Expensive mistake

[TheRedWoman]

I've come on here to cry as DH isn't sympathetic at all. Dream extension / kitchen almost complete, work top installed today and it isn't what I was expecting.

It's quartz so an expensive mistake. It's much greyer in RL than the sample and just doesn't work with the units colour wise. The wall colour doesn't help, DH is currently painting various samples to find a better colour.

I am gutted. Was very nervous about getting the quartz wrong so said to DH on numerous occasions 'shall we just go for laminate, then we can change it in the future'. Apparently he thought I was joking.

Without sounding dramatic, it's ruined the kitchen. At the minute I can't see the change of wall colour helping much. I'm so cross DH didn't take my concern seriously and really consider a laminate.

Sorry, I know this is a first world problem but I just need to get it off my chest.

I think it looks lovely, it's just not quite there
I agree with the poster who suggested painting the walls the same colour as the units and then have some black and chrome accents with accessories etc

A muted (greyish) blue will tie together the cream and the grey.

Your kitchen is gorgeous I vote for a Heather colour on the walls if you want to change and a large glass of wine. I had at least three attacks of the heebies doing our kitchen and now six months on I love all of it. You've picked beautiful units, a gorgeous worktop and can change the wall colour (though I wouldn't). Also my back door doesn't open the wrong way, my freestanding range wasn't a disaster choice and my white Laura Ashly tiles do look a bit rustic not naff, cheap and nasty. The white porcelain tiled floor may not have been the best choice maintenance wise but it looks lush.

Margot, I think you cracked it! Thank you.
After testing lots and lots of colours suggested by you lovely lot, I think we have settled on F&B Brassica. It's a gorgeous colour. I would never in a million years thought a heathery colour would work but it looks beautiful with the units and work top.

I have found some curtain / blind fabric that works really well (Laura Ashley Awning stripe in grape). So it's all coming together.

I will do a full update once everything is finished. I can't thank you all enough, I probably wouldn't be any further ahead if it wasn't for your suggestions.

LIZS, yes cooker hod (stainless steel and glass) still to go in + transparent glass splashback.

Sex, upstands are definitely staying, DH said they cost too much to rip off

Thelovecats, that kitchen is stunning.

Thanks lightning, it's a great space and has such potential. Fingers crossed we will have moved back home in 2 weeks time. 10 weeks at my parents and counting (parents are fab, I just feel like a teenager again, disapearing to my room every evening...)

That's the worktop I'm going for - LOVE it.

We are going for a cream shaker then grey floor tiles & lilac walls.

So I really like your kitchen but I appreciate pictures can be deceiving.

Its not nice when you get that heart sinking feeling. I hope you get it sorted into something you love.

F&B Brassica looks lovely! I'm so glad this is sorted.

OP, that worktop is beautiful - the whole thing is, in fact!

I can't wait to see it 'done'.

Woohooo! Am so glad you love it. Now considering a career change to interior designer .

I think it would all blend together better if the walls were a similar tone to the units and worktop, anything bright/dark/rich will make the colour differences more noticeable.
I agree that adding colour with appliances/accessories would be easier.
A colourful roman blind and a funky kettle, perhaps go tasteful with chrome/copper? I would think about channelling the understated Devol look
www.kitchensourcebook.co.uk/2014/09/29/devols-classic-english-kitchen-range/

Agreed, I quite like it.