I like option 2 a little bit more. Option 1 would look better if you did a cover panel over the dishwasher, making that entire row dark. As is, it looks a little disjointed. #2 is a stronger visual statement.

Or, using Option 2, make the left side all black, and then it will blend with the stove. Xand83, where is the dishwasher you are talking about?

I prefer option 1. In option 2, the black needs to carry over to the white side as to not look as an afterthought, imo.

Option 1 with the walls painted a very, very light color gives a nice lightness and openess to the workspace.

By the way, I want to complement you on this post. It's clear, concise and you have great visuals.

Ellendi, I suspect the sink will be placed under the window with the DW shown just to the left.

Option 1.

And I disagree about the need for a panel on DW.

Two different colored walls [of cabinets] is more disjointed.

It looks like you redid half the kitchen.

I'd really like to do a cover panel on the dishwasher, but it looks like that adds about $300 to the price of the dishwasher. I was only looking at GE at the moment. I have a terrible time in this city with servicing the European brands. Maybe I'll look around more.

paulines, I was also thinking that Option 2 might look like an afterthought.

Correct that the sink will be under the window. I just the IKEA online software and couldn't find the sink.

The dishwasher is on the white side near the front. It is currently next to the range and that look funny.

Option 1 - it looks more balanced to me.

I also prefer 1; it seems more "grounded."

Option 1 gets my vote.

I like option one I think the dark on top might be heavy.

Definitely #1. #2 looks like you have a smaller kitchen and then expanded it and couldn't match the dark cabinets so you used white ones on the other side. The dark lower, white upper works better. I would use some glass fronted ones too to break it up. I agree the dark on top is to heavy. I would use a light, wood look porcelain plank floor to warm it up. The small tiles on the diagonal is dated looking and your kitchen is modern. If not the plank, use a larger format tile with a little bit of pattern. You have no pattern anywhere.

Definitely option 1 and I don't feel the need to make the DW black, with a cabinetry panel or otherwise. Either black or stainless will work fine.

To me, option 2 looks like you added cabinets later and couldn't match -- and there, the black range (if you intend to use black) does stick out. If you want to try something like #2, I would change the style and possibly make that wall look more like a hutch rather than having exactly the same style in another color.

Try having one color on both side walls and the end wall your contrasting color. I'd try the black on the back wall first -- with a stainless or a black fridge. The color would act like a backdrop -- like a stage curtain. That's similar to what I did in my kitchen with my blue wall.

I also prefer option 1 and would go with a stainless dishwasher.

I think #1 won't look so dirty with my three dogs. ;) I painted the current cabinets white and they always need wiping down.

Option 1 for me as well. I like the light on the top too. Option 2 does not look balanced to me. The DW does not bother me as is.

This is what I've been living with. I put new doors on and painted, but I don't like it at all. The POs had the cabinets painted a dark purple, like eggplant. Therefore the purple counter and floor. Unfortunately, I have to live with the low ceiling because of the plumbing overhead.

Option 1 for aesthetics. You are still left with some issues with functionality though. You should place the range across from the sink rather than next to it. Right now, your prep, cleanup, and range landing spots all occupy the same small piece of counter between the stove and the sink. Despite a lot of visual counter space it's in places that it won't get used and the kitchen will cook much smaller than it appears on paper. Moving the range allows the whole space between the fridge and sink to become prep space, with the space on the other side of the sink becoming the cleanup space. You get a nice large landing space and secondary work area next to the range. There looks like enough room there that you could put in a small prep sink and completely separate the prep and cleaning zones.

Option 1, and it will be gorgeous! Can't wait to see your progress.

Yep, I think it will be Option 1. :) Thanks for the input, everybody!

Option 1 with some sort of black accent in the backsplash. I'd seriously consider open shelves on the window wall instead of the upper cabinet......

dianalo, I've also considered shelves there.

BTW - I had the same floor in our last house, which was put in by the p.o.s. It never showed dirt and was fairly mellow (one of their few non-hideous choices). Our cabs had been the washed oak (which we hated) but since there was a purple tone in the floor, we painted the boring beige walls lavender. It made it all look as well as it could possibly look while still having washed oak cabs, lol. Our counters were not purple or it would have been too much. Context is everything... I am guessing the floor will go... What are your plans for a new one?

Option 1.

Option 1. Option 2 looks like the kitchen is going to tip over. Too heavy on the right side.

Another vote for option 1.

dianalo, I'm looking at this tile in a 12 x 24 format. Probably the Cenere color. I'm using the Avorio color in my powder room.

I found the tile at my local tile store.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kaleido Tile

That tile is absolutely fabulous!

I'll be following your progress as I'm thinking of a black and white kitchen for my remodel, similar to what you've decided on.

I also like Option 1 better. I like the white uppers, color on lowers.

Voting for Option 1. Are you using IKEA cabinets (or just the software?).

The Cenere and Grigio are both really sharp. I'd have trouble choosing ;) Too bad I need a softer surface for our floor because I love the looks of those. Our current, structurally ruined floor, is black and 2 grays..... we haven't figured out what to replace it with yet...

option 1 and I think the SS DW looks more then fine.

option 1 :)

I am not using IKEA cabinets, my kitchen length is just a few inches too short in each direction for standard cabinet sizes. I've pretty much decided on Ultracraft. The dimensions are totally custom and they are not much more $ than IKEA.

Option 1 without a doubt and I think the DW looks just fine.

option 1

I agree with blondelle, I'd like to see glass on the uppers.

Maybe something like these, with translucent/opaque glass (I assume you're going with a modern style):

[contemporary kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2103) by boston interior designer Melissa Miranda Interior Design

[eclectic kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2104) by new york kitchen and bath 1 2 1 S T U D i O . C O M

[contemporary kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2103) by san francisco architect John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA