I would paint it and the chairs to match, but do it in an accent color such as grey, navy or black. I would leave the table the natural color. None of course needs to be done right away, but I understand you wanting to be done! Its hard to come this far and still have that hanging over you. Wishing the best to your husband and yourself.

Oh Nina—my heart goes out to your husband and to you. Are you physically doing all this work yourself or have you hired people? Dealing with your husband’s illness is stressful enough which is why I strongly suggest, if you haven’t already, hiring a general contractor or handyman to help you finish this renovation as quickly as possible. As for painting the hutch, since it doesn’t need to be painted in order to be functional, just leave it. BUT, if painting it yourself would be therapeutic or having it painted by someone else would bring you joy then go for it!

The hutch is beautiful....keep it as is and set up the table and chairs and spend time with hubs and enjoy where you are in the moment.

Hi ninasa5-

Best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery to your husband and lots of strength to you!

Never mind about painting the wood hutch. It looks just fine.

And the kitchen doesn't have to be perfect either, Martha Stewart and the Queen of England aren't coming to visit.

Just put the hutch in the dining room wherever it is going to live and dust it off and put in it whatever you were going to put in ti, pretty plates or whatever.

Put away your food stuffs and dishes to the extent you can so that when your husband comes home the place looks neat and restful for him.

That it is neat is more important than if the backsplash is finished.

And here is some unsolicited advice.

You don't want to be so exhausted from working on the house that when you go visit him in the hospital you feel and look exhausted and have no energy and no sparkle.

You are more important to your husband than what the house looks like, so stop work early, rest a while. Then take care of yourself, dress up, fix your hair, put on make up, jewelry, like you were going on a date with your husband every day you go see him at the husband so he is cheered up every time he sees you.

Nina,,leave it for now. go through what you need to handle w/ hub. The hutch isn't an antique,,it's a piece from the 50's made from maple. I've redone a few of these and chalk paint would be the easiest one for you to use on it. look up painted maple hutch on Pinterest and you should see plenty of ideas. if you just want to clean up the hardware, try Brasso or barkeepers friend. It's in decent shape so there's no hurry right now.

You may not believe it, but your husband may find some comfort in something familiar and quiet. Just step back, breath and let the stress ease. I'm a neurosurgical nurse. I see how the struggles are for families every day.

If it is more of a stress to have this hanging over you unfinished, ask your husband what he would like to see.

Prayers for your family.

Very sorry to hear about your husband. :( But don't paint that hutch - it's a LOT of work to do it properly (preparation) and it's way easier to maintain as is. BTW - if the top is detachable, you might want to see how it looks in that space without the top - it will be a lot less overwhelming and it might be nice to just have a picture over it. Just a thought - very easy to try if it's detachable as many of these are. And best of luck to you and your hubby, and I hope he does get to come home.