Ask A Designer: How To Add The Finishing Touches To A Modern Kitchen

In this Ask A Designer column, Stacy Begg shares her tips for choosing a backsplash and decorating a long hall in a modern kitchen.

Question: Help! I can’t commit to a kitchen backsplash. Do you have any suggestions? And how do I decorate this giant blank wall that’s adjacent to the kitchen? — N.H., Squamish, B.C.

Do you have a design dilemma? Send your questions to [email protected].

Let’s start with the backsplash: your kitchen is almost there! My first suggestion is to go with a classic white six- by three inch subway tile — it will be budget-friendly and give you a timeless look.

If that’s too expected, you could also go with a square hand-thrown tile in a soft cream or off-white for a more rustic vibe. Both are great options that won’t distract from your oak shelves.

Clé

Zellige Tile in Weathered White, $24.33/sq.ft, cletile.com

While you’re at it, consider swapping your black hardware for a style that works better with the warm wood tones, like this pull from Myoh in polished brass and tan leather.

Myoh

Dorchester Bar Pull, $44, myoh.ca

Finally, while I like your stool style, I find the black color, especially with the black pendants, to be too dark. Look for seating that continues to warm up the room — think rich leather or woven for added texture.

Serena & Lily

Carson Counter Stool in Ebony, approx. $875, serenaandlily.com

Now, to the blank wall: I love your clerestory windows, as they bring in lots of natural light and add a modern feel. I recommend removing the white cabinet. Then, select furniture and art with the scale of the wall in mind.

Start with a long console, and center it under the three windows.

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Miles Media Console, approx. $4,174, mgbwhome.com

Above it, hang one or two large pieces of art, or a collection of smaller and midsized pieces.

Celadon Art

Large Simplex VI Artwork, $663, celadonart.com (top); Bouclé Abstracts IV Artwork, $500, celadonart.com (bottom)

Add a much larger plant, like a fiddle-leaf fig. Use the Inspiration images as a guide for how to fill out your space, and it will be beautiful!

Structube

Fiddle Leaf Artificial Potted Plant, $149, structube.com