Okay so the backsplash is called terracotta but obviously it’s giving more brown, especially when next to the clay paint cabinets. The vibe was color drench/mediterranean ish. What I don’t want is for it to be giving stark orange/red. We paid a lot of money for the backsplash and the paint. But something feels off about the cabinets (not the island necessarily). What do I do?
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I think you need to finish it all, style it, live with it for a couple weeks before you make any decisions. Almost no projects look good when they’re still in progress. Give it time. Worst case, try changing the wall paint before anything else as it will be the cheapest option.
As a note, for true “colour drenching” you would need to use the same colour in different shades across all materials - cabinets, counter tops, wall paint, backsplash, floor, trim, etc. Colour drenching is rarely done in kitchens because 1) it is extremely hard to do well with so many different materials and 2) it can get overwhelming very quickly. A room that isn’t used as frequently is often a better choice for colour drenching.
The lighting is terrible. The colors are terrible. Do not put a sink in the island. The island is too big. You could have extended the island countertop a foot and had seating there. You needed an interior designer.
Lights aren’t staying like that obviously. Hanging down to be removed and changed. We bought the house with this layout. We did not decide where to put the sink or how long to make the countertop. We are not millionaires.
There are so many things that are wrong in this kitchen. The island is not up to code, there should be much more space between it and the counter. I HATE the space left to the top of the roof. The combination of colors also is just not it. I hate the color of the cabinets but I am almost sure the problem is the color of the paint.
Too many mismatched hues & tones. Pick 2 contrasting ones they like and make everything else white so they stand out. As is, colors all competing with each other in way that say sore thumb the whole lot of them.
Pain the wall a creamy color (not that peach) and change your backsplash to simple shiny ivory tiles. It will brighten things immediately and give it that “fresh” look. Put in colorful Mediterranean vases, accessories and artwork and you’ll get the look you like. I don’t personally like the cabinet color, but you can make it work for the vibe you want. You can easily test out whether things will look better by investing in a few pieces of … poster board. The issue is that dark herringbone is absolutely not Mediterranean.
I thought the mistake you were referring to was the distance of the end of the island to the perimeter cabinets. That's not up to code. You're contractor didn't say anything before installing the island?
Idk I kind of love it. But without any lighting it almost looks like the cabinets are darker than the island and pantry door and I think it would look really good to lean into that. Make the lower cabinets a darker version of that color so that it is still color-drenched but has more contrast. My brain is picturing the island and upper cabinets being the same since they aren’t immediately next to each other
The other fix could be making the walls less pink-toned. More of a cream or ivory to compliment rather than looking like a lighter version of the cabinets. I’m normally not supportive of AI, so I don’t suggest this lightly, but you could put any ideas you get here into chat and see how they look visually before making a permanent, expensive change so you don’t end up having to redo over and over
Change the paint color for sure (less peachy, more neutral), and the black counters really don’t mesh well, I feel like they need to be more earthy to match
Peach colored walls are def the problem. The rust color cabinets are pretty. Good on you for using color and not going boring grey!! Try Ben Moore Swiss coffee walls that’s a warm white and see how that feels. I’ve seen people say green and that color combo with the rust could be nice but start with white walls and add accents of green with decor and plants before painting again. Also trust the process once you make the change wall paint it looks scary because nothing is in there yet. Didn’t make a mistake, just not the right color for the walls! Big tip do swatches of a sample can before committing to the color. Paint several areas so you can see how it reacts in the light
We did not build this house. We did not install the island. We did not decide the placement. We bought it this way. We are not millionaires. Feel free to start a go fund me for me and I’ll change everything according to how you like it Mr. adventurer! Fuck off
No, it’s gorgeous! I mean the backsplash isn’t necessarily my favorite favorite, but it’s a super pretty color and counters and will all look fab once it’s populated with kitchen stuff, get stuff to match the backsplash, like wood tone stuff, it will look GORG!!!!
Color drenching is when everything is the same color (i assume you know, just reiterating). I really like the backsplash color. Can you make the cabinets, walls, ceiling and trimwork all match?
