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We joke on staff that the most popular posts on the Fresh Home blog are the ones when WE ask for YOUR help. It always amazes me just how creative, clever, generous and resourceful you guys are with your suggestions. So I’m giving it a go myself. Dear readers, meet my kitchen. I love, love, love to cook, so I spend oodles of time in here. But I’ve been staring at these red walls and charcoal-hued laminate countertops for about 10 years now. I’m desperately craving something lighter and brighter. So, pretty please, will you help a sista out?
I love the cabinets, but loathe the paint color!
What color would look good on these walls? Do you think I should replace those laminate countertops? And what about that sore thumb of a white pantry door?
Any thoughts on what to put above my cabinets? Or is clean and stark the way to go?
my dining area just off the kitchen
Should I paint the attached dining area a different color to help differentiate the space? And what about a rug? Artwork? (Yes, that spindly palm in the corner will find a new home in the compost pile this weekend.)
Whew! I feel so much better knowing that help is on the way!
Tags: color, home decor, room ideas, ugly room s.o.s.
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August 09, 2011 3:12 PM
I'd change the paint to a seafoam green. I think that small change would be a great start and brighten the room. I never leave ceilings white so I'd paint it egg shell with just a slight hint of seafoam green to it.
August 09, 2011 3:45 PM
Seafoam green....I hadn't thought of that! Maybe even a bit more on the turquoise side. That would def. brighten things up!
August 09, 2011 3:19 PM
Definately lighter; not sure what your budget is, but for an inexpensive addition, they have wall decals that look like mosaic glass tiles that are removable! You could price that out since you don't have a backsplash. I would also paint the supports of your bar the same color as the wall so that they don't stand out so much. Can't wait to see how it turns out.
August 09, 2011 3:46 PM
So funny how you called out the supports! I've been staring at them for so long that I don't even notice them anymore. You're absolutely right ‘tho! So nice to have fresh eyes. Thanks!
August 09, 2011 3:36 PM
I love the sage green in slide 2 here, but not sure if I'd love it with your natural cabinets: http://www.freshhomeideas.com/room-ideas/kitchens/kitchens-by-style/contemporary-kitchens And as always, I'm a huge fan of all white in the kitchen. Then, throw in some color with artwork, fresh herbs, and bright canisters: http://www.freshhomeideas.com/room-ideas/kitchens/kitchen-flooring/wood-kitchen-floors
August 09, 2011 3:49 PM
When choosing how to decorate a kitchen and/or dining area choose a “theme (farmhouse, contemporary, industrial, eclectic, shaker, etc). when choosing the paint go with a “food” color (i.e wing sauce and celery accents if you're a fan of wings) stay away from yellows since your cabinets are a light yellow tone wood, and take into consideration how much natural light you get in the space (and if more light fixtures are needed). Paint the ceiling a couple of shades lighter than the wall, do not paint the island the same color as the wall (think about installing beat-board-inexpensive, cleanable and easy) . Change the hardware on the cabinets according to your chosen style. Choose a dark stone for your countertops since your floors are as light as your cabinets (think about refinishing the floor to a richer light-medium finish. Install a backsplash to complement the wood and countertop. Good luck!
August 09, 2011 4:02 PM
Wow, Phyllis, thanks for all the amazing ideas! LOVE the possibility of dark stone countertops and dressing the island in a different material. You have me inspired!
August 09, 2011 3:51 PM
I would pick a new color for the walls-lighter in fact. I would then re-stain the cabinets a dark color.
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