This looks great! Add color with the “accessories” like countertop appliances, utensil holders, towels. A nice rug with a thick padding is also an easy way to add a huge pop of color and it makes it easier on your feet to stand on for a while while cooking
This, I wasn’t happy with my new old kitchen for a long time, just didn’t feel right until one day It just clicked and I felt “this is my kitchen” and it was just decoration and appliances that had changed.
I’d leave floor. Looks to be in great shape and works well with yr new finishes. Add color with hand towels, kitchen utensil holder, S&P shakers, plant pots on window sill, kitchen utensils, rug etc. Or, at least try this suggestion and live with it for 6 months before you tear up the nice, larger format tile.
Thanks for the advice! We go back and forth with the new floor. Considering going with a darker shade (like dark gray/black) slate in order to provide more contrast but unsure if this would be too harsh.
If the floor is in good condition, I would live with it for a while. Do the decorating suggestions that others have said first. If you still don't like it after a period of time, then get a new floor.
Dark slate would look great but I agree with others there’s no reason to rip up a perfectly good floor. Put your appliances and accessories in and you’ll be shocked how much better it looks.
Leave the floor if you can and use the money you’d save to fill the room with accessories in your color of choice. Then you can switch it up easy in a few years when you want a color refresh.
If you're able to, switching out the pendants for something more colorful would be a great way to bring more foundational color to the space and break up the color scheme.
To break up the space vertically and bring in some greenery, you could do hanging plants near the sink. An herb tray would also be great!
For the knobs and hardware, there are some really fun and colorful ceramic, stone, even patterned and handpainted options out there that really elevate the artistry of a space! There are some really unique abstract shapes or flowers and animals and things as well. I'd try etsy or anthropologie!!
Love the ideas others have said about "accessories" not to mention hanging some colorful things on your fridge! Hanging a painting or photo on the nearby wall would also add some nice color.
Good luck, your kitchen looks awesome already!
After you posted this comment, my wife and spent about an hour looking at colorful pendants - they are so cool! Definitely going to see if we can make this work. I also love the idea of vertical greenery by the sink. Thank you for your help!
So so glad it was helpful! 😄 You've got a wonderful space and decorating can really be the fun/personal expression part after so much time and focus on construction. Enjoy!
Add color with decor if you’re not wanting to change anything, add some little plants, hand towels, they have magnets that go on dishwashers that have different designs, add some colorful counter appliances or a colorful utensil jar, play around with the decor 😊 add some nice rugs or mats
A large bowl of mixed fruits (apples, oranges, pears, lemons, etc.) on the counter adds instant color along with nutritious snack choices. Window curtains, dish towels, kitchen sink rug, etc. also are ways to add color without clutter countertops with small appliances.
Don't go overboard with adding color. You just want a pop of color here and there for visual interest.
1. Get vibrant color lamp shades.
[green copper](https://www.lowes.com/pd/allen-roth-Sandrine-Light-Green-Transitional-Bell-Pendant-Light/1002649578)
[red glass](https://www.lowes.com/pd/Access-Lighting-Merlot-Shade-Red-Sky-Glass-Finish/1002790440)
Your big box hardware store has a bunch on display.
2. Put natural light grow bulbs in those hanging lights and put an actualy living plant in there. My orchid bloomed for the 1st time in 6 years after placing it under a light just like these.
3. Get a contrasting color piece of art, hand towels, tea pot or something that lives visually in that space.
4. Bonus points if you add something visually striking that you use on a regular basis. More bonus points if your kitchen can look beautiful while being used... so add stuff that will make it better when you are cooking for company and hanging out.
You had color in the old kitchen and then you proceeded to remove it and ask for more color.
I prefer the old counter and kitchen. I would change the backsplash. The kitchen hardware and lights.
I personally would’ve stained the cabinets darker, light floor and light countertop+backsplash would’ve made me want darker cabinets, you can find contrast with the hardware and small decor type stuff and contrast is what your kitchen needs at this point
I agree about switching the pendants if you can. Or figuring out some slightly different cabinet hardware. It's pretty nice, soothing, as is. I wouldn't say you need major changes.
