I think it is white.........or the PALEST gray at best. The tiles do not "disappear" when grout matches the field tile : )

Thank you so much for your help Jan. I'm so used to decorating myself and am bad for changing my mind or sending back curtains if I don't like them, but always end up with a great result.

It's a bit different doing a kitchen - I think I'm very good at knowing what I like, but struggle to visualise the full result. It's my first kitchen and I'd definitely do lots differently next time. If you're curious I'll post the progress here.

Hopefully I won't hate it by the end.

Farrow and ball suggested yellow to bring out the navy. So maybe a some yellow tinged lighting/blinds etc.

Thanks

Maybe hooking a yellow apron or two on the door next to the refrigerator would draw the eye away from the boiler unit cover, and make it appear less outstanding.

DII Mustard Chino Chef Apron · More Info

Dotty Sheep Oil Cloth Apron · More Info

or a white or yellow wire basket filled with yellow tea towels to grab, strategically placed atop the fridge itself

11 x16 x7.5 Grafton Basket, Yellow · More Info

Timex 100% Cotton Kitchen Towel 4-Pack, Yellow · More Info

Jacquard Towel, Gadgets, Lemons · More Info

I think the flooring is also making it feel off. You said you are going to have a wood effect floor and that will warm things up, as well. I think it will be beautiful, maybe you are having buyers remorse? What color will the walls be, I am assuming white? The cabinets do look black in the photos. If you really don't like it when its finished maybe you can change the uppers to glass doors but do what Jan said-wait for the finish, it looks like its going to look great to me.

Do the cabinet doors come in a set range of colors or are they custom painted? If you can't exchange them quickly now, you can easily wait until it's not such a rush with the baby. Chances are good that the addition of a lot of new lighting will make a dramatic difference. The floor should be light colored, too, when you finalize your choice.

(not a pro) I like Jan's advice to wait until it's more finished and your lighting is in. I think it will be lovely! Also, can you show a picture of the boiler unit cover you're talking about? Is it in your current pictures? Asking because I'm wondering if you can do something to either dress it up like art (great wallpaper?), or minimize the looks of it (e.g. paint it the same color as the walls.)

ETA Congrats on the little one :)

Hi, genuinely and pleasantly surprised by the comments. They've all been incredibly helpful. I can't say I'm in love with it, but I think the advice to chill is a good. I need to finish it off and see if there are some adjustments/additions I can make without breaking the bank. The floor will certainly help - I hope.

I'm a little bit tied up atm, but I'll post a few more photos later to show the boiler unit I mean - it's not entirely clear in the photo. Any advice greatly received.

Thank you.

I’m very similar in judging/feeling let down before it all comes together. You have made very nice choices and once completely, whether it’s a bit darker than expected, it will look lovely! Your hardware and lightening will have large influences. If you haven’t grouted yet, consider a beige to tie in with the oak flooring and suggest brass hardware.

I assumed I was going to see an all white (in my opinion) boring kitchen. I love what you have chosen! I agree that you need to finish. Your big window is lovely. Boiler is the range and hood? they both look nice to me.

I don't know what a boiler is...but it looks nice so far. I have very dark cabinets also, and during certain times of the day they look almost black, other times the dark teal/green comes through a lot.

Your kitchen is going to be beautiful. You are in the middle of this reno and probably feeling overwhelmed. I have been there. I have a dark navy island and painted fireplace that with low light look black. I remember feeling similar to you thinking I blew it and should have gone a shade lighter on my island. But now I love my navy island. Once your lighting is done (and I suggest as bright as you can go) it will take on the hue of navy blue. You will start to love your space as all the pieces come together. It is looking lovely and will be even better once finished.

I'm still finding it a little bit off at the moment. Like it's a little too clinical with the worktop and white tiles. While the navy/black I still find a bit oppressive.

(South) Here is the cooker. Very slightly greyed grout to go in. Almost white.

(East) This is the bit I find most oppressive. It's facing away from the window, so doesn't reflect the natural light. The boiler is the larger unit that sits quite proud and perhaps could sit 10cm shallower:

One extreme plan is to box the boiler in a white box. Remove the units on the left and put up a nice oak/oak effect shelf with a nice vibrant print above.

