Need to update kitchen in my new house

13 years ago

I just bought a house and the kithcen is screaming for an update. The cabinets are in excellent shape. They appear to be maple with a white wash glaze maybe. I think I can keep them if I can inexpensively change the color somehow. The countertops are salmon colored corian and I want to replace with granite. Tile backsplash is okay but the accent pieces are the wrong color.

My thoughts are to stain/glaze the cabinets a darker finish. Or maybe paint cream with brown glaze. Paint the island distressed black or cream and connect the end section that is on wheels with one even countertop. I'll also paint the walls. I'd like to keep the entire project under 5k...not including any appliance replacements.

Looking for suggestions...please help! The second photo is the type of look I'm going for.

Featured Answer

PRO

The Cabinet Design Studio at Forest Millwork

13 years ago

The first things to ask yourself when considering re-facing is, "Do the cabinet interior parts function properly, and does the layout work for the way I cook." If the answer to both of these questions is "yes", then refinishing is a viable alternative to new cabinets, but changing the color of the cabinets won't be an easy do-it-yourself project. Everything has to be sanded down before new finishes can be applied. Depending on the cabinet end panels, if they're vinyl, they can't be re-finished, so a veneer panel or false door would have to be applied first. My guess is that re-finishing may swallow your entire budget if you have it done professionally, but that's just a guess.
One suggestion... while this color seems dated, the new "in" color is gray, and the white-wash on these cabinets leans toward the gray tones. Part of what is dated are the countertops and the walls. Before you pay to refinish cabinets, why don't you remove a door from its hinges and take it to choose granite, paint, tile splash and hardware that give the cabinets a fresh look. For instance, black granite, stainless tile splash, and taupe paint would be dramatic, emphasize the gray tones of the cabinets, and bring them into the 21st Century. You might even have enough money left to buy new island cabinets in a black paint with deep drawers...

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Comments (11)

User
13 years ago
http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/203921566?productId=203921566&storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&MERCH=REC-_-nosearch2-3-_-NA-_-203921566-_-N#.UYFDYcr67yU
This is basically a DIY kitchen kit that allows you to keep your cabinets but change the color with out having to completely replace them.
User
13 years ago
and as far as paint colors go, do you want the whole kitchen neutral (pretty much like most kitchens) or do you want to go for something more bold?
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PRO
Granite Transformations
13 years ago
Refacing/painting your cabinets and installing granite is going to be tough for under 5k, if that includes painting the kitchen too. My recommendation would be to refinish the island, install new countertops, install new hardware on the cabinets and paint the kitchen. I like the color of your cabinetry and I think a darker glaze might not mix well with the cherry floor.

I like the idea of painting your island a distressed black. My suggestion for the kitchen paint would be Silver Mink by Benjamin Moore- http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/silvermink

This paint will provide a neutral tone, but give your kitchen character.

As for the granite. Our company installs granite right over existing counters, saving you time and money on demo. That might be a wise option for you. I would recommend our Grigio Dolomite granite for the counters, which you can see here- http://www.granitetransformations.com/southjersey/products/granite-countertops/colors/

I'd go with our King Ivory for your island.

Hope this helps. Good luck on your remodel!
sara3269
13 years ago
Hey Alese! Can this system be used over cabinets that have been painted white? I would love to go to a darker stained wood look. The cabinets started out stained wood 25 years ago but have been painted white several times in the last 15 years. They are a good quality wood, none of that engineered stuff!
PRO
Anne Denmon
13 years ago
Here is an idea
mhallow
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks for all the sugguestions so far. The picture that I originally attached was from the MLS listing. I took this picture with my camera - still sellers decorations - the colors are more accurate in this photo. Keep the ideas comng!
User
13 years ago
Hey Sara, I believe that it can be used on white cabinets, but I'm not really sure because I've only seen the dark stain cover lighter color wood.
axellentaesthetics
13 years ago
Have you looked at Rustoleum's cabinet transformations? If not I recommend it! I just used it to update the cabinetry for a rental property and it worked wonderfully. I'll upload pictures but in the meantime you can also go to their website where a lot of customers have uploaded before and afters. I did not do the work myself (had professionals do it) which wasn't too expensive but if you want to do it yourself most people seem to comment that it is easy, just time consuming. Good luck! Lmk if you have any questions.
sheilaskb
11 years ago
I would suggest you keep the cabinets white and then paint the island the same color as the wall color you choose. Then you can have the same counter top on all the cabinets and the island. Just remember that dark or black-veined counter tops go with light-colored cabinets.
km kane
11 years ago
You should find out exactly what kind of wood it is, as not all woods take stain well. I understand that maple doesn't, so there's a possibility you may not be able to go as dark as you'd like. But first, talk to someone who knows and works with wood.

Second, unless you buy the cheapest granite available, you probably will not get that kitchen done for under $5K (sorry). Actually, even the cheap ugly stuff is spendy. Maybebe granite tiles, but full sheets? Not!