New to GW, kitchen in progress, flooring dilemma!

12 years ago

We are at the beginning of our kitchen reno in our outdated 1970's home. Here are the details!

It's a smaller rectangular shaped space with two entry points one to the dining room and one that looks directly down 5 steps to the front door (it's a split level home). One thing I love about it is the large window over the sink.

Cabinets: Kabinart Cherry, Mission with toffee finish (shaker style). Ordered and should be here in 3 weeks or less!

Countertop: Soapstone, mostly grey/black (not green tones) with thin, delicate white veins

Hardware: Brushed stainless 7" pulls

Appliances: All stainess, pretty basic.

Flooring: I'm hoping to get some opinions about this. We have looked at HUNDREDS of tiles and I cannot figure out why I am not liking anything except for one which I am afraid may be too dark. My husband is ready to lay down a sheet of plywood and call it a day LOL.

We've narrowed it down to Unicom Starker Natural Slate, and the choices are Multicolor or Autumn.

Multicolor: this is the one I fell in love with. I just love the way slate looks and this tile is just as beautiful except it has the practicality of porcelain. I think it would look amazing with the soapstone but I'm afraid with our cabinet choice it will become a dark, cave-like kitchen.

Autumn: Nice tile, but I'm having a hard time visualizing the final product. I'm afraid with the rosy tones and some of the tiles that have black/grey colors in them that it looks dated. Although I think it would be nice next to the cherry/toffee cabinets and add a lighter element to the room.

Backsplash: Also up in the air. Trying to incorporate glass tile or a shiny porcelain (I'm thinking 1 x 3) because I love the look and maybe use that as a way to lighten up the space in conjunction with light walls if I go with the dark tile.

We have been staring at the sample boards that the tile store let us take home and I just cannot pull the trigger. Any thoughts are appreciated!

We're doing 18x18 on the diagonal and the surrounding floors are the original thin plank oak(?) going to be refinished (unsure if we'll have them stained) during the kitchen reno.

I'm going to read the info about posting pictures and add some visuals.

Thank you!!

Featured Answer

PinkyRN
Original Author

12 years ago

Thanks for the welcome!

boxer, those are very similar except the cabinet style is a simple shaker. I believe the color is very close. The sample we have is a few years old so it has darkened some. A nice preview of what is to come.

I'm personally drawn to the darker one, multicolor. I'm hoping light walls and backsplash will be enough to keep it from looking like a cave. It would be nice to also put the same tile by the front door (in a different size) to tie things together.

I feel like either tile would look beautiful, I just don't want to pick the wrong one and wish I had the other. Probably the most difficult kitchen decision so far!

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Comments (10)

PinkyRN
Original Author
12 years ago
these are the cabinets...

our actual soapstone slab (it's wet in this picture, we plan to oil it)

this photo kind of sums up my inspiration (did I get it from someone here?!) just trying to imagine with darker cabinets and soapstone instead of granite. I'd like a similar backsplash but not quite that color. More of a natural looking color, but still bright... if that makes sense lol

and here is the Autumn shade floor that we are also considering. I feel pushed toward this because it's lighter and more neutral, thinking resale purposes? I feel like not everyone will like the slate look that I do.
boxerpups
12 years ago
Welcome to GW.

I think your elements are going to be lovely.
Is this below similar to the cabinets and floor options?
I personally love the Top right Multi rather than the
lower left called Autumn.

Which do you prefer?

Here are some other similar kitchens with soapstone and
cherry cabs. (Not toffee but similar) You can see the floor
options they have used and what works for the space.
Hope this helps.

~boxer
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herbflavor
12 years ago
the lighter floor looks better, it's got a lighter feel, not just in color but it's shading is more subtle-much nicer. The dark floor is too "heavy"-doesn't work with the soapstone-looks like a foyer type of tile. I'd take the lighter one-very pretty.
Aynb
12 years ago
i loved the first kitchen picture; it is small but has tons of storage space; cud love to have the choice when i was planning my kitchen.
Sorry the comments are not what you are looking for; but can't stop myself from saying good about the inspiration picture.
boxerpups
12 years ago
Silly me,
I was posting when you were posting. Trying to guess was
all I could do.

I like the darker floor. I know the lighter is nice but
the darker makes me smile.

I found an image of the darker floor (Multi) is this it?

I have to run to an appointment but when I get back I
have a few ideas for a backsplash. Of course this can
come later but I love thinking about kitchens and can't
wait to share.

~boxer
PinkyRN
Original Author
12 years ago
That is exactly the one. I'd recognize that pic anywhere since I've been looking it for weeks!
deedles
12 years ago
Here is another opinion: Both floors are lovely but that darker one is a bit more interesting, IMO. With all the different colors in there, you could pull one (or two) for a back splash. Someone on here just posted a very similar floor in the last few days. Really nice. I'd love that type of floor buy my back won't let me buy it.
PinkyRN
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks, I love the opinions. I've really only asked my husband (he's got a good eye but can't decide either) and the people at the tile stores who tend to keep steering me toward things I feel are gaudy and busy or too... tuscan?

I feel like the darker one has colors in it that I love, coppers, blues, yellows. And the lighter one while brighter and more universal might steer my whole living area, which is pretty open, in a direction I don't want the palette to go. Unless I'm missing something when it comes to colors lol. I'm new to these things!
User
12 years ago
Just remember to add in additional lighting on dimmers---more than you think you will ever need--when doing the dark floor and dark cabinets and dark countertops. Lighting will make all of the difference in how your choices actually look in your home.