I am in the process of starting a kitchen reno and have always loved the antique white cabinets with the dark espresso island. I have hired a contractor/designer who has suggested doing the opposite and using a warmer vanilla and medium to dark brown on the main cabinets. We have natural cedar around the fireplace in the greatroom next to the kitchen and I have fears of colours clashing as well as I just can't picture the light /dark opposite combination they are suggesting for the kitchen. Has anyone seen this combination or have a picture of it to help visualize it? She is also suggesting antiquing the grooves in the island cabinets with the darker colour of the main cabiets; I would say my style is contemporary/transitional, can you pull this off in that style or will it look to "country?"

What color walls? Lots of natural light? Perhaps designer thought espresso would make room too dark. If a smaller kitchen, perhaps she thought the dark cabinets would make the kitchen look smaller. Thus, the proposal to put the cream on the walls and the dark in the island. If you feel you have adequate light and large enough kitchen, then go for the espresso on the walls.

Keep in mind though that the dark island will pop against the lighter cabinets, provide visual weight and anchor to the kitchen, and stand out as a focal point. Kitchen islands are no longer just handy, dandy work surfaces. They have become somewhat of a work of ornate art. If you view kitchen magazines and online photos, you will usually see lighter color cabinets on walls and darker island where they are mixing it up a bit. Most dominant color in a room is usually reserved for accent colors.

If cedar is isolated to a fireplace in an adjacent room, color conflict should not be an issue. Natural red cedar has darker brown and reddish tones in it. White cedar has darker brown and more golden tones. Cedar is often seen in rustic decor. Keep in mind that you are transitional.

hgtv defines the transitional style as a marriage of traditional and contemporary here:
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_styles_other/article/0,,HGTV_3526_2703525,00.html

There are different definitions of transitional style. However you define it, it gives you the freedom to mix things up. It's eclectic and gives you the freedom to mix modern and traditional, country and contemporary to create something that is meets your individual tastes.

Picture of lighter finish cabinets with dark island: http://www.americanvisionwindows.com/gallery/gallery_popup.php?image_id=621

http://www.haascabinet.com/assets/photogallery/pages/Monticello-full3.html

Hi Eva,
First, I think it is important not to let anyone talk you out of what your 'dream' kitchen should look like. I let my contractor talk me out of the back splash I had always envisioned, and though I like the one 'he' chose, I regret I did not listen to my own instinct -- I won't make that mistake again!

That being said, if my floors were light I would do the majority of my cabinets dark (with a white or cream island). If my floors were dark I would do white or creamy wall cabinets and do the darker island.
But again, don't let anyone talk you out of your vision if you feel strongly one way.

As for light wood in the rest of the house -- I have dark espresso painted cabinets with light beige tile on the floor, and in the adjoining living area I have natural beech floors. The mix of wood 'colors' is no problem in my opinion (but I like the contrast).

Just take your time and look at lots of pictures.

Please let me recommend a site where you can see some wonderful real life examples of kitchens:

http://finishedkitchens.blogspot.com/

I hope this helps

Eva, I meant to also tell you about a 'new' kitchen look: white or cream upper wall cabinets and then darker lower cabinets (against a light floor). That is another option!

First off let me say thanks for the feedback, I wish I had known about this venue before.

I don't think I expressed myself well in my initial post however as I can see what I have, what I wrote and the replies don't gel well I think I was trying to be succinct--I failed!

So here goes: I have almost all dark espresso wood furniture and espresso leather sofa. I currently have a cream berber on the main floor with tile in the kitchen. Lookig to replace the carpet and likely keep the tile which is very versatile. The designer has suggested primarily dark cabinets throughout the kitchen and a vanilla island with a creamy granite throughout. Paint is the last decision and will be based on the rest. I have an average amount of light and stainless steel appliances. I want to go for the wow impression but not the wow, what happened reaction! Love all the mags etc that have antique white main cabinets with a dark coloured island to make it pop but have never seen the opposite and want to make sure thatI still get the wow factor without the dark and dreary...make sense?

Love the site you suggested, it helped so much for the visualization part. The bad news...I think Iam going to tell the designer Iam not so keen on her idea; the good news...I'm doing it before we actually start!

quote:

Originally posted by LauralMW:
Hi Eva,
First, I think it is important not to let anyone talk you out of what your 'dream' kitchen should look like. I let my contractor talk me out of the back splash I had always envisioned, and though I like the one 'he' chose, I regret I did not listen to my own instinct -- I won't make that mistake again!

That being said, if my floors were light I would do the majority of my cabinets dark (with a white or cream island). If my floors were dark I would do white or creamy wall cabinets and do the darker island.
But again, don't let anyone talk you out of your vision if you feel strongly one way.

As for light wood in the rest of the house -- I have dark espresso painted cabinets with light beige tile on the floor, and in the adjoining living area I have natural beech floors. The mix of wood 'colors' is no problem in my opinion (but I like the contrast).

Just take your time and look at lots of pictures.

Please let me recommend a site where you can see some wonderful real life examples of kitchens:

http://finishedkitchens.blogspot.com/

I hope this helps

quote:

Love the site you suggested, it helped so much for the visualization part.

You're welcome! I love that site and can waste a few good hours viewing it!

quote:

The bad news...I think I am going to tell the designer Iam not so keen on her idea; the good news...I'm doing it before we actually start!

I think both points are good news! You are the one who has to live with your kitchen after all.

I'd stick with YOUR original idea of the painted perimeter and stained island. Check out Peacock.

1. Click enter
2. Then 'kitchen collections'
3. About 9 images will pass, then the 10th (under 'Classic') is the painted perimeter with the stained island. Looks great -- 'Classic'.

Stick with your original concept!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: a_kitchendesigner,