Bland Kitchen

Comments (38)

Jonathan
9 years ago
I think it looks fab. Personally I think it just needs a pop of colour- perhaps blinds and lights in bright colour.
however if your issue is that it is a little dull if might be the light quality: the solutions for that are over cabinet lighting or to change the worktop for a warmer/lighter shade.
PRO
Nyc Ceramics Kitchens & Bathrooms
9 years ago
The kitchen looks lovely!

As mentioned above, lighting is key.
If we were designing the same kitchen I would be looking at an additional 4 down/tilt lighters to the 4 shown in the photo looking towards window/external wall. Highlighting the tall cabinets on the left by bouncing light on to them. A under cabinet light either side of the hob to really emphasise that area.
I would also look to light up the areas that are creating shadows, above the tall units on the left & right above hob & extractor with led strip pelmet lighting as shown in the 2nd photo below which I found on houzz.

Below are a couple of kitchen installations we completed last year with some examples of lighting features as mentioned above.

Hope this helps, regards Karl.
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Sorry to ignore your three options but I vote to keep the red appliances (for budgetary reasons) and introduce some low-key wooden accessories and more plants. Natural finish wooden elements have an amazing ability to transform a space that looks a little cold or off. Big chopping board or serving paddles propped up together, bit of marble, white and black plant pots with more plants. I would swap out everything else red and just try to tone down the appliances by spacing apart. Change blind for more of a natural linen-style finish, preferably Roman rather than roller to introduce warmth. You could easily get a bit of an industrial vibe going if you liked that look - dark walls would be really cool in a rich navy like F&B downpipe. Pics attached for inspiration. So much of the final look is down to styling rather than big changes. A blank canvas is best - just dial down the matchy-matchy red and go a little bit more earthy and organic to make it feel less sterile. Good luck, take a look at my articles if you need any more ideas. You can do it!
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Hi Yolanda - I'd change the stools, table and chairs, and swap the pendants for something in coloured glass or (personally) metallic, and change the cabinet handles from steel to brass/gold. Instant lift. Splashback-wise, try distressed mirror (suitably tempered and toughened) as it has loads of personality, bounces light around and is easy to clean. Then play with wall colour. Warm accents will stop the wood door from jarring so much (or paint it, if you can convince your husband). You have a lovely kitchen - will take very little to get it where you want!
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Well, Gary, you have got some great ideas coming in. I turned 70 last year and my family in 1967 bought a brand new townhouse that was an exciting place to live. It had three split-level floors making about 7 levels (not quite designed by Escher!) My advice is look at the inspiration for British 60s houses - that came from 1950s America (and earlier). Draw out the essence. Think: Clean lines / Timber / Brick / Harmony / Balance / Simplicity (and I am sure you are!) You are so right to steer away from the grey format you describe. Attaching 1) a contemporary colour chart for door inspiration and 2) images solely for the cohesive simplicity of window shapes.) These are some thoughts that I have: 1) The porch: Could it be constructed out of SIPs - thereby giving more insulation? Possibly cheaper, easier and cleaner to build with than brickwork? The side panels could be clad with cedar that just wraps round onto the front wall each side - maybe 15cm? (To give depth.) Maybe a very slightly sloping crimped zinc roof on top? Look at the front width of the porch and pretty much divide it into two. Have perhaps a door with a square clear glass pane on the right (like your image above) AND make the adjacent window the same size square aperture as in the door. Maybe some cedar cladding under this window? 2) The other windows: If these could be based upon the same square format (as above) and tip / tilt. The kitchen window could comprise two tip/tilt opening almost square windows and these be echoed in the first floor bedroom above. The bathroom window naturally lends itself to a square pane. NO frosted or reeded glass anywhere! ...Even if it is 'authentic'! 'Roller blinds' were used a lot then and provided an interesting layer to the windows plus a nice slice of colour! Surely no-one would consider vertical strip blinds!!!!???? 3) The front door colour: (I really will have to 'get over' the fact that PVC double-glazed doors cannot be painted like a good old wooden door...!) So, my recollection is that mid-sixties colours in Britain were actually not quite so primary as we think but often a little bit 'slubby'. This makes them more interesting I think. ...Ignore the contradictory red doors below!! 🤣 Images of evocative clean styles - windows mainly.
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Jenny West
9 years ago
Skylight?
PRO
Sussex Kitchen and Bedrooms
9 years ago
What a great kitchen, perhaps undercabinet lighting and some more colour, don't be scared
mrsmcee74
9 years ago
Lovely kitchen. Maybe try Dulux light and space paint - it has light reflecting particles in it. Also add a pop of colour with accessories.
muttleyz
9 years ago
Lighting is definitely key here, great advice above. How about a pop of orange accessories to brighten it up? See pics for inspiration.
User
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you all for your comments. I will look at the lighting options and changing the colour of blinds / accessories and update the photos following this.

