New House, but not loving my kitchen. What would you change?

[Anonymous]

White cabinets, honed black granite countertops, stainless steel appliances. Only window is above the sink. I wish the space was brighter but it feels kind of dark and cold. Our only "warm" element is the hardware floor. The black countertops + stainless steel feel really cold. Paint color is blue/gray.

I am considering removing two of the upper cabinets and adding windows on both sides of the stove or maybe trying a lighter/warmer countertop. I don't really having any other ideas. Is it crazy to remove some of the cabinet space to add more windows?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:White cabinets, honed black granite countertops, stainless steel appliances. Only window is above the sink. I wish the space was brighter but it feels kind of dark and cold. Our only "warm" element is the hardware floor. The black countertops + stainless steel feel really cold. Paint color is blue/gray.

I am considering removing two of the upper cabinets and adding windows on both sides of the stove or maybe trying a lighter/warmer countertop. I don't really having any other ideas. Is it crazy to remove some of the cabinet space to add more windows?

Not crazy - a bright kitchen is the best! - but very expensive.

Do a Google image search of "Pinterest white kitchens" for ideas on how to warm it up. More wood, rattan bistro chairs, decor, warmer lighting.

[Anonymous]

What color are the walls painted? With those elements, you could probably pick anything.

[Anonymous]

PP here, didn't see your last sentence about paint. (Hey, it's early). I'd start with a can of paint before I started knocking out cabinets. Enough with the grays and beiges. They can drag down a room without a lot of natural light. Reds, yellows, oranges, etc. Bright chairs and accessories. New lighting.

[Anonymous]

Agree on changing paint First. We have white cabs and soapstone counters. The walls are a warm taupe and we have an oriental- style rug.

[Anonymous]

Another vote for changing the paint to something cheerful and bright. With the black-and-white, you can go in any direction! Also, some bright accessories (ex. fun red toaster; brightly-colored utensil holder; colorful dish towels; a little bouquet of fresh flowers on the windowsill; etc.). Try searching on Pinterest or even posting on Houzz for ideas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agree on changing paint First. We have white cabs and soapstone counters. The walls are a warm taupe and we have an oriental- style rug.

Ditto to all of this except the rug. We have red accents and lots of plants, which also seems to help.

[Anonymous]

I love black honed granite. Just paint your cabinets white and maybe add glass doors to a few uppers. This will help reflect light. If your floors are dark maybe you need to lighten them a hair. It may look " warm" But that translates into a dark space. Also do you have back splash? You can never go wrong with subway tile.

[Anonymous]

Replace a few of the upper cabinet doors with glass doors. Think about the lighting -- can you improve it or add under cabinet lighting? Change the paint color to something warmer. If you have tile floors, consider changing them out for wood, if you can.

[Anonymous]

Try a warm color on the walls before you resort to adding windows... paint is the magic elixir for so many ills!

[Anonymous]

Try paint, a pretty valance and kitchen mat before you resort to big changes.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like our kitchen, although I love it. We have light cream colored paint. Also red and french blue accents in the table space. Make sure you've got good lighting, including undercounter lighting. We only have one stainless appliance (stove) as the fridge and dW have white wood panels. You might consider that approach. We do have several glass front cabinets to break it up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP here, didn't see your last sentence about paint. (Hey, it's early). I'd start with a can of paint before I started knocking out cabinets. Enough with the grays and beiges. They can drag down a room without a lot of natural light. Reds, yellows, oranges, etc. Bright chairs and accessories. New lighting.

Yes, try a new paint color before you start opening holes in the walls! A pumpkin, kelly green, yellow, etc.

[Anonymous]

We are doing white with soapstone, mostly because i get bored with things easily. This way I can use accents for color and they are easier and cheaper to change than cabinets and counters! We are going to be painting the walls yellow from the a benajmin Moore historic collection. It's amazing how much changing the paint color can change the mood of he entire room.

[Anonymous]

Another vote to paint before spending money on windows etc. How about a soft cream with yellow undertones? Also, try some plants. They do wonders to warm up a space!