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Home Decorating Kitchens Design Dilemma

How do I make my kitchen look less meh?

5 years ago

Something is not quite right with my kitchen. Any ideas to give it some warmth and personality on a low budget? I think I made a mistake with that backsplash since it’s too cold for the cabinets. Also I have a tablecloth on the table because the table I had bought when we first moved in also clashes with the cabinets! I have no idea how to make it look a bit more cohesive and with personality. I was thinking maybe change cabinet handles and pulls to bronze? New light fixture? That wall paint? Would love to get some ideas!

Featured Answer

ocotillaks

5 years ago

You need some colorful accessories, towels, vases, ect

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Comments (44)

Maria P
Original Author
5 years ago
A few more
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Another beautiful house that fell into the gray trap. Get rid of the gray and the house will be fine. Choose one of the colors out of the bigger color scheme of littlebug. The white is too white too. A tone of light beige will accommodate the walls to the brick. A truly dark red or dark green might be nice accent colors, but don't overdo it. Maybe just the door and the swing (which can stay in my opinion, but the pillows are too modern). Besides that: do people not build and buy such houses for the 'dated' look? It is supposed to look like from another era. So do not update, but preserve the look. The rest of the house is beautiful as it is. It doesn't have to be all Tudor style, per se. Have you seen the movie 'pride or prejudice'. That house also has such a wooden railing. In my opinion your door and windows look beautiful too. Some agents of styles tend to become to stringent. So: paint will do a marvelous job on an already lovely house.
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Not a Pro. The room looks great! Just a suggestion....turn the ottoman to face the sofa and add a tray with some trinkets to finish off the room.
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deegw
5 years ago
I would add a rug runner in front of your sink and some curtain panels.

The rug will help the ground the space and add some needed color and pattern. Indoor outdoor rugs are inexpensive and easy to clean.

Curtain panels will add warmth and texture to your windows.

You have a nice space, you just need to add some more of your personality to it.
Kathryn P
5 years ago
I would agree that some color is needed. Even if it's green in the form of a couple plants on the counter and/or table.
Bri Bosh
5 years ago
I actually like your backsplash and lighting! Do you have undercabinet lighting? That might help (get warm tones, not bluish ones). Agree with a colorful runner, maybe with greens in it, and some sleek orchids in the kitchen window? Get rid of the tablecloth, your table doesn’t need it!
girl_wonder
5 years ago
I think it's great. Just add some colorful accessories. If you're stumped, look at the photos that excite you and see what accessories they use. You're like 95% there, IMO.

(this one above, see how much the little plants and even the fancy soap dispenser add?)

Again, little pops of color.
Rawketgrl
5 years ago
I love your kitchen it is so pretty! I would not do curtains and cover that fabulous molding unless you need them for privacy or light control.

Consider painting your table and getting chairs that match each other.
Rawketgrl
5 years ago
It might be a trick of the pictures but it looks like you might have room for a small rolling island/cart. One in a fun color would be great.
Rawketgrl
5 years ago
I like how a few accessories help these lovely white kitchens look lively:

Some fun colorful accessories to consider:
er612
5 years ago
I would skip the tablecloth. Have you considered replacing the chairs? I think light green or blue chairs would bring a perfect amount of color to the space.
decoenthusiaste
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I would change the hardware, mainly because knobs catch on pockets. I don't think any of the chairs are right for your table. What is the style of the exterior? Farmhouse? The shaker cabinets are super simple and the lights over the sink look farmhouse, compared to the chandy. I would try to coordinate those better. Paint the table in your accent color and get some ladder back chairs to go with it.
chiflipper
5 years ago
IMO your glass cabinet doors appear as dark voids. Experiment with colored construction paper / wallpaper (metallic?) taped over the glass. If you like the look you can remove & store the glass, replacing it with MDF panels to accept paint or paper, or wood to match the floor. Very pretty kitchen, just needs some interest.
Maria P
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you for the ideas! The house is a 1924 center hall colonial. I was thinking of buying two more wicker chairs and a natural wood table but not sure that’d go with the rest of the kitchen?
darralisa
5 years ago
Rawketgrl is on point.
everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I browse alot - is this yours? transitional tapered stems glass shades... forgot to say, I much like your kitchen, backsplash, etc....
Sea Gull Lighting 5-Light Chandelier, Satin Bronze · More Info

