Hello friends…I hope you had a splendid weekend, and are off to a great start today! We had a really busy weekend, but one of those where you don’t have a lot to show for it. Know what I mean? Unfortunately, it ended with a flu diagnosis! My poor son is spending the beginning of his Spring Break quarantined to his bed. I’m sure he’s brainstorming all kinds of makeover ideas for his room by now. We have a little road-trip planned for later in the week, so praying he heals soon, and the rest of us stay healthy!
But we won’t be starting any more room makeovers until we wrap the Kitchen once and for all! Sadly, I don’t have any reno progress for you today…between the weather and last week’s watergate scandal, we weren’t able to get to the finishing touches in the Kitchen. But the good news is we no longer have a 4-foot hole in our wall! As soon as the texture dries, we’ll be able to repaint and pretend it never happened. #damntv
Which got me thinking about the Kitchen walls again. Remember we painted them SW Repose Gray 75%, and the cabinets SW Mindful Gray…the intent was that there would be separation between the two. But once everything was painted, the light in the room made it all blend together. The cabinets should be a darker, richer tone that stands apart from the wall.
Instead, it looks like a single-color washed over everything. Granted the backsplash tile is the hero of the room, but the cabinets are really lovely, too, and I’d rather they not disappear in to the wall.
There’s no way I’m going through the expense and mess of repainting the cabinets, so the easiest fix is to repaint the walls…especially since it’s only the small space above the cabinets. I figure there are four options, and thanks to Kristin’s photoshop wizardry, we can visualize them better.
ONE) Paint the walls SW Eider White…the top color on the Repose Gray/Mindful Gray paint strip…and leave the cabinets Mindful Gray as-is (the vent is the same color as the base cabinets, it just appears darker in the pics, and the trim is white).
TWO) Paint the vent hood only SW Iron Ore (the same color as the Butler’s Pantry cabinets), and leave the walls SW Repose Gray as-is. This doesn’t help the rest of the cabinets separate from the wall, but makes the vent more of the focal point.
THREE) Paint the walls SW Eider White and the vent hood SW Iron Ore (leaving trim white).
FOUR) Nothing…leave all the colors as-is and stop fretting over it, woman!
Just like choosing our previous Dining Room rug, having this visual is so helpful! You guys have been so helpful during this process, so I’m hoping you can steer me in the right direction again…I’d love to hear what you think! Weigh in on your choice of the four, or feel free to write-in your vote. #rebels
So happy to hear the hole is gone from your wall, gotta love me and their TVs! For the paint I vote for #1 or #4. I personally think the dark vent pictures look too dark, I like the idea of lighter colors to showcase that gorgeous tile. Xo
Number 4 looks rich!!
I vote for the dark good! It looks great though 🙂
I vote for #1 or #4! I think the white walls really make the tile pop. As much as I love SW Iron Ore (I just painted our front interior door that color and love it!) in this case, it just seems too much. Regardless if you end up painting or not, the kitchen is gorgeous as it is!
I am definitely a #1 or #4 person as well. I love the iron ore, but I think it is too much. It makes the hood look too heavy. The kitchen looks beautiful to me! Hope your son is well soon. Mine is a senior, missed school Friday due to illness, but he's going back today, even though he's not well yet. Too much to miss!
I vote for #1. I'm not a fan of the dark hood but understand you wanting the cabinets to pop a little more.
My vote is for #1. White walls would really make the cabinets stand out.
#3! I love the contrast!
Number 2! You have differentiation between the ceiling and walls and the dark hood brings everything to life!
#1
I love the contrast in #3!
I love the contrast in #3!
I cannot say this enough: 3!!!
The dark hood is sharp!
But it Kinda dwarfes the stove.
#4 – it is so very lovely as it is!!
My vote is #3! White walls and the dark hood would really show off the tile
and hood and tie into the pantry. Looking at the kitchen from far out in
the pic above #1, a black hood would look amazing!
Beth M.
#3 – love seeing your kitchen come together!
