Dark countertops (soapstone) in a small, windowless kitchen? Bad idea?
julieste
2 years ago
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White kitchen with dark island -- help with countertops.
Comments (10)I am still thinking about white perimetere cabinets with a painted (probably light turquoise) island. I'm still debating about countertops, but I'm leaning towards the Mint Ice Corian or butcher block, for the perimeter countertops and a marble (or granite/quartzite that looks like marble) for the island counter. As far as two different kitchens, I don't think it will look like that...but I've always wanted my island to look like a work table. I also have a wooden dining table, on the other side of the island...so that's one reason I'm undecided about the butcher block. It's pretty, but I don't want too many wood tones (wood looking vinyl floor, too). As for what's going to be 'in' or 'out' in the next year or two...probably lots of things. I'm certainly no expert, but a lot of bright colored countertops seem to be gaining popularity (I might do the Corian, despite this new trend, rather than because of it) and I think that's a natural reaction, after all the neutral wood and stone. People get tired of seeing the same thing in the magazines, and want something 'new' in their kitchen. My advice, don't worry about what's popular (which changes so fast) but get what you like and you know you'll be happy with for the next ten to twenty years. Whatever that may be (whether it's popular or not) will make you smile, every time you walk into your new kitchen :)...See MoreDark vs Light Countertop in Small Dim Kitchen --Help!
Comments (6)Cosmos Spring Carnival Frieda, I understood OP to be saying KD recommends either light tones or white for all surfaces but she's afraid of an all white kitchen for her situation. Magic, I recall some discussion of Spring or Winter Carnival on this forum. Try searching Kitchens with those terms to see if you can retrieve them. I have a small, but very naturally well lit kitchen in the country. All surfaces get dirty in mud season with animals, light or dark, right? If you haven't scrolled through Houzz kitchen photos, filtering for wood cabinets, putting every kitchen you like without thinking into an ideabook on your houzz page, do that. Then, look back and see if there are countertop/cabinet patterns. I think it comes down to how each counter works with your cabinets. If you could post photos of those, you'll also get feedback....See MoreTo be apt: windowless (sort of) rooms, small spaces - need help ...
Comments (16)Hi Vladi, first, don't worry too much ahead of a time. Leaving aside my personal experience things often get delayed in construction, some things plainly will be very hard to decide on unless you can visit at least an unfinished space(can you?) and get some feel of it..the rest is best done after one moves in. I know it's messier, and takes longer, but one gets more intimately acquainted with the house and himself, in relation to the house, thus his choices become more considerate, and less chances for mistakes. Of course one should plan as much as he can in advance-window placements, storage, openings, plumbing, lighting..painting can be done successfully if one already has his other finishes chosen(flooring, woodwork..knowing general preference..posessing at least some of the stuff he loves, like furniture and accents that will give a clue to such preferences) In order to consult on colors, general rules are not enough at all since every house is unique, with amount of light it gets, ceiling's height, orientation, etc. Yes you'll read a lot how white helps-yet if the room is not big enough and doesn't get enough light, and the ceiling is on the lower side-many whites might appear dingy and sad. White works amazing when it can reflect light. If there's not enough light-there's not going to be much to reflect. Such rooms might benefit from deeper, mid-range colors. So. Is your window placement final? will there be more windows? What is the ceiling height? do you/will you have trees outside? The lighting. Hardwire as much as possible. You can always cover the opening meanwhile until you find the fixture you're content with, but it's easier to have electrical box in place from the get-go. I find that having central fixture in every room that allows it(yes, even standard ceilings) plus sconces where possible/making sense, chandeliers and pendants where making sense (dining?), floor lamps, and table lamps of different functions is the mix one should strive to have. Lots of different llights on different levels, each one with its function-overall light/mood light, task light, ambient light..light that allows one to just see in the space you know, or to enjoy the atmosphere, or the one that makes work, whether cooking or reading or stufying, possible. Account for it, and if possible add dimmers too. Lights are important everywhere; but in naturally darker place you really can't go wrong for accounting for it as much as possible. I understand you're in Europe. I remember our 5 door huge wardrobe/armoire being a savior in our first small places (similar family situation to yours, Europe as well) It stores a lot, so one needs to have less other pieces..the room seems bigger and roomier. I remember we chose one that interesting enough yet still unimposing..I think it was maple with grayish blue paint accent on the doors, so light but a tad different. We dragged it to every place afterwards until we moved here. Now I'm sure new owners are using it happily(more chance though our renters took it with them..knowing our renters..lol). Just make sure it fits and you love it enough..it's a big purchase that I wouldn't be inclined to switch any time soon. Make it the best quality you can buy-or check second hand. they used to make things better even 20 years ago. In genertal I highly recommend checking second hand furniture especially casegoods like desks, bookshelves, wardrobes..and lights too. Unless you have strong aversion to used things(there are people like that, and it's fine as everybody and his preferences and quirks) -they'll ive you much more superior quality for much better price. And of course more interesting, collected house. Since you'll have to collect it..:)\ But even if and when buying new-don't do anything in haste. Make sure you have great mattresses:) The rest-give it time and consideration. start looking now. In smaller places especially you want every thing to be selected carefully, and be as versatile as possible. Sit on sofas and chairs when choosing. Don't leave your house without measuring tape and your plan:) I'm serious. Mirrors are great to have, just remember that they'll reflect most light when placed on the wall perpendicular to a window/light source and-you want them to reflect something pretty. Something you don't mind to see double of it. Unless it's for very functional purposes like the entry I couldn't help but notice your prospective TV is too high on the wall. best to put it on console..you want comfortable viewing distance without straining your neck or eyes. Even if you're tall-your kids are not. Also not everybody is lucky enough to always have a very healthy consitution that this looking up won't have its bear on him. Google "optimal distance for viewing TV"..you'll find tables, depending on TV sizes and such. You really want it as eue level as possible. Art/mirror/additional shelving can go where TV is Back to colors. All colors have shades. Hundreds of them. They can be cool or warm, clean or murky. Each on of us has their unique preferences. What are yours? What are colors you find most pleasing, to be surrounded with? Okay..I think it's time for me to wrap it up, for now..:) Congratulations on your new home being built, I know how exciting it is! ETA: I just had an opportunity to read Rai Kai's post..yes, I have an affinity to wood plus white/cream as well, dreamy combo, especially in modern slub cabinetry. Interior windows(are these windows?) are great for light and look amazing, but I'd be concerned with privacy, noise etc issues. When kids are very small it's one thing(my oldest shared a room with us until almost three..no biggie). when they grow up both you and them might dislike it....See MorePaint Colour for a window-less small kitchen (3.62 m X 2.62 m)
Comments (6)I agree with you, no need to follow trends when you love what you have. One item that baffles me is the cabinet(?) to the right of the refrigerator. Anyway, I once had dark cabinets and painted them white. The difference was unbelievable. Light really does bounce off of white so I would suggest you stick with white or very, very light color for the new cupboard doors. Bring home sample doors to see which looks best. I'm no good at picking out lights. All I can suggest is that whatever type of lighting you use, I think it's important to have the correct light bulbs--some are whiter than others. As for the walls, what is the current color and how do you feel about it?...See Morejulieste
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