My recommendation is for you to paint both your cabinets and your island the same color and put some nice, new hardware on them. Change out your sink to a farmhouse and then replace your counter top with something that compliments the counter you are keeping over the island. Soapstone is a personal favorite of mine and would look great with whatever color you painted the cabinets. I think you would have a brand new looking kitchen for minimal expense!

Whether or not to paint the cabinets is a personal choice -- paint can chip, which is a bummer, but you might like the lightness of a new color, maybe a cream or a pale gray.

As for counters, I'd keep the marble on the island but replace the perimeter with quartz, which is harder wearing. Should be easy to find a gray or a white that will go with the marble without introducing a competing pattern.

If you want a farmhouse sink, you'll have to have that cabinet modified, as the front takes the place of the false drawer and the support system changes. Possible, but not necessary -- you could probably get a larger undermount sink for the same cabinet (I've put a 30 in a 30, for example, with careful cabinet work). Get a nice new faucet at the same time, for the luxury of a high arc when washing pots.

I did wonder about what leelee said -- the space between your sink and wall seems very narrow, which might be the fault of trying to fit the fancy edge on the front, then the sink, and a thick backsplash, and still have room for the functional stuff. A tile backsplash would help, as would a simpler edge so your sink can move forward (also easier to use). You should check whether your farmhouse sink would even fit, if there is some depth issue, before going that way.

If you do decide to get new counters you need to look for a sink that's not as wide from front to back. That will allow for more faucet room. Just 1 or 2 inches could really help. You could go slightly longer from side to side so you wouldn't lose anything.

To me a farmhouse sink would be too much trouble since you'd have to replace or alter the cabinet to accommodate.

I prefer stained cabinets, but white is pretty and it depends on your budget and your personal preference. Professionally painted cabinets are expensive, but maple paints up better than some other woods.

There are two Kohler farmhouse sinks made to go on a standard sink base cabinet. The Kohler Vault (stainless steel) and the Kohler Whitehaven (cast iron) come in both a "short apron" and a "tall apron" style. The short apron goes on a standard sink base cabinet with very little modification. The tall apron style is meant for a farm sink cabinet and would require modifications to the cabinet as well as new doors - so a more expensive install.

Short apron Whitehaven:

Tall apron style:

I have the "short apron" Whitehaven in my kitchen in the 36" sink base size. In my case, with the wide sink base, the sink evokes a little more the feel of a vintage American cast iron sink then the European butler sinks which are the inspiration for the larger apron farm sinks. However, done with the stainless Vault, the short apron can look more contemporary if you want to avoid the farmhouse look.

My cabinets are much older than yours so I opted for a vintage look and went with the short apron Whitehaven. It is a great sink in how it functions, but also is a good way to blend older country with modern farmhouse style. My counters are quartz.

My kitchen:

[https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~93784356[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~93784356)

I prefer light counters, but agree soapstone might work best with the marble island and possibly could work with the marble backsplash. Otherwise, a simple subway tile like below would be pretty too.

Thanks for all the great advice. I probably should have mentioned, that yes (leelee, acm) - the fauset & sink barely fit (my fault - reno 12 years ago - i selected items and hired seperate contractors) and the marble counter cracks around the sink have been patched few times and just finally needs to be replaced.

I love the painted cabinets (acm) - but worry about painted cabinet upkeep - children, pets, messy cooks . But aren't my natural maple cabinets too dated? Stain was mentioned (jhmarie)... would you stain them?

And thanks for the counter & sink advice - I too love soapstone & think it would pair well with marble on island. And thinking (acm, jhmarie) that a slightly smaller farmhouse sink might give fauset more space in back since it comes forward over cabinets usually. But yes, probably extra $ to fit cabinets.

When I mentioned stained cabinets, I meant my own preference is for stained wood over painted, though I have a couple of friends with lovely white kitchens. If I redid my kitchen from scratch, I would still go with stained cabinets, probably still in oak, but I'd do a different door style - more craftsman-like.

There are many homes with pretty maple cabinets and if you like them you should go ahead and work with them as they are. However, if you think you would prefer painted, and have the budget for it, maple has the advantage of painting up rather well compared to some other woods, and maple tends to yellow over time more than other woods. Do not worry about the trend or what is dated or not because things change so fast you can't keep up. Your kitchen should be what you like, not what is "on trend". I would be very unhappy in a white and gray kitchen no matter how stunningly it was put together - just not my color scheme.

I have some painted and some stained cabinetry in my home. There is more upkeep to the painted. It is not overwhelming, but my kids are older. I did notice chipped paint on one of my friends factory painted custom 5 year old cabinets - the garbage one, so it gets lots of use.

If you go with the short apron Whitehaven farm sink, there is almost no alteration of the sink base cabinet. My countertop installer did my sink too, and it only took him a few hours for the whole job. The question would be if you like the look of the short apron. The apron self faces along the framing of the cabinet, so you can't pull this sink out farther, but you should not need to if you have standard size cabinets.

If you have standard cabinets, then I am not sure why you have so little faucet space. Perhaps the marble backsplash takes up more space or your sink was installed a little farther back. I have plenty of space behind my sink. I also have a single handle faucet which is mostly over the sink. Helps keep drips from wet hands off the counter:

I do like the soapstone, but I have a little difficulty working on a black background - probably more my age then anything:)

This before and after showed up on the garden web - just thought there was some similarity in cabinets:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/4736479/kitchen-facelift-caeserstone-london-grey?n=3

bethany2p:

If I fixed your cracked marble, it would be inconspicuous and would not fail again. The sink has to be dropped, the marble repaired, and the sink remounted with straps.

