Ask A Designer: How To Create A Kitchen That Complements Your Home

In this Ask A Designer column, Jennifer Koper shares her tips for cooking up a stylish and coordinated kitchen.

Question: I had new flooring installed in my kitchen, and it doesn’t look right with my cabinets. Should I stain or paint them? And, if so, what color? — J.L., Peoria, Arizona

Answer: If you don’t want to make any major changes, you could paint your cabinets Taupe Tease or Almond Wisp by Behr, like this Inspiration image by Lauren Liess. These shades will work beautifully with your floors and freshen up your cabinets.

Add black knobs, paint the walls white…

The Home Depot Canada

Contemporary Metal Knob in Matte Black by Richelieu, $4,homedepot.ca

…and install a simple backsplash of subway tile. Consider adding task lighting under the uppers.

Ciot

2 3⁄4″ x 5 1⁄2″ Urban Atelier Branco Luc. Subway Tile, from $8/sq.ft,ciot.com

If you really want to change the look of your kitchen, order new Shaker-style door fronts for your upper cabinets, and have them painted the same taupe shade. Or replace your uppers entirely with taller ones with the same Shaker-style profile; this will help draw your eye upward. Then, to add wow factor, consider a new vent hood.

The Door Maker

MDF Paintable Custom Kitchen Cabinet Doors, from $11/sq.ft, available at The Door Maker

Keep your counters, or replace them with new ones in a white composite material, such as quartz or Caesarstone.

Caesarstone

5151 Empira White Counter, approx. $80/sq.ft, caesarstone.ca

Opt for a simple countertop microwave, and finish the look with a sleek new faucet. Enjoy your refreshed kitchen!

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

Delta

Trask Single-Handle Pull-Down Sprayer Kitchen Faucet in Spotshield Stainless Steel Featuring MagnaTite Docking, $370, available at Delta