The Case for Eclectic Kitchen Design

A common concern we hear when customers start their Kitchen Refacing journey is whether or not mismatched wood tones will work together. Most often, this is accompanied by some type of conversation regarding updating all of the trim in the house to match the kitchen. This can then easily spiral into a multi-phased home remodel and suddenly a kitchen doesn’t seem worth it. Hold it right there. Because we are here to tell you that mixing wood tones is not only in, it is encouraged!

 

One way to create continuity in an eclectic kitchen design is to try and match wood grain pattern and sizes as best you can. The good news is that this does not have to be exact. You can use buffers throughout your home to help create a cohesive feel. For example, if your existing trim is a smaller pattern size, but your new kitchen is a larger pattern, a dining or coffee table incorporating a larger grain will help blend these elements.

The pattern and size of wood grain will impact the final look of your room as much as color. Large wood grains create a more casual, rustic look, while fine wood grains are more formal. Using textures such as rugs or blankets can also help you find a balance. 

Mixing wood tones can take some trial and error, but once determining the undertone you want will help create a balanced design through your home. Wood can have an underlying hue of warm, cool, or neutral. This extends through to the paint or stain you choose. Knowing your wood’s undertone can help you choose a stain color to balance it with the rest of your home. Incorporating different pieces of wooden furniture and items such as frames and ornaments can help bridge any design gaps.

Another common concern when it comes to kitchen updates is that the newer features will make the rest of your home seem outdated. All of the spaces in your home should flow well together and small changes can make a big difference in this department. One way to incorporate a more modern update is to update the rest of the hardware in your home. Even just your most trafficked areas is a great start. Another great option is using lighting fixtures or textiles to blend a mix of new with old. For example, vintage fixtures or more rustic area rugs can help soften a more modern update. With tons of finishing and customization options, those nightmares you’ve been having of upgrading your cabinets and realizing your house looks like a decades-themed model home can be put to rest for good.

We touched on this in the previous section, but incorporating textiles really cannot be overstated. Textiles are one of the best ways to create cohesion and design buffers where you need when creating a more eclectic design. For example, if you have darker cabinets and a lighter floor, you can create balance with the right area rug. If you went bold with color on your cabinets, neutral curtains can help relax the palette as your gaze moves out of your kitchen and through to the rest of your home. With so many new ways to get affordable (and washable) area rugs and curtains, textiles is one of our most recommended ways to create balance!

The main thing to remember when designing your new kitchen is to choose options that help carry your style throughout your home. Existing or new backsplash, flooring, trim, hardware, decorative accents, lighting fixtures, can all be taken into account to help your new kitchen blend with the rest of your home. Focusing on these smaller details is a much more realistic and affordable way to bridge the gap between where your home is now and where your home is headed.

Updating your kitchen should be an exciting journey, not one filled with anxiety and fear of regretting your choices. Whatever update you choose, there is always a way to carry those bigger design focal points throughout the rest of your home. So have fun, be as bold as you want to, and don’t be afraid to mix it up!