(North) This is a short run of units with a shelf for cookbooks on the left. Their wall units on the floor as it's a recess with the back door and passage to front either side. A wooden sideboard with drawers will go on the left and a shelf on the right with plants/herbs - or if I remove the cupboards next to the boiler, but them there?

(west) Dinning area where table and chairs go .

I think it looks beautiful. looks like you have decent amount of natural light. I'm glad you chose to do uppers instead of open shelving -- they're a million times more useful, especially above a dishwasher.

as for looking clinical-- it's still not finished. it will look more homey when you have moved in and there are small appliances, towels, jars, etc. placed around. maybe do some hanging plants above your sink?

I'm still feeling a bit despondent. I can't afford to change the doors to another preference. I think key is to get some lighting and plenty of vibrant pictures, plants in the room. When I decorate though. I know I love what I've done before anything goes in.

Not sure about plan to box boiler in a lighter coloured surround and remove units to the left. Seems a little mad, but feel I need to do something.

Flooring is to be one of these:

https://www.flooringsupplies.co.uk/product/18087/polyflor_camaro_loc_manor_oak_vinyl_flooring

https://www.flooringsupplies.co.uk/product/16524/polyflor_camaro_loc_tan_limed_oak_vinyl_flooring

https://www.flooringsupplies.co.uk/product/18086/polyflor_camaro_loc_vienna_oak_vinyl_flooring

https://www.flooringsupplies.co.uk/product/18083/polyflor_camaro_loc_devonshire_oak_vinyl_flooring

I'm going to try and wait to see the affect from the floor, hopefully early next week.

Any suggestions gratefully accepted and thank you for the kind/helpful comments.

Even something like a blind above the window in yellow or terracotta may give just a bar of colour to help it feel more homely. And just before I take a walk to unwind, at the moment walls will be white, but am open to thinking outside of the box and painting some colour in there.

I love black and white kitchens, they are so classic. I know myself when I am used to something else it takes time to adjust to the changes. I would love to have your kitchen!

Agree with Jan. You have no lighting in this space except for the minimal light coming from that window. Once you get the lighting in (and please also get under-cabinet LEDs), you will be much happier.

I agree with everyone who says wait, wait and wait again but will also say that your best idea is removing the left side of the cabinetry next to the boiler and going with oak-ish shelves. But I would not box the boiler in white. Not sure you need vibrant paint as well If you do some open shelves. Was thinking natural wood objects like bread box and bowls, utensil holders would bring warmth to the space. Natural wood shelves would be another way to approach it, and possibly tie well with the door.

But what would be mad is to do anything other than think before you have lighting and finished other work in the kitchen. Unless you are made of money.

I don't think the boiler is that bad - I like that it's hidden in a cabinet so that it blends with everything else. I wouldn't redo it in white or remove the cabinets next to it because that looks like nice storage. If you can make it shallower by about 10cm, then I think it would feel less 'in your face' when you're working at the sink or counter there. But for now I think you did a good job hiding it!

I would remove the cabinet Box by the window by the hood vent and put a couple open shelves there or 3 And if you need privacy a blind

Keep the walls and off white make sure you have under cabinet lighting and lighting around the Room on the ceiling And a light floor

IPhone is in cooperating well I like brass handles and noms for Pulls with the navy colour if needed

Lighting will be the key. Add as much as is practical. For overhead lighting, you might even consider trying a blue bulb

You could add a center stainless steel panel to the front of your large boiler cabinet door, leaving the frame dark blue -- making the cabinet for this appliance match your other (stainless steel) appliances.

Perception matters and "you never get a second chance to make a first impression", so, consider pale blue walls rather than white or another color -- bring the color blue to mind for all to see immediately upon entering the room.

As to your backsplash: If you are adding tile to the entire area between countertop and overhead cabinet, then either use white or pale blue tiles for the backsplash but then add a few dark blue tiles within the pattern to identify blue as your kitchen color.

Alternately, instead of a backsplash that goes from countertop to overhead cabinets, consider a double blue row of tiles -- light blue (or alternately light and dark blue tiles) topped with dark blue -- and paint the rest of the wall wall between your countertops a pale blue.

