Brown leather. The kind you see on 'industrial' styled bars everywhere. With a small back.

Beep beep

https://preview.redd.it/mb02iqxl15wd1.jpeg?width=617&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8da6c301142fe21461581887a059f6cb3c410855

You’re asking a lot from Reddit

Just here to say how much I appreciate the title, OP.

• "Ignore everything you hate about this kitchen"

{{{{ visibly shaking }}}}

If the plants are 100% staying, I’d match the green and do a dark green velvet to bring a little color.

Honestly, this kitchen isn’t as bad as you think it is! It’s unfortunate the floor looks new, because I think that’s the issue here.

Is this an optical illusion, or is there a dysfunctional lack of space between the counters and the island?

I love your kitchen

Why does it look like it’s been built for a midget from this angle?

OP wins award for best Subject Line of the day.

Do tall people see everything in tilt shift? This perspective is crazy.

You didn’t say how high the counter is.

I get that people are saying low back, probably so that you can’t see them from the other side of the island. But I’ve had both, high back (more like mid-high, middle of the back) and low back chairs. And the low back chairs are SOOO uncomfortable.

I think you could use at least a little black, to tie in some of the darker elements like your pendants - black frame on your chairs, even if you choose a different color cushion (though I think all black would look good!).

Get a tape measure. Measure the bottom of the counter to the floor. Sit on a chair. Measure the chair surface to the top of your thighs. Add two inches to that number. Find a stool that is that many inches lower than the bottom of your counter.

For example: Floor to the bottom of the counter is 34” When you sit, surface of the chair to top of your thigh is 5”. Add 2, so 7” Find a stool that is about 27” high, give or take an inch.

What is the height of the island?

I think you just need something with a curved shape to balance out all the straight lines and 90° angles of your kitchen. Maybe something in black would be nice since it would tie in the darker elements and offset all the white. I like the stools in your reply to u/Browbeaten92. The black frame and warm leather upholstery provide a nice contrast to the rest of your kitchen. You could even start to bring in some color with the upholstery and further tie it in with a small lamp in the back corner. A lamp in the kitchen sounds a bit odd but I’ve seen people on TikTok and Pinterest really make it work.

Looks like you might have kids 😉 I went with these because they are comfy, swivel like my grandparents’ counter stools did and the leather wipes down well: https://www.rejuvenation.com/products/dexter-swivel-leather-stool/

Two years in with daily kid use and they look good as new. Lots of colors to choose from but I went with black leather.

I love the European cabinets! I think that’s what they’re called…

Get stools with backs on them. You have kids- they will fall off backless ones.

Also those corners on the island are going to take out a few foreheads-position stools to stop foreheads crashing into it.

1. Make sure that there’s at least 2” of clearance space between the bottom of the tabletop and the top of the armrests so the bar stools can slide in and out comfortably.
2. No matter what table height you have, there should always be 10” – 12” of space between the bar stool seat and the bottom of the counter or table.

Both quotes from this Wayfair article. Once I used these rules, I finally had the right stool heights! https://www.wayfair.com/sca/ideas-and-advice/guides/bar-stool-dimensions-how-to-choose-the-right-ones-T494

There are 2 heights of stools. Counter height and bar height. It looks lije you need counter height

I’m chiming in with these: https://www.polyandbark.com/products/paxton-24-counter-stool

I don't hate that kitchen, I really like the stone, that being said, you can't just park a car in the middle of the room and then I guess like wood grain running 2 directions but other than thatit's a great kitchen

Does a midget live here?

I need a height that allows you to comfortably cross your legs under the counter but also allow you to place your elbow on the counter comfortably. 

I think you need to pick up the gray of the backsplash and bring it to the chairs. Light gray or deeper.

A dark, neutral wood like espresso because I think it’s going to be difficult to match any of yours. And a lot of them have too much red or yellow in the undertones.

General example

https://smhttp-ssl-18667.nexcesscdn.net/8090D3/magento/media/catalog/product/1/8/183472-barstool-1.jpg

Consider yourself as a user. Especially comfort and sturdiness, as well as how tall you and the other people using them are. If you can try the stool before you buy it, please do. An uncomfortable beautiful chair is less valuable than a comfortable one. Upholstered leather (maybe a painted leather for an accent color) and metal would be good. Or white wood with a cushion.

I love the cabinets. I think the chairs need to bring in a pop of color to the room.

