>> AFTER
ANDY LANDGRAF PHOTOS
Last week you saw this kitchen from one end, looking toward the ocean. Here’s the view from the other end. Now you get a sense of how much more open it became, which brings me to today’s tip.
When you open up a space, how do you keep it from feeling cold and uninviting?
White quartz countertops and white marble floors make kitchens feel expansive. But throw in modern appliances, and a kitchen can feel cold.
>> BEFORE
The solution? Bring in warm wood elements. Here it’s repeated not only in a wall and the cabinetry, but also in the informal dining table base and window treatments. Now look closely. Notice how the medium-tone wood on one wall runs in a vertical pattern, while the darker cabinetry grain is horizontal?
What ties them together is the zebra butcher block. The crazy pattern also creates a great focal point for the island and breaks up its 12-foot length. Imagine the same view without this accent. It wouldn’t be nearly as interesting.
>> AFTER
And that’s the second part of today’s tip. Find a piece that brings it all together and becomes that pop of interest — something that reflects tones from other elements but is completely different. How about a funky ceramic vase? Or interesting fabric on bar stools?
So as you look at the possibilities in your home, sure, use white to open and brighten a space. Then mix in some wood tones — and bring it together with an awesome finishing touch!
Cathy Lee is a home style expert, speaker, president and designer of Cathy Lee Style. Her redesigns of residential and business spaces have been featured in local and national publications and on HGTV. For more info and inspiring photos of design projects, visit cathyleestyle.com. And keep up with Cathy’s dream home makeover at her photo blog, Homefront.