Don't get discouraged. Navy cabinets can be a great look.

You've received good advice. You have a bold, strong colour and that is always going to have an element of a gamble during the construction phase. But I can still see how it will be a lovely kitchen when it's done and all the elements are pulled together.

What will be critical is a top notch paint job for the walls. Get a high gloss paint (F&B is good if expensive) because the gloss will draw in light into the kitchen and help soften the darkness of the navy blue. I'd probably go for a shade of off white gloss.

Mustard yellow accent pieces will go very well and soften the navy blue too.

I think your kitchen is quite beautiful. Your choice of light flooring will add to its beauty❣️I have medium gray cabinets in my kitchen and a dark gray vanity in my bathroom and chose light flooring. Are you in England as you mentioned pounds? I am a retired United States Air Force Captain, and was stationed in Lakenheath Air Force Base, England. I loved my 2.5 years living there❣️

The kitchen is not done. ............................you need to stop obsessing, get paint on the walls. IT NEEDS E;LECTRiCITY!!!!!!!!!!! Even a white kitchen would . Under the cabinets and pot lights.

What you are seeing is the glare of a single window and no interior lighting ON.

I. . Yes to art. Yes to paint, Yes even to a white table. Your hormones are raging, go take a walk. Enjoy the walk, Breathe. Buy some fresh flowers. Get an ice cream. Because pretty soon you will be way too darn busy to be doing this. ) It will become your kitchen with an infant and a high chair, , with a toddler and toys, and and and.

If you still hate it in a few years? Rip it. But honestly there's a line around the block and down the street for what you HAVE, . Yes that's a chide indeed and I am old enough to be your mother and then some...: )

Lighting, lighting, lighting.....

It's gonna look fab, but every nook and cranny should be reached by lighting, because there's not much natural light in the room at all.

I agree that the fridge requires a cabinet above.

Thanks again for all the great advice.

I think when the floor goes down I’ll see a big difference. And the little touches like a big wooden block chopping board I have will make it look more homely.

There’ll also be some large colourful prints going on the wall.

I’m going to wait until the floors are down before I do anything drastic, but from advice

1) I think some nice oak-coloured shelving,

2)I’ve messaged builder asking to set the boiler unit back.

3)I painted a coat of white for me to finish off easier once done, but maybe my final coat should be an off-white to bring out the blue?

4) I have under cupboard lighting and a row of cheap silver spotlights on a bar going in. I think I should budget higher for some nice bright dramatic lighting though.

5) A blind With some mustard/yellow tones.

5) A type of unit above the fridge could be good. I’ll have a look at what could go there.

Slightly more drastic changes may be removing a set of units and replacing with shelves, changing tile colours - but like Jan said, I’ll be too busy for that soon :)

Hi Culbers, yes in England. I have an American connection though. My grandma came here from Boston Massachusetts in 1950. Never lost her accent!

Kill me please

No to any blind. You need all the light you can get. What's to SEE?

YELLOW......but in the art, in accessories....and not mustard please.

Lighting......Spend the MONEY there.

Most important, add a cabinet and right side panel for the fridge.

Don't remove UNITS anywhere. The more open stuff, the more grease, dust and maintenance.

There;s a saying: Don't decorate immediately past separation or divorce. Maybe don't do it in a hurry before a baby.

The point? You will need all the hidden storage you can get in there. A lot of very handy baby stuff is just plain ugly.

Stop........finish what must be finished, LIGHTING, FlOOR and concentrate on the soon arrival of the life changing little person.

Bostonian here.... with ties to the UK too.

I agree NO MUSTARD... If you go with Yellow go with a softer brighter yellow. Get bright lights in there you will love it. I like the backsplash you have chosen. It is simple and will make things look brighter once the light is in. Maybe some cute small herbal plants in little pots. Not cluttered but like the last photo below. Definitely get some art on the wall.

Some ideas with Navy

Keep in mind this photo has STRONG powerful flash for the photo.. You need LIGHTING

NYC Kitchen Remodel · More Info

Glen Park Kitchen · More Info

add some art......

Southern Comfort · More Info

Hale Navy · More Info

I would also consider taking the backsplash to the ceiling? How tall are they??

