apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Good idea on the open shelving. I was about to suggest the same thing myself. It will make the space seem a lot less sterile, as well as maybe tone down the mosaic tiles (since you think they stand out too much). I also think the tiles will look better when they are not a single strip of color in an entirely white wallspace.

I think your kitchen is looking good. Your high ceilings are a good feature. I would suggest doing the open shelves from the colors of the mosaic tiles! This would add another dimension to the kitchen and tile the mosaic into the theme. The pop of color in the shelves would be great!

I second 'iselin's' comments about the shelving, it was my exact thought before I even read the response. I really love what you've done with your kitchen, and a simple shelving solution, with some cool dishes or artwork, can really pull the whole thing together. You may even want to check out some simple which shelves from Ikea. I've used them in the past and they do the trick just fine. Just be sure not to put anything too heavy on them. Good luck!

If you could get rid of the top row of flowered tile (yuck) that would be a step in the right direction.
Try running some IKEA floating shelves right above the tile line on the far wall - it would make a vast difference in your kitchen. Put a few interesting items on the shelves and you've changed your kitchen. I would also switch out the awful overhead light for some sort of pendant light and put some canisters or jars on your countertop so it's not so stark. A little color on the kitchen walls wouldn't hurt either.

I was just about to suggest what frnd4vrf did... great. I like your kitchen, though.

Love your kitchen (and the area you live in!) The tiles look great, and the open shelving will be fab. Perhaps pick up a few 'retro' items (real or fake!) in the colours in your tiles - some bluey/aqua kitchen scales, an orange glass jug etc, to compliment the colours in the tiles, and lots of white and glass to keep it looking open and 'fresh'. Perhaps try and pick up a couple of stools that enhance the style too - try mattblatt.com.au for some good reproductions, perhaps wooden bases with white (leather???) seats or somthing like that.

I would paint the walls with the tile the same green as the cabinets. The tiles would pop and it would make the kitchen seem more pulled together.

I think the tile looks great, provide a really nice little playful bit of colour, and will probably look better to you once you get that shelving in. At least you should wait till you do the shelving to make a decision about the tile.

I would go with naked wood myself, for the shelving.

I love the tile...a quick fix would be to paint the walls above the tile one of the tile colors. Pick your favorite (and make sure it goes with the green..maybe the mustad yellow? is that one of the colors? I can't tell). Even if it's just the back wall above the stove. And if you could find a small matching mat to put in front of the sink to tie the wall to the tile to the floor, that would be lovely. The open shelving sounds great too. You could do a really great metal and glass display (that's what I picture on it) and some green plants. I love the kitchen!

I would avoid painting the tiles. It's possible to do, but I've found paint doesn't hold up well on tile in high use areas- like your sink. I would go with the other suggestions and paint the walls and accessorize.

I would put open shelving, something dark or even black, and showcase any period or interesting dishes you might have. Once that is done I think you'll be very please with the outcome!

Your mosaic tiles look great. You just need to do something with your walls to balance everything. Maybe 3 wall to wall floating shelves (in white) and then, put some cool dishes/bowls (same colors as your mosaic tiles) on them.
You could also put a bowl full of oranges on your breakfast counter.

I love the tile! I second (or third or fourth...) the idea of open shelving on the wall w/the stove. I would go for some fun art to the right of the window-- check etsy for playful prints in your accent tile colors. I'd go with a simple roman shade for the window. And I would keep the walls white. Once the open shelving goes it and you fill them with stuff, it won't look so stark. But adding a color plus shelves plus stuff on the shelves might get too busy too fast.

I love the tiles!!!

I think with the open shelving it would tone down the bright tiles and maybe incorporate more colors into the kitchen. And I would add some artwork.

I would change the green to a cherry red or canary yellow and keep the tile!

That light fixture really draws my eye away from the rest of the (very nice looking) kitchen.

Trade in that thing for a retro styled light to match your cabinets.

Maybe paint the top trim in the room to balance some of the white space?

i like the direction your going in. the only thing is that your eye kinda just stops at the tile (which i like a lot) but once you put up open shelving and fill 'em with dishes, cookbooks, plates or whatever it will draw your eye up. i definitely don't think you should paint the tile, its colorful and fun, just pick up some of those colors in the things you put on the shelf and it will all be very cohesive, and the tile won't stand out too much, just as a nice accent.

Mosaic accent looks best if it is not the top row but 2/3 high. Add another row of tile on top. Make sure it is surface bullnose. Then paint the sheetrock above a saturated color like orange or something.

