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Design Dilemma
halinamark

Need Help! What color should my kitchen cabinets be???

13 years ago
I do really like the style of the kitchen cabinets but the color of them along with the back splash and counters just don't do it for me. I want to change them but not sure what I should do. I don't want to completely tear everything out because I think it would be a waste and wouldn't add much value to the house. So, I was thinking about refinishing them. I love the look of the white kitchens, especially when the cabinet door has a lot of detail to it. It dresses it up. But I am in love with wainscoting, so I had it done along with some other molding and now that I have the white wainscoting on the walls I think it will be too much and it will make the space look cold. I want it to look warm. Anyone have any suggestions on what I should do with the kitchen? I'm open to replacing the counter, backsplash and refacing the cabinets. Is having them professionally painted a bad idea? I've attached a photo of the living room to give you a sense of what it looks like since it is open to the kitchen. Thanks everyone!
Featured Answer
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Your kitchen is gorgeous!! I agree with the crown molding idea as well. Other than that, I wouldn't change a thing!

    Comments (28)

    • 13 years ago
      Looks great ,,u should glazed them
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      What kind/color glaze? Does that come in different colors or is that just almost like a clear coat that makes them slightly darker?

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    • 13 years ago
      last modified: 13 years ago
      Your kitchen is absolutely beautiful. I think I wouldn't change a thing. Accesories would warm up the space and give some color. If you want to do a clear glaze on the cabinets, it would give them a warm sheen, but I don't think it would make that much of a difference. Just some "styling" is all that is needed.
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      Thanks Darzy! What kind of accessories would you add in this space without cluttering the counters?
    • 13 years ago
      Your kitchen is very similar to mine and I have the same dilemma. I would like to hear what people think/suggest. The cabinets are the same, the appliances are the same, and the backsplash are the same. what a coincidence eh
    • 13 years ago
      How about a big apothicary jar of lemons on the left of your sink? They look good, smell good and last a long time. Or, a big bright colorful shiney stainless steel bowl full of artichokes? Sounds funny but nature's color always is pretty. If you want more of a bold color, get ONE appliance in a bright color, like a teal toaster. But then you'd need teal elsewhere, so lemons (with your pretty yellow table flowers) are prob the best bet.
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      Great thanks Darzy. Yellow is definitely the accent color I was going for...just haven't quite got there yet so thanks for the suggestions!
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      Your kitchen already looks good but if you would like to add color to it, hope this blog post could help - http://www.kitchencabinetkings.com/blog/from-warm-to-wild-yellow-kitchen/
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      I would have a professional come in to alter the color of the cabinets. I would also take this opportunity to install a crown molding on the cabinets.


      You can take the color of the cabinets to a darker tone which seems to be your taste given the pictures of the furniture. Have them do some test colors for you before they put anything on your cabinets so you understand what you are getting.

      I disagree that the white would be too much if you choose to go with white cabinets. Yours are in very good shape and could be professionally painted to the same color as the wainscot. It would look nice with your dark flooring.
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      I think your kitchen looks fabulous! I wouldn't alter the finish at all. I would take Deborah's suggestion and add a crown molding to the tops of the cabinets.
    • 13 years ago
      Agree regarding the crown molding. For color, I agree with you that it would be too much with more white. How about one of the soft elegant neutral colors (like 'String') which Farrow & Ball have? Maybe not authentic Farrow & Ball as they're $$$$$ although no-body does subtle colors like they do.
    • 13 years ago
      Hi , glaze color !!!!
      1. Dark brown , is really Popular

