apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Thanks for your comments! About a year ago we gutted our 80s-era kitchen -- bisque-colored laminate counter and cabinets with oak trim, a microwave I could fit in, and 12" off white ceramic tiles with brown grout. We thought it was hideous.

For the renovation we had a strict budget and knew there were a few items we wouldn't budge on -- soapstone counters (LOVE), stainless appliances, Walker Zanger tile backsplash, Victorian-style bridge faucet -- so we went with pretty inexpensive, simple, Shaker-style KraftMaid thermofoil laminate cabinets from Home Depot. Cabinets are fine, have held up well (so far), look good, but installation experience was horrible. Owens Corning did it and they were really difficult to work with, and damaged almost every surface they worked on or near including counter and glass-top range (and broke our front hall light when the plumber swung his sweatshirt over his head). Would never recommend them.

We have dark-stained wood floors in the adjoining hallway and living area, and I wanted a wood floor in the kitchen (softer and not as cold as tile or stone). The floor installation (also done by OC) was full of gaps and spongy spots -- even after tearing it up once and redoing it -- hence the Flor tiles. I was never a rug-in-the-kitchen kind of person, but I have to say I love it. It's easy to stand on and cleans pretty easily. The paint color is B. Moore Nantucket Gray (HC 111).

Alison

Very fresh and warm, I like it very much.
Question: What's on the floor? Are those carpet tiles from Flor?

I've seen a lot of Flor tiles in kitchens lately. Are they pretty easy to clean? I'm sometimes a rather messy cook, and I'd hate to ruin them with the inevitable spills.

I love the backsplash, and the color combination in the Flor tiles is one of my personal favorites (greens with saturated rust and orange tones). Very inviting.

Lovely subtle use of colour. Looks warm and inviting. I would LOVE to see the rest of this house.

Green continues to rule in this contest.

What is the name/mfr of the wall color?

May - I have FLOR tiles in my kitchen - the Thick & Thin pattern in Evergreen/Fern (shades of peacock, a pale stem green and a dark celadon). I decided to use FLOR because we have concrete floors throughout our loft rental and I wanted something soft under my feet since I cook a lot. I couldn't find a rug that was long enough for the area I wanted to cover, but with FLOR I was able to get just the right size.
I've had them for several months and they still look new. I spilled coffee on one, picked it up and spot cleaned it in the sink and it came right out. I went to the FLOR showroom in Atlanta so I was able to see all of the styles in person. Some of the tiles are more appropriate for high-traffic areas than others. In a kitchen, I think it is smart to go for darker and/or brighter colored tiles. I don't think tiles that are mostly white or cream would look new very long, especially if you cook as much as I do.
The individual tiles are pretty inexpensive (many are around $10-$12 a piece), so if you are worried that you might ruin one, it doesn't cost much to pick up a couple extra tiles to store away in case you need to replace one.

This is very classy and looks like a good space to cook in. I really like the backsplash. I too would like to see more pix of the house.

This kitchen is so lovely - there is definitely color (walls, rug, decorative glass) but it works in harmony with the kitchen instead of overpowering it. I love that this kitchen won't look dated any time soon. The white cabinets, black countertops and hardware all have a timeless feel. I love that, if Alison wanted a quick and inexpensive change, a different paint color on the wall and floor tiles would give the room a totally different vibe.
I adore the tiles used in the backsplash - who makes these?

Finally something I love. It's classic which I've been looking for.

I voted for it because it's classic. Also, I love the green.

This is the way to photograph a kitchen; give both views of the space. We get to see her entire kitchen and how she incorporates color in the objects on the counter (incl. the dishwashing liquid!), the floor, the wall, the towel, and her dishes. Wonderful job!

just lovely. could this wall color possibly be my all time favorite green, benjamin moore's 'camouflage'. if not it is very close. it's a color that looks different in every space it's used in but is just the most lovely soothing greyish green. great kitchen.

Thanks for the input Erin T!
We'll soon be putting in a linoleum (the real kind) floor soon, and I think using some of the Flor tiles on top of that might make for a nice, not to mention more comfortable, accent.

Lovely kitchen, both the paint color and the subway tiles. I'm considering a kitchen renovation and am interested in the cabinets. What is the name of the manufacturer? And are the cabinets wood? melamine? (Can't tell from the photos.)

This kitchen is beautiful and the only color I see is the color of the rug. The handtowel hanging on the stove and a dish. I'm not sure about this one? Maybe someone can help me out here but I see a, what seems to be pretty new kitchen, and even if it were painted white with absolutely no colored rug it would still be beautiful regardless. I don't like the brick backsplash and I really don't like the green walls. I do like the sink/faucet it's beautiful.

Gorgeous! This is the first entry that I want to take home. I've already forwarded to my husband as inspiration for our future kitchen renovation. We love this shade of green!!!

So new and nice. Modern, but still homey and soothing.

I love it, that green looks great with the stainless steel. the backsplash tiles are wonderful as well.

I like the rich colors on the floor and the white cabinets with the dark countertops. Nice balance.

I like the colors, but I more interested in the cabinets. Would love to know where you got them?

This is a wonderful space - a beautiful shade of green, organized counterspace, serene, liveable. Doesn't look like it is a set-piece from a magazine. Sigh, this is what I aspire to.

Did you choose the flor colors based on the dishtowel? I think it's a great example of what people are always talking about-- choose your colors from an object with a palate that appeals to you. Anyone, high budget or low, renter or owner, can learn from that. I especially appreciate when the object in question is small and humble, like that dishtowel: it's a little key to the space. Even if your flor tiles came first, and the dishtowel was serendipity, it's clearly the right scheme for you.

Yay! That's the color scheme in my kitchen, except for the black countertops... I'm stuck with dull beige. Now I know black will look good. Sweet.

Nice use of red-orange too, one of my favorite crayons.

Love the classic touches.

Erin T, do you remember the name of the paint color you used?

Thank you so much for posting this. Just like Valerie, I have the same scheme, except I have these nasty cloud-looking white countertops. I also now know that black will look good, and not be too dark. It's like you read my mind for what my kitchen should look like someday.

We have a LaCrueset flame dutch oven and teapot as our red-orange touches.

i'm so relieved you named your ben moore color. i had guessed 'camoflouge' but your shade was in my top 4 when deciding on a kitchen color. i put in amtico 'slate' tile floors; kept my birch formica countertop, new ss apliances and purchased 2 varde ikea pieces. my cabinets are white also with matching varde handles. i bet you get endless compliments on the paint color. i know i do. and the flor tiles are a perfect example of making lemonaide out of lemons. again lovely job.

Go BOSTON! I'm so excited to see this entry - lovely use of color in your kitchen. Did you disclose yet where you found that great runner? If not, do share!!

Holly

i cannot paint my kitchen but my curtains are the exact same color of your walls- and i have been searching like a mad man for a rug-- mind telling where you found it? LOVE LOVE your place. alsmot my exact color scheme in the kitchen

Elegant use of color. Tastefully done...bravo!

Love It!! Pleae tell me specificallly what color the WZ backsplash is. Also, I feel a little silly, but when I look at the paint chip for Nantucket Gray, it looks barely green at all. In the pictures above, it is definately green. Am I missing something or is it just lighting differences? Thank you so much for your response.

Paige

I am very interested in using soapstone countertops when I remodel the kitchen. Where did you purchase yours from? How does the pricing compare to granite?

the wall color is g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s....what brand/color number is it so I can see if it will work in my kitchen??