If there is one thing I am adamant about when consulting with clients on a kitchen or bath new build or renovation, is that they need to practice restraint, discipline & reign it in when choosing their fixed elements. Fixed elements are namely flooring, countertops, cabinetry, backsplashes, etc.. Things that are “fixed” and not easily replaced or changed out.
Design centers are masters at merchandising and oh so good at enticing you with the latest & trendiest tiles, mosaics, textures and fabrics. You walk into the showroom and you are immediately bombarded with the prettiest and latest offerings for your kitchen or bath. Your mouth begins to water, your mind begins to envision how your new space would look, and before you know it, you’ve ordered that blue/green glass tile you LOVED as well as that piece of gray & black veined granite that you also LOVED! Oh, and that Portugese tile flooring you swore you couldn’t live without??….,put that on the invoice too.
Problem is…..once you get these loves together in your home and spend a lot of money in the process of installation, they don’t even LIKE each other……AT ALL!! They scream at each other for attention like a spoiled child. “Look at me, aren’t I the most spectacular back splash you have ever seen?”
The homeowner of this new build kitchen above was perhaps “under the influence” when he or she chose these fixed elements. One love, YES, 3-4 all together??…..Uh, just NO! Do you see anything that says cohesive, harmonious color palette here? Modern mosaic backsplash + rustic stone + black appliances + rustic hickory cabinetry = disaster!
Below is an example sent to me by my childhood friend, Suzie. She & her husband recently remodeled their outdated 1990’s kitchen. She had reached out to me and we discussed the “one bossy” element rule. She got it, embraced it and DID it! I think she did a fabulous job. She practiced restraint by limiting her “one boss” to the back splash. The cabinetry and countertop now play a supporting role and allow the back splash to take center stage.
Suzie’s kitchen now exudes a timeless & classic look that will be in style for years to come. It will NOT scream…“I was remodeled in 2019 when everyone was doing Farmhouse!”
So that’s it. You may walk into a design showroom like a kid in a candy store, but I implore you to practice restraint. More choices is not better. More is actually LESS in the world of design.
If you have any questions or would like an on-site color consultation, please contact me by filling out the form on my Contact page or simply pick up the phone and call me at 406-570-5333.
Salud!
Colleen
COLOR CHOICE CONSULTING 