Can you paint your cabinets? (you *could* have white cabinets)

Even if you can't put down your favorite flooring, you can still put down an area rug.

Are you thinking of having any special edging? Like wood or will it be rolled laminate?

Check out this link.

Here is a link that might be useful: Wilsonart kitchen make-over slideshow

Oh my gosh, Chicoryflower, that was sure fast! I wasn't expecting a response so quickly!

I wish I could paint the cabinets -- I did that once before, in a previous home -- but I work full-time plus have a part-time job on the side, and simply don't have the time it would take to do a decent job. Maybe someday. For now, I'm trying to work WITH the wood. As for special edgings, I hadn't actually given that any thought. I was mostly concerned with the color and pattern of the countertop, and wondering how to get it all to look "right" with the cupboards and all. Thanks for that link -- that was a cool makeover. (and thanks again for responding right away!)

Black, cream, and white is one of my favorite color combos for a kitchen. You know what you like, and you admit that you have a neutral personality so I think you should stick with that. It sounds like it makes you comfortable. How about something like this for the countertops:

Here is a link that might be useful: formica

I have wood edging on my countertops and I LOVE it.

I had Formica "Stellar" 689 a few kitchens ago (in the bumpy finish). It was great - it never showed a mark and it was almost always filthy - single mom, on the go, lots of juicy juice spills + cat hair. (Yum, right?)

Something like that with a dark stained wood edging would look very, very nice, I'd think.

I'm mock it up if I weren't half dead at the moment, but here's a sample. It's just black and white, no undertones. I found it looked good with everything. I had a mix of black and white appliances.

I'm a moron about backsplashes, but I've decided (after seeing "Cliff and Joann"'s) to do mirror. Not so cheap, but definitely dramatic and easy to clean.

Rogue, I like that one. It's pretty!!

Roguevalley, and ChicoryFlower, thanks so much for the advice! I like both ideas / samples. My only concern about the Jamocha Granite 7734 is that the rusty tones might bring out the "honey" in the cupboards -- something IÂd just as soon not enhance. The Stellar 689 is definitely neutral -- would that be too much black? As for wood edging, geez, I didnÂt know you COULD have a wood edging on a countertop. IÂll have to take a further look at some of the countertop websites and look for some examples of that.

Thanks again!
Portwest

Hi portwest, I think that adding new counters will make a big difference and I like the idea of a dark color. I added a link of a laminate discussion from earlier this week on the kitchen forum (aka the dark side.) HTHs.

Also, have you considered changing out your cabinet hardware? That can make a big difference, too. It seems like you have more of a contemporary style going so maybe a handle in a satin finish.

Here is a link that might be useful: laminate discussion

Explain more about the bead board back splash. What color and how high will it go?

I seem to be adding nothing here but more questions. Are you keeping the black range?
If so, I don't think I would want to add a black countertop next to it.

I totally missed the beadboard backsplash idea. Here is a thread that has two kitchens with white cabs. Angelclub's kitchen is stunning. Both of them used real tongue and groove boards but the sheets would work.

Here is a link that might be useful: beadboard backsplash

Is there any way you could have your cabs professionally painted? As suggested, I would paint them white, pop out the panels on the row of small upper cabs above your pantry and replace with seeded glass, lit from within. Add either brushed nikel or distressed iron hardware and new countertops in formica Basalt Slate honed finish. Beadboard would look great and you stay true to your heart in terms of "neutralness"! It would be the best $ ever spent and could be done for a reasonable amount and give a great makeover.

Here is a link that might be useful: Basalt Slate

Here's (link) an example of laminate with an edge that is NOT honey oak or natural oak (hard to find - mine is natural oak).

The one Rogue picked would actually be more likely to make the cabinets look less honey - because it wouldn't be very contrasting.

However, if eventually you'd like to have a black floor, white cabs, etc. you might want to look forward with a black countertop (if that's what you really like).

Where are you going for your countertops?

Here is a link that might be useful:

Black floors, black countertop, shiny black appliances? Are you all l sure about that?

Annie, is anyone sure about anything? : D I think she maybe be going a little too stark... backlash against the honey oak perhaps.

I had a heavily black kitchen and I LOVED it. It was huge and it did have a lot of nice wood work, but it was very, very black. Believe it or not it was a very welcoming space. I had a black and green checkered floor and I lightened it up a little with a purple rug of all things.

Me? I like a much more subdued palette and feel like wood and cream is simplicity. Maybe Portwest is just a very black & white person. : )

I'm pretty sure I wouldn't do black countertops with the shiny black appliances and white beadboard.
I like the laminate countertop with the wood edge.
I like the beadboard backsplash. Do they come in natural wood that can match her cabinets and countertop wood?
Another option might be to pull out a color from a not-so-black countertop, and paint the beadboard to match.

I'm off to wash my dirty floors! (Did I hear someone say "good riddance"?)

