Roarah! I was thinking exactly the same thing!! I like the island as is, especially with the painted cabinets.

Having been there, I'm with martinca. The lighter counters will help, but I don't think changing the island base will make that big a difference....it couldn't hurt, but it's also nice the way it is. When I was there, the room felt very dark, and far darker than I'd be happy with if I were living there. I think I'd add more lighting. Part of it is, I'm used to having upper cabinets with under cabinet lighting that really makes my counters brighter which is great for cooking. But also being "landlocked" as it is, I think it would benefit from some uplighting to make the room brighter over all. The only other thing I'd think about is refinishing the floors to a lighter color too....I mean they're beautiful as they are...the whole room is...it's just that you're asking, so I'm suggesting.

I'm still craving those bunnies in the pantry. That said, I love your kitchen as is, the floors are fabulous, and I definitely have drawer-envy.

LOL, re the bunnies ... they are napkin rings, from Williams Sonoma maybe 20yrs ago. Amazed we haven't lost an ear in all these years. I think I posted this before from last Easter, at which time I noted that we need a photo filter that makes everything appear ironed.

I love the idea of the work table being painted blue and the island left as is. That kitchen wouldn't be wood overload for me, but obviously it is for you. The floor is back ground and the surrounding cabinets are light, so that's where my eye goes.

I'm sure you've done your own research, but I was concerned about marine varnish being food safe and found this:

According to finishing expert Bob Flexner, all finishes are food-safe once they have cured. Polyurethane varnish does not present any known hazard. However, no finish is food safe until it has fully cured. The rule of thumb for full curing is 30 days at room temperature (65- to 75- degrees F).Nov 5, 2013

Hmm, Marti and Annie, as to lighting. Maybe these pics I just took will help. I really don't think lighting is the answer. I would not entertain with all of these lights on (I am the queen of the dimmer, which may not flatter the kitchen but flatters the guests.. and me! LOL).

But maybe I should make sure they are on for photos. Do people still think I need more lights, because I am not sure I would know how/where to do that?

As far as refinishing the floors, they need it in spots. But I have decided not to do that for several reasons. First, you are looking at about 20% of my wide plank flooring, so the job would be 5x this size, not a small matter. Second, I have no idea what color to choose. When we bought the house, the floors were pickled gray (now back in style again!) and we ripped it out and put in new floors. Dark walnut was all the rage, but instead I tried to choose what would have been original to my 1900 farmhouse, hence the wide plank pine in a pumpkin-y color. I could hardly guess what color people would want today, and it would be a huge job. On this, I deferred to my realtor friend and stager. Both said, do not touch the floors. I do have wear by the sink, and usually have a rug there but moved it when they took out the counters. (tangential post ... Ruggables is a great product)

Roarah, that's a fun idea but that work table is a very bizarre piece that is uber-distressed. I think any paint would have to be distressed to look ok.? Please avert your eyes if you don't like distress, ladies, as this is a real whacky item.

close up, showing uber-distressed zinc top on the work table

Oly, I am using a general term for the product. I am confident my guys are using something safe, though as a practical matter I'd never put food directly on a counter anyway... more due to germs than anything else.

Would you consider going more of a UK style and painting the fridge some kind of chalky grey or grey blue as well? That might really have the potential to lighten things up, visually.

If going grey, I’d be careful to pull a grey that plays nicely with the stone wall.

That's an interesting idea. The fridge is a Subzero with a tiger oak skin and icebox hardware, a riff on old fashioned iceboxes which were traditionally that material. I will google to see if they were ever painted.

Good point to look at the paint chip vs the stone, will do.

Personally, I love it as it is. But if you want a change, I would echo the stager's recommendation for consistency--except I'd paint the island the same color as the cabinets. I would not introduce another color to the room. Because there are multiple countertop surfaces, having cabinet consistency might do the trick.

Re lighting, might you add lighting to the glass fronted cabinets? With the LED strip lighting placed along the front edge inside, it'd be an easy way to brighten the back walls. Other than that, the only thing I can think of is adding cove molding with LED strips inside to cast light up on the ceiling...but I don't think that would really work with the style.