3! Love it
I'd vote for #4.. your kitchen already looks great. I like #1 too but i think it will be better for all walls to be the same color since the kitchen is open to the other space 🙂 i'd like to see the cabinet / drawer knobs in black to tie in to your amazing tile! #nothelpfulatall haha
I'm undecided between #1 and #3. I think you'll like the walls in a more contracting hue to the cabinets. I like the hood both as is and also in iron ore. I love your kitchen reno, and always can't wait for more updates! 🙂
1 or 3! The walls definitely need to be lighter, and I do like the look of the darker vent hood.
Gosh, I'm no help at all but I love all of them because I think your tile backsplash is the show stopper. It will look amazing no matter which you choose.
I like option 2. I think it offers some contrast without it being too much additional work! But, I think I'm in the minority as I think I'm the only one so far who likes option 2 the best!
i hope your son feels better!!
i like the lighter colors for the hood. xo jillian – cornflake dreams
Option #1. Good luck!
Option #1 gets my vote! Do it!!
Tough decision. Don't suppose you considered continuing the tile all the way up on just the window wall. I think it would provide the contrast and statement you're looking for.
#3 but tile all the way up. It will look stunning.
#4…for now anyway! It's so stunning as is right now. I'd just step back, live with it for awhile, accessorize it, make it "home"…and then see how you feel about it. You may discover it's perfect just the way it is!
I vote for 1 or 2! It still looks great the way it is, but I do like a little contrast. Hope you enjoy your spring break and that the flu doesn't make its rounds around your house 🙁
I like options 1 and 2 the best. It's a hard call but I definitely think either one would make a dramatic difference. It looks awesome!
Definitely #1
I'd say you've come this far, just go for what you want. Don't settle because it's eaiser, you should love your kitchen. After all the time and money you've put into it so far isn't the most important thing not settling? A year from now are you going to wish you had just gone for it? I hope your son feels better and that you end up with a kitchen you absolutely love.
#1
I like it as is #4, or #1. To me, the hood feels too heavy painted dark. Will you be leaving the windows bare, or adding any type of fabric? They're small, so I can see them left as is, but if you are planning on any type of fabric, that will add some more dimention. I bet once you start "living" in it, the counters will be less empty and you may enjoy the peace of the lighter tones. Looks gorgeous! I love the tile!
#3 makes a huge difference!
#1 Excited to read about what you decide 🙂
#3 it needs to be #3 please:)
#3 it needs to be #3 please:)
#3 but I would also paint the base cabinet under the cook top iron ore to really make it pop and almost seem like a piece of furniture.
I love #2!!!
#1 or #3 But for sure paint the walls white. The white makes the cabinets pop and help showcase the beauty of that tile! #4 is not good….it is just blah.
I'm feeling 3! Hope your guy gets to feeling better soon 🙁
#1 or 4 – I'm not a fan of the dark oven hood. I think it distracts from the tile.
Paint the rest of the wall iron ore or continue the tile all the way up- will blend in and make the cabinet s pop
#1 gets my vote!
#1 for me! I can't get enough of that gorgeous tile and I think the white walls really show it off.
#4. I agree with the person who said live with it for a bit and decide later.
#3 for sure. The dark hood and white walls look great. Gives the kitchen more depth
Either 1 or 4, but honestly, I'd probably wait until you've lived with it for awhile. The tile is such a strong focal point, and I'm wondering what it will look like when you have things on the counters.
I would start with one and go for 3 if the change isn't enough.
#4. It looks great as is. I think the cabinets look better being close to the same wall color anyway if they don't go all the way to the ceiling. Plus that way all your wall color is the same since it's an open concept. Our kitchen walls are one shade lighter than our family room and it bugs me because it's all open.
I vote for 2 PLUS painting just the bottom section directly under the range iron ore also. I think if you paint the walls white, the crown moulding won't stand out as much.
I would first do #1 and paint the walls Elder White. If that still doesn't do it for you, I think #3 and paint the hood Iron Ore.
I like #1. I think painting the hood makes it stick out too much and your eye would go to that instead of the tile.
#1 for sure! The dark hood takes away from the impact of the tile. I think you definitely need more distinction between the cabs and walls, and white would look amazing!
Go for #1 – your walls aren't meant to be the star here, the cabinets and the tile are! The dark vent takes away from the tiles I think.
#2 or #3, but I think you really can't go wrong with any of the options 🙂
White walls, leave cabs and hood the same!
