Kitchen Rescue: Daring decisions need a simple supporting cast.
The star of the show should be the star, not look like the ugly duckling no one wants to be friends with.
Welcome to the first in a new series: What Would Kate Do? I’m taking real-life design dilemmas and finding magical solutions. Whether it’s a daring choice that missed the mark or a space that just feels “off,” I’ll show you how to fix it without starting over - because accessible design that lights you up is about working with what you have and making it shine.
As an artist and natural stone lover, I’ve always been drawn to materials that tell their own story. A slab of marble, with its intricate veining and unique imperfections, is like a one-of-a-kind masterpiece straight from the earth - a natural work of art. Whereas choosing quartz is like hanging a reproduction print: practical, sure, but lacking the soul of the original.
When I renovated my own kitchen, I was determined to have natural stone countertops. I spent days wandering through warehouses, marvelling at the beauty and character of slabs that felt like they were calling my name. But ultimately, compromise won out, and I went with quartz - though not without finding an option that felt as close to “special” as possible.
So I get the pull toward unique, bold finishes, especially when you’re on a mission to create a home that reflects the person you want to become. But here’s the truth: just because something is beautiful doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for your space.
And that brings me to a kitchen dilemma someone recently shared that highlights this lesson perfectly.
She wrote:
"My new counters were installed today, and while I should feel excited, all I can think is, now what do I do with my cabinets? This kitchen isn’t just a kitchen to me - it’s the heart of our family. It’s where we planned our future together, a future that changed last year when I unexpectedly lost my husband. I’ve been slowly trying to make this house feel like mine again, and these countertops were a big step, but now I feel overwhelmed about the next move. What should I do?"
First, let me say: I see you, and I feel your desire to create a space that honours your journey and supports your family as you move forward. Your intention behind the choices you’ve made is deeply personal, and that matters.
Now, let’s unpack the challenge and find solutions to create your desired experience.
Lessons from This Kitchen:
1. Every decision shapes the bigger picture.
When it comes to design, no choice exists in isolation. Hard finishes, like countertops and backsplashes, need to harmonize with cabinets, flooring, lighting and paint colour. Ideally, the counter would have been chosen with a more full plan in place. But the good news? Choosing the countertop first means every subsequent decision is going to be far easier than if cabinets were picked first.
2. Let bold pieces shine.
There’s no doubt this countertop is stunning - but it’s also busy. Instead of letting it overwhelm the space, it would have been better to limit its use to either the wall counters OR the island, not both. This approach would allow the stone’s beauty to take center stage without bullying around everything else in the space.
3. Align styles and time periods.
The most timeless designs feel seamless, as if they’ve always belonged. Right now, this kitchen has several distinct styles that don’t speak to each other: farmhouse lighting, traditional cabinetry, a modern backsplash. The mix creates visual dissonance, but don’t worry - it’s fixable!
So, what would Kate do?
Here’s how we can create harmony and make this kitchen a space that feels like it was designed with intention:
1. Paint the cabinets a mid-tone sage green.
White cabinets would emphasize the countertop’s busy pattern, adding to the chaotic feel of the space. A muted sage green will give the illusion of “toning down” the counters, create flow, and provide needed contrast with the wood floors.
2. Paint the island a creamy white.
Painting the island a different colour will distinguish it as its own feature while softening the overall look. It’s important not to choose too stark of a white because natural stone is rarely a true white.
3. Update the lighting.
Replace the farmhouse style fixture with two sleek, modern pendant lights above the island. These will anchor the space without adding unnecessary complexity.
4. Add warm, textured counter chairs.
Swap the cold grey stools for woven chairs with rounded backs. The texture creates a layered effect to the overall room and the rounded shapes will break up the straight lines of the cabinetry.
5. Add mixed-metal hardware.
Cabinet hardware is jewelry for your kitchen - it finishes the look. To balance the cool tones of the countertop, choose gold hardware for the wall cabinets to add warmth. For the island, go with chrome to tie in with the faucet and create a polished, layered feel.
A Final Reminder
Creating a custom, designer-inspired look isn’t just about choosing beautiful pieces; it’s about understanding how they work together to tell a cohesive story. If you’re feeling stuck, know that you don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether it’s selecting the perfect colour palette or bringing harmony to your space, I’m here to guide you every step of the way so you end up with a home you never want to leave.