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Kitchens Design Dilemma

Please help me with cabinets and backsplash for my new kitchen!!!

last year

I'm a first time homebuyer scheduled to close on my first home this week!

I'm not totally sure what to do with my cute but compact kitchen. It has been fully remodeled, but still needs some improvements! The cabinets are currently unfinished. I like the color but something about them seems bland. I'd love ideas about how to make them more rich like some of the photos I've included. I have considered sealing them and maybe adding some black hardware but I am also open to painting them white or another color. I'd love a blue but not sure if it will work with the grey counters and floors?

The counters and floors will stay for now, but I hate the backsplash! That's definitely got to go. I'd love a seaglass subway tile but would opt for white or lighter cabinets if I went that route. I definitely want a cohesive look.

The wall color is currently a light blue and was recently painted. I don't hate it, but would change it to better complement whatever I choose for cabinets & backsplash.

It might be helpful to note that I love color and have a bunch of kitchen items that are colorful like la creuset pans, floral bowls and utensils. I like the pioneer woman's florals but it's not overkill if you know what I mean.

I'm open minded! Any ideas would be appreciated.

I have included some photos of my kitchen as is. I have also included some photos of things I like/am open to.

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Comments (15)

Ally Rod
Original Author
last year
The photos of stuff I like wouldn't fit so I'm adding as comments.
Ally Rod
Original Author
last year
Color ideas
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I like the one on the right. but I sort of like the one on the left too. sorry. It's just 2 different looks. That being said, you need to do the "squint" test. I think the lighter tile on the left will appear to give you a white-ish color--so stand back, squint your eyes at the painted backsplash area now--do you like what you see or would you want it darker? Maybe do the test again with the tile on the counter--where you have counters so as to get the full effect. If you want it to look really rich, then darker. If you want to keep it light, then the lighter one. I think both will look nice, seriously. I say pour yourself a cup of tea, and sit down and just stare at it. It will come to you. It is sort of like a meditation type of thing. If anybody is home, they will wonder if you are "ok".
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Joaniepoanie: I like your idea of pulling out the gray. The Meram blanc has a lot of gray streaks but very light. That's why I liked it. I need to check out some grayish tile this week. Sixtyohno: thanks for the suggestion. I just can't seem to find the right tile...at least not yet! I'm sure with some help from all of you experts, I'll have a backsplash before too long :). If anyone has a great idea for tile, I'm open for more suggestions! They're coming to demo tomorrow....I'm excited but nervous! Here is a link that might be useful: Grayish tile- Meram amalfi
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A backsplash can be done at any point. Is there some reason besides being anxious to get it done that you can't wait the 4 weeks to get what you really love? In the scheme of things... I think a 4 week wait would be worth it to get something I had my heart set on. I know how hard it is when you're dying to see the finished product.
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circuspeanut-(Sorry to temporarily hijack the thread!) do you just cut 6x6 tiles in half to make subways if you can't find the tile you want??? Do the cut edges look right or do you have to do something extra to them? I am having a hard time finding the color tile i want in a 3x6.
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Ally Rod
Original Author
last year
Backsplash I love
marylut
last year
Congrats on homeownership! Wise advice for non-flipper moving into a home is to WAIT, get used to the home for 6 months, make your To Do wish list for entire house (including right-sized furniture) and yard, get estimates, prioritize projects based on your budget and what adds value to home worth and your lifestyle. Please post inspiration photos in a Houzz Ideabook for each room.
Ally Rod
Original Author
last year
@Verbo they are not clear coated. They are raw wood. I don't think painting cabinets costs 20k?
RedRyder
last year
What @marylut said^^^! WAIT. You need to live in the house to prioritize your spending. The kitchen is functional but the layout is not ideal, as mentioned by @Verbo.

Loving glass tile is okay, but everything has to be in context. Is the countertop staying? Not if you have to move the stove for safety reasons.

Don’t jump the gun. Move in first. Get prices. Start inspiration folders. And congratulations on your new home!
Ally Rod
Original Author
last year
@Verbo also the fridge doesn't block the doorway. It was just moved that way for some reason when this photo was taken. It's perfectly centered in the way and that "doorway" is a pantry. I asked for ideas about cabinet and paint colors and backsplash.
3pinktrees
last year
If they actually are raw wood, you should do something before you use the kitchen at all to avoid damaging or staining the wood. Based on the photos you like, I would just clearcoat them with a very high quality non-yellowing clear coat. Other than that, I agree you should wait to get a better feel for the house.
PRO
Lisa Caudill Designs
last year
Your cabinets and walls in one or the other of these colors would be nice and some back splash ideas
Frosted Elegance 3 in x 6 in Beveled Glass Subway Tile in Matte Mint Blue · More Info

Gatsby Ceramic 8"x8" Tin Look Tiles, Green, 10 Square Foot Box · More Info

White Gray Glass Metal Marble Mosaic Backsplash Tile, 12"x12" · More Info
PRO
Lisa Caudill Designs
last year
So if you do the walls in topsail, then cabinets in extra white or my favorite, cabinets in topsail and walls in extra white
mcarroll16
last year
Your countertops are lovely, and you have a 4" backsplash in the same stone. The second backsplash is an unfortunate distraction. If you have DIY skills, consider removing the backsplash aboe the 4" stone strip, repairing the walls, and then painting all walls, including the "backsplash" wall, a color that helps tie the cabinet wood and the countertop colors together. A softer, slightly grayed blue might be really good for that.
bookbet
last year
Your kitchen needs to be decorated. Once you add an accent colour through dishes and appliances and maybe a plant or lamp you may feel quite differently about it. To get a feel for what decorating can do look at some all-white kitchens. They don’t come to life until they are decorated.
la_la Girl
last year
Agree with @mcarroll16 - I would remove the current backsplash above the 4" counter lip and paint that area to match the kitchen walls - it really seems to fight the counter and creates a discordant feel. I think it will take some time to get the cab paint color right so I would wait and live in the space a bit to see what you think would work - but to start the process, I would look to your floor - if it is "cool" in color then look at cooler paint colors for walls and cabs

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