Counter stools are a staple in most kitchens these days. Stools are a practical solution to create extra seating in your kitchen, and are great for casual dining at a kitchen counter or island. There are many options for choosing the right stools for your space.

Height

First, measure the height of your counters. Chair stool heights are usually 18″ from floor to seat. Pair with a table or counter 28″-30″ in height. Counter Stool heights are usually 24″-26″ inches from floor to seat. Pair with a table or counter 36″-39″ in height.  Bar stool heights are generally 28″-30″ from floor to seat. Pair with a table or counter 40″-42″ in height.

Style

Will the stools be discreet or a key design element in your kitchen? If you entertain a lot and want to use the stools for extra seating, you may want something comfortable and worthy of lounging.

Backless can work well for a space that gets a lot of traffic, where you would want the stools to be easily tucked under a counter or island. Swivel, backless, casual, industrial, elegant…there are many styles to choose from!

Practicality

If you have kids, you may want to consider using an outdoor fabric like Sunbrella for upholstered barstools. I use these types of fabrics in many of the homes I design for families with young children.

Many people say the kitchen is the heart of a home. Its a place where families gather, where plans and dreams are made and guests are entertained! White kitchens are all the rage… and shaker cabinets are everyone’s first choice. Choosing your cabinets and backsplash is a very important step in kitchen design.

This kitchen below has clear glass cabinetry up top to break up all the white. The backsplash just about disappears, unless you look up close. It’s a three dimensional Ann Sacks tile in a similar white hue. A pop of orange in the classic Wishbone chair makes for a statement.

White is definitely in and I love white cabinets. But I encourage clients to add some color, as an entire white kitchen can be a bit of a snooze. Look at how well the bold black and white backsplash works in the kitchen below! It compliments the black counters perfectly. And we did a little switch on the island countertop and made that white quartzite.

This herringbone New Ravenna tile is a great monochromatic yet eye catching tile. It’s a mix of various finishes on marble.  Add variety by choosing a contrasting island finish. The sleek black that we chose for the island cabinets works well here.

A pretty yet simple detail in the glass cabinetry like this “x” pattern off sets the center “buffet” area in this kitchen. A simple bead board at the back of the inset up top  is a nice detail.

If you are set on going for all white, take a bit of a risk with the tile. Using unexpected shapes will add visual interest, and a darker grout allows for the backsplash to stand out. This is a more modern slab door with a china display case built in- for collectibles.

A curved island with shiplap to finish it off creates a coastal farmhouse vibe. The “x” feature keeps the flow open (it was a closed wall originally), and the neutral glass backsplash is a pretty yes simple look.

This client loved aqua. The subtle aqua tones in the glass elements of the backsplash, mixed with grays and whites of Carrara marble add a modern touch. The waterfall edge on the island is also more contemporary, with (of course) a black finish island to create a statement.