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Kitchen How do I Blend in the Black Island

3 years ago

Hello we recently redid the floors to a lighter color to make more brighter. The island was originally white so I repaint it black. Now I trying to tie it all in. These are my ideas need professional opinion please

Paint the pendants black or
2 Paint the Hood black and add wood to front panel could tie in with the stools or
Leave just the way it is

We are getting rid of the wine rack which will leave a bare wall. So not sure what to do there either.

Featured Answer

Maureen

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

It’s a lovely kitchen and I think the black island was a great choice. Hopefully you can spray the pendants. It’s a big decision to paint hood and maybe hold off until other updates are done. Keep the brass hardware, as it’s lovely.

You could add a runner (black and white or black with rust to tie in stools)

Then I‘d replace wine rack with large artwork and incorporate rust, again to comp stools

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Comments (48)

kempek01
3 years ago
You need a little more black. Perhaps the pendants or the cabinet hardware?
Rachel Lee
3 years ago
I think black was the wrong choice- you have very traditional white cabinets, countertop, flooring, pendants, hood.... put it back white, get more traditional stools.
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Molly D. Zone4B
3 years ago
Is the wall color changing?
Molly D. Zone4B
3 years ago
On my monitor, wall color appears a little creamy and the cabinets brighter white.
Valinta
3 years ago
It looks fine. I would remove the wall wine rack.
rachann61
3 years ago
A black and white kitchen is a traditional French style. I like how it’s coming together. Look on Houzz for more examples. Trust yourself
ydubois
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you all for the comments.
yes the wall is a bit lighter than the kitchen cabinets. I am definitely open to changing the color.

I just thought leaving the island white with the floors was a bit too much. Plus we already have the black doors

I will look through Houzz again for more inspiration.
PRO
Pamela Macior, LLC
3 years ago
Pretty kitchen! remove winerack as you have already decided, place large same sized art/photos framed with black WOOD frames not shiny plastic on the wine rack wall in a structured linear pattern, not a collage ( choose something you love and makes you smile - family, food, landscape, architecture, charcoal line drawings, graphic art, a panoramic scene that floats into each frame) on the wine rack wall. place art where your recessed cans will illuminate comfortably. Play with how glass ( unless museum glass) over "art" reflects with the cans- you may find the cans create a glare and a flashback so play with it. ( add a dimmer to cans) Adding a wood something will help the barstools blend in. If you find only black and white art, then throw in a frame that is wood or colored similar to bar stools on the door wall but not exactly the same color as the barstools to create depth. Add a wood bowl with bright-colored fruit on the island. Change the hardware on the black doors to gold to bring in your pendants. If you are bold- use a graphic but subtle colored or a painted-able wallpaper that mimics your glass doors and pendants on the black door wall. Use a vase that has some black/gold/white to hold your flowers. I see the trim isn't done so when you get the crown and baseboard done, it will look all pulled together. You are almost there!!!. Your pendants are too high, bring them down if you still have the chain and enough cord ( hopefully you do, if not take it to a lamp shop to rewire ( not expensive). If you are changing your wall color - use wall color toned down to half-color or 1/4 color on your ceiling to create volume if using a light color. If you are sticking with white - still paint the ceiling the same white. Don't use the ceiling white. Use your wall color white in a flat sheen. Good luck and rock it!
ydubois thanked Pamela Macior, LLC
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
3 years ago
The brass fixtures in black seem like the natural solution. What are you replacing the wine rack with?

Here are some suggestions.
ydubois thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
PRO
Carol Jean
3 years ago
don't second guess yourself it's great do black rug or paint hood if you want
ydubois thanked Carol Jean
PRO
Lisa Caudill Designs
3 years ago
range hood and lights in black with the gold/ brass you have already incorporated would look great.
ydubois thanked Lisa Caudill Designs
Fsal
3 years ago
Would definitely paint that hood black.
ydubois thanked Fsal
PRO
Debbi Washburn
3 years ago
The hood looks like its really tight to the cabinet - painting may be difficult. What about painting the mullions on the glass? And since you have the black doors , what about black baseboard trim??