I hear you about the floors...I just thought of them as they are a large area and I like it when the floors and counters are about the same color.

I wouldn't paint the fridge.

Interesting, but my cabinet doors slide, so not sure that’d work?

https://www.aspectled.com/products/w-wide-5050-ultra-bright?gclid=CjwKCAiAnIT9BRAmEiwANaoE1cEoeLZnDA5jwDkYQv02vmOYpQNkUXGTTsKNt40v2II8S-u9TRuaKBoC6RsQAvD_BwE#led_light_color=11&led_strip_waterproofing=8&voltage=4

The LED strips are very thin and could be mounted to the sides of the cabinets in front of the shelves...not sure of your exact setup but the doors shouldn't interfere.

Thanks, I will have to look at it.

Second thoughts: Again, I love those floors, and a closer look at the island shows me how nice it is, and it looks as though it has a bit of the same warm tone as the floors...leave it as is. Looking closer again, I see what you’re saying re. burgundy brown counters vs. the orange-ish pine. Not so good. I hope the new wood will have a waxy glow in the finish. Can’t tell in the sample. Love that frig door!!!

As for lighting suggestion, I meant, make it BRIGHT only when it’s being shown. Hey! You could never win My title as dimmer queen. I have two lamps and a chandelier in my kitchen, all with incandescent bulbs. Only use the ceiling lights for task work.

PS I do not trust your stager after learning she’d put in quartz Mimicking marble in the same room with The real thing. Uh, no way. 👎

I did not read the whole thread. The picture of the counters looks like you have multiple types. I love a mix of butcher and whatever else. I think your kitchen is gorgeous. If you want to change you can but it is gorgeous!

For fun I finger-painted the range hood to match the range. It gives a clear focal star of the room.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

All else stays the same. The island could get a color wash, a wash that is a color in the stone. That’s optional though.

I also will pull up a chair and watch this evolve. I really love your comments - especially about it taking 10 years for you to realize that something needed tweaking ( I know, it's also the combo of potential selling in the near future). It's really a beautiful kitchen, a beautiful space.

Every suggestion made sounds like a good idea, but to be honest it comes back to leaving it as is because it's really beautiful. I don't know that it needs refreshing other than to the people who have lived there for 10 years now.

Now I will sit back and enjoy the ideas.

I really love the new lighter cherry countertops-- i think they will make a big difference!

I also think that a little paint often sets off the wood-- makes it more of the star. You have such beautiful grain and color in your wood I would absolutely paint the island. I like revere pewter and hampshire gray-- in that order.

I also like the range hood in black-- but guessing that's not just a simple paint job.

Nice to see you back-- I have only been stopping by in spurts but you have been missed but can I just say i am so appreciative of the time you spent volunteering offline!

Do. Not. Touch. Those. Floors!

I love the oak fridge too. I actually think in a naturally dark space light paint colors often have the opposite effect and actually make the dark space seem dingier rather than brighter but wood accents in a naturally dark space might not lighten the room but they certainly warm the room. Painting your fridge and island I fear will not lighten the mood but might sterilize it. I actually think the black hood energizes the space in such away that it seems brighter to me.

I thought your floors were original! Do not touch them!

Guys, it is just as helpful to hear from people who say do nothing as it is to hear ideas, so thanks. You are all fresh eyes. If a number of people don't see any real issues, I should move on to other projects.

Here's where I think things stand. The floors are staying as is, and the counters need to echo them in some fashion because I do think I should reduce the variety of finishes (again, I have four woods and then also a marble counter, pewter counter, and a zinc work table.). So the finish on the cherry counter will echo the floors but lighter. Right now I have, in simplest terms, a red counter and orange floor and that can't stand.

Once that is done and I see how it looks, I will think about painting the island. I have to look thru the thread to see what the consensus is on that.

I can see the point of the black hood, but the one I have is plaster. The range is enamel. I think a matching enamel hood might have been cool but it would have had to be enamel and that does not exist. So that won't work. Also, wooden ice boxes were not painted so I think if we did it would look odd.

