I don’t know about the rest of the country (I hear Vancouver is experiencing an extraordinarily warm summer) but Ontario here is getting the short end of the stick in the summer department. So today I’ve decided to give Outdoor Design Dilemmas a rest, and take it inside for a change…with Cheryl Torrenueva! Cheryl, of Home Heist and Restaurant Makeover fame, has graciously agreed to lend Style Sheet readers her interior design skills, and answer a few of your Design Dilemmas.
Jennifer G., has been patiently awaiting some advice from us on her kitchen reno, which she has kick started with new bottom cabinets (not pictured below.) Her main concern however, is what type of backsplash would best suit her transforming kitchen.
From Jennifer G.: "A few facts about our kitchen renovation:
- First we began with removing the cabinets above the sink and making a hole in the wall
- We then removed the old stove from beside the sink, where a dishwasher will go instead. (The stove will go on the adjacent wall)
- We will be keeping the black and white floor but the base cabinets will be replaced with new ones
- I have selected a dark brown (almost black) wood for the lower cabinets and am thinking of shelving as an upper cabinets alternative
I need your help with a suggestion for a back splash, countertop and wall colour and any other suggestion or critique is welcome.
By the way, the third wall is bare and has a window with a radiator beneath and there is a shelving unit against the fourth wall."
Cheryl suggests: Jennifer, it was a great idea to create an opening into the living space especially since the idea of having one big space to entertain is such a trend!
Sourcing Template by Designer Cheryl Torrenueva; Sico 6206 colour family, Cipollino marble available at Ciot, Caesar Stone in "Raven 4120" available at Ciot, SOHO 090 Pull from Ginger's & Summerhill, Glossy White Ceramic Tile available at Saltillo Tile.
There are so many options for backsplashes these days but I want to address the sink wall first. In order to keep the opening in the wall looking streamlined, I have two options for you.
Option 1: Choose a gorgeous natural stone option, like Cipollino Marble as your countertop and add a 6" upturned backsplash with the same material. I absolutely love this marble because the grey, brown and black veining works with everything and will really compliment the existing black and white floor tile. The backsplash will still allow some separation between the countertop and the opening into the other room but the beautiful veining in the marble will be the showstopper in your kitchen! (Cipollino Marble available at Ciot, Toronto)
Option 2: If marble is not your thing, try a Caesar Stone Quartz countertop, colour "Raven 4120", which is very durable and the dark grey-brown will go perfectly with the lower cabinets that you intend on purchasing. (Caesar Stone is available at Ciot, Toronto.)
For the backsplash: tile both the sink and stove walls with 4" x 12" glossy white ceramic tiles – an easy yet great classic/contemporary look. (Glossy white ceramic tiles available at Saltillo Tile, Toronto).
Lose the upper cabinets and create a focal area above the stove with wall to wall shelves, painted white with a chunky 2" trim. You can decide on the quantity of shelves depending on what you need to display and work a modern range hood into the mix.
Overall, to bring your kitchen to life, I would create a modern bistro look by keeping the black and white colour scheme and accenting it with shades of grey, brown and stainless steel. Update your lower cabinets with brushed stainless steel square hardware (pictured above) – try the Soho 090 Handles (available at Gingers/Summerhill in Toronto).
Lastly, paint the walls in any one of these elegant greys; Sico 6206 colour family (6206-21 Sketchpaper, 6206-31 Sketch, 6206-42 Crosshatch, 6206-52 Outline) And don't forget to increase the amount of lighting in your space if you decide to go with one of the darker options. Directional potlights are great in this case because you can highlight the feature wall and also place some over your task areas, keeping the sightlines clean and clear.
Good luck with your reno!
Do you prefer the marble or the Caesarstone Quartz?
Got your own Design Dilemma? Take a photo and send it (in jpeg format) along with your question to stylesheet(@)hgtv(.)ca, and we'll do our best to get you an answer!
Previously on Design Dilemma: Carson Arthur talks side of the house.
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