Maybe I have bad taste but I like the wine rack! lol
ydubois
Original Author
3 years ago
OMG the ideas are amazing. I definitely love the idea of painting the pendants for sure. I agree the hood is a big decision will wait till last to decide. I love the painting ideas as well.

Ok will lower the pendants, hopefully we have the extra chain if not I like idea will go the store and add to it.

The wall paper is amazing.

I will add a bit of the wood element to complement the stools . I would love to change the stools but cannot afford to so adding wood accents is definitely a must.
ydubois
Original Author
3 years ago
@Debbie - Wow that is definitely a thought. LOL alot of people love that wine rack but it does seem a bit out of place with the wall being so large.

Gosh so many good ideas, wish I can just close my eyes and it will be done. It so scary painting anything black because if you don't like it its a mission to paint a lighter color.
PRO
Debbi Washburn
3 years ago
The wine rack doesn't need to be alone - some great artwork - black and white in a colorful frame or mat... or depending on how much room you have , you could do a shallow hall table and have the wine rack above it but down towards the door or up across from the ref.

I would also suggest getting some newspaper, painting it black and taping it to the hood. You can also paint strips and tape them to the mullions on the glass

Then you can see what it might look like.

Good luck!
RedRyder
3 years ago
Do one more “black” item at a time. First, get a black and white runner. That alone might make you happier. Then consider spray painting the pendant. Try Debbi’s idea of “covering” the range hood in black painted paper. Don’t commit to that huge change without trying the small ones. I like your kitchen just as it is now, but add something interesting where the wine rack is and you can be done (except for a b&w runner).
Your kitchen is lovely. The black may be a new element so your eyes keep focusing on it. Go slow with suggested changes.
LilliCraig
3 years ago
LOVE LOVE LOVE. I agree. Painting the pendants is a great suggestion.
LilliCraig
3 years ago
I’m thinking a tall narrow piece in the corner might balance it off better than the wine rack. It could be I wine rack as well but somewhat taller than it is wide.
ydubois
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you all so much. After much thought I did decide to paint the pendants. I definitely needed one more element of black. I will remove the wine rack and add some paintings as suggested. Some wood bowls, black and white vases a plant or structure in the corner and definitely the baseboards.
Rachel
3 years ago
Another idea . . . paint the bottom molding on hood black and leave the rest white.
MaryBocaTX
3 years ago
I LOVE @Debbi Washburn’s idea of painting the baseboards black! It seems so radical, but I saw exactly that on a home tour in Dunwoody, GA, a while back and it was STUNNING. All of their doors and trim were painted black (as opposed to the normal white/off-white) and it looked gorgeous. Very traditional house as well. I was stunned.

In any event, I would definitely lower the pendants as suggested, and I have a feeling you’re going to like the black hood once you test the idea with the clever newspaper trick.

If you’re keeping the pretty cabinet pulls, I like leaving the pendants as is, just to tie in the color.

If you can change the pendants, the first ones that @Lisa Caudill Designs suggested ($149.49) would be PERFECT. The size and “weight” are more appropriate for the space and cabinet style, IMO. And they have the added benefit of featuring both the black and the brass.

You’ve done a wonderful job so far and have a beautiful kitchen; it’s going to be absolutely spectacular when you’re finished. Congrats!
ydubois
Original Author
3 years ago
Hmm I see what you are saying about the pendants matching the the cabinet pulls. The pulls were a pretty penny I wouldn't want to change them. I do like the pendants that were suggested I would have to sell the current ones or find a place to put them, if not then I would probably agree to leave the current brass color. (Yes lower them). or color them. Ugh now I am confused.
ydubois
Original Author
3 years ago
@Rachel that is thought. The other idea I had was add a piece of wood to the bottom of the hood to add warmth.
MaryBocaTX
3 years ago
Take @RedRyder’s sage advice to heart. Go slow. There is no need to replace/paint the pendants right away, if ever. Lower them, play with the newspaper idea, (put in black baseboards all over the house😉), and live with it for a while.

The island is beautiful, as are the cabinets and floor. Just give it some time.
ydubois
Original Author
3 years ago
@MaryBocaTX Thank you so much. Yes designing when you are NOT a professional is overwhelming. I am definitely going to look into the black baseboards, totally different. Okay I will do so. Thanks again
PRO
Debbi Washburn
3 years ago
The white /black/brass combo is very beautiful. It just has to be in balance. An easy way to try the lights - get the delicate painter's tape , cover the metal and paint the tape black or try the newspaper trick. You can do that with the baseboards too. This way you aren't wasting money or committing to anything that can't be undone.

