What anyone here thinks of them is completely immaterial. You're spending the money, and only you will ever see them.

There is no wrong or right answer. It's just taste, Like them? Buy them. Simple.

Maybe I am an oddball, but sometimes, I don't know whether or not I like something new. There are times my knee jerk reaction is to poo-poo new things, and other times I am quick to embrace novelty. When it comes to a piece of inexpensive clothing, I have little to lose by making a poorly thought out choice. When making over a kitchen, the stakes are higher and so I could use some help from others in thinking it through. Just because I get input from other people it does not follow that I am not making the final decision based on my own taste. All taste , even in food involves some training.Getting other people's opinions on a matter of taste just helps inform and clarify my own opinions.

As for the OP. I am not a fan of those cabinets. They are still gray and while some gray works for me, those are too dark and feel too HGTV to me. Maybe they look better in person, though. For me to choose anything gray right now, it would have to be stunning in order to overcome how hackneyed and trite the use of that color has become.

There are nine billion paint colors and nearly as many for cabinetry . Kitchens are a commitment, they are expensive. If you're doing a color, make certain you want to see that with a bit of repetition elsewhere in paint, furnishing, rugs etc. Nothing lives in isolation, Let alone a kitchen.

The BEST thing you can do is first worry on the whole house layout, the kitchen layout within that house, and all the components making a cohesive whole. Get an interior designer and a Kitchen Designer working together, early on. A great house is a team in tandem and all the many many decisions you will make in the process, in harmony. : ) Cabinet color or stain, is but ONE aspect.

Use rift dawn white oak and then do the pickling to create a classically beautiful kitchen.

That looks like blue stain, not pickling or blue paint.

Is it time to point out that the cabinet color and floor color clash and create a kitchen in distress?

I like the pickled look. I also don't mind those cabinets (although they look grey to me and still look a little trendy). However, I don't care for the kitchen overall - it is too stark. I think it's mostly the huge white hood and large expanse of floor/counter/backsplash without any color or interesting elements.

Difficult to tell true color on the monitor.... I kind of like them, something different from the ubiquitous white / gray combination. Regarding the flooring, it looks okay from what little I can see in pic #1 & not great in #2, might just be the lighting or monitor though.

Specialized finishes look better w a section like base cabs in stained wood. Small kitchens -mixing finishes isn't always possible but this is a very lg kitchen. The finish would actually have more appeal if other wood had been put in the mix. It's a nice enough space to work in (but nothing special was achieved).....the "looks" may be attractive for some.....but more interest could have resulted if details inserted .

Perhaps a cerused oak on just the island

I have a pretty calibrated 27" monitor and those cabinets look gray to me. And as others point out they seem to clash with the warm tones of the wood floor.

I am not adverse to making bold design choices - i.e. I just finished a gut remodel and my kitchen and bathrooms are neither beige, white or gray :-). I had pale rose kitchen cabinets for several years because it was an open kitchen and I just painted the cabinets to match the rest of interior and I never regretted that decision :-).

In my current remodel, I wasn't worried about what was on trend or whether it was going to look dated because my design choices were those styles and colors which appealed to me and in most instances were not on a whim but were consistent with what I had liked for a long time. I don't think they resemble ANYTHING I have ever seen :-)

In terms of your question, if I loved blue, I would do blue but I am not sure if I would do a pickled finish but that's because I hated pickled oak even when it was super trendy back in the 1990's or was it the 2000's?

Thanks for all of the comments. We will be building on the water so something about that stain/pickle blueish grey appearance just looks coastal to me. It seems very fitting for our home. I agree with the flooring, and the other whites. I was just focusing on the cabinets.

Jan pointed out that the kitchen is just one part of the entire home and everything needs to work together.

My home is MCM and I have all teak MCM furnishings. If I could afford to change out my cabinetry to anything I wanted I would put teak cabinets in my kitchen with slab doors.

I have a very homogenous look throughout my house. But that is my style.

I recently took some pictures of someone else's home because I loved the way they mixed and matched various elements to create harmony without being completely homogeneous.

Sorry - the pics are mostly low quality - old phone, but I think they convey the story.

She used raw wood beams, dark, rich cabinets and white cabinets. But these same elements are repeated over and over throughout the home.

Note the beam color and the nook cabinetry.

Kitchen has both the island and one section of dark cabinetry.

The game room also has the dark wood built in bookshelf and distressed wood in the furnishings along with her great driftwood art.

The bathrooms have the white cabinetry, but she added this storage to bring in the distressed wood.

Picking the right cabinetry really depends on everything else that you love and want to incorporate into your home. Can you imagine the home above with your pickled cabinets in the kitchen?

