Looking at shelving like above, with black cabinets, white backsplash.

Light marble like counter tops

OR would you go with a color cabinet like this..

Hickory & Blue Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Packed with Storage · More Info

Flooring is going to be this:

I’m having the same dilemma. My kitchen is narrow with a small with mostly north facing light. I’m worried about blue or grey cabinets because I don’t have the money to change the kitchen again when I get tired of it. I’ve been coming across black kitchens I like and find the recurring theme is to keep the upper cabinets to a minimum and use white for backsplash and counter. I’ll post some pics but you can also check out my kitchen idea book.

https://www.houzz.com/hznb/photos/black-cabinets-thin-rail-stiles-phvw-vp~165012285

Not black but also a consideration

https://www.houzz.com/photos/classic-sherwood-kitchen-transitional-kitchen-portland-phvw-vp~163364940

I think open shelving can work even with kids if you’re using it for your everyday dishes. You’re washing them frequently anyway.

https://pin.it/5lTStq4

Have you considered black lowers, white uppers?

SashaDog What color wood stain would work? Suggestions?

Msteezzy Thank you for the posts. I think we are set on mainly open shelving and yes for everyday dishes. But, on both sides of the range hood I am toying with some sort of unique cabinet or something as steam will rise up... grease/grime etc open shelving nightmare. Ideas anyone?

Is the range wall the only side you can put the uppers? I’m going to avoid that wall and do backsplash only because of concerns with grime/steam. And when you say unique, would you still want those cabinets to be fully enclosed to hide the contents?

Unique but not sure how practical. Still I love the look.

if you get lowers w drawers[you should] a basic oak w java stain or one lighter will be a nice option...it evens out the grain pattern when the pigment is a bit darker. Figure out if you desire five panel drawer fronts or SLAB ....you can go really smooth texture as in cherry w dark stain. or the grain showing as in oak..even hickory w dark stain, alder [softer] will show some knots and stays brownish ..alder handles medium to darker well. I don't think black is the only option w your floor . When you say color..is painted your thought. think of the darker stains on wood. Stay light w upper cabs if it harmonizes w wall colors especially.That will keep a light feel in a small dwelling.

Msteezzy I think you are right! Backsplash only near range hood. How high do you tile? We will have 9 ft ceilings. I never know where to stop.

As for an upper cabinet option there is a spot on another wall on the sides of the refrigerator.

The open shelving will go on the wall where the sink and dishwasher will go.

Herbflavor I like your ideas too. I will have to research what stains would look like. Thanks!

I recently took the plunge and painted the lowers in my very small kitchen black and am thrilled! It did not close in the room at all and added so much interest and personality. I have black counters and a grey/blue uppers and it still is complimentary for the small kitchen.

You could go with a combo of open shelving and cabinets, in wood stain or white and then go with white counters and walls and decide on backsplash last.

Thank you Maureen! These pictures are great, I especially like the first and second photos. I am also happy to hear you are glad you went with the black cabinets in a small kitchen.

Can you post a layout of your kitchen with dimension? So much of upper cabinets vs open shelves and light vs dark cabinets depends on your actual layout. Plus, everyones definition of a “small” kitchen varies. :)

Also, do you have a sample of what you mean by ‘darker’ wood floors? The pictures Maureen posted have what I would call medium.

Please note: I DO realize there isn't much cabinet space. We live pretty minimally even for a family. I literally have a few dishes and pans... nothing we don't use is in our current home.

We are thinking about an island with storage below... but think it will take up too much space?? We kind of want to see first what we are dealing with first or a chef's prep table. Not sure if that's practical. I want an open airy feel. But my husband likes the black cabinets and the floor color...

If it helps, my girls are 7 and 9 not toddlers here anymore.. They are learning to bake.. So practical space to work island or table will be necessary if I can find the space.

That’s a nice medium floor colour to work with. I think you’re off to a good start with the way you are living. If you are minimalists, then a ‘small’ kitchen to some is really adequate for you and your family. I hope some pros weigh in to give you advice on an island. It looks to me like one could work for you and it would be good for more prep space and lower storage if you need it.

Thank you Msteezzy, I really appreciate all of your comments.

Oh wow! I love that first one Maureen! Thanks!!

Sorry, I was trying to provide a short cut link and removed post. Resending so you have a reference - both are from Crate & Barrel

I think that you have enough space for an island, but it would be in the walkway to the bathroom, not sure how you feel about that. You should have 42” ailses between the island and the other cabinets.

Thank you!!

Love that first one from Maureen!

Me too!