You'll find that sweet spot that makes you happy.

Make sure to post after pictures - it will help lots of others too!
ydubois
Original Author
3 years ago
@Debbie Thank you. I think it will be nice once I do find the balance. I am definitely going to do a sample before I commit.

I will do so.

Question black baseboards they keep the crown molding white?
MaryBocaTX
3 years ago
Yes, they actually had the doors, door casings, window casings, and baseboards painted black, but kept the crown white. It really did look great. Maybe one of the pros can comment on this look. I’m sure they’ve seen it before, although I never had.
Sandybean
3 years ago
I've seen it. Every major room was painted white with black baseboards and windows and entry door ( crown left white). Looked great!
ydubois
Original Author
3 years ago
Yes I did a test with an old baseboard, OMG it does look amazing, especially contrast against the lighter floors. Thank you for the suggestion.
MaryBocaTX
3 years ago
@Sandybean - I’m so glad that someone else verified that I wasn’t just imagining things! Had you ever seen it before? I was so surprised; it seemed counterintuitive somehow - but it was stunning.
MaryBocaTX
3 years ago
@Debbi Washburn - your black baseboard suggestion is a home run. You have excellent taste. Very nicely done.
ydubois
Original Author
3 years ago
@Debbie Washburn - Indeed great idea
Sandybean
3 years ago
See the black touches in this stunning kitchen? You might want to try black along bottom of range hood before painting it entirely.
ydubois
Original Author
3 years ago
@Sandybean Hi I don't see the picture
Sandybean
3 years ago
I’m not sure why you don’t see it. Does anyone else see it? Things are strange on Houzz sometimes.
Maureen
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I think the addition of black shouldn’t overwhelm; black airy pendants and accessories would be enough. Also suggest keeping the brass hardware - it has an elegant, softer feel. See room below, black is subtle and still pulls room together.

Before considering painting baseboards black, be sure to look at inspiration rooms. They can take over and I think potentially feel patchy. Compare below‘s feel to kitchen above.

If you want a strong black injection, a feature wall would be better than baseboards. There are all kinds of molding designs.

Your kitchen is lovely and just take your time with more permanent changes and there are lots of small things to add if you like.
MaryBocaTX
3 years ago
@Sandybean - I don’t see it either...
ydubois
Original Author
3 years ago
@Maureen What amazing suggestions. The accent wall is amazing. I do agree so far all I have done is paint the pendants, but after seeing it I think the original suggestion of a different pendant might be better. I love love these ideas. Thank you so much
felizlady
3 years ago
I enjoy having art and runner rugs in the kitchen.
ydubois
Original Author
3 years ago
@felizlady I love the runner rugs. The art work is nice as well once you find the right ones. I am so honored for all the time everyone took to provide such inspirational ideas
Kate
3 years ago
I think a large piece of art in a simple black frame with a black picture light would be enough black.
er612
3 years ago
I would change the bar stools and hang some uniform framed pics as others have suggested.
felizlady
3 years ago
Runner rugs and art with just a bit of black will complement the island beautifully. I have different Persian-style patterned @7’ runner rugs on both sides of the kitchen island: where I stand to prep meals and where I stand while tending the stove. The green and charcoal colors are repeated in the valance over the window above the sink.
PRO
Debbi Washburn
3 years ago
To answer your older question - leave the crown white.

Remember - we want you to do take it slow and do one element at a time. Then live with it - see if it is enough. I would try one of the runner suggestions next and maybe a shallow piece of furniture.

Also artwork/pictures for the wall - again - easiest way to test this - get out the newspapers - cut to size, paint a black frame and leave the center print showing like a picture. Then hang a bunch of them on the wall . A black and white photo gallery could look awesome! You can even add a touch of color with the marker you can use on photos
ydubois
Original Author
3 years ago
@Debbi Washburn Thank you. Yes taking all the suggestions, one element at a time. The island was a big decision. So definitely don't want to add more black unless needed.

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