Thank you again.
mrsmcee74
9 years ago
I've just remembered that Sarah Beeny mentioned on one of her shows once LED light panels to a couple who didn't have any natural light in one of their rooms. The ones she showed looked very effective, like skylights and were quite cheap to buy, plus v energy efficient.
User
Original Author
9 years ago
What a great idea - thank you.
PRO
Christopher Grace Designs
9 years ago
Similarly to others, I would consider the lighting plan and add varying types of light at differing heights in the space to crete the effect you like. Again, I would add some spaces of colour with accessories, linens, curtains, blinds that add that extra element of interest to your kitchen, which does look nice by the way. It might also be worth thinking about how reflective the surfaces/floor are so that you dont block any natural light that is coming in and bouncing back aorund the room.
balmsy
9 years ago
I fully agree with the lighting comments, there needs to be more spotlights. I don't think the worktop looks finished, an upstand would finish it off really we'll.MIT looks lie the blind is a blackout blind, I don't think you need this in a kitchen so maybe replace with a standard blind to help with the light issue. I would then place some more things on worktop, fruit bowl, plant and picture on window and perhaps a large picture with colour on wall behind bar stools.
PRO
Worktops.co
9 years ago
Under cabinet lighting would make a huge difference and the other thing I'd suggest could be a brighter and radiant glass or tile splash back. Nothing too crazy but something reflective and a little bit brighter just so it gives the impression the room is bright too.
credz4
9 years ago
I think the worktops and flooring are making it darker. The flooring is relatively cheap to change but the worktop is different. I do like your original blinds too but do you need a blind at all? The original one provided a splash of colour. Also, try looking at the tiling, a more reflective tile like the mother of pearl style mosaic style? For the lights over the breakfast bar area try a shade that exposes the bulb a little more, these can look really great with the right shape bulb. Good luck.
msingh92
9 years ago
Gorgeous kitchen. White the walls and yellow accessories, placemats and kettle and toaster. Don't be afraid, the grey and yellow bounce off each other perfectly, good luck! You could even yellow the back wall the one with the picture on it. Personally love citron by Farrow and Ball and think it will give a new leash of life!!
eferd
9 years ago
I have a similar colour kitchen but mine is against white walls which makes it brighter and will allow the kitchen to stand out. Try that first as white paint is the cheapest option.
PRO
Southpoint
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
You've got some good suggestions to follow. The first thing that struck me when looking at the pictures was that the blinds are blocking about 20% of the windows when open. Get rid of these and have a pale sheer blind that sits on the face of the wall not in the reveal of the window. Every bit of daylight is precious! Not the best of pictures below but shows the idea. Also the downlights don't seem very bright. Can you add some more or repace the existing with ones of a higher wattage. 7W LED downlighters give a good brightness (choose warm wight lamps). If you are not sure get in a lighting designer, either an independent or from a local lighting store.
balmsy
9 years ago
I keep looking at your pictures. Is there any way you could replace the worktop? It is very dark and there is a lot of it. I would opt for a much lighter colour. I have grey cupboards with a light grey travertine type top and light large porcelain tiles for some reflection. You have reflection in your cupboards but I think the worktop is just too heavy for the kitchen and sucking the light out of it. Xxx
credz4
9 years ago
Also the end wall cabinet that hangs over the breakfast bar area, blocks a lot of light from that 2nd window when standing in the centre of your kitchen. Its also very close to the pendant lights when you open the door. Could you do without it?
ali270
9 years ago
Our kitchen is a very similar colour palette and we had the same dilemma but it changed dramatically with better lighting and a new floor...namely large pale high gloss tiles ( something I winced at when suggested ) but the best thing we've ever done . The light bounces off the floor even on the dullest day and it always looks clean .
User
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks ali270 - do you have any pics you can share?
ali270
9 years ago
The floor is much lighter in reality . Hope this helps .
ruthholmstock
9 years ago
Hi, there is one easy change which would make a lot of difference during the day. The natural light in a room is dependent on the light from the sky. Your window head is already low and is probably restricting natural light already and you have made this worse by installing a Roman blind which is covering a fair amount of glass at the top of the window. If you changed this to a roller blind you would definitely increase the light available. For after dark I would install under cupboard lights which will brighten the worktops and add depth to the room.
PRO
Ian Philliskirk
9 years ago
I cannot tell from the picture what the back splash material / colour is . If you didn't change the lights look at 7/9 W led's they are so much better now and have a wider throw
PRO
Stella Michael
9 years ago
You mention 'no life' and I can see what you mean. Some of it has to do with colour ... if you look in nature very little grey (I am not a fan of this newish trend) or even white tends to be 'alive' so adding some colour would help ... coloured tea towels on the oven door (buy a bunch of them), change the light fittings, maybe a bit bigger and a bit more fun, the stools in a colour would look better ... otherwise it's all a bit bland and lifeless. If you think of what is prepared in the kitchen ... food ... and the colours ... green vegetables, coloured fruit, red meat ... also add some colour that doesn't 'match' to add some interest.