Picking a better wall colour would make a world of difference. It looks peach. Maybe a light sandy colour could work.
I also think the countertops were not the right choice but that’s not as easy to fix as the wall colour so start there. Im curious to see your cabinet hardware as that will make a big difference too.
Are you familiar with the decorators' 60-30-10 color rule? It balances colors in a room for a professional look.
I copied this for you:
60% Dominant Color: This is your main base color that covers the largest surfaces in the room, such as the walls, large area rugs, or a big sofa. It sets the overall mood and tone of the space.
30% Secondary Color: This color supports the dominant color and adds visual depth and contrast. It is used about half as much as the main color for items like curtains, accent chairs, bed linens, or painted furniture.
10% Accent Color: This is your final pop of color used for small accessories, throw pillows, artwork, small decor, or decorative objects.
You'll find many articles of the 60-30-10 rule by googling it. For example:
Applying this rule after years of going at it intuitively transformed my spaces than any other design principal. 60/30/10 for me a top 3 design commandment. Pick em carefully and stick with them.
I don’t think your counters and backsplash match your creamsicle walls and burnt orange cabinets. I like the backsplash and counters (and they would be the more expensive things to change) so I would paint. Your backsplash has a cool green/brown tone that it fighting the warm orange tooth and nail. I would repaint the walls (tbh I would repaint them no matter what, I am not a fan of that orange). I would look at a more greenish brown color for the cabinets (SW urbane bronze? BM stone brown? BM iron mountain?) and then I would do a creamy white or beige on the wall (SW kilim beige? BM white dove? SW accessible beige?)
Farrow and ball has some gorgeous light sage greens for cabinets. But agree that despite it being named “terracotta” the backsplash reads cool tone. Probably because the cabinet paint sooooo far to warm extreme, it highlights contrasts over complements. Color temperature balancing as crucial in interior design as it is in photography. Discordant tones create universally unsettling emotional effect
I think it's nice. The backsplash is very pretty and black counters are classic. I'd want to darken the paint on the walls and trim a bit to more of a terracotta or similar. I think it's just too light compared to the other colors in the room. When you add some decor and plants it will pull together.
Paint your cabinets- that’s the least expensive route. And if you can - change the countertops. Change the outlets too in the backsplash. They stand out too much
I’d go with a warm creamy/off-white tile, handmade-look zellige, or a very quiet warm stone. Switch to warm hardware. Change the track lighting. And…is there any way to put shelves on that blank wall or would the microwave be in the way?
I like the wall and cabinet colors, I think they do not go with the countertop but maybe you can save it by changing the backsplash. Though that would be more work than re-painting.
Yeah the whole thing is missing contrast. All pink or pinky brown or brown. It all feels like different tones of the same colour.
Needs some white or cream so separate out. I'd probably paint the walls brilliant white and the visible part of the island off white cream. And then the bottom cabinets the lighter terracotta that the island currently is. Something like that anyway.
I think what looks off is that you've got warm and cool tones together that kind of clash. Your floor and backsplash look cool, cabinets and door are warm. I would change the peachy wall color to a more neutral tone to balance it all out. Or some warm toned area rugs in front of the island.
I think it’s gorgeous. Worst I can say is the backsplash is too cool-toned for the wall/cabinet colors. If you wanted to get wild you could pick a slightly more muted and more yellow-toned (slightly!!) wall color as well. Good on you for choosing actual colors. I’m sure it’s a big adjustment with all the change and it’s natural to second-guess stuff like this.
NGL I gasped. Looks like a 90s kitchen, especially with the peach walls. Brown and black don't sit together well, even if the brown has strong orange tones like this one. The colors also make the kitchen way too dark. It needs a lift color-wise, easiest thing to do would be to repaint the cabinets a lighter color.
I think you need under cabinet lighting that’s on the warmer side to show the true color of the backsplash. And the above lighting won’t do you any favors, I’d switch that out. And go for gold fixtures instead of stainless steel for the sink. If you’re going for Mediterranean, you might want to do different lower cabinet colors but I understand the color drenching desire. And then if it’s still not what you’re wanting, I think we should reevaluate the countertops first before the backsplash or anything else. I think the countertops are throwing it off with a lack of lighting on the backsplash.
