Here's what it looked like BEFORE we started.
Looking for ideas- to tweak our kitchen into a more ELEGANT Finish
by
Adele Kurtz
+13
We did the bulk of the work, with a new cutout into the dining room, light fixtures, back splashes, appliances.... now it is time for tweaking. We've done color studies and practice sessions. I'm ready to gray-wash the cabinet color. Have done the center island and everyone loves it, it's holding up well. But I am uncertain about how to handle the final finish color of the concrete countertops and which products to use. They have a light protective sealer on them now.
Looking for ideas from Hometalk community and experts who have done this before.
THANKS
Here's where we were at after we punched out opening, put in new backsplash, counter tops, sink and appliances... Need more punch and drama.
This color study shows a gray wash technique over cabinets. That will certainly help. Neutralizes the colors quite a bit, pops the copper details. I've done gray wash on the island as a test and it looks great and is holding up well. Thanks to Hometalkers who showed me how to do it.
Is there a way to alter the color on the cement so it is less of the yellow and less splotchy looking? Here's a study showing the general direction I want to head. Maybe a milky top coat or... ? Products you've tried? We have not put the recommended epoxy coat on it yet, since I was unsure I like it as it is and I am not sure that I want such a shiny surface.
Love your room. I would be inclined to lighten these counters to take out the yellow and contrast with your gray wash. Maybe some of these ideas would work for you......https://www.pinterest.com/explore/stained-concrete-countertops/
click on the link she provided, lots of info!! As for me I would say go lighter, even possibly with a green tint, but then since you talk about copper and love it, use some copper tiny flakes in it before you seal it! Just like go.d or silver leaf, there is copper leaf and you can use cotton pliers like tweezers to pull of tiny pieces and place on the counter before final sealant. I think you will love it as long as you don't over do the copper. There are some really wonderful ideas on that link, maybe too many! Post after pics please!!!! Look at Michaels or Hobby Lobby for Copper leaf. Or online if you can't find it.
Here is close to my idea . .
Ohmygosh, Adele- I LOVE your makeover!! That backsplash is amazing!!!! The whole room is WOW factor!!!! I might be against popular opinion here but I like the yellow-undertone, I'm always a fan of a bit of a gold-yellow look. I think its beoth cheerful and expensive looking. I would leave it as is, if left to me.
I'm excited to see what you choose
Thanks Hillela. I was inspired to re-post this Discussion after seeing the Heirlooms lady formica counters. Seems there are so many new techniques and products since I started staining concrete 2 years ago. Here's one I'll post soon, maybe when weather warms a bit: My studio entry Transformation.
Your kitchen looks great. Just add some elegant accessories to your beautiful counters. It will make a big difference. Maybe a small plant.
I see a lot of people wanting to make over their kitchens which is great but like any lady it is mostly about the bling. Kitchen hardware is great, with back plates even better. Sometimes that's all that's needed. Change the knobs. Look at them on a host of different web sites for different pricing. To me it's like remodeling a room but not finishing the trim.
I think it would look great with dark lower cabinets and white upper.
Yes I. Would do similar finish as island on lower cabinets and lighter on top. Please tell me you are changing pendent lights, if not leave yellow on counters to coordinate. I would add brushed gold hardware if you leave pendants and I would think that a shiny finish would look claasic. I just can't believe you guys did all that work. I hope you had an engineer check lower level for support of concrete counters. I would play with golds on counters for bling. Different finishes. Oh wait you said you have copper on backslash use that finish as long as it doesn't look like rose gold. Pure copper. That would tone down yellow and later rusted real copper to bring that greenish blue for more options. I would look for a beautiful tray and spray paint copper. I would change out glass pendants and look for a long crystal light to
No not cystal but the new wire pendants with those cool light bulbs you could make it yourself I would do 2 circular ones with light bulbs exposed since room is rectangular, it's unexpected. I think I saw someone do it with 2 wire planters that they had to cut bottom of one for bulb,you spray paint it after you make hole. I'm sure on this site. It looked so good. With bulb in side center of cage. I believe it's called an Edison bulb.
I would continue up the wall beside the microwave oven with your back splash and add live edge open shelving of maybe two or three shelves. Looking at the picture again, not to thrilled about that little window to the next room. Maybe should have been opened up more and put the micro and stove someplace else ?
Also, think about replacing the fluorescent lights with track style lighting...really will make a difference and it will have LOTS of light.
I agree that your first priority is changing the lighting. Your counters might not even look so yellow. Track lighting, perhaps with bronze finish to complement your copper would also distract the eye and add interest to balance your large white lights. Straight-line lights please.
You can decide how much down-hang you would like, and how much length over the counter for light and aesthetics. Decide if you want LED (preferred) or halogen. I got dimmable, which are great. And you can finally see what you're chopping because the light is not over your shoulder!
. Lampsplus.com, amongst others have great selections online.