I am trying to create a minimalist, high-contrast interior,
complimenting my wood cabinets, hardwood floors and wood doors. I'll
have very dark colored kitchen cabinets (cherry wood stained dark
mahogany). I'm buying new interior doors and refinishing oak hardwood
floors, but I don't know what color to stain each of them. (Also, the
doors are available only in Birch.) So here are my questions: Should
I try to match all the wood tones throughout the apartment, or should
I go for contrast? And do you think it'll be tough to match the same
tone on cherry, birch and oak? (Probably birch and cherry are easier
to match than either of those two to oak, right?) Is matching them
"perfectly" an impossible aim and will it look "hokey"?
Thanks!
On Sun, 30 Mar 2008 14:50:07 -0700, gobofraggle wrote:
> I am trying to create a minimalist, high-contrast interior,
> complimenting my wood cabinets, hardwood floors and wood doors. I'll
> have very dark colored kitchen cabinets (cherry wood stained dark
> mahogany). I'm buying new interior doors and refinishing oak hardwood
> floors, but I don't know what color to stain each of them. (Also, the
> doors are available only in Birch.) So here are my questions: Should I
> try to match all the wood tones throughout the apartment, or should I go
> for contrast? And do you think it'll be tough to match the same tone on
> cherry, birch and oak? (Probably birch and cherry are easier to match
> than either of those two to oak, right?) Is matching them "perfectly"
> an impossible aim and will it look "hokey"?
>
> Thanks!
Many way to visualize before you purchase or build.
http://www.designmyroom.com/
Most inexpensive 3D design programs available at bulk outlet stores have
design and flythru modes for color and material sampling.
What you should do to a home depends on the customer. Is that you or do
you plan on selling anytime soon? If there is a potential to sell, check
with local real estate agents to see what the current trends are in your
locale.
As far as the kitchen goes, ask the cook. Many kitchens are designed by
someone who doesn't use them. Dark cabinets will require up to three
times the lighting to result in a productive cooking environment. Defer
to the cook in charge.
Matching tones is always harder than contrast, matching tones on
different woods can be even more troublesome.
Matching perfectly is luck of the draw. It could match on your first try,
or you may never get a match. Even if matched, over time, UV and general
fading may create differences even within the first year.
I prefer light in homes, ample windows and light tone paints. I only use
dark stained woods in a room painted white or light tones. Personally, I
dislike dark kitchens. It looks very dated to me. Light = work, dark =
relax. Therefore light in the kitchen and office, dark in the bedroom and
living room. Entirely personal taste.