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Paint or replace the kitchen cabinets?????

10 years ago

We are looking to update our kitchen. I think the color of the cabinets is outdated, and I would like a bigger, one level island. For the cabinets, can we get them painted white? Or is this a bad idea? Would it be worth replacing just the door and getting a newer shaker style white cabinets? Or replace the cabinets entirely? The cabinets are in very good condition on the inside. TIA!!!!

Featured Answer

claudette2402

10 years ago

I think your cabinets are the best feature in the kitchen, followed by the refrigerator. I like the cabinet color as is. What I find most dated is the island. I agree with you in wanting to make the island one height. Rather than paint or reface the cabinets, I would put my money into rebuilding the island or replacing the island into a showstopper focal point. There are so many wonderful island photos on Houzz that it should be easy to find inspiration that appeals to you. The island should be in contrast to the cabinets, either go lighter as a creamy white or darker such as charcoal or black. Second most dating element are the counters. I agree with Darzy and at a minimum remove the 4 inch backslash and install a tile or stone backsplash covering the full space under the cabinets. If budget allowed, I would completely replace the counters with a new product, maybe a Quartz with less movement and a square or eased edge rather than the bullnose. If you convert the island into one level, you will probably want a new top for the island. I would make the island base into a contrasting color but prefer to keep the counters consistent. A contrasting island with a contrasting top will not blend as well with the existing kitchen. Third element I see in the picture is the hood over your cooktop. I can't make out what appears to be a yellow looking box under the stainless steel hood. Maybe a replacement hood could be included in the kitchen budget. All in all, I think you have a very nice kitchen that can be updated without reworking the main cabinets.

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Comments (16)

Lainie D'Eon
10 years ago
I think that your cabinets would look great painted a warm white & it would lighten up the room. The floors would really standout. Replacing only the doors would be the least expensive way to go if you want to change the style.

With a larger island (seems as though there is enough room) you could install all drawers to hold the everyday dishes.

The existing countertop could stay on the cabinets along the wall & a different surface could be used on the island.
rdrewek thanked Lainie D'Eon
Darzy
10 years ago
Your cabinets are lovely. How about removing the 4" backsplash and install a new backsplash? Then, go ahead and lower the island counter with a beautiful new counter. Possibly paint the island a different color.
rdrewek thanked Darzy
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Darzy
10 years ago
Hey. I just saw this and thought of your kitchen. How about the cream uppers and island only? I think this would look nice in your kitchen.

Today's Kitchen · More Info
rdrewek thanked Darzy
happyleg
10 years ago
Yes new doors & island. Consider far left side 2 doors be of glass.
rdrewek thanked happyleg
claudette2402
10 years ago
I have another thought. I see you have a desk space with a nice computer in the kitchen. I don't know how well that space works for you or if you can relocate the computer to a different location. But suggestion would be to remove the built-in desk and cabinets above and replace that space with a new built-in that matched the revised island in color, finish and cabinet style. You could do base cabinets with a furniture finish wood top and uppers with glass doors and drawers that come down and sit on the base. Sort of a china hutch. Or you could create a coffee, beverage center area. Or a baking work area with a stand mixer, or doors that cover the work space that you open and fold back into the cabinets when you want to work. By making this space tie into the new island, the kitchen would look even more modern and intentional. Just as there are examples on Houzz of kitchens with two colors or finishes, there are kitchens blending two styles of cabinet doors/drawers into the two color concept and it can look fabulous.
rdrewek thanked claudette2402
PRO
JAN MOYER
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Much depends on your budget and planed length of stay in the home, and if you are happy with all else as far a layout. If painting, I would replace the doors which are dated ( arch). I'd re -do the island as well. If you have room for the computer elsewhere, I'd raise that (cabinetry and counters ) and perhaps create a spot that can be used as a bar, or with a stool for a laptop. So the question is budget and stay : ) do you love counter tops......etc.
rdrewek thanked JAN MOYER
rdrewek
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you! I love all of those ideas! We do have a pretty generous budget for this project. I like the idea of using the work space, replacing the arch doors, glass doors, backsplash, some contrast in colors. Is the size of the cabinets ok? Or should I be getting 42". Is under cabinet lighting recommended? Farm sink? Thanks guys!
acm
10 years ago
The height is ok if you have enough storage -- replacing all the cabinets for a few extra inches seems a real waste. I think cream paint plus new pulls is all you really need, although refacing is a reasonable choice.
Painted Oak Cabinets · More Info
rdrewek thanked acm
User
10 years ago
Sounds like your on the road to a total redo. If your replacing the island, I wouldn't want to build new cabinets to match old. Maybe it's time to just go for it. The counters seem to date it the most to me.
rdrewek thanked User
Danielle Black
10 years ago
http://bella-tucker.com/2012/02/our-new-house-kitchen-makeover-chalk-painted-cabinets/
Look at this Sloan chalk paint before after I like the cream
rdrewek thanked Danielle Black
rdrewek
Original Author
10 years ago
Looks like most think counters/island need to be redone! Will def. do that. Will also get quotes on refacing vs painting cabinets to see whether it's worth it. Does anyone think pendant lights above island would be a nice statement piece? Any way to do this with the current skylight window?
J D
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
You could paint the cabinets white, get new hardware on them, paint the wood on the island black for a cool two-tone, and then ADD some cream or white colored tiles above the existing backsplash (which is common to have both an extension of the countertop and tiles on top). No need to remove the existing backsplash. I've seen these style cabinets painted white before, and it just gives them a very chic farmhouse look. So cute
rdrewek thanked J D
acm
10 years ago
There are solutions for hanging pendants in a skylight -- there have been previous questions on that (search back), and I think there are systems that can be suspended from wires across the open space.
rdrewek thanked acm
J D
10 years ago
I think pendant lights would look great. You would need something traditional like this imo:
rdrewek thanked J D
claudette2402
10 years ago
Because you have decided to replace the arched doors and other extensive changes, you have the opportunity to define the style of your kitchen to match your taste. So the traditional look today could be completely transformed. With that said, a good lighting package should be included. Yes to under cabinet lighting, led for all including the can lights, dimmer switches, and pendants that you choose. If you live in a city, find a dedicated lighting store and they will be able to show and discuss options and put together the entire lighting package. Regarding the sky light area, one company that manufactures the cable systems mentioned above is Tech Lighting. Take a look at their website, techlighting.com and choose products, then choose Kable Lite. You will see installations of two nearly invisible cables that provide the electricity to your choice of pendants or heads.
rdrewek thanked claudette2402

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