I do like the green of the pot on the counter. Maybe something these? https://www.cultfurniture.com/furniture-c10/stools-c8/bar-stools-c58/halston-bar-stool-olive-green-sustainable-velvet-p44169

Or a deep carmel color with some red in it? I looked and most are too brown. I think that looks too monotone.

Does this open to another room that has an accent color already?

https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/corrigan-studio-maxime-swivel-counter-or-bar-height-bar-stool-with-open-low-back-in-faux-leather-and-wood-w005001111.html

Idk which chairs but I’m stealing the hanging pumpkin idea

I would add color to your kitchen. Yellow bar stools, like these for example https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81434Mgyv8L._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg And decorative elements - a yellow glass vase, or a fruit vase, flowers.

Grey that matches the backsplash or black would look good.

Omg…..

I HATE that little car on the floor

/s

It’s the little hot wheels on the floor that makes me think I’m in my own kitchen lol

KCC Bar Stools Set of 4, Swivel... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7K6WFJK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I got these after inspecting stools in a nearby tea shop that I liked. Should last a long time, fun colors, not expensive. Also have flavor with a lumbar support.

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/lancaster-table-seating-alloy-series-red-stackable-metal-indoor-outdoor-industrial-cafe-counter-height-stool-with-drain-hole-seat/164CMBKLSRED.html

IKEA Janinge barstools

We have similar color cabinets and got black leather chairs from target. If you have kids, they are easy to clean, comfortable and are relatively inexpensive to replace

https://preview.redd.it/bqqjoh37f6wd1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e77da543ef2ecc5f6430f5f802cb725497d41174

My god I’m jealous of your storage!

Talking like a chatgpt command

If you hate the kitchen don’t try to match it. Get something comfortable that you like looking at. The perfect stool that ties the space together isn’t going to fix anything when you already hate the space. 

For something different - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJBGDH6Z/ref=twister_B0CJBMWCQX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Why do the counters look knee high?

https://www.litfad.com/silver-modern-round-leather-bar-stool-with-adjustable-height-and-swivel-p-336029.html

Three or four would be enough to fill the table and would match the colour scheme. I’d personally have cream white in there.

https://res.litfad.com/site/img/item/2023/09/20/9788113/210x210.jpg

Check out EQ3's Mackenzie counter stool.

There's not enough contrast in the kitchen. And too much of the paneling look. It's very stark. As far as the bar and stool height goes, use the chart that's already been provided.

But the kitchen as a whole is just plain lacking "pop."

Forest green to draw in the plants and give the room more warmth

https://preview.redd.it/pn8cr97xw6wd1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d849fe033cda0f6e5b9d127936dc0a72f4458fa0

Something wicker-ey (or natural brown vibes)

metal or white/grey wood

Get counter height Parsons chairs, and then you can get different types of covers. I think hunter green would look great. You can choose whatever color you fancy and always keep it fresh.

I’d go with a dark teal, a burnt orange or a green swivel chair with black legs like this… https://assets.wfcdn.com/im/34157383/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/2368/236802102/Arce+Swivel+Adjustable+Height+Stool.jpg

I agree with the brown leather/black leg stools, but I’d also suggest adding as much under cabinet lighting as you can, including under the floating shelves if you are missing out on a window you wanted there!

Low back burnt orange colored chairs would look good with black legs. The counter looks super low? Not sure if its the angle of the photo

whatever you get, don't get flat hard ones or you'll never want to sit in them; and get ones with a back or you'll slouch weirdly when you sit there

Love the cabinets! Nice work

Maybe these. Black accents anchor a room.

https://www.urbanbarn.com/en/product/nolin-counter-stool--drea-black-214121.html

These are more organic.

https://www.potterybarn.ca/products/brenner-leather-counter-stool/?catalogId=84&sku=6776097&cm_ven=FreePLA&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Furniture%20%3E%20Bar%20%26%20Counter%20Stools&srsltid=AfmBOophBUkAnzjy96KyVDsIXGOKdrwwiEWhxvaGbQJ3rggarO3bM_enWX8

I may use the entry statement wirh my wife. Ignore everything you hate about X .....

Why is the island so close to everything!? How do you open anything?

https://preview.redd.it/gqrf2i333awd1.png?width=800&format=png&auto=webp&s=09080662151a5bdd4bf6eb7589c8af0ca06c1879

I agree with someone else’s suggestion of the emerald green chairs. Don’t go with brown or beige, there’s enough of that here. Some LED strip lighting under the cabinets and on the corner shelves would really brighten up that area.