#3!
-Adrienne
I really kind of love it just the way it is! I wouldn't change a thing, but if you don't love it, I'd go with just painting the walls a lighter color.
Option #2!
LOVE option 3! You can always start with just painting the walls, and if you decide that the room still needs more contrast you can always paint the hood. Honestly I love the lighter walls and darker hood… elegant without being stuffy and it ties the kitchen and the butler's pantry together so well. I just got jealous typing "butler's pantry"… 🙂 Good luck!
#3!!! Love the contrast…maybe just add some kind of art to the black vent hood to break it up a bit.
Funny how everyone has different opinions! I was smitten with the dark ventahood-so option #3 for me!
Karen from memphis
Number 1. I agree the cabinets need to pop, but the dark hood is just too much in my opinion.
I vote #1 🙂
I vote as a rebel. I would throw some mint green in there somewhere, perhaps the back wall. I think that would give some nice contrast
I would live with it for a while. Window treatments and accessories could put the final touch on the room.
I vote #1. As much as I love Iron Ore, I think it makes the hood seem too heavy.
Leave as is, or until you can paint the cabinets darker. I would not paint the hood dark, as it then looms over the entire kitchen like a dark cloud. I know you said you did not want to go through the hassle of repainting the cabinets again, but if they are not truly what you envisioned and you just moved in I would go for it and let something else wait. The kitchen is the hub of the home and the place you spend the most time. We don't always get it right the first time around.
Option #1.
#1!! The white walls really make the tile pop and I agree with an earlier post that the dark hood (although gorgeous) detracts from the tile. good luck! your brave tile choice has inspired me!
I definitely think you should paint the walls white…really makes the cabinets and backsplash pop! And the dark hood looks great too. But definitely paint the walls white.
#1! I like the idea of a dark hood, but I think it competes with your tile. Good luck!
I totally love contrast and when I saw 2 I was like oh yes…. then 3 I really liked…So 2 or 3..Cant wait to see what you choose…
#1
#4 – Keep as is. It looks great and once your accessories are up you will love it even more.
#1! I like the slight definition that the white would add –
Ohhh love #3!!
#1:)
I loooove the dark vent hood but think I'd rather see all the bottom cabinets dark as well to tie it in a little more. So, in that case, my vote is #1!I think it will add the contrast that is missing and if you still want more, you can always paint that gorgeous vent hood later! Looking great, Cassie!
Walls white, and vent hood Iron O' fo' sho'!! 😉
#3!
#1 or #4 for sure!
i think 1 or 3
Number one for sure. Yeah the hood is great but painting it dark makes it sing louder than the rest of the cabinets (and it just doesn't have such a pretty voice on its own) Choose option one and let those cabinets sing! Ps send me all your hardware. Those drawers handles are my everything!
I'm for #1 or #4.
I kinda like it as is
#1
I love option 2!
Option 1
Can I add option #5? I think the trim around the top of the hood should match the ceiling trim – if you painted that white, and painted the walls white (LOVE how it makes the cabinets pop, and really brings some brightness to the space) and painted the hood either iron ore, or a darker grey that is a hair lighter than iron ore, I think it would be perfection… even more than it already is. Good luck! Dying to see the finished product!!
Could you tile all the way to the ceiling? I think that would help with balancing the room. Or box in the cabinets to look like they go all the way to the top? It's the tile pattern that is throwing it off for me. I love the look you are going for, and anything you do will look great! 🙂
I vote for 3!!! 🙂
#1 looks the most fresh & the hood pops nicely against the white without being too heavy! Also it keeps the tiles the hero of the room, not the range hood.
I hope you don't paint the vent hood that dark. It is all that you will see when you walk in the room….unless you darkened the bottom cabinets as well. That would be striking! But out of your choices, I like #1.
#3!! It'll also tie in nicely with the ORB pendants you have hanging over the countertops!
I think leave it as it is. Live with it awhile and see if it still bothers you. I think it looks fantastic right now!
Option 1 or 4. A dark hood is the only thing you see in the mock ups.
For me it's clearly #3. Looks amazing!!!!
definitely dark hood!! (either wall color)
I vote for #1. Love that the vent hood matches the cabinets and the wall color is lighter, just like YOU originally wanted. I think the darker vent hood takes away from the tile, which is your show piece.