I don't see how to add in-cabinet lighting that would not be very visible. I did think about a second pendant over the worktable, but pretty sure id be bumping into it; the worktable is narrow. Annie, what do you mean by uplighting in this context?

Oakley, do you think two runners on either side of the work table? I have just one.

One other way to reduce the impact of the wood counters would be to put more things on them; i tend to keep them bare, but I could put out a bowl or basket or some items now in the pantry.

Chiming in again. In Alabama I had original “ orange” heart pine floors, salvaged marble coffee counter, soapstone of two very different kinds and teak and I forgot butcher block island . It never felt too busy... just adding this .

For the size of the room, I would have added some more recessed lights. You seem to have some major shadows on either side of the range, going into those doorways, which makes the stone look a flat dark gray. For some added interest, is there any room to add wall sconces on either side of the windows?

Oh I wouldn’t do a shiny black hood as that would be too bossy. Some type of flat surface/paint/specialty finish.

Also, a rug there in front of the range and maybe(?) have it stop under the zinc table.

Hi Chispa,

Hmm, the lights in the adjoining family room were off-- with them on, the stone would be lighter. But yes, I could definitely add sconces on either side of the windows.

I actually think that would solve another flaw i see in the room. The large interior windows from the K into DR predate us, but I always liked them. I did not want upper counters, and the K is so large I did not need the storage, so I left the walls near them blank. Ten years on, I think that was a mistake. I think the visual weight is off, esp when the counters were very dark. The top half of the wall disappears. I actually toyed with painting the muntins?

So you are suggesting 4 sconces, 2 on either side of either window?

BTW, when I was on hiatus I so missed conferring with all of you on so many things, in such detail. It's so nice how all of you invest your mental energy and empathy in my projects! You guys are the best.

Jterri - I have a runner, just bought it. Non-negotiable on this because it is the right size, colors i like, and ... most important ---- washable!

In re sconces --- I don't have any current issue with task lighting so this is about looks. The existing lights are milk glass hung from cord. I have nickel faucets but both brass and nickel on my Lacanche and aged brass and nickel hardware. So I can go any direction really.

What about this to pick up the black from the stove?

Don't do anything with the zinc table. It has the same rustic (?) nature as the stone work and I would not want to see you try to tie it into the rest of the furniture in the kitchen.

By restaining the wood counters doesn't get rid of the grain in the wood. It might tie the colour to the floor but you still have an extra grain pattern.

Have you given any thought to painting the fridge black?

Can you post a close up of the cabinets on the inside? I can't really see from your pics.

If there is any face frame at all on the cabinet fronts, or if there is any space between the door and the shelves on the side of each cabinet, there's room for a lighting strip. The strip is literally like a piece of tape 3/8" wide and 1/16" thick that adheres to the surface, so very flat and small.

Mind you this is much older technology and takes up much more room, but this is a pic of the lighting in our bookcase. It is attached to the backside of the face frame on either side. If I were to do it again today, I'd used the LEDs instead. The LED would not be seen at all...only the light. If you could light those cabinets it would go a long way to brightening the space as with the glass, they'd feel more like windows.

JT, where is that runner from? I'm thinking it might look great with my kitchen window treatments!

Hi Tina, here ya go, there are some beauties on that heirlooms site.

https://heirlooms.co/collections/one-of-a-kind-rugs/products/heir-vintage-persian-runner-rug-no-523-3-6-x-8-7

Tina,

And if, by chance, you don't want a $2400 runner in front of your sink, you may want to look at Ruggables.

Here is mine. $189, and washable. https://ruggable.com/products/kamran-coral-rug?size=2.5x10

I like that Mtn! Think I’ll go check out ruggables.

Eta, I looked at ruggables a while back and don’t recall anything that nice. You picked a good one.

