I have a cottage in which I did a two color paint scheme on the cabinets. Almost exclusively in the area the cottage is in, the kitchens have no upper cabinets. When we remodeled and move the kitchen into this room, I had enough cabinets for uppers (there are two completely different sets of cabinets used in this photo, reinforcing the need to paint to draw your eye away from the differences). My thought on painting the uppers white to match the walls was to make them "disappear" as much as possible, so the room didn't feel cabinet "heavy". I think that it worked for the space. I have since changed out the light fixture and added a few more touches which make the room look better, but not too bad a look for an extremely inexpensive renovation.

thank you everyone. Yes the floor it a beige tile, it came with the home, not my choice but have to keep. Interesting idea with using the same as the wall but it might be too much. Here is another view of our area.

After seeing the whole area, I would definitely go with white cabinets.

never darker on top (makes room look top heavy). Definitely white on top and black on bottom and the white on top will make your microwave fade out which is a good thing. Maybe remove the drape valance on the small window since it seems too country for your updated kitchen. I love your eating nook and all the light that you have coming into the house and the wainscoting with your gray walls is lovely. Good luck!

I fall in the MBZ camp. I have a small galley kitchen in NYC. I painted upper cabinets semi-gloss white and left the lower cabinets natural maple. But if you want to be a little more forward leaning you should remove the upper cabinets on the window wall and put in commercial kitchen S.S. open shelves. I removed the upper cabinets from one side of my galley kitchen and installed shelves as mentioned. What a better open expression my kitchen has. In the 21st century we all need to be a little more transparent. I keep things on the open shelves that are guest friendly so they never have to ask me where to find a glass or a dish. By the way I have white appliances also and introducing some stainless shelves and a stainless freestanding cabinet works great. Just remember think of a balanced design don't get caught up on style.

It looks like you don't have much light coming in to kitchen. Therefore, go with white cabinets to brighten the space. I think the mono look will make your space even darker.

I have to agree with the white on top and think the gray on the lower would give a balanced look. Also like the idea of removing the cabinet in the second picture and replacing it with a couple of shelves, white might also work for the shelving. If you are using black for accent pieces on the walls, etc. black iron brackets for the shelving might set them off well.

Our kitchen is like yours in layout and cabinet design. I've been hesitant to paint the cabinets but am encouraged with all of the ideas shared. Thank you!

I wouldn't paint the cupboards at all, but change the counter tops and change the handles on the cupboards. Add a stainless steel stove, refrigerator, and microwave. Possibly change out the light fixtures. If you do decide to paint the cabinets, I would recommend having it done professionally.

I'd sure like to see this room brightened up as well. A warm white on the suppers (ie Ben. Moore Cloud White) and your wall blue on the lower cabinets. A distressed look would be awesome! And I do like the idea of removing the cabinets to the left of the window and opting for the idea of black iron or even stainless steel and replace the cabinet hardware with stainless.
Ultimately I think you're going to want to replace your counter top with a cleaner color as well. But that can be the next phase!

White cabinets will look very put-together with the white appliances and that lovely white trim in the dining area. I think white will also look nice with the counter top and the wall color. You have a nice kitchen. I'm sure whatever you do is going to look great! :)

Sherwin Williams Greek Villa 7551 (uppers) SW 6006 Black Bean (bottoms) and some nice pewter style , Knobs, drawer pulls

sensiblegal gave sage advise. I echo those comments wholeheartedly.

White is key for lightness and update -- given that you have white wainscotting in the adjoining space, white cabinets (on top and bottom) seem the most natural and integrated solution here (and will make the appliances look integral too). Will feel like a new room for very little money, and the blue will really stand out. Throw in some new handles/pulls, and you'll be off to the races! :) I think you won't even mind the tile floor in its new context -- will look light and beachy. Have fun!

Heavily white-wash, not white paint. You'll have more control of the "temperature" of the color as well as its density if you layer coats of white-wash. It will further keep a mild texture which will increase interest throughout the space.

