Using polished steel to create muted colors in a modern kitchen

Polished steel is shiny, meaning it reflects what is around it. In this kitchen, that reflectiveness is used to transmit the relatively soft colors of the floor and countertops, creating a relaxing environment. This modern kitchen is dominated by steel, so much so that it ends up being the steel that provides color to the area. The brushed steel finish of the double oven and the bottom-mount refrigerator limit their reflectiveness, so these appliances do retain their silver color. But most of the remaining steel in the kitchen is polished, so instead of also appearing silver, it reflects what color does exist in the room. The polished steel facade of the island and the lower cabinets appear almost to have a wavery wood finish, as they reflect the color and grain of the kitchen's hard wood floor. The glass counter top that sits above the island reflects the island's dark granite countertop, which itself reflects the red and orange of the pendulum lighting above. All of this reflection is enhanced by the abundant lighting, which in addition to the pendulum lights includes recessed lights in the ceiling and under cabinet lighting that highlights the the lengthy pot rail above the sink.