As cool as it is, have you considered covering your stone wall? That’s what makes the room appear dark to me, as least in your pictures.

cough, sputter, choke . . . yes, I will be looking elsewhere. I need two new rugs in the kitchen, and not to that tune! LOL

Kitch, no. that is stone that matches the fireplace that is on the other side of the wall. I would not be surprised if someone removed it but it won't be us. It's not in style but it is authentic to the house, so I let those things as they are.

As far as painting the fridge - it is an homage to an icebox and as such must remain the traditional tiger oak.

I think I like Chispa's lighting idea --- I would chose an aged brass; these are just to give an idea. Sorry for one more question; would you paint the window muntins Revere Pewter eps if i did that with the island? Note I mocked up the new counter. Hard to see but I think it harmonizes better w the floor (just visible in the LR corner)

I haven’t read all the responses but here’s my 2 cents. I love your kitchen the way it is and think it fits the age and style of your house. See how you feel about the island once your counters are done. Before I painted I would get a bunch of poster boards, paint them in all the colors you’re considering and tape them all around the island (one color at a time) and live with each for a few days and then see what you think.

ETA: I like adding the wall sconces.

I think it looks fine as is and wouldn't paint. I do like the idea of the sconces and prefer the ones with a fixed arm and think any of the ones you showed would work. I agree with keeping all the lights fully on for showings and pictures. It looks nice and bright then and that is what matters.

Tl;dr. Did anyone upthread mention that cherry naturally darkens over time?

I'm late but you're back! So happy to see you posting again!

My 1st thought for the island was black. I see your black range, Do you feel it would be too much black? Fast-forwarded to the end so I need to go back and read it all. I saw a black wall light. I just think black is striking.

Hi BBSTX, no, but thx, I am aware of that. Though I have had a Stickley kitchen set 20+ years and IMHO it has not darkened.

Ho Arapaho! --- waving!

PS I ordered sconces, and will try a paint sample in situ. Both for the island and window muntins ... Q if i decide to paint the muntins, will I have to do the windows in the breakfast room too?

Continuing on my adding dark charcoal to add continuity.

I added charcoal to the wall across from range as well as the charcoal range hood. I love this.

If you do an online search of traditional or b&w historical kitchens there are some drool worthy examples.

Here is the before.

Jterri; I see your point, but let me save you some posts! ... not happening. First, I would only use a black hood if it matched my black enamel range. The range is pretty shiny, with lots of nickel and brass trim and I can't see pairing it with something dull.

Second, more importantly, this entire exercise began with a decision to lighten the room by lightening the counters, and possibly the island. So I wouldn't add a 6' wide dark box, since that would run counter to my goal. And I certainly would not paint the walls dark! I might darken the muntins but only a few shades. I do think that repeating some of the black in accessories is not a bad idea, once my counters are lighter. Can't see black on top of my old dark cherry counter.

Gotcha! I still love how adding some dark makes the light colors POP and somehow gives the appearance of brighter 😁

I agree with you, if only I didn't have low ceilings (under 8') and such an odd window situation! Maybe this:

https://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/smeg-retro-4-slice-toaster-prod226940292?childItemId=NMHCVDB_60

It’s showing in red but think you are thinking of black? Very cool! I have a round toaster in a cherry cabinet.

How cool is that? round!? from where?

Yes, I meant this one.

But I wish I could find this in black!

Is this too weird?

I actually do need a toaster; my Dualit here over 20 yrs old and impossible to make entirely shiny anymore. Also not toasting both sides that well.

Those are groovy! Mine is an Aroma 15 yr old 3 slicer.

Russel Hobbs has some cool looking toasters as well. Not sure if this black & brass one is available in the U.S though.

This is nifty ... but yikes it’s $339

Dualit Toaster - Brass 47441

That's what I have, a Dualit, and I must say it did last 20 years.

I'm def looking for shiny black tho, and did also come across the R&H brand

omg I want the chrome and brass one for MY kitchen! But we are a toaster-oven family. Sigh. Toasters are so much cuter.

I love that you already ordered sconces. And people say I move quickly? LOL. I think they're going to look really great. I still think the island would look nice painted Revere Pewter.