Kitchen Reno: Overwhelmed By Color Options!

4 years ago

Hi folks!

I recently bought a 1920s cape style farmhouse. I’m midway into the total kitchen renovation and I’m having a heck of a time making aesthetic decisions (this is probably a universal crisis...?).
The cabinetry etc is all set, but I’m going crazy trying to pick colors when I’m not able to see the cabinets, light, shadow etc first (ie things that could make paint color go from bold to overwhelming and busy) in the actual space.

There are also too many designs I’ve found and I’m in love with on social media. I feel like choosing what I wanted to go with would be easier if things were more “tactile” and less digital. How does one narrow down these things? For example, I adore a kitchen with light lavender cabinets and a marigold colored range. But also am obsessed with a high contrast kitchen with blue-black bottom cabinets and cream upper cabinets. How does one decide?! I am all for bold and unique, so the typical “you’ll get sick of colors, so stick to neutrals” really doesn’t appeal to me at all.

I am also all conflicted about what to flaunt and highlight while making sure I don’t do this with everything and crowd the space. Aka do I go with the brass Hallman range, the dark Farrow and Ball paint, the colorful CLE zellige tile.... they are all gorgeous but probably not all at once!

Admittedly, this post may be more a vent out of desperation to keep my sanity, than asking for specific advice! However, I’m hoping people could share how they narrowed down their tastes/hopes & dreams, to one specific color scheme and set of design elements.

Thanks so much!
Eliza

Featured Answer

Kristin S

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

If you decide to use a kitchen or interior designer, make sure you get someone who aligns with your "color is great!" philosophy, rather than someone who will try to push you into more neutral, "safe" colors.

I think the idea suggested above of figuring out what is most important to you and choosing that first is a good one. Do you live a certain type of floor or counter? Just fell in love with that statement range? Want to make sure you have a certain color? If so, start there and let the rest of the decisions flow from what works with it.

Another suggestion I would have is to research 1920's kitchens. You'll rarely go wrong putting in a kitchen that is an aesthetic match to the style and era of your house. That could give you a great starting point.

Comments (9)

tartanmeup
4 years ago
You absolutely need to see the colours in your space. And you need to see and touch the elements as well (open cabinets and drawers, feel countertops, etc.) Consider also a certain selection order for creating a cohesive kitchen space. For example, wall paint colour is usually chosen last as you have thousands of options of paint colour and only a select few flooring or cabinet options. You say you've decided on your cabinets? That's a very good starting point. One element usually eliminates certain options. It's like one of those mazes where you have multiple options but some are dead ends. Another consideration for kitchen elements is maintenance. When I'm faced with multiple appealing options, I try to select the one that is easiest to maintain/clean (e.g. I'd choose a mid-tone floor over a dark one that would show dust more readily). You need to keep in mind your end goals (how do you want to describe your kitchen?) as you evaluate options (e.g. if airy is among your descriptors, perhaps black cabinets aren't in the running, etc.)

Would you like to share pictures of your space and your inspiration pictures? A pro could help direct you.
Kaylie
4 years ago
I felt similarly so I waited for my counters to be installed then stuck paint samples over the unfished cabinets. I'd go in mutliple times a day to see the colors in various lights. I think I started with 9 colors and just eliminated them over the course of a few days. I ended up choosing Farrow & Ball's Green Smoke for the cabinets and I LOVE them. No remorse at all. The color does look different in my space compared to what I've seen of it in pictures, so definitely check out paint swatches in the actual room.

I also think it's worth it to figure out what you really, really want. Pick those things first and then fill in the rest to compliment those things.
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tartanmeup
4 years ago
I also think it's worth it to figure out what you really, really want. Pick those things first and then fill in the rest to compliment those things.

This is a good starting point as well. Decide on your non-negotiable, so to speak.
PRO
Anglophilia
4 years ago
You're really all over the place. You need a KD quickly!
kelleg69
4 years ago
I agree that I kitchen designer or interior designer might be really helpful.
beckysharp Reinstate SW Unconditionally
4 years ago
I’m midway into the total kitchen renovation

Just how far along are you? If you're midway into the actual demo and construction, you should have the answers to most of your questions already. With the cabinets already ordered, I'd call off the work for now and wait until you have things figured out. Part of should be ensuring that the new kitchen works with the older house : ) .

Also, since you have the cabinets ordered, does that mean you have your appliances decided upon/ordered? Including the Hallman range? If you haven't already, I would read through this thread,

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5135982/advice-about-purchasing-a-hallman-industries-range

By the way, what are the cabinets? Do you have a layout and/or elevations you can share with us?

do I go with the brass Hallman range, the dark Farrow and Ball paint, the colorful CLE zellige tile

You're correct about limiting the number of stars (or clowns, as some people say lol). Depending on what kind of cook you are (tidy or messy), and where you're planning to put the Zellige tile, Zellige tile might not be the best choice for a backsplash. That said, the backsplash is something you can leave until the end, and it's often best to wait so that you CAN see everything else in place.

Do you have pictures of your selections?
cpartist
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
First off the best thing you can do is not be swayed by trends. Instead let the house speak to you. You want to pick things that would work with the age and style of the house. While all those fancy tiles are gorgeous, most would be out of place in a 1920's house. The one thing that wouldn't be out of place is color! Go for it.

Start with your FAVORITE color and work from there.
Holly Stockley
4 years ago
Does your library hold "Old House Journal"? If so, see if you can go looking through back issues. Lots of wonderful pictures of period restored or rennovated kitchens. (This month was a 1940's Tudor that is absolutely TDF, but that probably isn't what you're looking for)

Kitchen Reno: Overwhelmed By Color Options!

Kristin S

Comments (9)

tartanmeup

Kaylie

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