Portwest - so here is my thought process on the jamocha granite or something with the color of your cabinets:

If you are NOT going to paint the cabinets - then incorporate them into the overall design. They are what they are (in good shape and not hideous) - and no matter what countertop you put in - you are not going to "hide" them. The same with your floor. It is totally possible to make it look as though you chose your cabinets to "go" with the countertop just as easily as choosing a countertop to "go" with the cabinets. Now if you decide to paint them, none of the above matters. :)

As Chicory mentioned, it is the contrast between your very white walls and cabinets making them really stand out. If you warm the walls a bit with some cream paint, they won't jump out as they are now. But again, it won't "hide" them, it will just make them look "on purpose" or a part of a whole scheme.

I heard "easy and affordable" in your original post. Paint on the walls and a new laminate countertop is pretty cheap and easy - but it will provide a lot of bang for the buck.

Any chance you could post a picture of the artwork over your table? Do I see some of the same tones as your cabinets in it? If so - that's a good thing, you are drawing that color into your dining room, again making the color part of the "design".

I know you only asked opinions on countertop and backsplash, but now that the artwork has been brought into the conversation, I wonder if you'd go for a pop of color in a nice print in the chair seats and some draperies for the slider? Easy to do and the chair seats won't take too much out of the budget. The draperies can be a plain color, maybe even matching the wall color.

Oh my, I came on here expecting this thread to be finished, but wow, is this group ever amazing. Thank you all so much for all the ideas and advice.

KitchenKelly, I hadnÂt thought about getting new cupboard hardware - - thatÂs a good point. New hardware would definitely update the look.

Anne1971, the beadboard backsplash was merely my solution to end the agony of trying to choose something. I have always loved the look of beadboard. I once lived in a huge fancy-schmancy house full of 20 foot ceilings, hardwood and marble floors, where beadboard would never have looked right, but I bought a sheet of the beadboard panelling and kept it in the closet for two or three years, just so I could take it out and look at it every so often. (Dumb, I know, but I really like it ...)

IÂm planning to put beadboard from countertop to the bottom of the cabinets. And yes, I will be keeping the black appliances.

KitchenKelly and kmcg85, I had scrubbed the idea of painting the cupboards from my brain, because IÂm a worn-out widowed single mom working two jobs - - but now you two have planted the idea firmly back there. Oh, how I love white cupboards, and even more so with the beadboard backsplash. Maybe if I take it slow, painting a bit here and there over the summer Â

As for your discussion about possibly ending up looking "too stark", youÂre right, it could easily get that way. I doubt IÂll ever get a black floor, though. There are so many other things on my list that would come first, itÂs just not likely to happen.

Finally, Annie1971 wrote:
>I'm pretty sure I wouldn't do black countertops with
>the shiny black appliances and white beadboard.

Too much black? I was afraid of that.

Roguevalley, I appreciate your typing out your thought process. And what you say makes good sense. So the decision comes back to painting the cabinets or not - - wait a minute, this is the very reason itÂs taken me four years to make the decision!

As for the artwork, it was purchased to coordinate with the décor of my previous home. IÂd pulled a beautiful taupe out of it and painted the walls that color, then matched the carpet. When I tried that in this new place, the color looked dingy and pinkish, and the kitchen cupboards looked positively orange. It was awful. Hence, the white.

Again, thank you all so very much. IÂm still confused, but at least I have a better idea of why IÂm confused. And I finally see that I simply have to decide whether or not to paint those danged cupboards.

Your cabinet color is absolutely in that art. You can create your whole pallete based on that piece alone.

portwest: I'm afraid we've overwhelmed you with our suggestions. Look --
Change out your countertop and put up your beadboard just as you wanted to do in the beginning. For now, paint the beadboard your wall color or match your countertop. Your project is completed, at least it will look finished until you decide about painting your cabinets. If you paint them, you may or may not need to repaint the beadboard. If you do, it will be an easy fix.
Put plain white linen-like draperies or panels on the door. Put a print fabric on the chair seats. Everything can be done whether or not you go ahead and paint the cabinets white. Choose a color you like for the countertop. Whatever you choose will be good with white cabinets, if you go that route. Do you think that might work?

No, Annie1971, you haven't overwhelmed me -- I was overwhelmed when I started. ;-) It's helpful to hear the viewpoints of those who know what they're doing. You did make me realize how much I want to paint my cupboards, though. I've been so concerned about finding the time and energy that I forgot the most important thing: it's what I really want. And it will look good with the beadboard and make the countertop decision much easier.

Thanks again for all the suggestions!

Stay in touch.

I'm zero help with the photoshopping right now, but if you want to see some mock-ups, just post again! : )

Oh, Chicoryflower, really? I hadn't even thought to ask -- Photoshop mock-ups? If anyone is willing to take the time, I'd be thrilled!

Hi Portwest -- welcome!

You may have seen my own backsplash thread here before, so I won't dare to advise you about the beadboard. But backsplashes aside, our kitchens are very similar in color: my own oak cabs are a little browner/redder than the standard "honey" oak, but otherwise I've also got white walls, black appliances, and a light floor.

