Need help for my Kitchen

12 years ago

I recently moved in to a home with a dark kitchen. The cabinets are dark, the counter is dark and the backplash has a little bit of contrast but in the same tones. My last kitchen had dark cabinets but it was more modern and with lighter counters. I have a more modern/contemporary style and tend to gravitate towards gray tones. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can spruce up the kitchen to incorporate more gray tones and a more modern look? There is something about the kitchen that I don't like and I just can't pinpoint it. The quality of the photos are not great but you will get the idea.

Featured Answer

Darzy

12 years ago

It's a beautiful kitchen. You could install under cabinet lighting, and hidden rope lights above the cabinets for a nice glow above too. TaDa! A brighter space. A big bowl of limes, lemons, whatever, on the island will add color and yummy too.

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Comments (8)

inthedetails
12 years ago
It is a very attractive kitchen but I agree it does look a bit dark. I can't tell what color the walls are but I would go either very light or very bright, close to white or bright green for instance. It looks like there is space above the cabinets. I might add some white pottery pieces on top and on the island.
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soniena
12 years ago
Repaint the cabinets and add under lighting
Lesley Delle_Grazie
12 years ago
It is a beautiful kitchen, just too many dark finishes. I would change the backsplash, maybe stainless steel tile to reflect more light. As Darzy said, you could really use some under cabinet lighting.
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Tres McKinney Design
12 years ago
I echo the recommendations of under cabinet lighting and changing the backsplash tile. If it is in the budget you might consider having the cabinets painted out in a light gray. It looks like your floor might be a golden limestone color. You might consider looking for a linear glass mosaic tile that incorporates grays and amber glass tiles to tie in the floor. The recommendation of stainless steel tiles is another good option.
luvbug86
Original Author
12 years ago
I was thinking replacing the backsplash may be a good option to lighten up the space. Under counter lighting is definitely on the list! We just put in some pot lights (there was only the lights over the island before) but I still think under counter lighting is necessary.

I was also thinking about painting the island a lighter colour - perhaps a gray as someone suggested or off white. Any thoughts on which colour (off white or gray) might look best for the island?
lucidos
12 years ago
It's very attractive in a masculine way. That kitchen does not have one ounce of femininity to it. Additionally, I don't see a window?

The under counter lighting gets my vote. There isn't even a scooch of wall space to add a picture. Take the lime green from the rug and add a centerpiece something with more feminine styling.

I wouldn't paint the island till you decide on a backsplash. In all honesty I don't think that changing it is the answer.

I can see changing the hanging lights. Perhaps a wallpaper too to bring in your green and greys and offer more color.
plainjanesmith
12 years ago
I love this kitchen, probably because it's very similar to mine. You have many opportunities to add modern and colorful touches without making major changes. For example, the dishes behind the glass doors, the pendant lights and the bar stools can be easily changed to lighter/brighter colors.