Key facts
- Mari avoids black hardware, preferring oil-rubbed bronze for a warmer contrast.
- She advises against kitchen islands that don't fit the space well.
- Mari suggests cabinets should reach the ceiling to make spaces appear taller.
- She incorporates color into kitchen designs rather than sticking to black and white.
Interior designer Lane Mari outlined several kitchen design choices she avoids in her own home. Mari stated that black hardware can be too harsh against light cabinets, suggesting oil-rubbed bronze as a warmer alternative. She also noted that kitchen islands are not suitable for all spaces, especially smaller or awkwardly shaped ones, and recommended custom furniture as a better fit. Mari believes that leaving a small gap between cabinets and the ceiling can look unintentional, advocating for cabinets that reach the ceiling to create a sense of height. Additionally, she prefers incorporating color into kitchen designs over a strict black-and-white palette.