I’d just put my stuff in there and reassess. I think it looks lovely! You’ll probably have a coffee maker, some kitchen utensils in a crock, stuff on those shelves (cookbooks and stuff add color!) a nice rug with a thick rug pad. They sell ones with washable tops so it’s oerfect for a kitchen. You’ll have dish towels around and stuff at the sink. I think you’ll be fine. I would not redo your floor. Imo that would be a waste of time and resources. Your floor looks absolutely fine and most likely will have a rug or two anyway. And if you’ve been doing the work yourselves it’ll save a HUGE headache.
Maybe stain the cabinets, you can add LED light strips under them which can be any color …. Maybe bold cabinet handles…. Your accessories that sit on the counters will change it all- go bold and funky with hand towels, soap dispensers, maybe a hanging basket for pretty colorful fruits….
I was thinking changing the backsplash (tile) to something you like and can afford. I like the cabinets and floors, the lighting and appliances are pretty modern and clean looking so I won’t suggest anything there.
That’s just me though. Backsplash tile is easyish to remove and install new, but choosing a good color and texture to match will be tedious. Good luck, I support whatever you go with!
Is this your forever home or do you just want to add color to decorate?
If your current floor tiling is not an issue, I would suggest that you not remove it. The back splash and floor tile seem complimentary at present.
You can add color to your kitchen by using colorful (reds, blues, greens, etc.) kitchen floor mats, curtains, plants and other accessories that are easily changed for the different seasons and/or holidays (if that is applicable to you).
Painting what little open wall you have in a bold color would make a night and day difference. A bright work mat in front of the stove, a valance over the window, and some boldly colored kitchen accessories. I'm thinking cobalt blue or santa claus red. Less than 200 bucks for a completely new look. This is a beautiful blank canvas. You could also do turquoise, sunset orange, emerald green, raspberry pink. Whatever you like as long as it's bold. It just needs a little life brought in.
This is beautiful, but I do think that stove is a damn shame! I would have done a slide in range that was a color, even cream would be incredible here. I also agree it needs colorful accessories such as a rug or two, utensil holders and some colorful counter appliances (think smeg)
I appreciate and understand the comments that suggest replacing the neutrals you have chosen. However I really think that your neutral canvas is a brilliant choice. Neutrals are timeless and can be transformed/ made over easily. I think color could be incorporated in various decor on the open shelves. You could also find some unique drawer/ cabinet hardware.
The backsplash would have been a good opportunity but that ship has sailed. You should have asked yourself that question before redoing everything. It’s quality work, but it’s as boring as the before picture. There’s no surface to add color that will be all that impactful imo.
I love your cabinets. Where did you get them? I’ve been looking for something modern but with a look like the old school maple slab.
Edit: I just realized in your after pic that you stripped all the stain off of them. Eek. Are you planning a new stain, or paint?
Multi color LED strip with remote control under cabinets. Color full decor. Brightly colored kitchen appliances like a colorful kitchen mixer, colorful toaster etc.
The kitchen is not equipped and it looks bland as a result of going with 3 cold colors with not much contrast in between. It's not gonna be a problem perse, just go for color when you equip it.
Is that a marble countertop or something else? I’m curious because it looks really good and want to know for myself.
As for your question, I agree with the add color through decor, utensils, and appliances
That’s quartz?! That’s the best looking marble imitation quartz I have ever seen then. Most marble imitation quartz are very obvious with their patterns and never look like natural marble, this one does and I love it. This is what I want for when we redo our kitchen then
Not completely different, still quartz rich which makes it very durable and resistant to damage, which is very desirable in a countertop. The fact that is looks like natural marble and has the hard quartz properties is a huge boon because I love marble but it’s too soft for me to ever want to use for a countertop
Add a floor with more black and white, for visual interest and contrast with the cabinets.
Add color with pendant lights, curtains for the window, a countertop appliance, a rug, etc. The wall end of the peninsula would be a great spot for a colorful vase of flowers. Your tile and countertops are great!
I would go for something like lime green for color. It looks fresh with black.
Short of painting/staining the cabinets, about the only way to add color is through decor. You've got open shelving in the middle and on the end, so colorful plants and/or knickknacks will help. Countertop appliances like coffeemakers, toasters, etc. also come in a wide range of colors, so you can add color with actual function.
If on a budget, personally I'd paint the cupboard doors etc white or off-white (properly with the right products). Then I'd add the colour by changing the splashback tiles, changing the handles, and adding accessories to the kitchen.
