Nanner
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Post by Nanner on Feb 19, 2017 17:10:05 GMT
I have been in the same house for more than 20 years. We've recently bought a new house (a spec home, so it's a new build). I am not the best at designing and am having trouble figuring out what to do in some areas. One of these areas is across from the kitchen island. It's a 55 inch space from the edge of the island to the wall. The wall is between 10 and 13 feet long. I don't know what to do with this wall and the RPs always have some great ideas. My thoughts have been: 1. Putting my bakers rack at one of the ends of that long wall, because there is no island back at the ends. The island is more or less centered. I don't know to do with the rest of the wall, then. 2. I can put the bakers rack between the dining area and where the kitchen cabinets end, so it's not along that wall. I had thought I might put a long, short, narrow console along that wall. Not sure though. Is 55 inches enough to have chairs at the island and still have something along the wall behind those chairs? 3. I have no other ideas. 4. What kind of wall hangings would you hang here. We have a beautiful, long wolf picture, but that's not what I'm "seeing" facing my kitchen. We have some old map pictures that are long. Same thing though - I'm just not seeing that kind of thing on the wall facing my kitchen. The problem is, I don't know WHAT type of thing to hang there, or if I should have anything along that wall. HELP??? Please?  |
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Post by Neisey on Feb 19, 2017 17:18:42 GMT
A 10-13 foot wall...I'd put narrow cabinetry if it fit for chairs/stools (I presume you'd want a traffic way between the back of the island and the wall?) on the bottom for sure and either cabinets or decorative shelving up top...naybe on either end, do shelves and if space for art in the middle. Do you gave a photo or pic of the layout?
I have a bit less space between my island and the full depth cabinetry behind and we have stools...and can get by traffic wise.
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Post by cindyupnorth on Feb 19, 2017 17:31:59 GMT
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Nanner
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Post by Nanner on Feb 19, 2017 17:32:15 GMT
here is another angle:  |
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caangel
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Post by caangel on Feb 19, 2017 17:33:32 GMT
Do you need the space for storage? I'd probably do a collage of frames with family photos. I can't visualize how much space there would be for traffic flow but I'd be hesitant to put furniture there.
My biggest suggestion is to live with it for a while and don't hurry to decorate every space especially if you are unsure. We remodeled our house 5 years ago and still have a few spaces that we are unsure exactly what we want to do with them.
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Post by cindyupnorth on Feb 19, 2017 17:35:07 GMT
That's too bad they put that wall there!! ha. It looks sort of dark in the kitchen. I see there's a window or doorway down from the kitchen, but otherwise that kitchen has no natural light.
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caangel
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Post by caangel on Feb 19, 2017 17:35:39 GMT
With the 2nd photo i wouldn't put any furniture.
Great place for a large calendar, menu board, or chalk board. I'd probably hit Hobby Lobby and start checking out their wall art. A fun clock would be good there too.
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Nanner
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Post by Nanner on Feb 19, 2017 17:35:54 GMT
Do you need the space for storage? I'd probably do a collage of frames with family photos. I can't visualize how much space there would be for traffic flow but I'd be hesitant to put furniture there. My biggest suggestion is to live with it for a while and don't hurry to decorate every space especially if you are unsure. We remodeled our house 5 years ago and still have a few spaces that we are unsure exactly what we want to do with them. I don't NEED the extra storage, but it would be nice. I am doing the family photos going down the stairs to the finished basement. |
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Nanner
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Post by Nanner on Feb 19, 2017 17:37:14 GMT
I am totally into vintage. My bakers rack will be holding mostly vintage items. |
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caangel
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Post by caangel on Feb 19, 2017 17:38:00 GMT
Maybe a grouping of mirrors to reflect the light from the windows. Ikea has inexpensive mirrors and there are lots of grouping ideas out their.
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caangel
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Post by caangel on Feb 19, 2017 17:39:24 GMT
Maybe a grouping of mirrors to reflect the light from the windows. Ikea has inexpensive mirrors and there are lots of grouping ideas out there.
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Nanner
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Post by Nanner on Feb 19, 2017 17:39:26 GMT
A 10-13 foot wall...I'd put narrow cabinetry if it fit for chairs/stools (I presume you'd want a traffic way between the back of the island and the wall?) on the bottom for sure and either cabinets or decorative shelving up top...naybe on either end, do shelves and if space for art in the middle. Do you gave a photo or pic of the layout? I have a bit less space between my island and the full depth cabinetry behind and we have stools...and can get by traffic wise. We are not using backless stools. DH has back issues and needs some support against his back, so the counter height chairs will have backs. I had been thinking very narrow cabinets. Like 12 inches deep, max. And only about 3 feet high at the most. But that's where I was wondering if it would make it seem too crowded or cluttered. I'm wanting to get away from too crowded, which I am in my current house. |
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caangel
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Post by caangel on Feb 19, 2017 17:43:07 GMT
A 10-13 foot wall...I'd put narrow cabinetry if it fit for chairs/stools (I presume you'd want a traffic way between the back of the island and the wall?) on the bottom for sure and either cabinets or decorative shelving up top...naybe on either end, do shelves and if space for art in the middle. Do you gave a photo or pic of the layout? I have a bit less space between my island and the full depth cabinetry behind and we have stools...and can get by traffic wise. We are not using backless stools. DH has back issues and needs some support against his back, so the counter height chairs will have backs. I had been thinking very narrow cabinets. Like 12 inches deep, max. And only about 3 feet high at the most. But that's where I was wondering if it would make it seem too crowded or cluttered. I'm wanting to get away from too crowded, which I am in my current house. I'd live with those stools for a while and really see how much space is needed for them. From the photos I think it would be really tight with stools and a furniture piece. |
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Post by cindyupnorth on Feb 19, 2017 17:44:43 GMT
Maybe a grouping of mirrors to reflect the light from the windows. Ikea has inexpensive mirrors and there are lots of grouping ideas out their. oooh!! I love this idea, but totally vintage/antique mirrors of all sizes!! that would be so much fun to seek out over the yrs. |
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Post by cindyupnorth on Feb 19, 2017 17:45:34 GMT
anything behind the stools, furniture, etc is going to make it look narrow. Esp if the chairs have backs.
