Our kitchen colors are similar and we, too, have some wee little ones. In our last kitchen, my (then)1.5yo was surprisingly great with our 2 saddle-style counter stools. Still, we were always nervous when she was on them. We now have an additional baby who will be 1yo and walking/climbing soon. I was certain I wanted something with a back -- much sturdier for kids to sit on and DH prefers it, too, as he is hoping to spend plenty of time at the island. I began my search for low-backs, which I preferred, and like you, found myself often drawn to the the one with clean, straight lines, often hard-appearing and unpadded. Then, last month, we visited family and I fell in love with how comfortable and cozy their padded leather island stools were. All our 5 kids were always up on them, comfortable and safe.

I just purchased these off overstock.com. For real leather, they are a steal, though I'm realistic enough to know that they aren't going to be topnotch quality. I like the low-back, not absolutely crazy about the curved back, but I can live with it. With white cabinets, fireclay sink, quartzite and soapstone counters, shiny hardware, and dark wood floors, I'm thinking the wipe-able leather will give me one less thing to worry about. I'm also ok in knowing that I can easily upgrade (style or quality) in a few short years if I need to.

I'm sure that whatever you decide, it will be gorgeous since you have amazing taste! You won't go wrong...

Here is a link that might be useful: Overstock leather padded stools

Love those stools, and to me they would fit your kitchen beautifully.

We have wooden stools because of kids and have been glad-- everything from applesauce to mac and cheese to potty training accidents cleans up so easily.

Such a lovely kitchen you have!!

I like the idea of leather. I'm imaginging a leather weave of some kind/herringbone or checkered weave...It would be warm and comfy.

or

But if you can't find any that work, I really do think if would be fine going with your chosen stools and matching chairs.

The fabric you mentioned will definitely warm up the space. And I'm noticing you don't have a backsplash. That too will add texture and warmth to the room.

Love your pendant idea!!!

Those stools have been at the top of my list since pps7 mentioned them. Thanks for pointing out the sale!

I have 4 kids and love the practicality of wood seats. I would think woven leather would be a nice place for crumbs to hide, and just think how fun it would be to wipe up the spilled milk. The metal legs look sturdy enough to stand some climbing, and little ones should be able to get into the seat without much trouble.

What are your plans for the windows? It seems like you have plenty of opportunity for warmth there. I'd say go for it and obsess no more!

Ooh. I love the wooden stool you choose, Breezy. It definitely sings to me. I like the leather curved one from Overstock, too, but I like the wood one more. If you think the wood stool is comfortable enough (and the matching chairs, too), I'd go for it. Much easier to keep clean than fabric. I think the simple, square line is great for your kitchen. You've got curves in a few distinct places, and you'll have texture and softness with the fabric you choose, so I vote to keep the stools and chairs simple.

i think a lot of the upholstered stools have a tendency to look heavy, so i would be careful not to crowd the space.

i would love to see any of the emeco stools in the polished finish. i'm not a huge fan of the kong but it would definitely work. the navy stool is a great option, but i'm really liking the hudson. i think it would be stunning in your kitchen. when you click the link, be sure to see the alternate pic showing the two finishes. of course, they are not the most affordable. i seem to have a problem choosing reasonably priced anything. i'm working on that...

Here is a link that might be useful: emeco hudson

I think they'd look great...they'll blend in with the island without detracting from it. And easy to clean with kids.

I love them, breezy! I'm not much of a kitchen fabric person, other than a rug at the sink and a dishcloth. I think wood brings plenty of warmth to your beautiful kitchen.

I think the West Elm stools and chairs would be great. Like linelle I'm not much of a fabric in the kitchen person, so I think the wood/metal stools would be just right.

I'd hold off on getting the matching chairs unless they tell you they will be discontinued soon. You may want the chairs to be upholstered in the same fabric as the banquette, so that the eating area reads as a unit, rather than seeing a line of wooden stools in front of a line of fabric in front of a line of countertop. Not saying it will work that way, but keep an eye out for it.

Mine are, except for a little bit of difference in the frame, (the upper support configuration is a little different) the same as the second one that annsch posted. It's a leather basket-weave pattern. I didn't want a padded leather seat because they seem to be very popular and these are a little different. They are very comfortable. I don't have a problem with crumbs I just either vacuum them or give them a quick wipe.

They are beautiful stools, but I am not sure if they are right for your space. They are a little too matchy, matchy for my tastes. I agree that I think finding something that compliments the space with some color would be great. I like upholstered chairs, but personally, I think they are a PITA to keep clean with little ones. Or maybe my little ones are just too messy.

I like the thought, however of adding another texture to the mix. It think a french bistro barstool would do that excellently, and complement the other textures well. I also think a rattan chair, that was not the same color as the walnut would be a great option.