[https://www.houzz.com/products/sea-gull-lighting-5-light-chandelier-satin-bronze-prvw-vr~38690061[(https://www.houzz.com/products/sea-gull-lighting-5-light-chandelier-satin-bronze-prvw-vr~38690061)
everdebz
5 years ago
... show your table if you want. Chalk paint adds a lovely lustre I hear - in a color you use in the rest of your house? that feels to you like your kitchen!
K R
5 years ago
Good ideas here...I don’t see it mentioned but I think some window treatments would give it a little more personality and finishing touch. Roman shades perhaps. Nice kitchen!
PRO
JAN MOYER
5 years ago
Ditch the table cloth, and don't junk up the kitchen. There is nothing wrong with it.Inside mount roman shades if you like, a runner in front of sink if you like. Add a nice big bowl of fresh fruit. put some market flowers on the table and be done. Don't JUNK IT UP.
Maria P
Original Author
5 years ago
Everdebz, that’s the chandelier! Definitely looks too modern in the kitchen. Thanks for the ideas! I like number 2. Also, what do you think of this?
Laura Villar
5 years ago
following
Maria P
Original Author
5 years ago
This one too but perhaps it’s too farmhouse-y
Julie Schmooley
5 years ago
Your kitchen is so pretty! Lots of nice neutrals! I personally think you have a lot of different colors and tones going on (white, mosaic glass, black, and wood)... so I think a few things that would give it a bit more cohesive look would be Roman shades on that beautiful window... these could be white and black, or maybe stripes I like striped Roman shades. Yellow would bring a nice pop of color, or whatever your favorite color is. And in regards to the table and chairs. I love the shape! I think it fits perfectly there, but I would avoid a wooden tone one as it would be another element that may not match the other wood in the room. Maybe a solid black wooden table with black chairs, or a black table with stainless steel chairs (to match the stainless hardware)... I think changing the hardware to another color isn’t the best idea, I like the silver stainless with the mosaic. Undermount lighting is a good idea too, can get those even as motion sensor. And new light over the table. Honestly those few bits it would feel like a new kitchen! Please keep us posted id love to see the final product!!
cupofjoy
5 years ago
I agree with Jan! Keep it simple but add a runner and roman shades on the windows. I would also add some real plants! Plants make your home more inviting.
Maria P
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you all! Roman shades definitely taking priority. How about the wicker chairs? Do you guys think they look good there? I moved them from the dining room to see how they went with the space. I had the Isabella chairs from Pottery Barn but they are SO yellow, way more than it looks on the website. Also I was thinking of painting the wall a deep greige?
silken1
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I think your kitchen and dining area is nice. The back splash isn't a bad choice with the counter top as the counter looks to be quite a neutral black. I agree with others that some colour is maybe all that is needed. And possibly UCL with warm light temperature. Take advantage of that nice window and set a tall plant or a plant stand there with some plants. Maybe some colourful placemats on the table will draw attention, rather than what you don't like about the table. I think the paint colour is fine too, but sometimes just a shade different can made a huge difference, so you could look into that.
Nancy R z5 Chicagoland
5 years ago
I would swap out those chairs for something more colorful or maybe they could be spray-painted. then pick up that color with some countertop accessories or towels. Whatever your favorite bright color is.
maureen214
5 years ago
Looks lovey to me. I would add a rug, but rather than a runner something larger in the center of the room in a color and pattern you love.
connie912
5 years ago
It’s such a nice kitchen. I don’t think you’ve made any mistakes in your choices of counter tops, back splash, floor, etc. Now it time for the fun stuff...decor. As others have commented add some color in a rug or runner. Perhaps change out the light and invest in a pretty table and chairs. Or keep your round table and add chairs you love. Roman shades could be a great window treatment. You have all the hard surfaces, now add textiles for warmth and cosiness. It will be magazine worthy!
J J
5 years ago
following
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
5 years ago
You're being too hard on yourself. I think the room looks great

You could add something at the windows
MarleneM
5 years ago
I agree with Beverly, and you have a very nice kitchen, and some variation of window shades would look great. Possibly a top down/bottom up option as you do have views of neighbours roofs from the bottom half, and inside mount so not to cover your mouldings.
PRO
User
5 years ago
Start with adding under cabinet lighting. It makes a huge difference in perception of a kitchen being “warm”.