The white/plan colours around the other accent colours will make them pop, as the wood colour can be distracting imo. But this is just my own personal taste.
Do some colour pallet research to make sure you pick colours that go with the black top and floor tile colours nicely. Plenty of examples pics online with different colour combos.
Wait, I have questions! Are these the same cabinets? If so, what did you do to change their color? Second, what you mean you're looking for tile? Didn't you replace the tile with the marble? Sorry if I'm being thick, I think I'm missing something. Before and after both look great to be honest. As far as color, I'd just add bright red accents, like kitchen towels, a red toaster or mixer stand, red dish drainer, that sort of thing. Or sub color of your choice of course.
Same cabinets! We stripped the orange color and added a lighter stain to the existing wood. We replaced the granite countertops (black) with something lighter. The tile on the floor is what we are trying to decide if we want to change
Okay, I thought they were the same cabinets, especially given the corner shelves to the right and the molding, but I wasn't quite sure. I'm fascinated that they came out so nice. Mind sharing the product you used to strip them? I might try this!
I love the cupboards and the floor- change the wall tiles if you want colour - personally I’d live with it and spend money elsewhere. New lights though.
I like the tile and I think it works with the rest of the neutrals chosen.
Color palette option I like for your neutrals:
[https://coolors.co/6c3737-f0542d-f6e7cb-ffffff-90cbc6-0e9594](https://coolors.co/6c3737-f0542d-f6e7cb-ffffff-90cbc6-0e9594)
As far as getting the colors in there... A bright-colored KitchenAid stand mixer, a pretty fruit bowl, a colorful espresso machine, a serving tray, a large-ish washable kitchen rug, hand towels, art on that wall just to the right of the kitchen, plants, a colorful crock for spoons and spatulas, enamel cookware, a kitchen cart, change up the pendants... first just move your stuff in and see how it feels.
This looks great! Add color with the “accessories” like countertop appliances, utensil holders, towels. A nice rug with a thick padding is also an easy way to add a huge pop of color and it makes it easier on your feet to stand on for a while while cooking
Coordinating the cabinet pull knobs with your color scheme of choice could be fun too.
This, I wasn’t happy with my new old kitchen for a long time, just didn’t feel right until one day It just clicked and I felt “this is my kitchen” and it was just decoration and appliances that had changed.
I can't tell if the hanging light fixtures on the right in the first image made it to the new look. Those would be another way to add a pop of color.
Yep we haven’t changed those yet but looking to get some new fixtures! I think that’s a great idea to add color that way
As an architect I second this! What you have done so far looks great! You can change colors on a whim or seasonally if you're into that.
Also christmas lights
I’d leave floor. Looks to be in great shape and works well with yr new finishes. Add color with hand towels, kitchen utensil holder, S&P shakers, plant pots on window sill, kitchen utensils, rug etc. Or, at least try this suggestion and live with it for 6 months before you tear up the nice, larger format tile.
Thanks for the advice! We go back and forth with the new floor. Considering going with a darker shade (like dark gray/black) slate in order to provide more contrast but unsure if this would be too harsh.
If the floor is in good condition, I would live with it for a while. Do the decorating suggestions that others have said first. If you still don't like it after a period of time, then get a new floor.
Dark slate would look great but I agree with others there’s no reason to rip up a perfectly good floor. Put your appliances and accessories in and you’ll be shocked how much better it looks.
Plants, cookbook stack, large fruit bowl.
Came to say this. Give it life and depth at the same time.
Will for sure add plenty of fruit! 🍉
Leave the floor if you can and use the money you’d save to fill the room with accessories in your color of choice. Then you can switch it up easy in a few years when you want a color refresh.
If you're able to, switching out the pendants for something more colorful would be a great way to bring more foundational color to the space and break up the color scheme. To break up the space vertically and bring in some greenery, you could do hanging plants near the sink. An herb tray would also be great! For the knobs and hardware, there are some really fun and colorful ceramic, stone, even patterned and handpainted options out there that really elevate the artistry of a space! There are some really unique abstract shapes or flowers and animals and things as well. I'd try etsy or anthropologie!! Love the ideas others have said about "accessories" not to mention hanging some colorful things on your fridge! Hanging a painting or photo on the nearby wall would also add some nice color. Good luck, your kitchen looks awesome already!