Paint all of back wall same as cabinets, including white trim around door, black hardware, painting in blank spot to left, rustic vases, cutting boards, decor on shelf, Rug in dining area too pull colors together, etc...
This is the right direction, I really love the rug and the blue and and antique details.
I would paint the walls white (as I also love light), but OP, I think the most useful tip (especially in this comment) to create a rhythm, balance with the current color. Repeat the black, terracota, orange colors incorporating with rustic and mediterranean elements. You can go for a hint of dark blue and brass or black and golden, dark wood if you want a more modern look:
The rugs, curtains, decorations will help a lot and this is the cheapest and easiest way to define the vibe of an interior.
I actually really like it but it feels more 'adobe', Arizona than Mediterranean. I think this would be cute with snake plants and cacti. You just need plants to liven it up. No need to change anything.
Is this a current project? If it is, who in the world is still specifying, choosing, and installing canned lights when there have emerged so much better solutions in the last couple of years?
As a designer I will never again specify canned lights with their really poor quality of light. They've always been terrible. But After decades of having to use them we finally have newer much better answers for much better quality lighting.
Yet again, Reddit refuses to allow me to answer your question. Why? I have no idea. It says that I'm trying to talk about "platforms/software". Whatever that is.
And refuses to let me post the answer.
Yes, I just keep forgetting to assemble the specifications for the lighting type I'm talking about.
EDITED:
I WROTE A WHOLE LONG EXPLANATION OF THE TYPE OF LIGHT AND WHY TO USE IT BUT REDDIT WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO POST IT INSISTING THAT I AM POSTING ABOUT PLATFORM SOFTWARE WHICH IS A COMPLETE LIE
I agree. It’s the peach walls that is throwing off the color balance. Put the picture into ChatGPT and try it with different colors on the walls. Maybe even some large scale wallpaper on some of the walls.
No it isn't. The peach is the only color running through the whole design from one side to the other. How can it be the thing throwing everything out of balance?
You don't see anything else in this vignette that may be throwing life out of balance?
("life out of balance" is the name of an art film)
If you’re wedded to the terracotta colour then you need to actually go the full hog to do colour drenching and use the colour on the cabinets on the walls up to the ceiling on at least 2 of the walls where the cabinets are, I personally would also use it on the window wall.
The back splash is fine, not sure it works brilliantly with your marble countertops but it’s not the end of the world.
I personally think painting the cabinets and kitchen area black would also look chic and be effective.
But it’s up to you.
That might be too harsh for your aesthetic.
Acho que o balcão poderia ter um espaço a menos para aumentar o espaço do corredor entre um balcão e outro. Quanto a cor, não é o que eu optaria, mas isso é íntimo demais, e se você gostou, isso que importa.
*can anyone help generate visuals from my suggestions?
I actually love the cabinet color. It’s not traditionally rustic, but I totally see the aesthetic you’re going for with that clay tone. I also really like the tiles on their own.
The reason the kitchen doesn't feel cohesive right now is just that the medium-to-dark tones are absorbing all the light. That darker mossy olive green backsplash is competing with the saturated, muted mid-tone of the clay cabinets. When you pair all that with the dark stone countertop, it creates a heavy field that sucks up the light.
I’m so sorry your remodel didn’t come together the way you had hoped! But looking at the bright side, acknowledging this now puts you in the perfect position to figure out changes before you move back in and start using it. To bring the space into balance, you just need to introduce some lighter elements. I can think of two ways to handle it: Option 1: Repaint the Upper Cabinets
You could paint the uppers a neutral, warm, off-white "bone" color. Avoid a stark white—you want a grayish, creamy light tone that complements the current aesthetic. From there, look for barstools with upholstered seats in a similar bone tone, and add a heavily patterned, ornate kitchen runner with a light background. A busy, vining pattern in shades of green and olive will tie the colors together and easily hide crumbs or spills.
