Help! Mismatch design

last year

Our kitchen remodel is coming together nicely, but I’m realizing things do not match at all! The dark gray hardware and white cabinets are cool but the gray quartz countertops and backsplash are pulling slightly warm and it totally clashes. I obviously can’t change the countertop, the backsplash and the cabinets at this point. With changing the hardware and/or the wall paint color help bring things together? The walls are currently SW snowbound. Any ideas welcome.

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PRO

Diana Bier Interiors, LLC

last year

Your kitchen looks beautiful, and I find it difficult to see the issue, since the whites look different in the different photos with the lighting. I don't think changing the hardware is going to make a difference, and I like dark hardware on white cabinets (I've done it twice in two different homes).

If you change the wall color, then make a big change. Paint the walls a contrasting color, something dark or more saturated than another white or light neutral, which will compound the problem. Also once you are able to see your wood floors, and you add normal kitchen things on the counter tops (blenders, toaster ovens, utensil crocks, etc.) this small difference in whites is going to fade away. Colored accessories will also minimize the perceived warm/cool issue. I think most of us start second guessing our choices before the room is completely finished and furnished, so I wouldn't worry at this point.

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Comments (20)

Nicole Fry
Original Author
last year
Thank you for the kind and thoughtful response, Diana
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Kendrah
last year
The middle picture illustrates your concern well. However, I concur with @Diana Bier Interiors, LLC - once your kitchen is complete and fully decorated with daily life items, your eye will no longer focus on the color tones. Other things will draw your attention and you nor anyone else will be focused on the warm / cool issue at hand. I don't know that changing hardware will do anything for the situation.
eam44
last year
Is your lighting in? Turn it on, then take more images. You can accomplish a lot by changing the temperature of your lighting.

Just FYI, there are articles on combining cool and warm tones, people do it all the time, but what matters most is finding images you like where this has been done. Then take cues from their mix of hues.
PRO
Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
last year
Great point, eam. Here's an article that discusses the topic:

https://www.homeglowdesign.com/2016/08/27/cream-white-kitchens-stroke-genius/
RedRyder
last year
I think it’s elegant. I agree the lighting is going to change how it looks every time of day and with different bulbs at different levels of power.

There’s something else going on - “remodel angst”. Every new project is an assault on your eyes and it looks “off”, “wrong”, “weird” - you get the idea. I have owned and remodeled 4 kitchens. I had this syndrome every time. In the end, I loved them all.

Give this some time. It looks soothing and upscale. You need to put your things away and live with it for a couple of weeks. I think you’re gonna love it.
la_la Girl
last year
Such great advice already - when you’re ready to add some decor, I always love a vintage french bread board or 2 leaning up against a soft white backsplash (I like wood and patina in a space with whites and creams) such a pretty kitchen!
dan1888
last year
Looking at the waem yellow light reflections in your picture(2) it would be worthwhile to try 4000k leds in your fixtures. Or get bulbs where the color temp is adjustable.
PRO
Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
last year
Changing the light bulbs isn't a panacea. It's not going to warm up a cool material or cool down a warm material so that all materials work together. It changes each material differently and it's possible that it may make the issue worse. You can try it and see if it works for you.
einportlandor
last year
Nicole - I had the same concerns as you have. But once the flooring was installed and the kitchen table, red tea kettle, bowl of fruit and wood cutting board showed up, I never again thought about it. Your kitchen is gorgeous!
Nicole Fry
Original Author
last year
Thank you all for the helpful input and reassurance. Even after a few days, I am feeling a lot better and am hiking how things are coming together. I feel confident with some extra accessories. It will tie it together even more. Thanks again!
RedRyder
last year
Good to hear!
Nicole Fry
Original Author
last year
Making progress
mbartley56
last year
Nicole Fry it looks great! Enjoy!
doods
last year
That'a beautiful!
RedRyder
last year
Looks good. The rug is an excellent choice. Elevates the neutrals.
Caroline O
last year
Yes! Gorgeous floor and excellent choice of rug, with just the right amount of colorful accessories. Make yourself a cup of tea, sit back, and enjoy!
PRO
Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
last year
Yes, it looks just beautiful--love the floors and the rug.

I say have a glass of wine and enjoy!!!
badgergal
last year
Love that rug. It adds a nice punch of color and at the same time it incorporate your island color, your floor color and your cabinets color. Beautiful kitchen
la_la Girl
last year
Such a lovely kitchen - simple and super inviting, enjoy ✨