Dining Room Sets: ASKED AND ANSWERED

ASKED AND ANSWERED - COLOR HELP

I've been in the middle of a client's renovation and I haven't had time to answer my wonderful readers' questions individually.

So, with apologies to those who asked for help -

We're renovating our kitchen and are looking to achieve the look of so many of the beautiful, serene, silvery-blue rooms you've pictured .... We're thinking we want off white cabinets with silvery-blue walls, and chrome/nickel hardware. Any suggestions for what colors would work for the cabinets and walls, and

what color countertop would help us achieve this look? I love marble but don't think it would be a good material for our family. Some people have recommended a granite/quartzite called Super White (which is gray and white), but I'm worried it might be too monochromatic. Would love your thoughts! Thanks!

By Anonymous on EXPLORING WALL COLOR: GRAY on 3/22/11

I love the palette you have chosen - your concern about it being too monochromatic is a common one. The trick is bringing in more texture to keep it interesting. This palette can be truly beautiful if you take care with just a couple of selections:

1. Cabinets - choose a 'warm' white or 'off' white. Swiss Coffee is a standby I use often - it is warm in the home and not cold or sterile feeling, while still being a definite white. Another is Benjamin Moore 'China White".

2009 Showcase Home on Park Alley traditional kitchen — traditional kitchen design by other metros Witt Construction

Wm. F. Holland/Architect/projects traditional kitchen — traditional kitchen design by san francisco architect Wm. F. Holland/Architect

3. Contrast and Texture: Your personal taste will dictate whether you go for bold contrasts or a more monochromatic look. The kitchen above uses a high contrast counter top to break up the expanse of white and add interest. (Its not the color that makes a room interesting - its the textures and contrasts.)

Below a dark wood floor grounds a lighter than air feeling room.

San Jose Res 2 traditional — traditional spaces design by san francisco interior designer Fiorella Design

Another way to employ contrast is by painting the island a different color than the other cabinets (see above). I especially like the backsplash in that soft blue grey subway tile in this photo and the one below. They have effectively made the tile their wall color.

You are correct in assuming that a well used kitchen does better with a harder counter top surface than the marble shown above.

white blue kitchen traditional kitchen — traditional kitchen design by new york kitchen and bath Susan Serra, CKD

4. Wall color?: Better to show examples than just give you names.... Remember, do a tester in your room - even it the photo looks amazing on the computer it could be entirely different in your house.

Left to Right: Sherwin Williams Sea Salt Restoration Hardware Silver Sage and Sherwin Williams Blue Hubbard The Lettered Cottage

Sherwin Williams Comfort Gray The Nester

My personal favorite is Comfort Gray, but you may want a lighter or darker hue. Some of these colors will be more gray than blue and some more blue than gray. It's best to find a couple you think you may like and get tester pots to try them out.

5. Countertop material: the most durable and virtually impenetrable (no places for bacteria to hide) is the quartzite (man made) product. This product can be solid color or speckled to resemble granite or marble. As you can see in these photos, a lot of the white kitchens have light countertops. If you are looking for a little more contemporary feel, grey would be a good choice, or black with a simple straight edge. Granite is also an excellent choice and is a good buy right now.