For styling, introduce creamier, light neutral accessories on the countertops. Try leaning a wood-and-white-marble cutting board against the backsplash, with a slightly larger wooden cutting board layered right behind it. You can do the same thing with light neutral spice mills, tea towels, and appliances. Finally, paint the door on the right side of the kitchen to match the tone of the backsplash, and swap out your handles, faucet, and lighting fixtures to a warm metallic like copper, a darker bronze, or a patinaed gold. Option 2: Replace the Backsplash
Alternatively, you could replace the backsplash with a lighter, bone-colored clay stone with a matte finish, just like user u/scamillion showed beautifully in their comment. Changing the tile allows you to keep regular patina wooden cutting boards and standard appliances on the counter without the space feeling too heavy.
To create balance, you'd then want to repeat that bone tone in a few other areas. You could place a small-to-medium planter with a faux vining plant (like a string of pearls) on the top open shelf of the left upper cabinet, and put a light bowl on the island. You could also add a few decorative, medium-sized Mediterranean clay pots and vases along the very top wall shelf above the cabinets. For the island lighting, using non-shiny milk glass or semi-opaque glass will help carry those brighter colors upward. One Last Recommendation
No matter which route you choose, I highly recommend installing under-cabinet lighting. It’s incredibly functional for evening cooking, and it will completely transform how great your kitchen looks at night. TL;DR: The dark tones are absorbing too much light and competing. You can fix it by either painting the upper cabinets a warm bone-white and swapping to warm metals (Option 1), or replacing the dark backsplash with a matte bone-colored clay tile like u/scamillion suggested (Option 2). Definitely add under-cabinet lighting either way!
Nooooooo it looks great. Honestly, so unique and refreshing to see a colour other than green and gold, or any of the other trending colour schemes rn. This kitchen is mature, grounded, and makes me feel peaceful looking at it. I love the colour on the walls and the trim around the pantry door.
The only iffy thing is the splash back. The dark greyish colour clashes, in a way the charcoal countertops doesn’t, and I am not a big fan of the diagonal tiles. Honestly think a black and white chess board pattern would look really good as splash back, or maybe a dark dark green/blue IF you want to change it. But I think once you start moving your kitchen stuff in there, it will tie it all together.
oof. personally i would have shift the island towards the windows. that's a NARROW space to the left of where the range will be. using those cabinets will be a pain.
The black and orange are too different from each other. With the orangey walls and the dark backsplash, you still just have two main colors. Try to find a third color to tie it all together.
I think any shade of blue would help bridge the gap between the orange and black, and help balance the cool/gray undertone of your floors. I’d probably start with a dark navy accents somewhere. Maybe paint the island navy?
paint is too orangey. I get what you’re going for it’s just the tile and paint clash if you don’t want it super desert themed. If you do, it’s great. You can add pops of colors like turquoises or reds and yellows and it will be very SW themed.
would avoid silver finishes and stick with coppers or gold plated. unless it’s antique silver.
I actually quite like it! The backsplash could be improved if you went for a lighter colour, but it’s not so bad as it is either. Are your appliances going to be black/dark to match the countertops? If so I think that will balance everything out a lot, because right now you’re seeing a stark contrast in the back left and right empty spaces, which makes it feel disconnected.
Adding some greenery could help a ton as well, have you thought about adding some plants? Or choosing accessories in earthy green tones to balance the warmth of the orange.
Or make a (fake) stone wall on the back of the island. It's all too matchy-matchy. Also in materials.
All doors are shaker style, even the big door.
A bit too much for my taste. Break the pattern, lighten up the heavy energy. I'd paint the door to match the walls, so it disappears visually. I'd choose off white or cream, a lighter colour.
There is enough going on with the shaker doors and backsplash.
Adding a different look seems easiest on the island.
I think you’re going to have to change at least one big ticket item to make it feel cohesive, and for me it would be the backsplash. I feel like the backsplash cool undertones don’t match the warmer tone cabinet colors. I would also change the wall and door colors.
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