Add color/interest to this kitchen (and an update 2.5 years later)

8 years ago

With the help of this forum, we finished this kitchen a couple of years ago. I can there is almost nothing about it that is inconvenient or troubling. Our favorite features are our Kohler Simplice faucet and the chalkboard door, and the clearances and lighting work great.

Here's my question: we would like to add a splash of color or interest to the kitchen. One thought we had was some colored metal stools? Maybe an accent wall to match? (We need new stools anyway.) Any suggestions? Thanks!

Here are the stools we were considering (sorry not sure why so big):

30'' Backless Distressed Metal Indoor Barstool, Dream Blue, 17"x17"x30" · More Info

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Comments (12)

nosoccermom
8 years ago
For whatever reason I was thinking green or a darker blue. Also, how comfy are these backless metal stools?

IKEA 29.99
IKEA 49.99 and paint any color you like.

I'd also add a colorful runner.
designsaavy
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
You could also paint your chalkboard door in a color vs the black and color in a window valance.
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Errant_gw
8 years ago
I really like the blue stools you posted, but am not sure if they'd be right with your granite and BS. Can you post closeups of them, so that we can see the color better?
User
8 years ago
A pale grayed down blue or grayed blue-green might work, even for paint. Your granite looks like my Giallo Ornamental Light in my guest bath. I have a dark cherry vanity with a light gray paint with blue undertones, which pulls the gray from the granite and cools down the red of the cherry.

I would do what the sign says and simplify. Remove everything from the top of the cabinets. If you want a display up there, pick white and one or two other colors. It will unify and brighten that area. Use larger items and do just one wall.
nosoccermom
8 years ago
@mayflowers: You have hawk eyes :)
beachem
8 years ago
It's too busy right now with all the stuff above the cabinet. My eye doesn't know where to stop between the knickknack, fridge and chalkboard door.

Unless you simplify down and remove the upper decor, colored stools would make the eyes ping around more.
herbflavor
8 years ago
...In looking, the large expanse of dark areas.... floor/cabinets/appliances and only one window really are putting this into a "dark" category.....it's big enough so it's okay, and you do have under cabinet lighting.... I would think "light" contrasts to balance it.... a white herringbone backsplash, a white or very light maple island top with white under brackets, light stools, and metal rod at window with light sheers-maybe botanical print...also go ahead and lose the gray paint atop cabinets in favor of whitish of some sort. Color could be window valance on the top...some upholstery fabric on stools-more cost but worth it esp if you can get a new island top with overhang [if you have the space to push the seating out a bit].... enhance your seating....it does look as though you have good use of island.....get stools ordered with swivel and backs/etc...more inviting. All depends on your budget....but you've got the kitchen "done"...spend and go the extra mile.
mark_rachel
8 years ago
The colors remind me of my kitchen in my last house. This isn't the best pic, but it's the fastest one I could find. Ignore the arrow pointing to the seam. haha! We did a tannish mini brick. It added texture, but didn't take away from the busy granite.
arialvetica
8 years ago
I would either paint your existing stools or buy new ones. Then maybe a simple window treatment to match (a roman shade, an extremely simple valance, etc).

10000% agree with removing the decorative objects above the counters. All of it! :) Try to store as many "counter items" inside cabinets/drawers/pantry as possible. Corral the remaining must-haves in a basket or on a tray. I won't hold the fridge against you, but I have a new trick for my fridge clutter -- I stuck a folder on my fridge and now I put all of the "yeah I really need to take care of this" junk in the folder. It looks so much tidier and less overwhelming, and then when I actually do have time for it, I can carry the whole folder over to my couch/computer.
arialvetica
8 years ago
Just noticed the sign over the cabinets that says "SIMPLIFY." <3 I think you know what you need to do! ;)
practigal
8 years ago
Why would you add stunningly uncomfortable stools? Why not remove the clutter from the front of the fridge and colorfully cover the fridge?
bookmom41
8 years ago
These stools are stunningly comfortable--I know, I have these leather bar stools in my kitchen--and come in a variety of nifty colors. Mine are only a few months old, but so far, so good.