Color Banter: Kitchens and Bathrooms

Our blog series on color continues with kitchens and bathrooms. There are so many decisions to be made when remodeling or building or house, and the choices can seem overwhelming. You not only have to consider materials, you have to consider the texture, quality, and color. When choosing color you need to look not only at the aesthetics, but also the practicality: how will it work with how you really live?

Counter tops make a big statement, and granite is of course a favorite, for home owners and house hunters. When choosing a granite color, consider how the color will fare in the most mundane situations. Black looks great when it is shiny and clean, but consider that it will show every crumb, water mark, piece of dust and toothpaste splatter. Lighter granite with pattern is better for the not so meticulous housekeeper.

Some granite patterns can be trendy and date a house, like golden jade from the late nineties. Choose what makes you happy, but beware if you have seen one particular pattern in every model home.

Black Galaxy Granite can show dust and crumbs. However, it is a very popular pattern and can be found for very low prices, especially if you are working with standard sizes. 

 I love this Quartzite Bianca  Granite Slab from Pental. I think it's neutral enough to stand the test of time in terms of trendiness, it will go with warm and cool colors and a variety of undertones in cabinets, and the pattern is forgiving for a few crumbs or splatters.

Porcelain and ceramic tile are durable and easy to clean, but take care in choosing the grout color. Keeping grout clean takes more effort than keeping the tile clean. If you are going for matching tile and grout, keep in mind that it will be more difficult to keep light grout looking fresh. In my opinion, light grout is easier to clean in the shower, where you can really suds up a solution of water and dish washing soap.

Stainless steel appliances go hand in hand with granite: it seems like everyone wants them. They do look great, when they are clean. Keep in mind that you will have not only wipe them down but also polish them with a polish to keep them looking new (I recommend a restaurant grade satin shine spray). Black appliances are much more budget-friendly and have a modern look. Cabinet faced dishwashers and refrigerators are also a low-maintenance alternative to standard white.

GE Profile Panel Ready refrigerators can blend in with your cabinets for a streamlined kitchen, though they do cost a few hundred more dollars than stainless steel, and will need to be customized with your chosen cabinet fronts.

A glossy finish paint is much easier to clean in these areas, especially if you use a light color. A bright color can add pizazz if you cannot afford to run a back splash all the way to the bottom of the cabinets. Using the same granite as the counter top for a full height back splash can be overkill. The back splash is a great opportunity to choose a fun, more bold or more expensive tile, metal, or bamboo.

The latest color or material trend may be enticing, but is it practical for you in what are the most heavily used and messiest areas in the house? Considering you level of commitment to keeping them looking like new before you buy can save a lot of headahces later. 

Color Banter: Choosing flooring for how you really live

There are so many decisions to be made when remodeling or building or house, and the choices can seem overwhelming. You not only have to consider materials, you have to consider the texture, quality, and color. When choosing color you need to look not only at the aesthetics, but also the practicality: how will it work with how you really live?

Wood Floors are the most popular choice for new homes and are sought after by house hunters. Although it might seem counter intuitive at first, dark wood floors will reflect light, so they will not darken a small space. The major drawback to dark wood floors is that although they look stunning and sophisticated when they are clean, every spec of dirt or pet hair will show, so you must be willing and able to clean them often. With dark floors, dark wood furniture goes best, and a light area rug can help to ground the furniture and keep the dark brown from becoming overwhelming. Also, birch or maple colored furniture with any orange tones may clash with the floors, so they are not as neutral as classic oak. 

Lighter wood floors, such as a yellow bamboo, look clean and contemporary, but are a very specific taste.

 Yes, these Midnight Black Bamboo Floors from Teragren are beautiful, but be prepared to spend a lot of time cleaning them, especially if you have pets.

 Lighter bamboo floors are a bold style choice, but will make any area look fresh and modern. Teragren Long Plank Bamboo Flooring in Vertical Grain Natural.

Slate tile with a few colors almost never looks dirty, but it is not exactly neutral. If you plan to go with slate, consider how your furniture and other schemes will work with it. Pay attention to whether it has a gray or brown undertone.

White tile porcelain or ceramic floors do show dirt and spots, but at least they can be easily cleaned with a low concentration of cleaner or vinegar and water, and shine up very nicely. However, I would not wish white or light colored vinyl floors with a smooth finish on my worst enemy. These are impossible to clean, and, who are we kidding, they will never look like real tile. If budget dictates that you must go with vinyl, choose darker colors, or if you want a light color, make sure it is textured. Great Floors flooring shown below.

Just say no to smooth white vinyl-unless you want to spend a lot of time on your hands and knees scrubbing.

If budget dictates that you must have vinyl (and as a professional designer, I am duty bound to recommend against this) go with a textured finish with many colors.

The color of your floors can be as important as the actual material, or even more so considering how the color can dictate the amount of time you spend cleaning and maintaining. Something may look fantastic in a magazine, but making the right choice for how you really live will be the best decision in the long run.

Color Banter: Spruce up your Space

Are you tired of your space? Do you want a change, but don't know where to start, or can't afford a major redecorating project? Here are some affordable, easy ways to bring new life into your space with color.

Think about paint colors like you think about clothing. You might like a color, but it might not look great on you. White looks good on everyone. However, white can easily look dirty, and may not be the most soothing color. In the main area of our condo, we have many pieces of artwork, so white walls work well as a backdrop for the paintings. In a smaller space like the bathroom, however, the white walls felt like a college apartment, and a bright color makes it feel like home. 

Paint is an affordable way to bring color into a space, but does require labor, supplies, and prep time.

Throw pillows are a great way to add color or change up a style (Pier 1 Imports pillows shown below). If you already have pillows and don't want to buy new ones, simply cover throw pillows with a standard pillow case and tuck in the ends. Or, create new custom pillow cases with fabric. If you are extra crafty, hunt for embellished shirts at thrift stores with sequins or jewels and create custom pillow cases.

Adding a center piece your dining room table creates a touch of sophistication. This creates a focal point for the room and can keep you from using the table as a dumping ground for stray clutter. Pick a statement vase in a bright color (Pier 1 Imports Red Bamboo shown below) or a medley of chunky candle holders. Fresh flowers are ideal, but don't be afraid to use silk flowers or fake floral accents like twigs. Or, a large clear vase can house colorful seasonal items, like lemons in the summer and holiday ornaments. 

A boring lamp or tired piece of furniture can also be painted a statement color. A coat of paint bring a natural wood early American piece up to date. Try this on dining room chairs (who says they have to match the table?), buffets or side tables. Replace an old coffee table with a functional storage ottoman topped with a colorful serving tray. A rug under the ottoman is also a great way to add a low-commitment splash of color (below: Overstock.com Storage Ottoman with West Elm Wood Tray in Clover and Ikea Andrea Rug in Yellow-Green).

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