Neutral color palettes are on the forefront of trends — especially gray. Home furnishing companies like Restoration Hardware have designed entire collections around this concept. So it was an exciting challenge to embrace this neutral color theory, and I found myself incorporating, not two, but three finishes into a design that I would consider the perfect balance of maximizing interest and a color palette. My goal was to keep the atmosphere light and include enough contrast so the room scape would be inspiring. Here are a few key considerations.

• Natural Light: The more natural light in the room, the more flexibility you have to include dark finishes without having the room “close in” on you. If the room is moderately lit, then reduce the amount of dark cabinetry; similar to this design. By using the Irish Crème painted finish on the wall and tall cabinetry, the Smoke stained finish serves as a grounding element that doesn’t overwhelm the space.

• Pattern and Color: When designing this space, I knew that the flooring would show wood grain and that the brick on the opposite wall would create a strong pattern. For this reason, I used two cabinet finishes that would minimize the wood’s character; Smoke, which has a deep color and overall continuity; Irish Crème, which as a Classic Paint provides complete opaque coverage to the wood.

• Focal Point: Two common focal points in kitchens are wood hoods and islands. In this design, I was able to utilize both features to highlight the character of the Greystone finish from the Stoney Brooke Collection. I love the way the Greystone finish is muted, yet distinct. The design flexibility of Medallion’s component wood hoods allowed me to change the mantel portion of the hood to the Irish Crème finish and create another layer of interest in the composition.

• Other Materials: If possible, control your design by determining the cabinet finish before the flooring. Countertop material and patterns are best kept neutral for designs using three cabinet finishes. The same applies to the backsplash selection. This makes it easier for the eye to focus on the overall design.

Inspired by the look of weathered elements found in nature, the Stoney Brooke Collection adds timeworn appeal to a wide range of styling categories. Shown in our transitional feature kitchen, Greystone exhibits hues of light gray and beige with hand-applied brush strokes of silver and smoky hues. This collection is dedicated to oak and quartersawn oak, complementing the wood’s natural grain and character and resulting in an artistic finish to add to your portfolio of design creations. The Stoney Brooke Collection is available on most door styles in Gold. See page 200.16 of your 2015-2016 specifications manual for details.