I like both #1 and # 3. I think I would start with #1, then when I was craving change down the road I would darken up the hood. Both look great though. Love the kitchen!
I vote for #1.
I think there should be some contrast, but the dark vent is a little out of place – like a black hole.
I agree with the person who said the window treatments need to be considered first, before making a final decision 🙂
#1
#1
#2 for sure, screw everyone else's opinion! JK! but seriously, if you do #3 there will be too many colors going on. I really like the black hood idea, it ties the tile in perfectly. Otherwise don't do a thing. I think I like the white wall least, it would kinda look like you should have tiled up to the ceiling.. just my two cents, but seriously it will look good whatever you decide.
My vote is for #1
#1 as I'm sure others have said…it makes the hood pop without it being too heavy.
4
Love #1! Gives it that pop without being too dark.
I love #1!
#3 #3 #3!
I love number 2!!
First off, you are one lucky duck having that gorgeous kitchen! I am wondering what it would look like if the walls were black? Just a thought…
I wish I could see a pulled back picture of the range hood in black, I feel like I can't make a decision without seeing it from far away. If the choices you gave are the only ones, I would say go white, because you are definitely right that it all just blends in too much. Whatever you choose, It is all going to turn out splendidly, you are on the right track for sure!
I know you don't want to hear this…but I think dark cabinets on the lowers…to match the dark colour of the tile, I think would make the room pop along with brass hardware. But if that is just going to be too much and create boat loads of anxiety, then lighter wall colour. I really LOVE what you have done though…seriously have kitchen envy.
#1 or #4. By the time you start adding some really cool décor, the monochromatic walls and cabinets will make a perfect backdrop for displaying the décor accents. I think the iron ore vent hood just adds too much drama.
Ore looks a bit heavy and chalkboard like. White walls is my vote. Or, consider just painting the hood white.
#3! I love it!! -Christie
I like #1.
#3….love the look and it really echoes your light fixtures above the breakfast bar area.
Beautiful Kitchen ! Félicitations!
But for the choice: Less is more… The #1 seems me the best.
What about adding in some texture and doing barn wood?
I would go for #3 . I like the contrast and that it ties in with the tile. Otherwise I would go with painting the walls white. I would not repainted cabinets. Too expensive and they look great as is.
Beautiful job and beautiful family!
You would not be fretting over the blending of wall and cabinets if you truly loved it just the way it is. YOU have to love it, not just settle, it has to be just right, so option 4 really isn't an option. I think just painting the hood iron ore without correcting the lack of contrast between the cabinets and wall will not make you happy. I love the how the pantry cabinets looked with the tile so I don't think you can go wrong painting the hood iron ore. Visually it will tie in/balance with your pendent lights. I would just paint the vent cover at first, leaving the rectangular trim box the color of the cabinets. If it looks like too much is happening when it's paired with your tile you can paint the box box also. So I vote for #3!
Did you consider going darker with your wall color? Might give you the contrast you're looking for.
I vote for #1!!
How about painting the hood the color that is on the lower walls of your island? Hard to tell the color from pictures online, but looking at the photo of your kitchen (the one with the ladder in it) seems like using that would tie it all together and give color without it being too heavy.
Paint the vent hood!
Love your kitchen and what you have done so far. I think if you brought the tile all the way up on just the hood wall it would be stunning. And think the paint colors you have picked are perfect as is.
My first thought was to leave it and live with it while you're focusing on the rest of your home but I really like the darker vent hood. So I'd go with that! A pint of paint and an afternoon should take care of that in a jiffy. Looks fantastic, LOVE that tile.
#2 is my fave!
#1 would be my choice. The white would make the tile really pop and it would blend with the rest of the white you have in the kitchen.
#1 or #3 – I love how the other cabinets will stand out from the white walls 🙂 and Cassie, stop by my blog and check out what we're doing to our kitchen!! I'm sooo excited!
#1 is my favourite
3!! Love the lighter wall and the darker hood. Also, like someone mentioned above, painting the cabinet below the hood dark would be a great idea
I'm for option #1. The white walls work nicely with your counters and add more contrast without "stealing the spotlight" from the backsplash (which I feel like painting the hood black does.)