I agree to remove the valance as stated by another commentator, and to update the cabinet pulls and hardware.

All in all, a charming kitchen!

We love neutrals! Why are white kitchens top for 2015? Here’s a great
article: Top
for 2015

your kitchen is very similar to our "before". we went with BM Cloud White cabinets, mocha subway backsplash and Mineral Jet (Wilsonart) laminate counter. Added dark bronze hardware. We have white appliances as well as we were not in position to change them out. The cloud white does not clash with the appliances. Our walls are BM Grasshopper, but your blue would be great, you could go with a more bold backsplash if that is your thing. good luck

Your kitchen would look so fresh and pulled together with the cabinets painted WHITE! Even the counter top would take on a special appeal against the white. Your wall color is beautiful and would also look fantastic as a background for the white cabinets.

You have to decide on what kind of look you want. traditional, or do you want a more transitional feel or country. I would definitely go with s lighter cabinet. Soft warm white or grey( my choice)

I painted my white cabinets grey( BM Stormy Monday). And painted my honey oak casing and moulding as well. New door handles etc. new kitchen lights, counters, backsplash too. I did all the painting myself and although not a professional job it's pretty darn good

I love white cabinets, but am wondering if a light gray or other colors mentioned would be better. This is just a "thing" with me, but I'm not fond of soft white cabinets paired with more stark white appliances.

I have seen the cabinet boxes painted one color with the doors another. Also you could take some doors off and make open shelves, adding colorful dishes and platters for display would add color. A different color painted above the cabinets would also be an option, you can buy those vinyl quotes or designs to put over the cabinets for character. Colorful curtains would help with your color issue also. Good luck.

Sherwin Williams has a fun app on their website that allows you to upload a photo and then "paint" over the image using paint colors. By zooming in on the photo it is possible to change the color of even the details like cabinet hardware. When I tried this on my own kitchen cabinets I experimented with a wide range of bright and neutral colors and discovered combinations to go with my stainless appliances that I would never have imagined I would like. Obviously, the colors are not going to be exact because it is on a computer screen, but it is a fun way to experiment with different ideas.

I like the idea of a gloss white on top but think a blue grey would be nice on the bottom. You get the best of both worlds it will provide contrast yet marry the colours.

Cabinets - White up & down - acquire samples of Sherwin Williams whites - Benjamin Moore Whites and Behr new formulation whites. Post/tape all colors and Examine at morning noon and night - in all lighting. We originally planned for BM white dove and chose Sherwin Williams snowbound - has a blue/gray base and looked awesome with our white appliances. The Benjamin Moore looked yellow base in our kitchen. Our entire home is trimmed in Benjamin Moore white dove! There is a lot of work ahead of you - it's so worth it! Please post before and after pics!!!! Here is ours - half way through the project!

Guess you'll have to click on my name and look at my profile and look at the last several pics saved - the app won't let me upload pictures.

I wanted to upload a picture of my current kitchen remodel to give you some ideas. My cabinets are about the same color as yours, white appliances, white trim and blue walls (mine are a bit lighter), although my counter is darker. I used a large subway style tile for the back splash which is wavy textured. I just finished the first section of it today and love it. I am glad it has the texture because it would look really bland with the white appliances and white trim if it did not. The texture on the tile reflects the light as you move and it almost gives a shimmer effect.

I would definitely paint your cabinets white! It will tie in with the wainscoating in the other room while looking fresh and updated. Plus it will make the room look so much larger...you will be surprised! But whatever color you decide do a lot of research on how to paint them so that the grain does not bleed through. I have the same cabinets in an upstairs bath and just had them hand painted by a very good painter who did an excellent job on my trim and doors. He sanded them, primed them and gave them two coats but you can still see the cabinet grain which makes them look "used". I did see similar cabinets that came out with a nice smooth finish but I don't know how it was achieved. My painter used Benjamin Moore Satin Impervo in Decorator White which is the same paint that looked great on my trim and doors. Does anyone know the answer?

http://houzz.com/photos/1706680

I'd like to point out that another element which seems to be fixed is the counter top color. This houzz photo has a similar backsplash to your wall color and a similar countertop. The cabs are white - I think this could be great inspiration to you!

