I am in the process of updating a kitchen with new flooring and need advice. My style is country cottage/french country. We hav decided to put down hardwood and can't make up my mind on the right color tone. While I love the blonde natural Oak color, I fear that it may not look best with my style. My kitchen cabinets and table is a cream color with a black and beige granite look counter top. Please tell me if I should go with the light oak or a darker floor and should I paint my kitchen cabinets some other color.
Interior decorating help please?
June 18, 2009 · 2 comments
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If your cabinets are a cream paint color, any flooring that is natural blonde will be washed out by the neutral color of the cabinets. When you are choosing flooring, try to go for the more popular and striking look of dark hardwood.
Once you have your floor installed, you can do a few things: choose a darker shade for your cabinets to achieve a cohesive style, and pull your room together with a focal point such as a large country style or modern area rug. Choose one with a cream background such as this one:
http://www.houseofarearugs.com/Eclipse-67016-Creme-Blue-p-111.html
or an area rug with a real country cottage feel such as this one:
http://www.houseofarearugs.com/Braided-Rugs-p-1-c-8.html
Having a rug under your table will really pull your room together and accent your hardwood floor.
If you decide to paint your kitchen cabinets, look for a color that is complimentary to both your floor and your counter tops. Often lightening up your cabinets with fresh paint makes a world of difference in a kitchen.
Oh! how exciting for you!
I would go with a much darker wood stain. Try to stay away from the red tones of wood flooring… like the cherry's and mahogany's.
At least a medium tone… but the even darker stains are far more striking, especially when it comes to 'french cottage'. 'Blonde' wood just isn't going to give you the effect you are seeking. The darker stain will make your cabinetry just pop, *vbs*.
Be sure and take a sample of your countertop with you so you can see how they will look together.
The cabinets are fine in the cream colour, *s*
p.s. Over at Home Depot, they will 'lend' you samples of flooring so you can take it home and lay it on the floor and actually 'see' what it will look like in there. They make you sign a piece of paper for it, (and they will call you repeatedly to return it!), but it's well worth it to be able to get up-close and personal with the flooring in your kitchen before you purchase.
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