Design Dilemma,Kitchen & Bath | February 12, 20082 Comments

Design Dilemma: Kitchen Update

Yippee! I’ve got another Design Dilemma to tackle. This week it’s a kitchen and involves color – one of my favorite design subjects.

DH reader, Jack, writes that he’s updating his kitchen, which basically means changing out the countertop and the wallpaper. As you can see in the two photos, the cabinets are a beautiful, dark cherry. The appliances are black, and the floor is a green and white ceramic tile. These elements are staying.

Jack likes taupe for the walls and granite for the counters. Their issue is the granite color, He says, “Though we have lots of light from the sun room and large windows, one opinion is to go with black, while another is that there is already enough darkness.”

First, I wonder if Jack has considered surfaces other than granite? There are other natural and manufactured stone products that are also very nice. Take some time to check what’s out there. Soapstone and marble are nice options. Manufactured stone choices include Caesarstone and Silestone. The benefit of a manufactured stone is the even color and veining, as well as the ease of maintenance.

Having said all that, the most important advice I have to offer is to choose a honed finish. Trends are moving toward more natural textures. The best way to give your kitchen an update is to choose a honed, or matte, product. In the photo below, you can appreciate the natural beauty of the matte finish.

Now, to answer your question. Black or a lighter color? The only thing I would steer you away from is anything other than a neutral color. You’ll be spending a lot of money for your new counters. So stick with something no one will tire of – even new owners. As for the color, black is fine. It’s not wrong. You have plenty of sunlight, so you don’t need to worry about the case effect. But you’re right on the water, so why not consider something lighter? I’ve worked up a few ideas.

Here’s a dark gray, honed granite. I’ve teamed it up with a wallpaper in a neutral hue. This pattern is called Bumble Bee and it’s from Farrow & Ball. This is formal look. Yet the bees keep it light.

Here’s a lighter choice. This is Caesarstone in Lagos Blue. The paint is Satin Slipper from Farrow & Ball.

This is my favorite choice. It’s not too dark, not too light. And it will go really well with the green tile on the floor. I like the hint of color here, while still keeping with a neutral palette. This option is Raven, also from Caesarstone. If you like this choice, but prefer a natural stone, I suggest ordering a sample of the Raven and taking it to your stone shop for a match. Paint choices here are Blue Grey with White Tie from Farrow & Ball.

Finally, while you’re at it, might I suggest some new bar stools? They need an update as well. The stool shown above is the Eastward Stool from Thomas Moser.

That’s my two cents worth, Jack. I hope this helps you with your decision. My final suggestion is to be sure to choose your paint color last!

I welcome suggestions and opinions from all of you. What would you do? Is black too dark for a kitchen by the water? Is there a favorite stone you think would work? I welcome all ideas and I’m sure Jack will, too.