Even darker kitchens appear to be warm and bright with proper lighting.
lisaam
5 years ago
You kitchen is pretty. I do like clean and pure but if you choose one color and add it to the table via paint and / or Roman shades and just 1 or 2 items on the counter or table you should be set.
Maria P
Original Author
5 years ago
So many great ideas! I’ve noticed no-one has suggested painting the wall near the bay window which for me looks very beige. (I just painted the wall by the door Agreeable Gray):
grapefruit1_ar
5 years ago
Your kitchen is beautiful without any advice. I would want window treatments for softness, texture and privacy. Fabric roman shades would be great. I found myself gasping out loud at the sight of those that look like brown paper bags. You already have great taste!
everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I haven't seen your chandy in person, but it's called transitional and seems shades have traditional shape ? Course if you picked the hefty 2nd one, that'd change things some! plain light roman shades... ?
skmom
5 years ago
I think your kitchen is very nice, I don’t think the backsplash clashes with the cabinetry and I’m often critical of that in a lot of kitchen photos I see. You know what your kitchen reminds me of? Those rooms where a lot of different shades of whites, creams, and ivories are used... they don’t really match, but they all just go together nicely... and the thing (I think) that ties them all together is a lot of use of texture. So, for that, I like the chairs you have that are woven, as opposed to the smooth, white chairs. And I don’t think you need that tablecloth, I think the table looks just fine without it. I’d add some natural sea grass like colors and textures and some houseplants, maybe some wood cutting boards against the backsplash... any other colors I would gravitate towards would be soft blues and greens, nothing too intense.
everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
8' round blue and other colors too, possibly nice with wicker? The light would be the jewelry/necklace with a simple classic shape, ok I don't mind tablecloths at all btw.

[https://www.houzz.com/products/jute-simple-border-area-rug-blue-8-round-prvw-vr~37328203[(https://www.houzz.com/products/jute-simple-border-area-rug-blue-8-round-prvw-vr~37328203)

[https://www.houzz.com/products/united-curtain-co-metro-40x63-tie-up-shade-blue-prvw-vr~53686930[(https://www.houzz.com/products/united-curtain-co-metro-40x63-tie-up-shade-blue-prvw-vr~53686930)
everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Textured soft, I like this better cause it has backsplash's color, it seems. Rug or items that combine color of tiles, and table color both, you might find the room looking 'together'. Neat and trim look I call it, to blend with current light...

[https://www.houzz.com/products/bay-head-indoor-outdoor-carpet-home-accent-area-rug-sea-mist-round-8-prvw-vr~115674195[(https://www.houzz.com/products/bay-head-indoor-outdoor-carpet-home-accent-area-rug-sea-mist-round-8-prvw-vr~115674195)

[https://www.houzz.com/products/united-curtain-co-metro-40x63-tie-up-shade-oyster-prvw-vr~53686933[(https://www.houzz.com/products/united-curtain-co-metro-40x63-tie-up-shade-oyster-prvw-vr~53686933)
everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Ash or bronze? and place small under sink - fun for eat-in kitchen which has cool steel appliances - with Isabella, not wicker type imo.

[https://www.houzz.com/products/couristan-tortola-accent-rug-indoor-outdoor-carpet-ash-round-8-prvw-vr~120764590[(https://www.houzz.com/products/couristan-tortola-accent-rug-indoor-outdoor-carpet-ash-round-8-prvw-vr~120764590)
[https://www.houzz.com/products/mason-jar-kitchen-island-lighting-5-light-glass-jar-chandelier-prvw-vr~115936458[(https://www.houzz.com/products/mason-jar-kitchen-island-lighting-5-light-glass-jar-chandelier-prvw-vr~115936458)
everdebz
5 years ago
I like your Isabella chair - touch of ivory's yellow in a rug - would this? and have dark of the counters also in it...
[https://www.houzz.com/products/safavieh-nevis-rug-beige-and-black-710x710-round-prvw-vr~43665177[(https://www.houzz.com/products/safavieh-nevis-rug-beige-and-black-710x710-round-prvw-vr~43665177)
everdebz
5 years ago
Coral and other colors - anyone there sew to alter a bit?! Sunset coral seems natural with your set, and off-whites, and soft blue-greys of tile...
[https://www.houzz.com/products/soho-triple-pass-thermal-insulated-single-rod-pocket-blackout-curtain-coral-prvw-vr~103592892[(https://www.houzz.com/products/soho-triple-pass-thermal-insulated-single-rod-pocket-blackout-curtain-coral-prvw-vr~103592892)
everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Too dark? -- good reviews for 23" 27 or 34" by 64" long:

https://www.jcpenney.com/p/jcpenney-home-bamboo-woven-wood-roman-shade/1d6e1c9?pTmplType=regular&catId=SearchResults&searchTerm=bamboo%2Bblinds&productGridView=medium&badge=fewleft
rinked
5 years ago
Paint the walls a soft seablue or a classic green, so the cooler shades of backsplash color will blend in. And decorate, some good suggestions up here. Coherent dining table&chairs. You'll get there, because you started off just fine ;)

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