What colors are in the rest of your home? Why did your Kitchen Designer suggest such a wimpy blue mix instead of choosing something with more oomph? Since you ”love color”, why aren’t you picking a real color? Gray is going away, so I’m surprised she’d suggest it at all. I'm even more surprised that she’d suggest something like that to someone who loves color.

Are your floors stained on-site hardwood or did they come pre-finished? I’m asking because I really like how your kitchen has turned out - and I’m thinking about being a copycat (as my mom used to tell me - “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery“ - every time my younger sister would “copy” me - ex. I cut 6” off my hair - 4 days later my sister got the same exact haircut). I might have missed it - but what did you go with for your backsplash? Oh - and I know that you already had your countertops but . . . Are they quartz or marble? Everything really looks nice. I may go a with a little “moodier” blue on my island - but I really like yours too. i just looked back through your photos - the blue island has so many looks depending upon light!

We ended up pulling the trigger on painting our golden oak cabinets white. Went with Sherwin Williams Greek Villa and Unusual Gray for the island. Don’t regret it a bit!

" A light neutral" could be a soft white. Wood and paint are different animals!! You can't get a pale white oak in paint. : ) Plaster really ISN'T pink. It isn't a great neutral, hence your struggle. Farrow and Ball is noted for rich "off" shades, .......but they are, without their real brights? Pretty traditionally muted! Complex! A bit grayed out. You're trying to keep two feet in a mid cent boat and one in tradition. Simultaneously. Colors, lights. all. And then there is hubby.......and you are deciding with every element chosen in a bit of isolation from another. Making harmony difficult in many aspects lol. England isn't the Mediterranean, nor the California coast. Two places where the strong warm light and the nature allow a vibrancy in color, not generally found in the UK......unless in the garden. Even then? Few bougainvillea, that may adorn plaster white homes on your shore........ My point is the more muted UK....and the stretch to pastel or brighter mid cen. Every color has a silent "message'. Nature and art? More forgiving than any room. With Designers Guild rug