I think a great light fixture will do a lot to enhance the room as a whole. You could go for a Poul Henningsen kind of thing, or a sleek pendant or bunch of pendants in a great color.
I concur with either making the shelving bright colors a la the mosaic, or painting the walls above the tile, maybe both - personally I would definitely want colored walls with such strong color already in the room and plenty of white tile to lighten it all up.
I don't dislike the existing bar stools, but there's another chance to put in a statement- either organic and woody, or a powerful shape/color.

I really like how it looks so far!! I would do a pot rack over the stove instead of shelves, change the light fixture, and add some curtains to bring out the colors of the tiles. Have fun!

I like the mosaic tile, actually. Open shelving with some fun ceramic pieces (bowls, pitchers, dishes, etc.) that pick up on the colors in the tile, and some artwork that also reflects the colors in the tile (where the calendar is now, or next to the window) would help pull the place together. And please send after pictures once you make changes - your kitchen is on it's way to being really fun and unique!

i love the kitchen. i think the tiles look great as well. wood sheving, stools with wooden legs, retro appliances & accessories in the color of the tiles would pull it all together.

I'm thinking along the same lines as Elizaelijah - a great ceiling light! One or two open shelves across that back wall (I like birch) would go a long way, but the right ceiling pendant would pull it all together. I like something like this rattan pendant, because it recalls the 70s macrame thing (in keeping with your loose theme) but is clean and modern. It's also a nice organic touch in the room.

I think it looks great so far - now, channel Tim Gunn and make it work!

I've painted the tiles in my kitchen and it's great.

They were ugly brown 70's tiles with mushrooms (not cute). I went to Benjamin Moore and purchased a tile primer.

Did 4 coats of that and then 2 coats of their best quality hard shiny white paint. Now you'd never know they were 70's tiles. Haven't chipped or had any issues with them at all.

As a person who really loves colour, my first instinct is to get some in this room (the walls are too bare). Love the idea of putting up some sort of shelving. Perhaps something that matches that beautiful floor? Also sounds like a practical idea seeing how little storage space you seem to have. It'd be great above the stove area (and 2 shelves would be ideal). It'd be awesome to display dishes/pottery/vases etc. that tie in with several colours in the tiles (I would personally choose red and/or turquoise).
Second, my eye was drawn to the left where the calendar was hanging. I'm thinking some sort of giant black board/cork board (I only say cork board because it was the first thing I could thing of that was lightly coloured and more "natural" woodsy looking... if that makes sense) that can function as an organizational center for the family? OR perhaps a big piece of art? That calendar just looks lost and lonely.
Third, a starburst clock would look divine above the phone area!
Fourth, my eye was also drawn to the phone area on the right. What if you had baskets/containers in whatever accent colour you end up choosing, or once again, similar to the floor texture/colour? Either way, let's hide those items.
Fifth, what about some curtains? Once again, you have many colours to choose from because of the tiles.. but something fresh and patterned would really add some punch to the room.

If you do paint the tiles (and I think you can), I'd go white to match the others. Or just paint the ones that are under the window, because I think that's the part that isn't working, and the other ones are cool.

And/or you could change the light fixture for something more big and globe-y, if there's room for it without hitting your head. A big orange paper globe would be awesome! Or a funky chandelier.

I think the mosaic tiles look beautiful! It adds some color to the room and it's so fun and pretty.

Maybe you could repaint the cabinets though, since they don't seem to match the tiles. It looks like you have some greens in the tiles, so maybe a slightly lighter one (unless you're really attached to the current color). I wouldn't paint the tiles, that would look tacky.

I agree that you should change the light fixture. Get a "chandelier" (not like a fancy one; I think that's just the term I see on websites for lights that aren't flush to the ceiling like yours) or pendant that hangs down further into the kitchen and has a little flare.

Add a small rug that brings in some colors from the mosaic tiles. Your kitchen is pretty small, so you could center the rug or put it in front of the stove and fridge. Also, I'd put some kind of curtains or shades on the window with a colorful print. Maybe something geometric. Search the retro fabric sites for some 70s inspiration since love that about your kitchen.

Open shelving will be nice, but don't make them white, that's just boring. I say either match them to the other cabinets, paint them colors from the mosaic tiles or paint them brown or black so there's some contrast. Or, if possible, find a natural wood for the shelves and just finish it without paint (sorta like your floors). That seems very 1970s and would go with that olive-y green of your cabinets.

It really depends on how much you like color. I love it, so I tend to want many colors all over the place. But if you don't, maybe choose one color from your mosaics that complements your cabinets and use that color in either one or various tints when choosing curtains/rugs/shelving/etc.