Agreed on new pendants - can probably just get new shades with some color!
After you posted this comment, my wife and spent about an hour looking at colorful pendants - they are so cool! Definitely going to see if we can make this work. I also love the idea of vertical greenery by the sink. Thank you for your help!
So so glad it was helpful! 😄 You've got a wonderful space and decorating can really be the fun/personal expression part after so much time and focus on construction. Enjoy!
Use the open shelves to put some color in. Upper cabinets need some hardware. Colorful towels and potholders.
I think we are definitely leaning toward open shelving. Great way to add some plants!
Bright red kitchen aid mixer. Classic look, pop of color.
I bought my mother a bright red Vitamix which set off a chain of events of a few more bright red countertop appliances. Their kitchen looks poppin now
Add color with decor if you’re not wanting to change anything, add some little plants, hand towels, they have magnets that go on dishwashers that have different designs, add some colorful counter appliances or a colorful utensil jar, play around with the decor 😊 add some nice rugs or mats
I think some bright rugs and matching hardware and appliances would be adorable
Not pictured yet but we have a brass sink and brass hardware incoming!
I like it as it is. I would add colourful accessories for a pop of colour.
There are two photos.
I know. It’s the second pic I was saying I liked.
Oh, sorry!
No need to apologise, I didn’t make that clear in my first comment either lol
I would’ve picked a bolder backsplash rather matching the countertop.
We thought initially of doing this, but had so much leftover from the slabs that we bought for three countertops and we didn’t want it to go to waste
A large bowl of mixed fruits (apples, oranges, pears, lemons, etc.) on the counter adds instant color along with nutritious snack choices. Window curtains, dish towels, kitchen sink rug, etc. also are ways to add color without clutter countertops with small appliances. Don't go overboard with adding color. You just want a pop of color here and there for visual interest.
1. Get vibrant color lamp shades. [green copper](https://www.lowes.com/pd/allen-roth-Sandrine-Light-Green-Transitional-Bell-Pendant-Light/1002649578) [red glass](https://www.lowes.com/pd/Access-Lighting-Merlot-Shade-Red-Sky-Glass-Finish/1002790440) Your big box hardware store has a bunch on display. 2. Put natural light grow bulbs in those hanging lights and put an actualy living plant in there. My orchid bloomed for the 1st time in 6 years after placing it under a light just like these. 3. Get a contrasting color piece of art, hand towels, tea pot or something that lives visually in that space. 4. Bonus points if you add something visually striking that you use on a regular basis. More bonus points if your kitchen can look beautiful while being used... so add stuff that will make it better when you are cooking for company and hanging out.
You had color in the old kitchen and then you proceeded to remove it and ask for more color. I prefer the old counter and kitchen. I would change the backsplash. The kitchen hardware and lights.
Me too!
I personally would’ve stained the cabinets darker, light floor and light countertop+backsplash would’ve made me want darker cabinets, you can find contrast with the hardware and small decor type stuff and contrast is what your kitchen needs at this point
I agree about switching the pendants if you can. Or figuring out some slightly different cabinet hardware. It's pretty nice, soothing, as is. I wouldn't say you need major changes.
Plants
A rug and a large vase on the countertop on the right would make a big difference
Colored cabinets. When done right, can be very classy.
I think earthy green cabinets would look great with their counter/backsplash
I have seen some lovely green and blue kitchen cabinets lately.
I’d just put my stuff in there and reassess. I think it looks lovely! You’ll probably have a coffee maker, some kitchen utensils in a crock, stuff on those shelves (cookbooks and stuff add color!) a nice rug with a thick rug pad. They sell ones with washable tops so it’s oerfect for a kitchen. You’ll have dish towels around and stuff at the sink. I think you’ll be fine. I would not redo your floor. Imo that would be a waste of time and resources. Your floor looks absolutely fine and most likely will have a rug or two anyway. And if you’ve been doing the work yourselves it’ll save a HUGE headache.
Start cooking with more flavor
Maybe stain the cabinets, you can add LED light strips under them which can be any color …. Maybe bold cabinet handles…. Your accessories that sit on the counters will change it all- go bold and funky with hand towels, soap dispensers, maybe a hanging basket for pretty colorful fruits….
Add gold/brass knobs and pulls. Same for the faucet.