While I can't tell from your pictures, it looks like you may have failed (rusting) reinforcement rods in your front and rear sink rails. Can we see a close-up please? If so, I would suggest replacing the sink with a Kohler 3942. The one I installed yesterday was less than 2K, sink and plumbing included. That's a heck of a lot cheaper than top replacement and you get an amazing sink out of the deal.

The cabinet alterations are simple. I've got the cardboard template used to see if the sink will work (it will if you have a 36" sink base or larger) and I'll be glad to send it to you if you PM me your address.

I think Bethany just wants a new counter ; )

And I think acm was right about the backsplash being too thick since it's a slab that matches counters.

So maybe the best way to go, if she doesn't mind spending the money, is a new counter and new tile backsplash. Then there would be more room for the faucet.

Bethany, no your cabinets are not dated. Not sure how the backsplash is installed in relation to the cabinets?

bethany2P:

You can probably install a Kohler 22"x33" too.

"I think Bethany just wants a new counter ; )"

This ^ is kinda funny, but believe it or not, in about one out every 10 rod repair jobs I propose, the lady decides to use the money I would have charged as a down payment on new tops.

I'm wondering if new counters will really solve anything if the old backsplash is left in place.

Thanks guys!
Here's what I'm currently thinking... my marble counters near sink have a seam right before the corner. So im hoping i would only have to replace up to that seam. And i think getting a new sink - farmhouse apron style with a length of 18" or less (current sink is 19.5") and cabinet is usual 24" length. I'm thinking that could possbly give me an added inch or two for fauset, etc.

OR.... maybe just replace sink with something like theses (see photos) and not worry about cracks in counter??

If you replace your sink with a 22x33 undermount or 3942 apron drop-in, you need no new counters and will have a stainless steel faucet deck with either.

Bethany2p How will you find a matching piece of marble to do a partial replacement? Or are you planning on using a contrasting color? Not fond of your second thoughts for a sink, they look dated. I would consider having the crack repaired, and replacing the sink, or repairing the present sink supports.. if that is the problem.

Your cabinets are not dated and I love soapstone with maple. Maybe you could replace your perimeter countertops with soapstone, leave the cabinets their current color, leave the marble on your island and paint just your island in a soft black or maybe a green/black to coordinate with your new soapstone. You may even be able to keep your marble backsplash.

have a qualified stone fabricator repair the crack. With all the veining in the stone they could blend a color of epoxy so that it will never be noticeable

bethany2p:

Close-ups of the front and rear sink rails, please?

"How will you find a matching piece of marble to do a partial replacement?"

Excellent question.

I spent 4 hours, and billed for every one of them, searching for the 5" x 36" rear sink replacement rail pictured here. You can't be too fussy when you're playing mix 'n match even at over $300.00 per square foot.

Don't paint the cabinets. What the heck is wrong with people on here.

Alrighty - more crack photos as requested & sink support. Joseph Corlett.

So - background, sink was first installed without any support under counter (not sure who to blame, but when counter around sink began cracking i had support added under sink & have had marble counter cracks repaired at least four times over the years (put in new counters & sink 13 years ago).

Hummingalong2, I was hoping i might be able to find marble to closely match? Is that unlikely?

And the reason i was suggesting the old fashioned drop in sinks with built in drainboards was because the newest crack goes far right of sink. Ugh.

Katinparadise, i like your suggestion... but would i have to replace all the marble counters on perimeters? Such as the marble on desk (although i do hate the desk section and was always eventually planning to replace desk area with a wine cooler and beverage area), and small section of marble on opposite wall? I am assuming I would have to for the balance - and doing so definitly adds $$ up. Thinking trying to match current marble saves $$.

You can always try, but I think it will be difficult, especially since yours already has 13 years of use. How big is the marble on the top of the desk..could you use that for a repair? and do something different with that section. Hopefully Joseph C has a good solution for you after seeing your additional pictures.

It would make the most sense design wise to replace all the perimeter counter tops. After 13 years, I would think the marble has developed a patina and might be difficult to match. Virginia Mist granite resembles soapstone and may be a less expensive option.

bethany2p:

You've blown a rod in your front rail. You are getting a new top and/or sink and/or repair, whether you like it or not. That rod will continue to rust until it literally blows the stone away. Time is not on your side:

Install the 3942, pull the rod to each side of it, decontaminate the crack, patch with color matched methacrylate and what's left of it, if anything, will look like a natural vein in the stone. It's a permanent fix, functional, beautiful, and very cost effective.

The 3942 is a nice looking sink. Nice job JC!. Good luck bethany2p with whatever you decide. Updates would be great!

According how much work, mess and changes you want.
Your cabinets are very nice. I wouldn't mess with them. Replace sink and countertop. Changing out hardware, adding some color with rugs and accessories and getting clutter put away will make a big difference.
I have white cabinets and love them but they do get nicks and dirty with use.

Thanks Joseph Corlett! Im going to follow your advice. Do you have any recommendations on who to have do the work? General contractor? The stone people who installed the counters (Stone & Tile Creations)? Plumber probably needed with sink change - sink garbage disposal & filter. Someone else? (NC Triangle area). Thanks so much for all your advice!

I would paint the cupboards a white or cream colour. I'm doing the same thing in my place! It will definitely freshen it up!

bethany2p:

I'd post on www.stonefabricatorsalliance.com in the General section to find a contractor.

Check out piatra grey quartz it looks similar to soapstone