I think you should run with the mosaic design and repeat it with wall paint. You can do some color blocks in a simple grid using the colors in your mosaic. You don't have to do the whole wall:
http://diy.homedepot.ca/diy/project.jsp?pid=331&langId=-15&section=overview

http://www.bhg.com/decorating/paint/projects/festive-painted-wall-squares/

Or do three wide horizontal stripes choosing one color but three hues of that color and hang the shelves on each changing stripe:
http://www.painted-house.com/episodes/9/105/?view=01

Also I think this clock from Chiasso fits your mosaic. You could make this yourself using tiles or paint and either put them directly on the wall or mount them and get a clock mechanism at the craft store:
http://www.chiasso.com/shopping/modern-home-accessories/modern-clocks/blocks-clock.aspx

Please do NOT paint the tile or the cabinets...both are lovely.

I would paint the walls a color (I think a pale turquoise would be pretty, or even a toned-down version of the mustard in the tile as another poster suggested). Even a creamier off-white would make the room look more "considered."

I would definitely add shelves, either painted to match the walls, white, or a light wood like maple. And then I would take away the things I think are keeping the kitchen from looking pulled-together--the ceiling fixture and the black stools. I think both should be replaced with something light and natural looking--maybe a woven rattan or something similar. The black is wrong for the overall palette of the room. I think a window shade made of rattan or bamboo would also be a nice accent, even if you don't need it for privacy.

When your refrigerator dies or you can justify replacing it, I would get a stainless cabinet-depth one. Fisher-Paykel makes some nice ones. Even the little bit of sightline that you'll reclaim will make the kitchen look more cohesive.

Lots of great suggestions here, but I haven't read anyone suggesting a vent hood. Seems like that circle in the ceiling might be one, or just a vent. They're really important for keeping cooking smells and grease contained, and they can also be very cool looking. Something to consider, especially since the open shelves (they are definitely a must) would be in the direct line of fire from the cooking grease.

What a fantastic kitchen...that green is terrific and the tile you chose is a great complement. It seems like you're just not done yet, but what you've got so far is really great! Give it a chance...wait until you do more before you reconsider the tile.

It sounds like you have quite a few different suggestions already. I see a theme with people suggesting floating shelves.

Do you need the shelves? If not, a big mirror with a black frame (to go with your black stools) on the wall above the stove. An antique one, hung so it is tilting a bit from the top toward the floor.

I also like the idea of switching out the light. Possibly for some sort of chandelier or a pendant with an extra large drum shade. I love black with the color of your cabinets but a color pulled from your mosaic tiles might look great for the drum shade. More of an eclectic look than a retro theme.

I love the tile and the cabinets. Another row of solid color tile above the mosaic would be nice.

I'd also try to store that big phone book somewhere and mount a bright colored (or black?) retro looking phone on the wall above where it sits now.

Change out the white bins on the left for stainless steel. And a large black and white graphic or print where the small calendar hangs above the new stainless steel bins.

Some topiaries of your favorite herbs in the window.

Display something that reveals the child that resides in the kitchen by displaying some of his/her colorful artwork or even the flatware and dishes that are his.

I love your kitchen already. I can't wait to see what you decide to do and the results!

I also like the idea of floating shelves and painting the walls.

A few other ideas (I haven't read through all of the responses, so I apologize if people have already suggested these ideas): 1) I'd switch out the light fixture and 2) I'd install a simple window treatment like a roman shade or bamboo shade.

I also like the idea of a stainless steel stove hood, but that might be more than what you're willing to spend/do. I also like the idea of topiaries or herbs in the window for a quick, easy, and cheap way to add some more interest.

How about... frosted glass door cabinets, and a stainless vent hood over the stove, a new light fixture, nix the colored tiles and tile up to the bottom of the new upper cabinets and follow that line around the room.

I find that the row of colored tiles under the window disrupts the line around the room created by the upper row, that should have been white from the start.

I love the tile and the cabinet color. For me what's missing is more color on the walls. I'd go with a toned-down mellower, lighter version of one of the colors in the tile..maybe a light blue or yellow. Maybe even green.

If you were to get rid of any of the tile, I'd only get rid of the mosaic under the window, as a poster above said it breaks up the nice line you've created around the room. I don't think it's necessary, though. Good luck!

I really like your kitchen, and do NOT think the tiles were a bad idea. I would highly advise NOT painting them. To help tie them in, how about some accessories picking up some of their colors. I do think you need something else on the walls. Open shelving could be a great option. I would run two simple floating shelves the length of the wall behind the stove....

PS. A fun light fixture would help too!

I adore everything thisbeautifulmess suggested...Though I might do some kind of a fun roman shade, rather than a curtain, just to keep with the sleekness of the kitchen.