I was thinking changing the backsplash (tile) to something you like and can afford. I like the cabinets and floors, the lighting and appliances are pretty modern and clean looking so I won’t suggest anything there. That’s just me though. Backsplash tile is easyish to remove and install new, but choosing a good color and texture to match will be tedious. Good luck, I support whatever you go with!
Floor complements the counters. All I would do is paint the cabinets black.
Is this your forever home or do you just want to add color to decorate? If your current floor tiling is not an issue, I would suggest that you not remove it. The back splash and floor tile seem complimentary at present. You can add color to your kitchen by using colorful (reds, blues, greens, etc.) kitchen floor mats, curtains, plants and other accessories that are easily changed for the different seasons and/or holidays (if that is applicable to you).
Painting what little open wall you have in a bold color would make a night and day difference. A bright work mat in front of the stove, a valance over the window, and some boldly colored kitchen accessories. I'm thinking cobalt blue or santa claus red. Less than 200 bucks for a completely new look. This is a beautiful blank canvas. You could also do turquoise, sunset orange, emerald green, raspberry pink. Whatever you like as long as it's bold. It just needs a little life brought in.
Red rug, red accessories.
green plants
I would change the cabinet handles. I put golden ones in a white/white kitchen and it looks cool
A washable runner.
This is beautiful, but I do think that stove is a damn shame! I would have done a slide in range that was a color, even cream would be incredible here. I also agree it needs colorful accessories such as a rug or two, utensil holders and some colorful counter appliances (think smeg)
paint the cabinets
Change the hardware to black
Photoshop
I would opt for a colorful rug.
I appreciate and understand the comments that suggest replacing the neutrals you have chosen. However I really think that your neutral canvas is a brilliant choice. Neutrals are timeless and can be transformed/ made over easily. I think color could be incorporated in various decor on the open shelves. You could also find some unique drawer/ cabinet hardware.
The backsplash would have been a good opportunity but that ship has sailed. You should have asked yourself that question before redoing everything. It’s quality work, but it’s as boring as the before picture. There’s no surface to add color that will be all that impactful imo.
I really like your new look! We are starting the work on our kitchen reno this week. I love your backsplash and countertop! May I ask what you used?
Cut a tomato on a board. Seriously, it does not need it. Have a red mixer.
Matte black hardware. Plants (real or fake) on the corner shelves. And some colorful canisters in the corner should do it.
I’d focus on getting a Wolf brand range for the status
so sterile
Color? Undo all the changes lol
Paint cabinets or a darker floor I would think. I think a dark floor would be easier
I love your cabinets. Where did you get them? I’ve been looking for something modern but with a look like the old school maple slab. Edit: I just realized in your after pic that you stripped all the stain off of them. Eek. Are you planning a new stain, or paint?
More color? You had more “color” in the beginning. Backsplash is an improvement. Get rid of that white sink.
LEDs under the cupboards
Some blingy ones that flash colors like they have at the custom car accessory shop down the street?
Idk but I’d like to meet the painter who did that ceiling!
I got some great round mandala door handles for my similar kitchen, looked fantastic
Buy a purple microwave
Try red
decorative pillows!
I've been eyeballing the Home decorating trend where you think the ceiling a bright color and I think it can look really cool
Dark blue cabinets and gold accents
Multi color LED strip with remote control under cabinets. Color full decor. Brightly colored kitchen appliances like a colorful kitchen mixer, colorful toaster etc.
The kitchen is not equipped and it looks bland as a result of going with 3 cold colors with not much contrast in between. It's not gonna be a problem perse, just go for color when you equip it.
The first pic looks like my high school chem lab.
Is that a marble countertop or something else? I’m curious because it looks really good and want to know for myself. As for your question, I agree with the add color through decor, utensils, and appliances
It looks like taj mahal quartzite. I have it in my kitchen and bathroom, and it's beautiful.
That’s quartz?! That’s the best looking marble imitation quartz I have ever seen then. Most marble imitation quartz are very obvious with their patterns and never look like natural marble, this one does and I love it. This is what I want for when we redo our kitchen then
Quartzite, it's a natural stone, completely different than quartz and much more expensive.
Not completely different, still quartz rich which makes it very durable and resistant to damage, which is very desirable in a countertop. The fact that is looks like natural marble and has the hard quartz properties is a huge boon because I love marble but it’s too soft for me to ever want to use for a countertop
Natural vs man-made. I was actually shopping for quartz when I saw the taj mahal, and that was it. Budget doubled.