Oooooo I think it's going to be fabulous! I love navy kitchens. I agree about finishing lights/floor and such before changing anything drastic. For sure get help w/lighting here. I've gotten a lot of help w/my kitchen, and second guessed my choices for *months*, that sinking heart/stomach in your toes feeling every day when I walked into the room. It's not totally done now, but it's loads better and I don't detest it anymore. Yellow is lovely w/navy, so I like that idea as well.

I agree with Jan to not put blinds unless you absolutely need them. they're close to the stove, imagine how hard it will be to clean grease off of them. (also ditto to no open storage near the stove -- same problem.)

respectfully, I disagree about the mustard comment though. personally I prefer it over bright yellow. to clarify, by mustard I mean "toned down" or drabbed out yellow, which looks fantastic with dark colors. it's a super trendy color right now, so only get things you don't have to commit to, things that are inexpensive to swap out.

don't forget that natural elements can add a lot of warmth too. such as tan leather (perhaps for the seating) terra cotta planters, brass, wood, stone, etc.

following

@User what is the source for the beautiful napkin picture you posted?!

lynne3450: it's Ferm Living. I bought mine in Denmark, like 5 years ago. I love it too! we're not allowed to clean with it, It's for hand drying only, LOL. https://danehus.com/products/ferm-living-tea-towel

I love that towel so much that I spoofed the design and had fabric printed at Spoonflower. for anyone interested, I can send you the image file if you want it. PM me. (also, sorry to threadjack.)

M. Cervantes: Listen to Jan! Stop. Take a breath. Listen to Jan!

Truly.

Mid-project remorse/worry/shoulda-woulda is common - we've all gone through it. Finish as planned. Give it a week. And then see how you feel.

Oh and.....Listen to Jan!

@M Cervantes... I think your cabinet color is dreamy,fwiw!

lol.!!!!!!............nobody listens to me except in my PAID job. : ) That's where everyone mostly listens. Tells you the value of a buck, right? And the "value" of anything we get for free. Call it human nature.

I'm hoping when the floor's down it will make a big difference.

Things I'm doing:

1. Getting the floor down. This stuff is incredibly realistic as real wood. Nice to get big samples.

2. Having the boiler unit moved back flush to the other units

3. Getting some artwork and having a clean up.

I'm still tempted to get rid of one set of units next to the boiler to replace with shelves and artwork - sorry Jan, I've listened to everything else you've said.

But - this is where I've definitely listened - I'm not going to do anything rash. I've not even finished. I need to get it done, relax and in 4 weeks time I'll have my hands full with other things :)

I don’t think you are crazy or hormone addled. ;)

That’s a GORGEOUS kitchen!!! ☄️🔥🌟

It’s going to be beautiful! Once there is plenty of light, the cabinets look navy, not black, and it is gorgeous

So you are in a england, eh? Boiler must be a range. It’s a funny looking range but the kitchen looks great. Appliance choices are different over there. Love it all!! Relax and have a baby!!

And you have a washing machine to the left as well?

Kitchen looks great, love it!

I love your kitchen, and it looks blue to me, not black. With a brass or gold hardware, it will look just marvelous.

I am not one for yellow accents, but if you like it, fine.

Think about what else you will have in there before you go down the yellow brick road.

You have a wood floor.

You will have wood cutting boards

Will you have cane or wicker baskets or trays?

You will a bowl or bowls of ripening fruits, tomatoes.

Lay these out.

Will you like the yellow accents with those things and the blue cabinets?

Congratulations on your new kitchen and your precious delivery coming. :)

Good advice by everyone, it’s going to look fab. And stop doubting yourself — you clearly have a great sense of style.

I love yellow with navy:

Multiple sizes, multiple frames......

https://www.framedart.com/vintage-apple-collection/spa-citron-print-820762.htm?sku=R820762-AEAEAGMFJ9

As others have said, the lighting will make all the difference. When we did our last kitchen, it was darkish quartersawn oak with soapstone (black) counters I was so depressed. Without a lot of natural light it felt dark and oppressive. I switched out the small recessed lights for larger ones (this was pre LED) and it made all the difference. I loved my kitchen after that. I think yours is beautiful.