Here is a link that might be useful: French Bistro Chairs

I agree with Marcolo...it might be nice to have the chairs match the banquette, rather than the stools. Have you thought about outdoor fabric, which is supposed to be easy to clean and stands up to a lot of abuse?

I agree with Marcolo and Lavender Lass about having the chairs match the banquette rather than the stools, as well. I also second checking into outdoor fabric-- we put Sunbrella fabric on some chairs in our kitchen seating area and it's totally easy to clean and quite pet-friendly. Sunbrella makes some great fabrics that you'd never guess were outdoor rated.

You can also explore contract fabrics that are very durable. Contract=meant for commercial spaces. Check the double rubs on your fabric regarding wear resistance but also check cleaning requirements--everything should be on the label.

Sunbrella availability varies a lot by vendor. I find some places, even trade showrooms, only carry very bold outdoorsy colors and prints; then you walk into a different venue and you see completely different styles and color ways. So if you go the Sunbrella route it pays to look around.

I love them, and think they will blend in beautifully! I also think fabric on the windows and banquette will be sufficient to warm the space. So I say, trust your gut -- it hasn't let you down yet! :-)

I think they are beautiful. I think they will look very nice in your space.

If you decide to buy them, you can look on eBay for a coupon, sometimes 20%, sometimes 15, or 10. But if you get the coupon cheap and you are spending a lot at WE, it's worth it. I saved a bundle on my Elephant Chairs in my living room with a WE coupon.

Also, if it's something you are having shipped to your home, it is cheaper to go to the store and order it or even call them. I can't remember the deal, but I know that's what we planned when we were going to furnish the basement...

I think they are great-looking, and perfect for children! I do like the thought of herringbone woven leather...but realistically, with kids, I have always found the simpler the better. And OMG, swivel stools would drive me insane with my kids! :) I agree with some others that your stools and chairs don't have to match.

It depends also upon how small the kids are who will sit on the stool. We had some with a similar space in the back. A couple of times small kids started to fall right through and were luckily caught mid-air.

Oh goodness, chinchette brings up a good point! We have kitchen chairs with a space between seat and back that is actually much smaller than these stools. When my daughter was about 3, she somehow got her feet into that opening, and started to scootch through. Then she got stuck, and I had to unscrew the screws that held the back of the chair in place. (It's funny now!).

That space is big enough that somebody small could squirt right through there...(but I still love the stools!).

I'm behind on replying. Sorry and thanks everyone!

Marcolo, Lavender, Sas--
As far as the matching chairs go, I guess I was picking up on a comment someone made about my unusual island/banquette combo and making sure my stools and chairs there coordinated. Maybe it was Rhome? I need the stools now, but the chairs can definetly wait as we're not ready to do the banquette now. I'm sure the chairs will go on sale again before I need them.

As to the banquette fabric, DH works for a restaurant supply company and will use the company that fabricates restaurant booths to make ours. Our last booth was a commercial fabric and held up very help. I'm definetly interested in some of the Sunbrella fabrics I've seen.

Lolauren, Red_lover, Carp, Waterdamage, Scootermom, Hlove, Linelle, Prickly, Erin, Nini, and Bee--Thanks for the vote they would work!

Annsch--I like the idea of leather also. Can you please tell me where you found the two you posted? I especially like the second one. Yes, I need a BS!! But that can wait...still. ;)

Dragonfly and Designnov--Leather is something I've been considering also.

Mpagmom--They're on sale through March 12. Fifteen percent off. No plans for the windows yet, except I like the idea of some sort of fabric roman shades.

Red_Lover--My hood is from Rangecraft, a custom hood maker in New Jersey. I found this one on their clearance page.

Kate--I've always love the Emeco stools, be it Hudson or Navy or 1951. DH hates the idea and comfort of metal stools, unfortunately. And then there's the price....

Marcolo--Point taken about the chairs. See my comments up post.

Blfenton--Where did you find your stools?

Senator13--DH will never agree to rattan, but I'll show him the french bistro style to see what he thinks.

Bee--Thanks for the ebay tip. I'll dig around! WE sounds like RH in that if you order in the store you avoid shipping costs.

Chinchette and Scootermom--My kids are 6 and 2. The 2y.o. thinks she can do anything the 6y.o. can do so that does make me nervous.

I showed DH a bunch of stools I'd saved on the ipad over the last year. He didn't like any of them EXCEPT this WE stool! That's saying something considering the fuss he put up over the RH Aubrey pulls I wanted. Remember that?!? Oiy. ;)

Marcolo--I've read your comments through a few times now and can't tell if you like these stools for my kitchen or not. Yes? No? Not that it matters....much. ;)

Thanks for the info about the sale - I made the long trek this afternoon to purchase them. I combined the trip with a visit to two stone yards and I found my granite! Or maybe I should say granites, because there is one at each stone yard. Now I have yet another decision to make! But I digress...