Option #1!
I meant 3
I don't think you will be happy until your bottom cabinets are black and your uppers are white. I went back and looked at your inspiration photos with the bold, patterned tile, and they all have either bright white or very dark cabinets. I have never commented on a blog before, but I really wanted to weigh in on this since my entire great room is painted SW Mindful Gray with white trim. There is very little contrast between white and Mindful Gray. Mindful Gray is a very safe, neutral. I don't think that's the look you're going for? I read that you picked it when you thought you would do a marble backsplash, and that makes sense. But once you changed direction on the tile, I think Mindful Gray's days were numbered. I really hope this helps. Good luck!
#1
I vote for #1! White walls look so clean and crisp with the backsplash and cabinets. (Love the cabinet color!!)
#3 – it showcases the tile perfectly. It looks 'richer' as well!
Loving #3! My daughter's room is in Eider white and I love it. The darker hood pops so beautifully against the walls and cabinets and ties in the backsplash and butler's pantry.
#1 for sure. The dark vent hood competes with everything else …
I vote for tiling all the way up to the ceiling–that would totally POP!!
#3 – very striking & dramatic
It took a few times looking over your choices, but I like #2. That dark hood started to grow on me. I think the dark hood makes the tile all the more beautiful.
#3
I vote #1! (Here's one more idea… Fixer Upper used wood on a hood once and it was SO cool.)
Side note: How awesome is Fixer Upper?! By far my favorite HGTV show!
First choice number 4
Second choice number 1
Either way, would consider painting trim around windows (on either side of vent hood) the iron ore/dark color
Ok, I've scrolled through who knows how many times! The most favorite thing I did in my kitchen was take the tile to the ceiling, yes it was more $$ but I thought it was worth it to cut corners somewhere else. So, that's my vote! 🙂
I may be late to the party but I love LOVE #3. I think the dark hood ties the dark tile into the kitchen and makes it pop. The tile is such a statement in contrasts and so is the light wall/dark hood, in my opinion. Looks amazing regardless of your decision!
I would leave the paint alone for now and try some decorating tricks first. I would find something to hang above each window– cute signs, plates etc.– something unique to make them stand out more plus it would bring the eye up to balance the windows with the hood. Also, something cool on top of the upper cabinets to fill some of that blank wall space would also look good. Not necessarily baskets or bowls etc, but maybe some sort of cool collection? Old globes, large vases filled with collected sea shells– something like that. A little color and interest through decor might be the little extra you need to avoid another paint project. It is beautiful as is but I understand your concerns about it. Good luck! Kathy— long time follower.
love #2
beautiful..
i really love your blog
Obat Herbal Lambung Bengkak
I vote for #1. I love the dark hood but it is so big it looks a little overwhelming in the space.
I think you've already made your decision, but I vote for #3!
I know you've already made your decision….I have a suggestion for the vent hood. If you go with the darker color you could do a monogram or design on it. You could even do a vinyl cut out of the design from your tile. It would break of the darker color. It'll look great whatever you do!!
Clare
I like the cabinets and hood the same darker color and the base cabinets. I think the dark hood looks nice but it takes away from the tile as your focal point.
I cannot get over that tile backsplash! It's so unique and makes quite the statement. Pretty sure you won't tire of it either!
Ooption 5! A medium color grey for the hood. That way the tile still stands out but the hood is still part of the focal point and then you wouldn't have to paint all the cabinets a darker color just to tie in the tile better.
I love option 3!
#4!
Crazy idea — #1 and paint hood with pop of red! Would look great with tile!
option 3 but also paint the drawers under the cooktop in the iron ore so the vent and the stove below look like a beautiful floor-to-ceiling piece of furniture,
Number #1 for sure. Painting the range hood makes it pop more than the tile backsplash. The tile should remain a bigger focus than the hood. #1 gets my vote
Just found you via iHeart! Love your new home and I'm so excited that I found you just as you start another home journey!
I vote #3!!! I Love the white on the walls to separate your cabs and walls, but I REALLY love the drama of the dark hood! Didn't think of that til I seen it, and now I can't stop thinking of it!! 🙂