Cream

I think before you start painting your units you have to decide 1)do you like the colour of the wood your units are at the moment 2) could you simply change your counter tops and light pendants to modernise the overall look of your kitchen. I would definitely clean it, getting rid of all the bits and pieces on top of the cabinets and as much as possible on the work surface. Get rid of the curtain on the window, add new door handles. Little by little it will come together. You may still decide to paint your units which would work out lovely, only if u pick a colour you love but I think it's better to change small things first. It's easy to co-ordinate rooms simply by adding a throw or lamp in the same colour as the kitchen units.

I am presently redoing my kitchen so know and share your uncertainty. Personally I am NOT a lover of open shelving in a kitchen with all the grease and dust that gets thrown around. U might want to change the cupboard by the island to a glass one and display some nice serving pieces. That way it gives a more open feeling. I do love the grey walls and white wainscotting and because of that I would go with white cupboards both upper/lower for continuity. I would do a different countertop using a Caesar stone that is a little darker in the grey tones to add some colour variance betw. the cupboards, back splash and appliances. I would then add some colour on the counters or in items in the new glass cupboard for interest.

I think all white cabinets would look great. Your space is not that large and I think two tones will just chop it up. If possible free some counter space by removing items from countertops or group them using trays.

Thank you everyone for taking the time and posting. Great ideas! I have a feeling that we will be going with white top and bottom, we have been cringing for 5 years with the "wood" and we have had enough. While I would love to take down the cabinet to the left of the sink (I can't reach anything), we need the space. I thought adding the valance would add character, but guess not. oh well. Adding two pictures of ideas we had. One is the waiscotting and was thinking of placing within the center of the cabinets and painting over white. And the other picture as you can see would be wood counters. Thoughts.. go.. :) thank you

The problem with painting your cabinets white, is that they will look cheap. I say this with 4 years experience as a cabinetmaker. I know that your oak cabinets are not what you want but I would try to celebrate them, instead of trying to make them look like paint grade cabinets. Go bold with your countertop, backsplash and hardware. If you really want to paint, go with a painted base. But keep the wood on the uppers.

Painting oak doors will look terrible, but they do want to be white..... so, take the doors off.... paint the frames, cover any exposed sides with beadboard and paint, then either leave the doors off or buy white doors to go back on. There are places where you can order the doors online, and lots of trim design choices. I have a white kitchen, white cabinets, counters and appliances, with a marble subway tile backsplash. I love it. If I want to change the counters it would be easy.

i vote for a creamy white on top(because of floor), and a really dark grey bottom... that perhaps leans to the blue side (look at what the very darkest blue is on your wall color swatch, and then find a grey that would fit right in). add some nice oil rubbed/black pulls. not sure if the glass in your light fixtures can be changed out but take a look at school house electrics black and white striped glass fixtures. that would be a lovely detail to tie the dark and the light together.

http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/lighting/shades/4-fitter/hp-2250-09-4bk.html

Instead of going hog wild and taking on a huge cabinet painting job, do the following:

The single and best thing you can do is remove the microwave from above the stove and put in a chimney fan. This would also eliminate the above-stove cabinet and create a more open and up-to-date feel. That one act will have a huge impact on the look of your kitchen. The "endless connecting cabinet" look will have been broken up. Even if the microwave gets put on a counter, it will not be as noticeable as it is hanging on the wall at eye level. You might even tile the wall behind the chimney fan or put up some other stylish backsplash behind the stove. It will look classy when you are sitting at the dining table. Really, there is no downside in starting with this step in you kitchen remodel.

