Advice for our oak cabinet kitchen update

10 years ago

Our house was built in 2003 with the traditional oak cabinets in the kitchen. We'd like to update the kitchen without replacing the cabinets. I thought we could replace the flooring, countertop, backsplash, etc while leaving the cabinets untouched, but the more we look at the options we like the more I'm thinking the cabinets are that outdated finish and will be hard to work around.

We are looking at installing a darker hardwood/laminate flooring throughout the first floor. Should we paint the cabinets? Any thoughts?

Featured Answer

PRO

Wyland Interior Design Center

10 years ago

You need to know if you decide to paint the oak cabinets you will see the grain of the wood, unless you have the grain filled in. This I would recommend having done by a professional painter with experience painting cabinets. Some people like the look of the grain and others don't. Have the painter paint the back side of the door both ways, unfilled and filled, to help with your decision.

In terms of paint colors for a traditional home, I would suggested going with more of a cream, linen or off-white color. It is more timeless and has been around for years. Unlike the color white, which is popular now, will be outdated before too long...... just like in the past. If the off white colors can lean on the yellow, beige or taupe side of white, you will find it much easier to find things to coordinate with them.

Comments (9)

PRO
Harding Design & Construction
10 years ago
Talk with a local contractor and cabinet refinisher. A cabinet refinisher could add tint to lacquer and darken them to a color you would be happy with.
indianpatti
10 years ago
If you really don't like them ... why not try to paint them first .. then, if that doesn't work out .. you can replace.
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PRO
CMR Interiors & Design Consultations Inc.
10 years ago
I'd paint them a fresh white or a grey blue color like 1606 from Benjamin Moore. Blues look great with golds too.
PRO
Linda Mayo
10 years ago
If the cabinets are plywood and solid wood doors, drawers are still functioning and intact it might be worth it to paint. I would suggest going darker though because Oak has a grain that will show through. Painting Oak a light color will show dirt more because the pores in the grain will fill with finger grime.
PRO
Beverly Anderson Interior Design
10 years ago
I think a much darker stain would look newer...or a cream with a butterscotch or coffee glaze?
simplify52
10 years ago
Did you think of painting them with Annie Sloan chalk paint. No sanding/prep before painting. I haven't used it yet but I've been researching to paint my cabinets. Somewhere I read that it can actually cover the grain of oak cabinets. There are a lot of tutorials and pictures online for you to review. I'm going to follow your thread to see what you decide to do. I wish you much success for a great outcome!!!
ScotExpat Cali
10 years ago
Absolutely paint them! Especially if you would like the room to look and feel lighter and brighter. I personally don't like any wood-grain cabinets -- never have. but I' m European. Be sure whoever does them uses a high-adhesive primer first, and spraying is the only way to go!
ScotExpat Cali
10 years ago
PS If you are worried about seeing the oak grain, go with it by adding a tinted glaze or doing a color wash. Dated now, but an option.