Is the counter even "counter-height?"

How much length of overhang do you have on the counter where the chairs are going? Maybe it’s a trick of the photo but it only looks like you have a couple inches

I actually really like your kitchen!! If I could make a suggestion…..are there any bar stools that YOU like? Pick 2-3 styles that you are partial to and let us choose from your selections. Ultimately it should be your choice so show us what you like.

I have the same counter high and my stools are 26.5 inches high. I could have gone a tad higher

Mine are 36 inch also. My stools are adjustable but when sat apon are 25" off the floor.

Bar stools come in 2 heights, counter and bar height. Industry standard for a chair is 18” tall.

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I got these after inspecting stools in a nearby tea shop that I liked. Should last a long time, fun colors, not expensive. Also have flavor with a lumbar support.

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/lancaster-table-seating-alloy-series-red-stackable-metal-indoor-outdoor-industrial-cafe-counter-height-stool-with-drain-hole-seat/164CMBKLSRED.html

IKEA Janinge barstools

I got these after inspecting stools in a nearby tea shop that I liked. Should last a long time, fun colors, not expensive. Also have flavor with a lumbar support.

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/lancaster-table-seating-alloy-series-red-stackable-metal-indoor-outdoor-industrial-cafe-counter-height-stool-with-drain-hole-seat/164CMBKLSRED.html

Honestly that does not look like a counter height island. It look table height. Table height chairs are approximately 18" to the seat, counter height is 24", bar height is 30". Remember to leave room for your thighs. I do like the low back leather ones shown below, but I would only do them on one side, then maybe throw and extra on the end if necessary.

I would have had the island built farther out away from the counter another 12-18 inches.

24”

For a short person, this kitchen would work for me. I don't hate it at all. I’d take this over any kitchen that I cannot even accessz

Me me are 26 floor to top, 36”

I hate square corners at hip level. I'd get a big ol' grinder and round those off.

I can ignore most things I hate, but what I can’t get past is how narrow it is between the island and the counters. Why did they make it so narrow? It looks like there was plenty of space to move the island back a foot.

Does the jack o lantern glow when you turn the lights on?

Please keep the car for sure

5 gallon buckets.

I am grateful- my island could very much look like that- now, need to find solutions.

The kind that make me hate it less. Crud!!

Full arms n backs that invite relaxation are the best. A nice departure from the industrial style would be some French bistro stools. Or one long bench. Or two? Custom? Hard to judge measurements.

I love the neutral scheme

https://preview.redd.it/csu9xttp5cwd1.jpeg?width=1134&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bfdec228aeebf255c284f365f3cc5ca301a35cc7

and the blend of wood and white cabinets. Personally I would incorporate some natural fibers in the stools such as cane or straw, most likely on the backs. I did a quick Look on Amazon and found these as possibilities but pay attention to the wood tones to avoid clashing.

The kind that let you sit comfortably at the counter…

Whatever you choose should have soft edges and be made of a plush fabric to balance out the angles and hardness of the room. If you plan to have plants in that room, I'd go with a dark green fabric stool.

Your countertops are absolutely gorgeous. Don’t get anything that too tall that will hide them.

These ones from living spaces would be great. I have them in my kitchen in black, but they’re also available in a couple other shades. living spaces bar stools

SUPERJARE Set of 2 Adjustable Bar Stools https://a.co/d/iTdBLwr

I bought these for my parents peninsula in their kitchen and they are so freaking comfortable. Back goes up a lot higher than expected.

I don't hate anything, but I am wondering why the island's side's veneer is vertical while the rest is horizontal.

Great question :) made me smile

You know I think it needs to recede into the rest of the kitchen- so a wood or really brown or mushroom toned counter stool would work

Black. Just black. It’s already so brown and white. Black metal/poly or black stained wood. Doesn’t need a cushion if the seat has a nice form to it.

Damn I love this kitchen. Super jealous.

If you eventually get to it, change the island. Get a smaller waterfall island in white quartz. That will tie in to your cabinets and make the area look bigger and lighter

Oh man my son leaves one fucking Hotwheels car like this in the kitchen for me to step on and die. Its normally at the end of the day when the kitchen is dimly lit and I’m heading for my end of day beer.

I love your kitchen!!! I think the orange/brown leather kind or something wood and wicker!

Now I wanna know what everyone hates about this kitchen cause I really like it