Please help working with the linoleum
Thevail
I just bought a house, and it has mostly hardwood floors, but linoleum in the (very large) kitchen. The linoleum is Large black and white squares like a huge checkerboard. It's also almost new. Finances after closing cost etc. dictate waiting a while to replace it. The cabinets and walls etc. are all white at this point. I don't want to use black as the accent color since it would make the room look sort of industrial and choppy, but what other color can I use? I like cobalt blue, cranberry red, and almost any muted shade of green or blue. I'd like it to feel homey (think sort of farm kitchen) but the graphic nature of the linoleum is confusing me. Thanks in advance,Thevail
catwoman708
I love red as an accent color, and it is very "in" right now. I would think a few retro accents would go great, like a 50's theme with a few Coca Cola and stainless steel nostalgia items. If you want country, then I could easily picture red and yellow accents. A picture of little black and white chickens with the red wattles and combs just popped into my head (and I don't even really like chickens).I also like a light or bright green, like celery or celadon with the black and white. But really, almost any color would "go with" the black and white but doesn't necessarily have to look like everything matches. I would stick with more solid colors and stay away from complicated flowery patterns. A coat of paint on the walls would be the cheapest way to transform a kitchen. What color and style of kitchen items do you already have? Like dish patterns, small appliances, dishtowels, accessories..., and what color are the walls now?
Thevail
I have mostly blue and white stuff right now. Willow ware plates etc. And old fashioned heavy white serveware. A collection of antique silver pitchers, and candlesticks. Stainless steel toaster and microwave. I like the color red, at least the more cranberry end, but I'm not too fond of the fifties diner look. Which is odd since I seem to have most of it. I never thought of using a soft green to drag the room back from graphic land. Maybe if I used a bunch of soft fabric stuff like dishtowels, curtains, and table cloth it could give the room a softer edge?
catwoman708
Some people just have a knack for throwing things together and making them work. Imagine you are one of those people. The black and white can be distracting, but it is also a neutral backdrop. You can try just ignoring it like its not even there until you can afford to replace it, but I wouldn't go out and buy a bunch of accessories to try and match/blend it. Why not just use what you already have? The blue and white would work OK. Willow and antique silver never really go out of style, especially if it's displayed well. And yes, the fabrics will definitely soften up the room. You could also try a large area rug under the table, or large rugs or a runner in the kitchen. Some vintage dishtowels, table runners, and vintage kitchen utensils or artwork might help too. Do you have an antique mall in your area that you could browse in for some inspiration?My mom also has lots of the blue willow, cobalt blue pieces, and I'm not sure if her silver is antique or just tarnished. She used to use yellow accents with the blue and white, like a pale yellow table cloth, or yellow flowers in the centerpiece.
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