Help me not hate my new kitchen!!!! (+photos)

[FacelikeaBagofHammers]

Ok - my kitchen (which is supposed to be a delicate, cool grey) has just been installed in our new build.

Bear in mind there are no lights yet and the 2 side windows are covered in blue protective film. Finally the white carrara worktop has not yet been installed which will hopefully give it a lift.

However, I can't help feeling it just looks drab!! Please can you help reassure me that it will look a lot better when finished? I can't decide what paint colour to go with either so any suggestions would be much appreciated.

I'm starting to panic!
Thanks

P.S 100% aware that this is a complete FWP.

It’s not really to my taste.

But it doesn’t look dark if that’s what you’re thinking.

It's one of those things where you will have to wait till it's fully finished to get a real sense of how it will be. Sometimes it's something small that changes how it looks and feels.

I think it looks smart and fresh. Put a fab colour in the walls if you’re worried about drab.. or classy bright kettle and toaster etc. White/grey and clean is perfect for a kitchen

It looks like a typical new build kitchen, cheap and basic. A bit wardrobey. But it's a kitchen, I don't think you really get exciting kitchens.

What are you looking for colour wise, bright or neutral? You could pretty much have anything.

I think I'm going to cry

It's a large room with a dining area and lounge area so can't go too mad with paint, just wanted to keep it fresh.

Thanks

It will look nice when it’s finished, kitchens always look a mess half way through, try not to worry.

It's super-cool OP! I love it. What is it that you don't like? You're worried about it being too dark? Don't. It will be fine once everything else is sorted. I had a grey bathroom once which was gorgeous - it looked very luxurious.

Colours to go with? Tricky! you could be conservative and go for something like pale yellow or a blush pink, or apricot. Or you could go mad and have lime green! Hmmmm I'm thinking apricot now, with a royal blue accent...

Do not fret. It will be fab!

I really like it, and once it's all finished it will be fab

Have some for the windowsill.

Well I really like it. It's crisp and clean not fussy and faux old fashioned, it will fit nicely into a modern style interior. And you can put whatever colour on the wall that you want.

I love you guys.

I'm just worried it'll look too drab and industrial, and not fresh and airy which was the look I was going for. It wasn't cheap either, nor is the quartz going on tomorrow

There are so many decisions with a self-build, I just wanted to get this one right!

I think you do need to go mad with a bright colour. Or at least enough colour to break up the whitiness.

I tried the fresh approach with my (new build, equally boring) kitchen, I ended up with a big space of nothingness and am now desperate to repaint!

It’ll look different when you have your things in it

It will look very different once the worktops are on and the room is furnished- don’t panic

And it doesn't look cheap at all OP. Ignore rude and unpleasant posts.

Agree you're at the worst point right now.

It's not just about colour on the walls.

Kitchens are functional rooms and that's what you're seeing now at its most basic.

However when you get a big bowl of fruit on the table or some flowers, cookbooks on the shelves, worktop appliances etc all these small bits of colour come together and "cozy" it all up.

A big statement clock in a wall for example can look fantastic.

Personally I think it's the best idea to have something quite "clinical" looking at this point - you've got a million and one ways in which to bring it all together :-)

It's very nice , I love the sleek modern minimalist look so would keep anything else plain and light coloured to reflect any light coming in , light bright and spacious would be my aim , what you put as floor will give colour and stop some of the echoes and so will general furnishings , again I would go light and maybe set it off with green herbs on the window sill

Looks to me like it’s going to be amazing!! Your stuff will add colour contrasts.
Hang in there!

You're right AtreidesFreeWoman, thanks. It doesn't help that the lovely wood floors are covered up and there are no books in the bookcase or things on the shelves.

Here is a shot of the worktop, I think that will look well? It's a 3m peninsula so loads of light hopefully....

I like it! If you're having carrara that will add a lot of personality.

I would absolutely not "go mad with colour" at least not too much! A neutral kitchen is more restful and doesn't date as quickly IMO. You could have some beautiful tiles or paint colour as a splashback, or maybe choose some bright chairs or eye catching pendant lights. A few characterful touches go a long way and can be replaced if you tire of them, you've got lovely neutral cabinets that will go with any look.

And it does not look cheap! PS Is that an integrated fridge freezer in the big cupboard with two drawers under?

I LOVE the worktop and I think when it is fitted it will look nice

Go on Pinterest and look at pale grey kitchens for some inspiration on how to style it.
I think most people have some doubt at some point in a house renovation project (I've seen lots and lots I'm an architect) but don't panic most people find it hard to visualise what it's going to be like part way through
Get it in, the windows uncovered and then look at colours
I personally would go for white paint and then small bursts of colour or accent with charcoal grey with pictures, accessories
What have you got on the floor?

I am so envious! That’s a beautiful kitchen. Honestly the wood floor will warm it up beautifully, the counters will bouncy a bit of light and a bowl of fruit or a plant or two will make it feel a bit more organic. I wouldn’t go too mad with colour. Can you just add textures, nice tonal textiles in the living room bit, some nice olive wood kitchen utensils maybe. I think you’re going to have masses of fun!

Olive colours sound lovely. I really can't wait to get the film off the windows at this stage.

Here is a better shot of the floor (it's an engineered oak) - and inside the double doors is a larder unit for my coffee machine and all the bits and pieces!

I think it’ll look great when finished - surely this is the worst time for imagining how it’ll look? Don’t worry!

I’d keep the walls white, or a shade of white and add prints, plants (love a good succulent) in pots that could be industrial looking or metallic or Mexico tile like - All would look good and all would give a different feel to it. You can add colour and textures with soft furnishings, your sofa and cushions etc.

Don’t worry - I think you have the basis of a fabulous space.