Go on one of the laminate websites or to a store and see what you like . There is sooo many different colors and patterns to choice from. Pick your paint after you pick the counter top.

I went with a light colored quartz on my similar tone wood cabinets, but I have seen black look nice too. If you want it to be lighter, go light. If you have good lighting, you can consider dark. I think some of the home center stores have a "stock" black that is not very expensive. There are stock light counters too - just not sure if you would like them.

I've tried the manufacturers website but I didn't see much that really jumped out at me. I prefer the painted look as well and would definitely do that, but I was just worried about the cabinets underneath the stairs. Should I paint those also, or do you think I should leave them as is?

I looked at laminate yesterday, bigger samples, and the ones I liked looked completely different online. Wouldn't hurt to check out the samples, see things in person. Maybe take a door w/you!

Also I could re-tile, but I'd have to take the cabinetry off the walls and reinstall it. Is that a big job if I'm already redoing the countertops and getting new appliances?

Seems like a bigger job to me...buuuut I don't know anything about tiling. If you're going to put an addition in in a couple few years, do you want to do more to the kitchen now than just counters and paint?

If you’re keeping black appliances, go for something dark or a pattern that pulls in some black. It will depend on if you want a solid color, pattern that looks like soapstone, granite, marble, etc. and whether you want a smooth or textured laminate. I like the Wilsonart patterns that mimic swirly marbles and granites personally, but the bigger samples in the store look different than online. No it won’t look exactly like the real thing, but it will still look nice.

I wouldn’t paint the cabinets either, but I’d change that wall color to something less yellow once you pick a laminate. Maybe a pretty freestanding island in a complimentary color?

I've been using the tool chest as an island, but I could try something different too. I will likely replace the black appliances with stainless, and after some thought I don't want to do more than countertops and paint as it's only a temp fix. the only thing that irks me is I can have a range hood with the stove being right next to the chimney, unless I get a big honking island sized one. would that look ok or would it be out of place?

Your cabinets look fine as is. I wouldn't paint them. They will never look as good painted as they look now unless you have them professionally done.

I wouldn't paint those cabinets either. I'd go bring home some WilsonArt and Formica samples and judge them in place. When I was debating going laminate, I was able to get a bunch for free. Narrow them down, and then enquire about larger samples from the ones that pass.

sounds like not painting is the consensus. I'll get some laminate samples tomorrow and post the few that I like. I thought Arctic Snow was a winner when I went today but I think it's just a little too white. stay tuned!

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

I wouldn't paint the cabinets either. Are you going to do a 4" laminate backsplash like the counter or a tile backsplash to the counter level? When you're choosing keep your floor in mind.

Can I just say that your space is really warm and charming..

Thanks! I'll probably keep the floor as this is just a quick update. For the countertop I am not going to have a laminate backsplash, instead I'll re-tile. Agreed that I have to keep this in mind, but I suspect I'll do that piece last as there are a million tile options.

Went to Home Depot today and got a few samples. Not limiting my choices to these four, but hopefully I can narrow down to a specific colour group. My favourite is the light brown on the left, although I am slightly concerned about how similar it is to the floor tile (I'll be replacing the wall tile regardless). Thoughts?

Have your looked at Formica FX180 petrified wood. Your place reminds me of a little of a cabin in the woods. Petrified wood looks like (on my screen) that it has all the colors in your home and is a little bold and edgy . It has the colors of your warm cabinet tones, the dark flooring, the wood burner and the red brick. I like the tool cabinet as an island. Unusual and cool.

Either the first on the left or the one on the right in the second picture. Is that santa cecilia light? If you have any leftover tiles, take one with you to the store. It’ll help you to choose paint and countertops.

Are you replacing the backsplash tiles? If not, then I would pick something much more simple. All those choices are fighting with the backsplash and between the busy backsplash and busy floor, it's too much.

(If it were me, I'd remove the backsplash, pick a laminate I love and then tile the backsplash with a plain tile. Those large backsplash tiles look like floor tiles that were added to the backsplash.)

^^^ What cp said.

I rather like the darker one, it gives some drama. I looked up the Formica FX180 petrified wood which is really cool.

I love your cabinets and a new counter will really make them shine. Splurge on a new backsplash along with your counters. Excited to see what you choose.

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