Please help to add colour and personality to my family kitchen!
I hope someone out there can give me some much needed help!
Three years ago I opened up the kitchen space to create a kitchen dining area plus utility, but I still haven’t finished the final touches to make a nice coherent space with personality and interest.
My aim is to create a lovely warm welcoming family kitchen, I'd like to highlight FAMILY as I have two children and a dog so it needs to be easy clean and a space children can use for art/craft, cooking, birthday parties etc. My kids love cooking and so do I.
I chose a shaker kitchen in a pale putty colour with Silestone ‘Blanco norte’ coloured worktops, I was aiming for a traditional/modern feel kitchen that could easily be updated in the future by changing wall colours, furniture, pictures, accessories etc. But the colour of the units and worktops has caused me endless amounts of problems in completing my dream kitchen! I find the whole space very boring and uninspiring and I can’t find tiles/splashback that complement both the worktops and units.
It's quite a light space with lots of sunshine coming through the windows and large skylights (I think it’s South West facing). But most of the light is in the dining /sofa area and the kitchen area is a bit darker (but not too bad). I originally wanted colourful patterned blinds but in the end opted for Magic Screen blinds, we use the blinds a lot when it’s very sunny and these block out the sun but we can still see out into the garden, they work brilliantly but this has now added more blandness to the space!
I do prefer the kitchen in the evening when the island and side lights are on and the blinds are down, it feels warmer and cosier, during the day it feels a bit sparse.
I like scandi style, eclectic interiors, pattern, colour, modern mid century design, combination of colours.
Things that can be changed or added to the kitchen are sofa cushions, throw, wall paint, table cover (PVC so easily cleaned), stools by Island, tiles/splashback behind main kitchen and in utility, lights above island (these aren't old but I'm willing to consider other options if they add to the overall space).
My current ideas are;
Paint two walls in a dark greyish colour to add depth and warmth and to highlight the retro unit and to complement the wallpaper that's behind the sofa. First wall is the one behind the vertical radiator/utility room door and the other wall is behind the retro sideboard. Would this work? Currently have sample of F&B Inchyra Blue on the wall.
Hang framed prints on the wall above the retro sideboard (cover entire wall in a mixture of different sized prints and photos)?
Something I really have to do is a splashback (haven't a clue which tiles to choose, I have about 30 samples in mostly greys, blues and whites but I don't think any work with the colour of the cupboards and worktop). I have considered metro tiles, hexagon tiles, herringbone layout and brick layout. Or I could add upstands in the same quartz, paint the wall and add a glass splashback behind the cooker, but what colour!?Plus i’m worried this will may look too modern?
Also I need to tile the splashback in my utility, possibly using a patterned tile (see pic of tile below that I like)?
I think my lack of self-confidence has created a space which is so uninspiring and bland, I see many interior spaces i love but struggle to do it myself! I just hope I can get some advice that can push me forward in completing this very overdue project! My aim is to complete this space before I start the lounge! :)
I have include a photo of the office (red sofa and fire place) which I’ve recently completed to show you the style I like, (just needs some pics on the wall).
Thanks for your help
Comments (21)
Yolanda Addy
6 years agoMore photos, I've just realised I haven't taken any looking the other way towards the fridge, I can do that tomorrow
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Comments (27)Picture is not very clear but its probably a bit lighter than in picture as taken on my phone I have fallen in LOVE with F&B Wisteria wallpaper in the cinder rose background and I think it matches perfectly with the vert de terre which will be in the kitchen... Im thinking wallpaper back wall behind the long bit of the sofa and facing the chimney and then a lighter shade on the wall adjoining it where the short length of sofa will go... perhaps shaded white? I like elephants breath but I think this maybe too dark and this wall needs to reflect light into the room ... Then onto chimney brest and alcoves... There will be a stove in the opening and a tv on the brest above the stove ... do I also wallpaper the brest or the alcoves or do I apint one of these just in cinder rose or do I use the other 2 shades in the wallpaper!??! decisions decisions......See MorePlease help me with my kitchen!!
