to anyone who will answer:

Taking advice to add some warmth and avoiding going too dark in consideration, I am considering a greige type stain color over maple. A walnut finish IMO is too warm for my taste and I have some grey-ish pieces. Maybe something like my side table finish would go nicely?

Thanks so much for your help so far!!!

general finishes graystone :

https://generalfinishes.com/all-colors

Thank you. Are you planning for a coffee table in here? I would lean to non descript track ( track lighting doesn't have to be ugly these days) lighting, or rail lighting. you could always hang a light weight drum shade off it in the future. Reason being anything not hanging, is going to look very odd bc the surface will wider than the beam and it will look like an afterthought. Otherwise I would go hanging just to give some intent to the beam placement.

Oh and about the shelves, I would do a natural wood color not gray that will get dated, and your kitchen is pretty timeless. what about the color of the wood from the hood vent cover you liked.

@PRO

RL Relocation LLC

Thank you, I will take that as a compliment. 😊 I do see what you mean about grey… it is overdone, but still nice in certain circumstances.

I do kind of like the color of those shelves you mention. I could see going with white oak that can be stained a light neutral beige or something & tying in the color in the dinkng room somehow.

In the LR, I will be looking at some point. I think we may get an ottoman or something kid friendly. Ideas welcome of course!

We will also be looking for a dining table and chairs when we save some $ too, but it would be great to have some ideas.

I do like the track lighting idea & I do see what you mean by a hanging light. The one that is there does look like an after thought and now I know why.

Now hopefully hubby and I can agree on some things and move forward lol. Thanks so much for all the suggestions.