UnTidy White

Q. My newly renovated (by previous owner) kitchen features a wall of cherry cabinets, honed black granite counter tops and greyish/taupe ceramic tile floor. This room opens to the all white family room. What ideas/color palette would serve to unify the two rooms? I need something durable enough for two five year-old boys and versatile enough for a mom who loves to switch things around. I love color -- usually I integrate it with the accessories. Thanks for the help!

A.

You have two small children and an all white family room? Egads, woman, you are a much better housekeeper than I am! Seriously, with the very neutral color palette you have in both your rooms, you can go with just about any color you want. I would pick a bright color you really love -- or go trendy with a hot pick such as that chartreuse/lime/mustard-y green you see everywhere these days -- and use it on parts of the room that can be easily changed out, such as paint on the walls, throw pillows on the couch, etc.

Depending on how many changes you want to make to unify the rooms, I would try one of a few things. if you want to incorporate the wood tones of the cabinetry and have a kid-proof floor, a high quality wood laminate such as Amtico or Tarkett, would do the trick. (Or, continue to be brave and put in real hardwood, but be aware that it will scratch if the kids ride their scooters across it or something.) You could also use cherry wood for a home entertainment center.