Then re-assess the room. After doing the above, you will have a new view on the room. Maybe you would not even want to paint cabinets after that or maybe you would want to replace an upper cabinet with open shelves for an even greater open feel. (of course you will still take down the curtain and replace the pendants with something bolder, maybe globes.)

I like the wall color, I would paint the uppers white and the lowers a dark blue, so you are not tied to the wall color forever. Gray is to cold and does not work well with your honey color wood floors. I would also change the light fixtures and counter top if that is in the budget.

Paint cupboards and wainscoting two shades darker than wall color. Replace curtain with a blind. All accessories should be white or chrome for a really fresh look.

Paint them white ! It's unanimous! I would change the wall color to a neutral also like tan, beige, white, grey. Green would be nice too.

White on top and red on bottom?

I agree with many others, with the white appliances, white cabinets is about the only option if you are going to paint. Outside of painting the cabinets, another option could be to change out the cabinet handles and replace the counter tops. Good luck!

White all over!!!

I painted our oak cabinets and they do not look cheap at all. In fact, they look more high-end than they did before...even my oak-loving husband agrees. The key is to do the prep work of either sanding or using a deglosser. I used a deglosser, and it was a lot easier than sanding.

As for the beadboard accent you're thinking of adding to the doors... LOVE! I did that with our cabinets also, except I used beadboard wallpaper...easier and less expensive. No one can tell it's wallpaper, and it has held up beautifully.

I actually liked having the natural oak on the bottom, but once my husband saw how great the uppers looked, he wanted me to do the lowers also. Plus, the oak did clash with our mahogany table.

Don't listen to the Nay-sayers. Go ahead and paint them. I painted ours four years ago, and have never regretted it for one instant. And, for the record... I'd go with white on both the uppers and lowers of your kitchen, simply because you have all the white trim in the rest of the area. It will look clean and fresh, and it will open up a lot of possibilities for accent colors.

Good luck!!

Here's a close up of the cabinet doors with the wallpaper...

I think the comment about not painting oak is due to the fact that you can't completely eliminate the appearance of the wood grain when you paint. However, if you use a good quality paint, and apply it well, the doors will still look very nice even though you can still see the grain beneath. You can see this in Loribeth's pretty white cupboards above if you look closely.

Hi there, your second photo (30 June, 6:06 a.m.) showing the panelled glazed door and clock - I think I would follow the colours around the room that you have there - blue at the top (yes, contrary to what everyone else says) and white at the bottom. You would have a continuity following through to the other part of the room and the "heaviness" of the darker cabinets would in part be lessened because of the sameness of the overall look. :)

I know you said the Nantucket Fog was staying on the walls. However, I would paint the walls a lighter shade of N.F. and paint the lower cabinets N. F. in the shade that is now on the walls. The upper cabinets really beg to be bright white.

I would like to see you paint them all white, probably the white you have already for the wainscotting and the window trim. Nicely easy on the eyes. I used Farrow and Ball paints, eggshell on the top and floor paint on the bottoms ( for easier cleaning with grandkids, dogs, etc) and swear by them. In my opinion Farrow and Ball even puts Ben Moore to shame.

Our cupboards were a very similar colour as yours. It seemed that any paint colour we tried always seemed to clash with the wood. I even had our walls a similar blue as yours for awhile. I finally convinced my husband that it's OK to paint oak. I applied a skim coat of water-down wood-filler to reduce the look of the wood-grain. Then I sanded with a palm sander, touched it up and sanded again. The results were so much better than we'd ever expected. You can't see any of the woodgrain and the wood has a smooth finish. I used BM Cloud White semi-gloss paint and it's held up extremely well. We have five grandchildren, ages six and under, that visit often, and the cupboards are still in excellent shape - four years after painting them! We also have white appliances, and while stainless steel would have been ideal, it wasn't in our budget. It's a big job to commit to. Take your time deciding what you want to do. Overall, we're very happy with the total transformation in our kitchen! All the best to you in whatever you decide!