I wanted to give you my initial review on the stools. They are heavy! The color of the wood on my stools is redder than it looked in the store and online. The stools come unassembled (but they are super easy to put together) and the pieces are wrapped up so tightly that I don't know if you could check on that before bringing them home. Mine will be far enough away from my walnut table that they'll work fine, but since yours will be right next to your island you'll want to make sure they look good together or can be returned if they don't. Also, check the bottoms. The little plastic things on the bottoms of the legs don't seem like they'll stay around forever. Mustn't mar that gorgeous floor!

I still don't really 'feel' the wood for stools like that. I would prefer a solid, whether leather or fabric, that coordinates with the bench. --Probably one that tends toward a darker color in whatever print you choose; something that isn't too demanding, visually.

I love them. Since you have had your eye on them, I suspect you do too.
Renee

I love them Breezy, you should get them : ) Practical and beautiful not to mention you like them! Sometimes we get things because we think we should like them but we don't, or someone thinks it is what you should do. It seems rare to like something and actually get to use it, if that makes sense. If you only need two, you can't go wrong. If you hate them in two years, sell them and get something else but in the interest of your DS and just moving things along I'd just order them. Done!

Just a random thought about the comments re adding warmth to your kitchen. If I were you, I would not obsess over those comments unless YOU feel that the space lacks warmth, being in it IRL. The beautiful wood and marble make the space very warm IMHO. First, I think that "warmth" doesn't always come through in pictures. My kitchen has dark cherry cabinets, light wood floor, white quartz and marble, but very clean, spare lines, almost modern. In pictures, sometimes I think it looks cold, but IRL, it feels homey, calming, and warm to me, and to those who see it for the first time and comment on it, even after they've seen pictures. (Ok,, maybe I need to take better pictures!) Second, I think that sometimes "warmth" is used to describe what is really a style preference tending toward a very traditional and layered look with lots of fabrics, patterns, textures, tchotckes, etc. Where one person may see this as more "warm", another (raising my hand here) may see visual clutter, depending solely on aesthetic preference, no right or wrong to it. Your space is lovely, and I would be wary of cluttering it up with too much additional texture, fabrics, etc., unless that's a look you want and like, but certainly not because your kitchen lacks "warmth". Ok, I'll shut up about this now.

As to the stools, I see a a leather banquette and leather stools. Easy to clean and adds texture and the warmth of a natural material without clutter or competition with your walnut island. I agree with Rhome on this one. I would also consider Leather-look vinyls, which have come a looong way, the more high end ones have beautiful graining and texture and will fool almost anyone (and are a lot less expensive than buying a hide to upholster a large piece). I just had my dining chairs reupholstered in a textured vinyl and I was totally against it, until my upholstering guy showed me a side by side comparison!

Good luck!

Breezy, I think the stools are fine. Kind of a rustic mod vibe, especially to the legs, but that's OK. I'd just hold off on the chairs, but make sure you also keep tabs on them in case they get discontinued.

BTW--are they comfortable??

I think they are gorgeous and go perfectly with your aesthetic. You can add color and texture in other ways and keep the bones of your kitchen clean and simple the way it is now. I wouldn't even put curtains of shades unless you need to block the sun or people.
Kids climb all over things, so I wouldn't worry about access My one year old grand daughter gets up on the counters. You need 1000 eyes with this child.

Just an aside, I'd worry about them being made in China and what that says about their manufacture & longevity. Are there no comparable domestic stools?

Breezy - I think your kitchen is so beautiful - thanks for giving us another opportunity to see it. If is were mine, I would want something that looks a little more comfortable than the hard wooden seats - but that's just me. I think they "go" o.k. - so if you love them, you should get them.

Thank you all for the comments to which I haven't replied yet.

Mpagmom--I appreciate your review! Very helpful in deciding on these stools. I can't wait to see them in your finished kitchen!

Circuspeanut--I must admit I've been trying for weeks to decide how to respond to your comments. Many of my decisions along the way in this whole house reno were made keeping locally-made or sourced, or at least US made, in mind. Not everything worked out that way. I've been looking at stools for 2 years. I'm extremely picky (if you haven't figured that out) and have realized my aesthetic can only be described by me as strict or rigid. No, there are no comparable domestic stools that come within the same county (larger area than saying neighborhood) of these for the price. I cannot in good conscience spend $1000+ on each stool for something I like less.

*****UPDATE*****

I showed DH these WE stools along with a few dozen others I'd saved along the way. He preferred the looks, and then the price, of these. Winner! Apparently others felt the same as they were backordered for a few weeks.