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Post by auntkelly on Feb 19, 2017 17:46:26 GMT
I would not put a baker's rack or any other furniture in that space. I think it is too narrow and furniture will make it look cluttered. I like a very clean and uncluttered look, so I'd probably hang one or two big pieces of art in that space. I'd take my time and find something I really loved.
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Nanner
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Post by Nanner on Feb 19, 2017 17:48:08 GMT
I am putting a clock over the pantry door.
I never thought about mirrors. That might work for us.
It's actually not terribly dark as it would look from the pictures. There is a lot of natural light that comes straight through to the kitchen. But yes, it would have been better if they hadn't put that wall there!!
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Post by leannec on Feb 19, 2017 17:50:15 GMT
I would put in a large piece of art ... really large ... check out HomeSense  |
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Nanner
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Post by Nanner on Feb 19, 2017 17:53:51 GMT
ok, so it sounds like the concensus is to keep it clear of any type of cabinetry. I do want to put out the bakers rack somewhere, but I can put it between the window in the dining area and the end of the kitchen cabinets.
I appreciate the opinions. Thank you!
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Nanner
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Post by Nanner on Feb 19, 2017 17:55:21 GMT
What TYPE of artwork would you put in? Not "living-room-ish". Fun? kitchen oriented? Floral? Abstract? Nothing has been jumping out at me as what would work, and I've been looking seriously for over a month!
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Post by kenziekeeper on Feb 19, 2017 17:56:10 GMT
I would hesitate to put furniture there with high-back stools. I like the mirror and tin ideas. I have some framed fabric in my kitchen that is a good pop of color but easy to change if I get tired of it. I would love to do a wall of vintage/antique dishes eventually. That could fit your space - maybe mostly white with pops of colored patterns. Our kitchens are similar colors. I'll see if I can attach a picture of what I have hanging in mine.
Happy new home!
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Post by anniefb on Feb 19, 2017 18:09:39 GMT
I agree about the space being reasonably narrow. I'd just put some art work on the walls - I think it's a bit narrow for furniture.
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Feb 19, 2017 18:19:42 GMT
Me personally--I would get a great piece of art that I loved and hang it on the wall!
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christinec68
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Post by christinec68 on Feb 19, 2017 18:37:26 GMT
I saw this very pretty coffee bar someone's husband put together in their kitchen that was so beautiful. I'm not sure if this link will work Coffee bar
Let me know if you can't click through to the picture...I'll take a screen shot. The original poster is ok with people sharing. |
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Post by bc2ca on Feb 19, 2017 19:14:57 GMT
I think the mirror idea is great unless it means you will be dealing with reflected light in your eyes while working at the sink. And, TBH, I'm not sure I'd want to be looking at my reflection while working in the kitchen.  I do love the idea of a series of three large pieces of art. These by Rue Sonoma are my current favorties:   or these   A narrow buffet/sofa table could fit in the space, but I'd live without any furniture there for a while to see how the traffic flow works in the new house before buying something. |
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Post by auntkelly on Feb 19, 2017 19:48:08 GMT
I would choose one or two large abstracts on canvas for that wall. I think it would give the room a clean and uncluttered look.
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Post by refugeepea on Feb 19, 2017 20:05:48 GMT
I'm more practical. I like the idea of a kitchen command center. I have very little wall space in my kitchen. What is there is not usable for an idea like that because the table is in the way. I have to see things right in front of me to remember. That's just me though. |
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PaperAngel
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Post by PaperAngel on Feb 19, 2017 20:33:06 GMT
Congratulations on your new home! Personally, I'd leave that entire wall blank. In the busy & visually stimulating hub of the home, I find a blank wall restful to the eye. If people will frequently walk by that wall to reach other areas in your home, you want to make certain not to impede the flow of foot traffic with furniture or hang glass frames that may get broken. Should you dislike the blank wall once your furniture & decor is moved in, I recommend three canvases of abstracts or kitchen-themed art (eg linked above). Hope you & your family make many wonderful memories there.
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QueenoftheSloths
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Post by QueenoftheSloths on Feb 19, 2017 20:33:27 GMT
No advice, just wanted to say I love your floors and wall color, and congrats on the new house! In a few years, I hope to be the pea asking these questions for my house.
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Nanner
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Post by Nanner on Feb 19, 2017 23:54:57 GMT
Thank you all for your help!
I am going to leave it blank for a while and will not be putting a cabinet against that wall. I absolutely don't want anything looking crowded.
As I said before, the vintage items will be on the bakers rack. I'll hold off until I find something that speaks to me. If it takes a couple of years, it'll stay blank.
I'm one of those people that just wants it done right away. I have to work on that!!!
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