      What type if finish are your cabinets ( oil based or lacquer )
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      A dark wood walnut finish would create a beautiful contrast with your stainless and also with your backsplash/countertops
    • 13 years ago
      I agree with the suggestion to add crown moulding. That is the first idea that came to my mind when I saw the picture of your kitchen. Other than that, I really like your kitchen as it is. I especially love the tile backsplash.
    • 13 years ago
      Halina1110 You have a beautiful kitchen! If you really want to change the color you can have them professionally painted in a taupe or grey color. They all scream crisp trans/tradition. I would also suggest adding a few glass inserts to the upper cabinet. Even better if you can add more cabinetry to the top of the cabinets with glass fronts you should have at least another 15" before your crown which is just enough to do that. Put lighting in them and they can shine like your gorgeous book case. You mentioned liking yellow, that goes great with grey! Best of luck :)
    • 13 years ago
      You have great "bones" here in this kitchen. If you like white cabinets go for it. I think white cabinets will open up your space. I love the yellow color you mentioned. How about some yellow accents. A Le Cresuset pot sitting on the cooktop. Love your appliances.
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      Amy Burke- Thank you so much for finding those pictures!! Such a wonderful idea. I had 15" glass cabinets in my last place that I just moved from and for some reason only had crown molding in my head and didnt even think about doing this! Can you share where you found the picture in the bottom right hand corner. I'm wondering if I can find that cabinet color
    • 13 years ago
      Pretty kitchen - Theres enough light in the room and walls to do medium to dark chocolate brown refinish on the cabinets, but if you dont want something that dark, then consider adding just a chocolate glaze to the existing cabinets and definitely yes on the crown moldings - those will make a huge difference. Go buy a piece of molding and see if that doesnt do it for you, you can still add color if needed. You might consider also bringing home some hardware samples that are a bit more linear vs. small button knobs - if you want a more modern look - dark bronze would pick up the warm granite colors and contrast with your light cabinets as is, or blend nicely with a darker color.
    • 13 years ago
      Thank You Halina1110! I found this under a general search and it was in the portfolio of JasonBallinteriors.com. It is described as grey but I am sure if you message him you may be able to get a more specific answer. I know Kraftmaid offers a color kind of similar called Grey Loft and they typically use Mohawk colors formulated for their lines. Keep in mind these finishes are multi step, sanded and sometimes baked on so your regular "Jane" or "Joe" may not be equipped do do such a process. Hiring a pro or at least trying out samples prior to settling on color will help. So glad to have helped in your sprucing up. Your kitchen is lovely and I see by your taste that no matter what you choose will be lovely :)
    • 13 years ago
      Personally, I'd also like to see a bit of trim on the bottom of those upper cupboards. I'm not quite sure what you'd call it, but it's an additional bit which hides any under-cupboard lighting, if you have any. To me until there's a top molding and a bottom molding, the kitchen looks skimpy or unfinished, which in your lovely house is a pity. I'm attaching a photo of this molding in my own kitchen. As you can see, it's very modestly shaped, but it still adds a detail I find pleasing.
    • 13 years ago
      my kitchen is the same color, its an ikea kitchen and unfortunately i dont own the place, I rent. My top is dark blue... looks awful!
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      Amy Burke- So sorry to bother you again. But can you also source the picture in the bottom left hand corner you posted? The lighter tan kitchen? I am in between these two colors and I already contacted the designer that did the darker kitchen and he sent the color. I want to do the same with the other one! Thank you so much!
    • 13 years ago
      Not a problem at all! I will certainly look that up for you when I get to my home computer. Glad you are making way in your project. Let you know asap :)
    • 13 years ago
      I looked back in my files and found that the photo was from pinterest described as a "grey kitchen". Darn I wish I had the route of the source for you. I will keep looking just in case I come across it.
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      Thank you so much for checking anyway Amy!! You're so nice!
    • 13 years ago
      last modified: 13 years ago
      My pleasure! I can't wait to see the results :)
    • PRO
      10 years ago

      Hello, white will be fantastic since not a lot of natural light coming from different walls into the space. You could change color of the kitchen wall with a nice contrast ton since you will now have light ton cabinet. It seems that you have a lots of neutral right now. A nice shade of gray will do the trick if you still want stay neutral; and it will go with your DR chairs. This way you will get away from beige. White and gray look very sleek!

      Lisa Studio Interior Design

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