Comments (10)Hi Jo, I understand your problem, I had a similar issue in the past and it was the cost of hiring professionals that was the problem and I had to get really creative to solve the issues! Listed building consent is free. You could apply for this yourself, if you actually needed it (planningportal). You could call your local council and speak with the officer about what you want to do and get their advice yourself without having to hire anyone. If this gorgeous place was my home, I would add some beautiful glass / french doors to the conservatory and keep them closed most of the time. Then in the conservatory dining room I would add some gorgeous conservatory blinds (including roof blinds) and or curtains and some great radiators (I really love the ACOVA ones, they blend traditional and modern really well and are really efficient) or use the plug in type to heat the space an hour before dinner. I would probably get insulating blinds and have fun with a colour scheme for all of the soft furnishings such as rugs and anything that will help keep the place feeling warm. I am not sure how large or young your family is, but if you were considering a rejig of the kitchen, adding a small bar area would suffice for breakfast and mean you only had to heat the conservatory on weekend lunches and at dinner times. I hope this gave you some more ideas! ... And some pics to get you inspired.... Have a great day and good luck! Jo...See MoreHelp, What colour can I paint my kitchen please
Comments (8)Hi, Using colour: I would stay neutral for the walls above the units; a great colour example of this is 'Strong White' by Farrow and Ball and then for the wall on the left of the photo I would have this as a feature all and go for a darker tone such as 'Green Blue' by Farrow and Ball. Using lighting: spotlights are great as they can provide an even spread of light in your kitchen, especially if you are limited in natural light. Due to having a dark coloured back splash, having under cabinet spotlights on a separate electrical circuit would provide additional lighting on the worktop area in the evening and night hours. The installation looks great so far ! I'm an interior designer so if you need any help or tips feel free to have a look at my website www.rebeccafullertoninteriors.com or get in touch via email info@rebeccafullertoninteriors.com...See Moreadding some character to my kitchen PLEASE HELP!
Comments (9)I think the key thing here Jack is your budget. Since this is a DIY project. You cannot go wrong with Getting Chalkboard paint and go creative on the wall with art deco, depending on your personal interests. If you have a little bit more budget the next option would be choose a single color to tie the whole space together Some thing like Baby Blue, Persimon, Yellow or if you are feeling courages get try Hot Lave Remember this is only a tiny touchup not a highlight feature. The three places to put the color is 1- The Walls behind the television 2- The Splashback 3- The lights Total Cost a-) 3 New Pendant Lights b-) Tub of Paint c-) Glass Splashback d-) Splashback adhesive = £250-325 and one afternoon and a tub of tea. Let me know how it goes. It's a new kitchen so you want something durable because good cooked food has a bad habit of getting everywhere! Let us know how it goes...See MoreYolanda Addy
6 years ago
PROAnna Auzins Interiors Ltd.
6 years agoHi Yolanda,
First of all congratulations on getting this far, you've done a great job! I like your idea of using the stronger colour on the walls, please don't be afraid to.
The other thing to do would be to look at the pendant lights -- don't be afraid to be bold and use coloured glass. The best in my opinion are from Curiosa & Curiosa, their price tag does match the quality, I will say. Depending on your budget, there are cheaper items on the market, however do make sure the depth of colour is there.
For a splashback I would look at coloured glass as well, it can be done in literally any colour, and is easy to maintain and adds both light and colour.
Bar stools in mid-century styles are widely available, or you could look at good-quality coloured acrylic stools.
And a bolder PVC tablecloth (essential with children!) will also make a difference, and isn't expensive at all.
This kitchen isn't exactly your style, but it shows how coloured glass and bar stools can add the vibrancy you seek!
Yolanda Addy thanked Anna Auzins Interiors Ltd.
minnie101
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoI think it's a great room as is the study. I'd go for a shade of teal for tiles, I think the ones shown would work but struggling to find a UK supplier..I'd just paint the sideboard wall in the inchyra blue (I would also paint the door personally sorry!). I like the art propped up but would clear some of the prints in front and if you have the space add an anglepoise for some light in that corner. I also agree with Jen re the dining chairs and stools. I'd add a darker teal cushion or throw on the sofa with 3 woven baskets on the papered wall starting to the right of the plant (you can get coloured Ones too). Perhaps continue the wood in the form of a chopping board/s against the kitchen wall and add a potted herb.
Yolanda Addy thanked minnie101Yolanda Addy
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PROJudy’Studio
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6 years agoYolanda Addy
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6 years ago
PROJ.N.Rusticus
6 years agoHi Yolanda Addy, please see attached some images we suggest that would transform your kitchen.
Adding a more rustic county table would add lots of warmth and a more homely feel matching this with a bench makes it not only look unique but also great for the kids.
Industrial Style Rustic Elk Table · More Info
Industrial Style Rustic Elk Bench · More Info
Chairs & bar stools · More InfoYolanda Addy thanked J.N.Rusticus
PROPamela McMahon Art
6 years agoYour spaces are fabulous - just get the artwork on the walls especially above the couch to add colour and personality. If you are looking for artwork that packs a colourful punch, have a nosy at my profile. I do flowers, semi abstract landscapes and absracts. Here's prints of my work in a client's living room/kitchen bringing a boring wall to life! Happy to discuss size options etc if you are interested ⏳
Yolanda Addy thanked Pamela McMahon Art
PROSUN STUDIO.London - Glassworks and Prints
6 years agoHi Yolanda,
How about bespoke liquid mirror as a splashback, have you thought about it? It is not as expensive as it looks like, to be honest.
Full gallery: http://www.sunstudio.london/liquid-mirror-splashbacks/
Yolanda Addy thanked SUN STUDIO.London - Glassworks and Prints
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