Which would you choose?

[MMerrill]

Ladies I need your help!  I need to pick out hardwood floors by next week and I have a dilemma...

Should I do light hardwood and dark cabinets or dark hardwood and dark cabinets?  I'm going for the rustic look and I really like the dark on dark but I don't want it to look like a dungeon!

Here are some examples...What does everyone think?

[disnchntdwife]

Dark and dark. Very nice. With a lighter counter top.

[EmilyKC]

I pick number two!!!

[eatyourveges]

I would do light and dark but I'm not a fan of anything matchy matchy

[MJP76]

I would do the second because lighter colors open up an area, and also make smaller areas look larger.

[arthistmom]

The second photo has a better balance between light and dark elements, and is better lit. If it's too dark, you'll need a lot more lighting to illuminate your work space. And good lighting is critical in the kitchen.

[MamaScho88]

 Dark on dark...I love that look, so beautiful, and definately more rustic looking

[MMerrill]

Although, I actually wouldn't mind making my house looking smaller and cozier, it turned out a lot bigger than expected lol

Quoting MJP76:

I would do the second because lighter colors open up an area, and also make smaller areas look larger.

[MJP76]

IC .. Yeah, I'm the opposite.. I like big open spaces. Our last house was 3200 sq ft but all of the rooms were so compartmentalized that every room felt very small and closed off from the rest of the house.

our current house is only 2500 sq ft but all the rooms are open and I have cathedral ceilings... Makes me feel connected to the entire house... If that makes sense....

Quoting MMerrill:

Although, I actually wouldn't mind making my house looking smaller and cozier, it turned out a lot bigger than expected lol

Quoting MJP76:

I would do the second because lighter colors open up an area, and also make smaller areas look larger.

[beffy1215]

agree

Quoting disnchntdwife:

Dark and dark. Very nice. With a lighter counter top.

[MMerrill]

This is very true!  We have HUGE windows and an open floor plan so the living room, dining room and kitchen are all open with lots of natural light, and we have lots of can lights in the kitchen.... I also thought the light floors wouldn't make it look what I call so "dungeon" looking but I still keep going back to the dark...this is why I'm so stuck haha

Quoting arthistmom:

The second photo has a better balance between light and dark elements, and is better lit. If it's too dark, you'll need a lot more lighting to illuminate your work space. And good lighting is critical in the kitchen.