The other big thing is material/texture ... adding some wood, especially to a kitchen would help bring it to life a bit ... would suggest 3 items e.g. a large wooden chopping board, a wooden bowl with fruit and a container with wooden spoons next to the stove. Also some actual life ... definitely remove the blind and add a row of small plants/herbs along the window sill.

Everything in the kitchen appears bright shiny and new ... add somethings that have a bit of age, they bring something different to the energy of the room and a bit of interest ... for example I have some old red vintage scales in my kitchen that I love, and are useful, and add some personality and colour. A large vintage bowl or some bottles ... I have mine filled with different oils that I use.

Finally some more signs of (human) life would also help ... things that show you use the kitchen ... these would include some previously mentioned ones ... a wooden chopping board etc, mine are lively olive wood so I have them leaning against the wall so I can see them ... things you actually use rather than just have for show.

I hate cleaning so am not suggesting you add lots of clutter but useful things. I find if they are things I use all the time it's easy to give them a wipe as I use them or they naturally get washed each time they are used so they don't get grimy and dusty.
Sharon Mccracken
9 years ago
Hi I think the kitchen is great but there is a lack of depth due to so much grey!
I agree with everyone lighting is required but I would create difference in material and or texture! Large Copper lights would look amazing for example!
hillary59
9 years ago
I agree with the last 2 comments as there are some simple inexpensive solutions to livening up this beautiful but lifeless kitchen.
I dont think its vital to redesign your lighting system although if you can afford to , its always a benefit.

