STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Cortney1982 · Chanel

Help with kitchen ideas?

Elle · Hermes

What about black counters, white cabinets, and black/white tile on the floors?

Or you could always go with a more gray counter, which would leave you more options for floors and cabinets. I do think if you have dark appliances and dark counters that dark cabinets and floors would be too much.

halleybird · Hermes

I like the black quartz a lot -- but I love all black countertops. I'd do a warm wood similar to the one in the pic, like a reddish maple. We had that color in our old house and it was great, esp. with our black appliances. But I would keep the floors a light neutral, like a lighter wood or slate.

Also, keep your kitchen size in mind. I really wanted cherry cabinets and dark countertops, but in reality my kitchen is lower-ceilinged and would look very cramped. So I am getting a lighter countertop instead. If you have a big kitchen with high ceilings, you have a lot more options.

NCshopper · Hermes

I really like the color scheme in that picture. Or you could do white cabinets too, like Elle suggested.

I love black countertops. Have you thought of soapstone countertops? I think they're gorgeous--they're more of a matte finish and they're really cool. Get soapstone so I can live vicariously through you!

MissMee · Kate Spade

I think light maple cabinets look good w/ black appliances and black countertops (kind of like the first picture). I'm also a fan of dark floors, but I'm not sure if you'll be changing those. Keep the yellow walls and do a black & white toile balloon shade in the kitchen window.

I personally like aged white cabinets. I have white cabinets right now and they're pretty good. Not like what you have - I'd want to change those,too! But I'd love dark cabinets. You could do dark like your kitchen table. That would also look nice. Very sophisticated.

Marg · Kenneth Cole

We recently completed a remodel on our kitchen and used honey maple cabinetry, SS appliances (commercial grade) and this granite (baltic brown).

It is spectacular and goes great with the warm colors it sounds like you prefer. I was really hesitant since it is dark, but no regrets at all. You might take a look at it in person. If you do choose granite, I would recommend a granite undermount sink opposed to stainless (we did black). It's beautiful and does not detract from the granite like some sinks can.

Here's a picture from the supplier's catalog:

-- Edited by Marg at 15:55, 2006-04-23

Hermes

I ditto Marg's suggestion for a countertop.

You obviously like dark wood. I can see with the warm yellow walls; cherry cabinets (or something as dark as the seating shown in you kitchen), black appliances, and a quartz countertop like this (Brazillian Brown Silestone)

Cortney1982 · Chanel

Thanks for the ideas! I really like the Brazillian Brown countertop. Cabinets to match with those tables and chairs may be a good idea as well. I think I may just end up moving the cooking area somewhere else so I can open up the breakfast nook, it is a tight squeeze with the table and chairs.

I found out there is a rather good showroom nearby with well experienced designers. I think I will go that route since this project is getting more complicated since I will be changing the kitchen set up and want the right colors and fixtures.