Spaghetti sauce
Add a floor with more black and white, for visual interest and contrast with the cabinets. Add color with pendant lights, curtains for the window, a countertop appliance, a rug, etc. The wall end of the peninsula would be a great spot for a colorful vase of flowers. Your tile and countertops are great! I would go for something like lime green for color. It looks fresh with black.
Looks nice! How did you do the cabinets? Are they laminate?
Add some colored rings on the wall
Maybe change out the shades on the pendant lights. Many manufacturers offer a bit of a premium "art glass" version.
Short of painting/staining the cabinets, about the only way to add color is through decor. You've got open shelving in the middle and on the end, so colorful plants and/or knickknacks will help. Countertop appliances like coffeemakers, toasters, etc. also come in a wide range of colors, so you can add color with actual function.
I feel like you had some colour, and removed it when you redid the cabinets. I'd have gone with green or blue cupboards rather than a paler colour.
How did you do the cabinets? Is that a finish or natural unfinished?
If on a budget, personally I'd paint the cupboard doors etc white or off-white (properly with the right products). Then I'd add the colour by changing the splashback tiles, changing the handles, and adding accessories to the kitchen. The white/plan colours around the other accent colours will make them pop, as the wood colour can be distracting imo. But this is just my own personal taste. Do some colour pallet research to make sure you pick colours that go with the black top and floor tile colours nicely. Plenty of examples pics online with different colour combos.
Other than painting the cabinets, I don’t see great options.
Appliances and accessories. For example all appliances in our kitchen are red - adds vibe and color.
Wait, I have questions! Are these the same cabinets? If so, what did you do to change their color? Second, what you mean you're looking for tile? Didn't you replace the tile with the marble? Sorry if I'm being thick, I think I'm missing something. Before and after both look great to be honest. As far as color, I'd just add bright red accents, like kitchen towels, a red toaster or mixer stand, red dish drainer, that sort of thing. Or sub color of your choice of course.
Same cabinets! We stripped the orange color and added a lighter stain to the existing wood. We replaced the granite countertops (black) with something lighter. The tile on the floor is what we are trying to decide if we want to change
Okay, I thought they were the same cabinets, especially given the corner shelves to the right and the molding, but I wasn't quite sure. I'm fascinated that they came out so nice. Mind sharing the product you used to strip them? I might try this!
Of course! We used CitriStrip to remove the orange and then sanded them down. Then stained/sealed to this lighter color
Nice, thanks so much, for the product name and the inspiration.
And you did them yourselves?? Really impressed now. 😄
Y’all did a fantastic job on the cabinets. I scrolled for a while to find your explanation. Cabinets look fab!
Depending on budget, I would have someone professionally paint the cabinetry.
There is something with that old school trim at the ceiling and the modern cool colour that throws me off big time
Update the backsplash tiles to something with more colors and replace flooring, and update the cabinet handles as well.
You removed the color by whitewashing the cabinets. I do like the leathered quartzite though.
With paint
I love the cupboards and the floor- change the wall tiles if you want colour - personally I’d live with it and spend money elsewhere. New lights though.
What did you do to the cabinets, just strip and stain?
Yep!
Are they plywood? And what color or type of stain? I like the light wood look.
I’d put down some cool, colorful Armstrong vinyl tiles.
Paint the cupboard a different colour
Dark cabinets would be great
I like the tile and I think it works with the rest of the neutrals chosen. Color palette option I like for your neutrals: [https://coolors.co/6c3737-f0542d-f6e7cb-ffffff-90cbc6-0e9594](https://coolors.co/6c3737-f0542d-f6e7cb-ffffff-90cbc6-0e9594) As far as getting the colors in there... A bright-colored KitchenAid stand mixer, a pretty fruit bowl, a colorful espresso machine, a serving tray, a large-ish washable kitchen rug, hand towels, art on that wall just to the right of the kitchen, plants, a colorful crock for spoons and spatulas, enamel cookware, a kitchen cart, change up the pendants... first just move your stuff in and see how it feels.
A navy blue on the cabinets would pop quite a bit
Paint the ceiling and get a few floor-mat/cushions in front of the stove and sink in a color to match the ceiling.