Order a made to measure roman Blind online in colours of your kitchen and be bold and add in say
orange or blue in a sophisticated but stripey fabric (say coffee/orange/charcoal/white) or whatever appeals to you. Masses of fabrics to choose from. But you need to bring in a bright accent colour with your existing units to give it all a lift.
I just ordered a made to measure Roman blind on line at a great discount and it came less than a week later.
I would hang the Roman blind ABOVE and outside of the window reveal with only a limited overhang,so that maximum light floods in and yet you still have the impact of
the fabric on show and the window actually looks bigger aswell.
Replace your lamp shades aswell with clear coloured glass or something interesting.
As mentioned , texture is also missing...when you have those lovely glossy doors you need a contrast with
some textured wood or rattan type accessories...
Lovely kitchen ,but you want to smile when you walk in. If the room doesnt make you feel good experiment till it does but it doesnt have to cost an arm and a leg.
User thanked hillary59
credz4
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I agree, a new lighting system will not solve your problem unless its dark. In the day time you want natural light and to not have to flick a light switch on everytime you walk in the kitchen.
crowningfashion
9 years ago
I have the same kitchen! Instead of a dark work top I chose an off white and I had glass upstands made cheaply by a local glazing company who measured and installed. I painted the walls and ceilings brilliant white and added a modern circular crystal light fitting. I insalled a mirror vertical rad which also bounces light and hung a large abstract oil painting of good quality by a local artist. I was going to erect window coverings but loved how light the kitchen felt and with a boutiquey feel and decided less is more as they weren't necessary (the kitchen over looks the rear garden eith sfternoon sun.) Maybe some of these ideas would work for you?
PRO
Stella Michael
9 years ago
supergirlvintage do you have a photo?
crowningfashion
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I'll be able to get one in a few weeks as the whole house has been renovated and the decorator has his pasting table and paints etc in there at the moment. I think the kitchen is beautiful but 'safe.' If it were me I would bust the budget on designer lights over the seating area, change the stools to Kartell Ghost/Masters/One More/ More Please stools and hang a large canvas on the wall directly behind the stools. She probably won't be able to match a colour to the units - the designer who designed my kitchen informed me post installation that the company purposely makes their colours virtually impossible to match up so that nothing can be mixed and matched from other companies! If you want a colour to match, match up with the handles - chrome and maybe think about a silver or very light grey blind. Its truly worth going to a professional interior design studio as their range of fabrics is phenomenal and they would be able to make the perfect window covering that would work a treat. In my home city there are dozens of places which offer this service and have a wonderful rage of blinds. I'm writing this presuming you want contemporary - if you have a bigger budget you could tile the wall opposite the sink with modern marble or slate tiles etc. If you want boutique - roman blind, crystal pendants and art and keep the current stools. Paint all white and make your art stunning (think the way art is displayed in a gallery on bright white walls.) I think you are looking for the 'wow' factor and that takes time - I have redesigned my bedroom 3 times and I posted on here for advice on my wall colours in my lounge - it's frustrating but worth it when you know you have the look!
User thanked crowningfashion
PRO
Stella Michael
9 years ago
Have a look at this link ... the 1st and 3rd photos are good. See how a few plants and a bit of colour ... an orange plant pot and some coloured lights(note they are in a fabric rather than hard shiny metal or plastic), the window blinds are thin and almost disappear (although your window looks like it faces your garden so try living without any blinds for a couple of months and see how it feels) ... and the coloured and textures/real artwork ... all make a big difference even with the glass table and chrome chairs which could start to feel clinical but don't here .... https://www.houzz.co.uk/discussions/963969/save-me-from-spoiling-my-new-kitchen
User thanked Stella Michael
tavolla
9 years ago
I would dream of a kitchen like yours!i think you should paint this wall in mauve and add some colour with accessories
User thanked tavolla
User
9 years ago
I think orange as already suggested would bring a bit of life into it. Lamp shades, stools/chairs and teatowels would all be helpful. The work surface is nice for the cabinets but maybe not for your kitchen. I also think the lighting could be improved, brighter bulbs maybe at least. I would try some of the cheaper options to see how you feel about changing anything big. I also agree plants/flowers/fruit would add colour/
PRO
Breakfast Bar Stools
7 years ago
A great way to add colour to a bland kitchen is with bright colour barstools.

or

or

Also you can add a Splash back in a colour to match your barstools:-

or

Or else pick out the barstools colour in pictures and/or blinds:-

There are 56 upholstery colours from which you can choose. I show just one of the three upholstery sample cards, which we can send to you.
Have fun picking the colour which suits your kitchen and accessories. Perhaps you could add a kettle/ toaster etc in the same colour?

Kind regards,

Graeme Lang, The Barstool Man
waltermorse
7 years ago
Hi. You are nearly there. Have u thought about adding natural materials to soften it? I would have plants on the window ledges. Maybe small green ones such as succulents. A row of 3 or 5 in metallic containers or plain white. I would put some wood in and a mirror on the wall. Maybe a mirror on the wall behind the the bar stools with a wooden frame. You could go rustic with drift wood or there is a round ikea mirror with a walnut looking frame. I would change your blinds to a lighter colour and a pattern. Something u really love. Maybe with green in it, link in with the green plants.
Then I would put something quirky in. I have a side light on the end of my counter top. A big black kartell bourgie light. There are some fun Abigail ahern animal lights in debenhams.
I would probably change the lights over the counter. I would get bigger ones. You could go industrial and then spray them a colour.
Good luck
kelly tanner
7 years ago
Use 5.5 LED lamps in those spots. This would give you a bright white instead of the warm you have and definately use under cabinet and top of cabinet lighting.
PRO
Sussex Kitchen and Bedrooms
7 years ago
Your kitchen needs a bit of personality!
You can try adding a splash of colour in many ways such as colourful appliances and a colourful splashback.
Maybe try different handles in your kitchen. These ones are perfect at adding personality.

Get in touch if you would like to see more ideas.

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Bland Kitchen

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