You are almost there, but the space does feel sterile and the stainless and black and white accents aren't working. I'd: Paint the walls above tiles in a contrasting color - think yellows not green. Add some light wood floating shelves and put a few nice things on them. NOT open shelving. Switch the stools from black and metal to light wood. Get colored trash cans not white. Get cuter round light fixture.

Lovely space! If you want to continue the 70s theme - go for the gold, that is: Harvest gold on the walls. Would be fabulous with your - yes - avocado green cabinets. I agree - a new light fixture would add tons of character. So would a valance above the windows. If you really don't need the storage above the stove, I'd say to try three nice framed prints - a big graphic statement instead.

Re the harvest gold - don't know if you have Sherwin-Williams down under but their Suburban Modern Palette is spot-on. You can see it here:

http://retrorenovation.com/2007/09/26/use-this-great-50s-style-retro-paint-palette/

MICROWAVE over fridge is a downer.. LG has an over the range 22 inch version now. in Stainless

http://www.nextag.com/LG-LMV1314SV-Over-the-76233229/prices-html

I would do that.
Paint back wall chalkboard paint and do floating shelves in a wood
like done here

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/roomark-jeremy-12408-071296

I would even use the sme green accents

Oh and I forgot you need to either spray paint your fridge Black - the white stands out to much or upgrade later to a liberer stainless counter depth fridge. or summit or etc
http://www.nextag.com/refrigerator-24-depth/search-html

and get a stainless and black recycling muti bin garbage center

love the tiles.

think painting the back wall a color from the tile, or even your cabinet color, would help. and the floating shelves are a great idea either the same color as the wall or in wood or white. also like the idea of a hood vent, which can be pricey, but would make the back wall pop and really improve your cooking experience.

a couple of small suggestions:

a new ceiling light would help, your kitchen is too nice for that fixture (anything from a scandinavian ebay find to an ikea globe would work).

consider running the mosaic down the sides of the windows to meet the mosaic under the window for a more graphic look.

time to invest in better bar stools, again in wood or white depending on your other choices. if that's not in the budget, recover the black vinyl again referencing your cabinet or tile color.

really like what you've done. you have very little to do to get something really great.

love the tiles!!!

love the tiles, too! somebody said they were flowered, but i guess that was a case of not looking, right? i think they go really well with the kitchen.

in other words: WE LOVE YOU

omg paint your ceiling the same green as your cabinets! im insane maybe!

I think the kitchen looks great and is fun. My advice would be to paint the walls a light blue that is similar to the blue tiles, but a little muted in the way the green of the cabinets is muted. It would make the whole kitchen look like it has a sky, and the cabinets are grass-like. I'd keep all the trim white.

Hi Everyone,
Thanks so much for all the wonderful advice. I went through all the comments and made some notes from the suggestions and...my plan is:

1.Mount some natural wood shelves on the wall above the stove to complement the flooring, it will also complement our location as our kitchen has a beautiful view of our bush backyard. We have lots of cute retro things including a set of canisters the same colours as the tiles (the canisters were our inspiration) that will go on the shelves.
2. A new light fixture, I hated the current one when we moved in but I have gotten used to it. Thanks for reminding how ugly it really is.
3. Move the phone and assorted clutter over to the wall where the calendar is. I haven't quite planned this but I would like to have a shelf to put the phone book etc and perhaps a cork board or similar.
4.A new clock on the wall above where the phone is now - we are getting a reproduction nelson ball clock for Christmas.

I am still working on a solution for the bins and maybe painting the wall above the stove.

As for the stools, the fridge (I would love to have a fridge that is flush with the cabinets) and microwave. That will have to wait till we have a bit more money.

Thanks again. Sarah

And don't forget a roman shade, in a white linen perhaps, to visually warm up the window and make it look finished.

I think the white walls are just a bit too stark. How about painting the stove wall a really punchy orange before installing the floating shelves? Or am I crazy?

2 things:

Change the light fixture
Add shelves

I like the tile! I think you need to do the shelves and then put something on them that ties the color in. You can always change later if you don't like it in a year or so. A fun light fixture could also help complete the space.
I am anxious to hear what other people say...

Wow! What a beautiful wood floor! I'm no expert, but I love tile. I think the mosaic is too busy. Take it out, and consider a) a solid band of (one) bright color, b) metallic textured or mini-subway tile, c) glass mosaic mix, but more transparent---there are many choices. I have a Sicis zinnia mix (kind of taupe/root beer), and I love looking at it. Ann Sachs has a great deal of choice for hues of colored glass in squares and rectangles. good luck!