I need your help. You know how sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees and you get stuck with design decisions? Especially ones that are somewhat permanent? That’s how I feel right now and I’d love some feedback.
First and foremost, let me explain in advance the lack of more detailed photos of the space in question. This kitchen is at our weekend cabin and I wanted to get some feedback asap, and these photos, from a previous post, are all I have for now. We’re going up this weekend so I can add more soon if need be.
Edited to add photos:
I think you all can see there’s not much color in this space. Please excuse the sun glare. We don’t have window treatments on the windows since there is really not much need for them.
The house is a log cabin, so of course, there’s wood EVERYWHERE! The ceilings in this particular part of the house are cathedral and natural logs. The back part of the house is an addition the previous owners did, and the walls are stained wood pine. If you have the time, you can get an idea of things over on this post, although all the pictures there are of either the back part of the house or the basement. This area is what you see if you’re standing at the above location and turn around on your right, and this is what you see on your left. Both areas are a ‘work in progress’, but you get the idea. LOTS OF WOOD!
The kitchen cabinets are hickory, the flooring is by Allure and almost looks like cork. The appliances are black and the countertops are primarily black. They are laminate and we redid them with one of those ‘granite look alike kits’ a few years ago. It came out pretty good but I’m ready for a change. I’m considering trying a product by Rustoleum that mimics stainless, so keep in mind the counter top might be silver. At least on the Island. The rest will have to wait. It’s a pretty large kitchen and any major updates will be pricey. Other than some copper pots hanging by a window, there’s not much color going on in this space.
Since there is so much wood that isn’t going anywhere, I’m trying to brighten things up and bring in some other elements, while still remaining true to the character of the home. If you check out the link above, you might notice we used some tin tiles as a back splash in a bar area in the basement, but I’m thinking this area should be a little simpler in design.
I had a very tough time finding pictures to show you. The website we most likely will be ordering from doesn’t seem to let you copy photos, but if you happen to click to their site I’m considering the ‘hammered’, ‘quilted’, ‘rib’, ‘diamond’, ‘dome’ and ‘square’ patterns. I found these photos from Pinterest. (The proper links weren’t readily available for some of them.)
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As you can see, there are many, many options to choose from, it makes my head spin! The ones in the middle are more of the direction I’m thinking, although those two in particular are NOT available in sheets, which is the best thing to do for wall, or in this case, island installs.
I’m having a difficult time deciding not only on the design, but the color even more so.
So my question(s)…what do you think of doing something like this for an island? What style/color would you choose for this space? Do you have any other suggestions other than this look I might consider?
Thanks soooooo much!
Brenda Kula says
I could not locate your email address. Just wanted you to know that you’ve been featured today on my weekly Welcome Wagon Friday. Welcome to our blogging neighborhood!
Brenda
Cindy says
Hi Doreen,
I’m visiting from Brenda’s Welcome Wagon Friday and must say what a blessing to have this beautiful log cabin! I visited the links you provided in your post to get a better look at your place and it is amazing! I say embrace all that wood and be true to the character of a log cabin; so unique and special in it’s own right. I have found that in blog land it become easy to want to paint everything and especially white…stay true sweetie, your log cabin is so nice! I’ve never seen tin tiles in a log cabin, usually historic/victorian homes so … hope you don’t mind but you did ask for opinions, I wouldn’t do it. Maybe paint the island if you are wanting something different…but not white! Tee, Hee! I really like your new upholstery on your stools, very pretty.
Blessings,
Cindy
The Honeys says
Thanks so much Cindy! You’re right. Usually tin tiles are in historic homes but one thing I’ve noticed is the styles are becoming more versatile which can make them work in different settings. There are some super contemporary ones out there too. Not that I would necessarily go in that direction. I’m also thinking of maybe some type of wainscotting or board/batten. I just feel like the island is super boring and everything just blends into everything else! I agree I wouldn’t do white, but that’s where I’m stuck. I just don’t know what color to choose. I have a serious case of analysis paralysis. 🙁
BTW, I visited your blog and commented and when I didn’t see it pop up I thought something went wrong so I commented again. Then I saw the comment moderation message! So you might want to delete the second comment :). Thanks again for commenting and giving me your opinion. I’m so grateful!
Cindy says
Good luck with the kitchen island. I also think the tile would not look right with the wood walls.. too many patterns going on and the home is not victorian like the tiles. I think the beadboard idea would work. How about paint it a bold color? Green? Red? Royal Blue? Not sure what else is going on in that kitchen but I’m a color gal!
Cecilia says
hm, I had the same problem with our farm…the house had wood paneling, cabinets were natural wood, wood, wood everywhere. I painted the cabinets white- a big job but so worth it! I like the square pattern the best. Paintable wallpaper might be an option too. Have fun! Whatever you decide, it will look fabulous. 🙂
Elaine says
Go with a bold color, I like the wallpaper you can paint idea you can always change it…
Inspire Me Heather says
Hmmm, have you thought about stone? Like, the fake stuff that comes on a panel. I like the tiles idea too.
Leanne@TheBurlapCottage says
Hi Doreen,
Decisions, decisions, hmmmm. For your island, I like the idea of turning it into a piece of furniture. I am thinking of doing that with my island. You could use a muted color of ASCP like provence or duck egg blue or any complimentary accent color and age it. You could take the paintable wallpaper that is bead board by Grahm and Brown and trim out the edges. You could put furniture feet and make it look like a piece of furniture made into an island. Go to the trim and stair isle in HD and you will see what I am thinking of. I think it would compliment the look of your wood home, and not be a departure from the feel of the cabin. Just my 2 cents, as I have been thinking about this a lot for my kitchen too.
The Honeys says
Thank you Leanne! I love your idea and I can tell you know the look I’m going for. I want it to have more presence and like you said, look like furniture, not cheap wood. My concern is the other side of the island has drawers and cabinets which I don’t think i would want to mess with. I’m also thinking about possibly looking for a piece of ironwork that could maybe make a statement. It’s a long,shot that I will find something that will work, but I’m going to give it a shot.