Sheila's kitchen remodel
Neutral wood floor (light color) provides chocolate bar stool contrast of the fabric into focus because of: 1. Lighter similar colored undertones in seats 2. Lighter chocolate stool legs on top of espresso stained panels of island 3. white or off-white counters and cabinet paint 4. Pendant lights are jewelry that helps pull out the shiny metal from the appliances. Note the wall sconce light (downward, top right above art).
This inexpensive backsplash has several installed examples on the Lowe's reviews: Satori Flower 12-in x 12-in Polished Stone Marble Tile in the Tile department at Lowes.com NOTE: Take a look at the pics of the fireplace with border. I think that's pretty and when you use the $149 example to the right I think it would be much prettier. Because of the contrasting border in the other kitchen, consider using a color pallet from the flower center for background tiles. Also be sure to use a subdued similar color grout from the other example
You can get away with another dark color separated by contrast like the ceiling. The more dark however the more lighting is required. Because the cabinet color is against the flooring they chose a nice light color to make the contrast work.
Not enough contrast
Not enough contrast on counters but the light color in the backsplash and underlighting help.
Contrast makes this pop! Note that there isn't even underlighting beneath the cabinets and it already looks good.
Noticke how the cabinets are lifted some by the countertops but see how the extra light against the tile backsplash shows much lighter and makes the cabinets show the color more. Contrast!
Cabinets too dark to allow proper contrast with stainless. This kitchen would require lots of extra lumens in order to help resolve this issue.
Note the reason the wall color and flooring work even though so closely matched is because of the white contrasting trim. The soft neutral of the green works with the greys because of the metal from the chair bottoms and the accent of the lighting (I know you aren't a green fan but you can use other neutrals)
Chalkboard colored cabinets work against the stainless because of the stainless cabinet hardware and white countertop.
The silver in the pendants pull from the grey in the countertop and the stainless (which I'd pull from the flooring and backsplash)
Lovely. The silver on the pendants and the garnet colored glass are the jewelry that shows off the stainless.
Dark cabinets with light counters. Note how the backsplash goes to the ceiling.
Dark cabinets with light counter
Not finished yet and already the color scheme is starting to pop.
Pretty but not enough contrast. The bar stools and the backsplash do coordinate well. Note how the lack of contrast from the cabinets and counter muddies the tone.
This would really pop if they had: 1. Added a lighter backsplash 2. Brighter lighting overhead and under the cabinets.
Notice how the color of the ceiling pulls out the grey in the marble. A darker tone of grey on the ceiling if you use a dimensional grey on lighter grey backsplash would do this too.
Is this what you want to do with the top glass cabinets? The lighting really shows those off.
Note how the white countertops make the stainless pop. The white lighting really shows off the grey tones in the backsplash. If the flooring were a shade darker grey it would pull out the colors in the backsplash and provide better contrast with the cabinets.
The cream works because the wood flooring is warm toned. Note that the bright white light and the sunlight really help show off these colors. Means with the limited sunlight in your kitchen if you choose a subdued color scheme like this that you'll want to brighten up the lighting quite a bit.
Note the contrast of the countertops and the white canned ceiling lights. Love the hanging pendant light too. If only it had cooler bulbs in those.
Note the cabinet colors against the floor and black topped table
This one gave me the idea of knocking out the upper part of the wall between your kitchen and the storage room that has the kitty litter box. Would give you the feel of a small Butler's Pantry without the extra cost because the upper cabinets in the knock out would now be in the other section.
Q