As for the quality, Mpagmom was right. They are heavy, in terms of sturdiness, and well-made. The wood is darker and redder than my walnut island. I think it works.

The kids adore island sitting. My two year-old DD climbs up easily by herself, although I insist she be escorted down at this point. DS, when he's not helping with the actual preparation of dinner, sits and does a workbook or reads with me during prep.

As to comfort...yes! They are comfy; however, wood is wood. They aren't meant to sit in for hours at a time, nor was that my intent. Meals are eaten at a proper table, and marathon homework can be done at other spots.

I would have loved vintage stools, but that's hard to find in a counter stool within my lower price range, especially when all you do is peruse 1st Dibs for months! Overall, I'm very pleased with these WE stools. One more decision checked off the list!

The coloring in the photograph is off here, but you can at least see the differential in wood color.

Breezy -- they looks perfect! They are the cherry on the top.
Truly, something about their lines makes them seem like they were made for your kitchen.

Breezy,
They are gorgeous! I was wondering if you pulled the trigger or not on them. They are perfect for your kitchen.
Bee

Really looks beautiful. You have a fantastic kitchen.

I think they look perfect in your kitchen (which also looks perfect to me :) I like how it appears that the backs (and probably seats, irl)have the same facegrain/plank construction as your countertop (if that's the way to describe it).

Beautiful choice!

Gorgeous! Your kitchen is absolutely stunning and your impeccable taste continues with these stools. They look perfect in the space. Thanks for checking back in and sharing the update.

Beautiful! Love them in your space!

Breezy, they look lovely in your space. Didn't mean to force a crisis of conscience or sound critical! We all have to make these compromises in the course of a renovation. It was more a question of whether the finishes are child-safe and the quality of the manufacture is worth the price.

(I am cursed with an activist partner who is painfully conscious of things like labor practices and environmental safety, so I've learned to ask those questions in a kneejerk way before he does...).

Breezy,

So glad you got them! They are an amazing, perfect fit for your kitchen. I was undecided between the WE stool and the Bertoia knock-offs, but went with the wire-back because my kitchen already has so much dark wood. A white kitchen as beautiful as yours definitely does them more justice.

Love them, great choice!

I love them - and thanks for the picture. We also will have a walnut island and have white marble on the perimeter. Worried about iron on the wood floors - did you put something on the bottom to protect them, and if so, what?

Looks great Breezy. I saw this late but my comment is still semi-relevant. You could easily put a fun summery/outdoor cushion on those chairs that tied to the chairback's rails. It would add some comfort, colour, and allow your kids to sit up a little higher.

Francoise, Bee, Remodelfla, Library_girl, Prickly, Amy, Ladoladi, and Hlove--Your kind words touch me. I've read them over and over just so I could smile tonight. :-)

CP--No worries! I think these are the types of questions more of us should be asking.

Athensmom--The stools came with little protectors already on them. Mine are now covered in cat hair, despite my frequent sweepings, so I must reach down to clean them off. (grrr) I found some little disc protectors called Magic Sliders that I'll probably sub instead at some point. Doesn't look like the kitty hair will stick to them.

Wolfgang--Great suggestion! It might keep my 2 y.o. from wanting to stand on them if she could get boosted up a bit higher while seated. Thanks for the idea!

I just wanted to reiterate how much I like these stools. Every morning when I walk in the room, I notice how perfectly straight, proper, and at home they look. All my guests have loved them also. Good thing because I probably sit in them much less than anyone else.

Here is a link that might be useful: Magic Sliders

Breezy--they are perfect! I'm so glad you went for them.

My kids are dying to have stools at our new island (and it's only been a few weeks), so I know what you mean. I have to say I'm glad (for your sake) that you didn't go with a fabric, b/c although they are usually stainguarded, it's hard to keep them clean with little ones.

I love your kitchen. I know I've told you that before, but it's gorgeous!

I can't wait to see the mercury treatment on the lights. Please share pics when you do it!

Thanks Mpmg! I love your kitchen transformation also!

Yes, I'll post pics of the pendants when I do them. Ive been using the excuse of wanting warmer weather for the spraying, but that excuse can only go on so long now given the time of year. But...I need to practice first so I don't mess mine up!

Thanks Mpmg! I love your kitchen transformation also!

Yes, I'll post pics of the pendants when I do them. Ive been using the excuse of wanting warmer weather for the spraying, but that excuse can only go on so long now given the time of year. But...I need to practice first so I don't mess mine up!

They look GREAT!!

Thanks Breezygirl! Please let me know how they turn out! Wishing for warm weather coming your way! :)

Just caught this thread - love the stools and I'm so glad that you bought them. They look great in your space! Sorry, I missed you asking me where I got mine - too late now but mine came from a place called Urban Barn.