I would run, not walk, to get that great Jamocha granite Formica roguevalley posted, and here's why. I have actual granite that color ("Ivory Cream" at Home Depot, but I've also seen it described as Tahoe Sand and various Kashmir-themed things). The combination is *great* with our floors and appliances. It will update your kitchen for not very much money, right away, but it won't hit you over the head: it's subtle, neutral, and stylish. You will love it, with or without a wood edge. I'd actually skip the edging, myself. A few years down the road, when you have the time and energy to paint your cabs (either white or ivory will look great with the Jamocha formica), you won't have to worry about the edging, and your kitchen will still look gorgeous.

In the meantime, you're overworked and exhausted and the last thing you need right now is to take on a daunting project like painting your cabinets. It can wait. You'll do it, but give yourself time.

I agree about new knobs and pulls, but especially if you go with the Jamocha, I'd say you want either oil-rubbed bronze or a black finish. (and those will also look great when you paint the cabinets someday)

Photoshoppers, can you show her what I mean? (:

We've also looked into the idea of doing beadboard. I think it's a nice, classic look. Not to mention, cheap! :)
And we're also probably going to have to go with a laminate, because of budget (or lack there of) issues.
The Jamocha granite, and the Labrador granite are both pretty nuetral and go with quite a lot. It's probably why I've started to see one or the other in almost every cookie cutter house, and duplex in our area. I was helping a friend shop for a rental property to buy last wk, and I think out of 12, only 2 didn't have one of those colors.
So, for that reason..I'm over it, lol. I'm looking for something not as common, but that'll suit my needs. Not really that easy.

I was also going to mention the Wilsonart High-definition laminate that Chicoryflower linked to above. I am replacing my counters soon, too, and I am leaning towards using this myself. Actually, if you want to DIY, Home Depot has the Deepstar Agate in her link as a stock item! Don't know how it goes w/ your floor, though. You can order samples off the Wilsonart website, or HD has the bigger 3X5 samples of some of the offerings. Lowes sells it, too, but they only ahve the little bitty samples.

A friend of mine has the Formica Blackstone, and she says it fools people all the time in thinking it's natural stone!

The beadboard and laminate sound great. Your art piece is just lovely with all those colors. A great palette to work from.

Chicoryflower, Annie1971, Roguevalley, KitchenKelly, Kmcg85, Walkin_YesIndeed, Mom24boys, Straitlover, and Brutuses:

You could never know how helpful youÂve all been! I went to a kitchen store today and brought home some samples of the ones youÂve suggested and also a few others. I sure wish I had your designer eyes -- thank you for lending them to me. Wow, what a difference it made to pull myself away from all the black! IÂve narrowed it down to either Jamocha Granite or Perlato Granite, leaning heavily towards the Jamocha Granite, which surprises me.

They look a lot alike here, but the Jamocha Granite has a warm tone, while the Perlato Granite is cooler. The colors in the Jamocha Granite seem to make the cupboards coordinate with the black appliances, pulling it all together -- exactly the way you said it would.

I still do wish I could see a Photoshopped version, but just looking at the samples I brought home has made a huge difference. (YouÂd think one of the major countertop companies would set up a website where people could upload photos and "paint" different samples on the pictures.)

Anyway, I just want to post my heartfelt "thank you" for all your help. What a warm group of people yÂall are!

I'm thinking the second one only because it appears to have more color in it. However, they are both pretty. You're on your way!!

You are so very welcome, Portwest. :)

Yeah! One step closer to your new space. Take your time and try to enjoy the process. It isn't worth getting stressed over. I think if you try to rush everything you can make hasty mistakes.

When I did my kitchen, one of the best pieces of advice I got was to wait on the backplash until the counters were in.

The one thing you do have to consider when you pick your counter is if you want the small laminate backsplash. (It may be standard?)

Good luck!

Portwest, so glad to be of help! By the way, don't be shy if you change your mind -- no one here is emotionally invested in the advice they've given you. We're just interested in helping you figure out what you're going to enjoy living with.

(that is, pardon me for just speaking for the crowd here -- but based on my own experiences here, and people's astounding helpfulness, I am certain that's how folks feel.)

By the way, your cabs are warm-toned... so if the Jamocha doesn't thrill you in the end, I'd suggest you find something else with similar hues. (in your ample free time, of course!) Hang in there -- this is going to be fun!

I second what walkin said about helping! We LOVE this sort of stuff!

kitchenkelly: I agree completely. I waited until my kitchen was done and the countertops were in before deciding on back splash tile and I am so glad I did. Sometimes it's best to take one step at a time and let things evolve. It takes longer, but it's worth the wait in the end.
My husband and I have been sharing a 6" travel mirror and living with light bulbs protruding from the walls in our bathroom for almost a year. I finally have my medicine cabinets on their way and will tackle those light bulbs next! Just couldn't do it before the cabinets were up.

Portwest: I'm just glad you are on track and inspired to keep going!