A Graphic Backsplash Sets the Color Palette for a New Kitchen
A family swaps out turquoise walls and black cabinets for a cheery white-and-blue color scheme
Before. The dark cabinets and bold turquoise wall paint created a strong contrast with each other and with the kitchen’s lighter elements — more than the homeowners wanted.
After. The custom graphic tile backsplash now serves as the room’s highlight and style anchor and sets the palette for the room. The colorful tiles and white cabinetry create a pleasant contrast that the family finds easier on the eyes.
Stove: 36-inch dual-fuel range VDR736, Viking; backsplash tile: Dwell Patterns, Heath Ceramics; browse ceramic tile
Stove: 36-inch dual-fuel range VDR736, Viking; backsplash tile: Dwell Patterns, Heath Ceramics; browse ceramic tile
Island. The blue paint for the island is a custom color, matched to the blue in the backsplash tile. The homeowners used the same paint color on the hutch.
Island and hutch paint: custom; wall paint: Droplets DEW381, Dunn-Edwards
Island and hutch paint: custom; wall paint: Droplets DEW381, Dunn-Edwards
Hutch. The hutch was part of the old kitchen. Glass doors for its upper cabinets help break up the color, ensuring it doesn’t look overly bold.
Pendants: Schoolhouse Electric; browse pendant lights
Pendants: Schoolhouse Electric; browse pendant lights
Bar. This custom-built cabinetry with glass doors gives the homeowners a place to display some personality, with space for trinkets and personal items. It can also function as a serving station for guests, or just somewhere to set the house keys.
Sink. The farmhouse-style sink adds to the kitchen’s down-to-earth, inviting vibe.
Faucet: East Linear 1500-5113 pull-down kitchen faucet, Newport Brass; sink: Shaws original Lancaster single-bowl apron-front fireclay kitchen sink, Rohl
Faucet: East Linear 1500-5113 pull-down kitchen faucet, Newport Brass; sink: Shaws original Lancaster single-bowl apron-front fireclay kitchen sink, Rohl
Countertops. White engineered quartz counters balance the colorful backsplash, providing a restful place for the eye to fall after the busy pattern of the tile.
Countertops: 1141 Pure White, Caesarstone; cabinetry hardware: Rejuvenation
More
Homeowner’s Workbook: How to Remodel Your Kitchen
How to Refresh Your Kitchen on Any Budget
Countertops: 1141 Pure White, Caesarstone; cabinetry hardware: Rejuvenation
More
Homeowner’s Workbook: How to Remodel Your Kitchen
How to Refresh Your Kitchen on Any Budget
Who lives here: A family of four
Where: Toluca Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles
Designer: Sandra Fox Interiors
The backstory: The owners of this 1937 Los Angeles home, who use it as a part-time residence, were planning to spend more time here, and they wanted to enjoy time in the kitchen together as a family. To make the room more welcoming, they dumped the former dark finishes and replaced them with lighter colors for a bright, open-feeling space.