They also would not work well in my MCM home or with my Sister In Law's country decor.

I think you should stop asking strangers for opinions do what you like its your house and I find you will get as many answers as comments and you will not be any further ahead. IMO a home done with what you love is always going to be a home and not just a house.

Has the pickel-ing process improved? We had pickled cabinets in an 8 yr old house we bought and you could literally removed some of the finish with a finger nail. We ended up having them professionally painted.

Ask 1985 how the pickled wood and country blue geese kitchens were for that timeless look.

Gray is not a FAD look, although I know that many Houzzers believe otherwise. There are many kitchens out there which have had gray cabinets/flooring/etc., for many many years.

I disagree. You say there are many kitchens that have had gray cabinets for many, many years. How many years? 7? 10? more?

Because if it's under 10 years, it's a trend or a fad. I doubt you'll find many or even a few gray kitchens that are older than 10 years old.

So you may like or love the look and that's fine, but it's still trendy.

Sorry I’m new to the app and don’t know how to directly respond on my phone.
I guess on my end, every time i walk in a house it’s either white or grey. So for me this was a way to add color on a budget. Not everyone has limitless budgets. When you go into a.m cabinet store, you’re limited to white, grey, and browns. However, they are now carrying this pickle look. So to me it adds some sort of different character. We are building in a suburb outside of New Orleans, and on the water. So to me, I’m used to color and soul. Not stark white. Yet I know the white is timeless and in my budget I can do the all white look. But just wanted different.
I look at this and actually see beachy washed drift wood look. And to me, that fits perfectly where we are building. Everything is Mediterranean style with palm trees and my living room will overlook the water.
I’m just scared I’ll hate the pickle look. Do you do maybe just the island pickle?
Sorry, was just looking for advice! Not remarks about being in 1985. For what it’s worth, I was born after so that doesn’t even apply to me :)

cpartist, I know a few kitchens with gray laminate cabinets from the 1980s and early 90s...though I don't think that's helping Jora's argument.

Someone can probably find a kitchen or pantry with gray PAINTED cabinets if they look back far enough. I'm thinking in the mid 1800s when white walls with trim painted in a color were common. Gray in itself is certainly not a trend, as gray has been in design forever. But what is new is any sort of gray stain, gray wood look tile, and designs that use absolutely no other colors than gray and white.

Seriously though, do something because you really love it and are sure you are going to love it for some time. Unless you are being intentionally retrospective in all of your design choices it's nearly impossible to create something that won't have some trademark stamp of the year that it was done.

I also do not see the clash between the floor and cabinets on my screen. Warm brown wood tones can go with nearly any color except clashing reds and browns.

Erin, I really like them. Which is weird for me because normally I prefer stained wood, but something about the look really appeals to me. I can see them going "beach-y" very easily and if that's what you're looking for then great.

This is a question of aesthetics. No one can really answer the question for you, but you. If you post a subjective question you're likely to get subjective and highly varying answers. I don't really see anyone being mean or over the top - just reacting to the look you've posted. Some like it, some hate it. I happen to really like it, but it's a very specific look so I can see why it's not for everyone.

I'm thinking the pickled/cerused finishes on floors and cabinetry will date themselves in another 5 years. I would go with painted cabinetry all the way in a beachy color you love. If you want to jazz things up a bit, go for a walnut or oak butcher block top and/or a contrast color for the island.

Those who can not learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat it. And learn personally from the expensive mistakes.

If you like the pickle, and if fits with your coastal design for the home? GO FOR IT. I’d lean more of a mid tone warm blue than gray, though :)

I like them as well - the variegation in the color is more interesting to me than a solid color that you get with paint (just personal preference). Here's another version of a pickled finish, it is warmer than the gray-blue. I think where I would want to do pickled oak finish the most is on the floor, though. I love the look of these floors, they say "relaxed, oceanfront" to me and even though I am 40 miles from a beach ... I still want them.

WATER MILL: 4" RED OAK INSTALLED AND PICKLED - 3 COATS BONA TRAFFIC SATIN · More Info

Elegant Modern · More Info

I guess on my end, every time i walk in a house it’s either white or grey. So for me this was a way to add color on a budget.

Except this would not be a budget cabinet.

Not everyone has limitless budgets.

No they don't and the way to change it up is paint the walls, pick a stone with color, pick a backsplash with color, use wood cabinets, etc. There are lots of examples with kitchens that are not boring white or gray. In fact I had started a thread HERE complaining about the same thing and then lots of folks posted their gorgeous kitchens.

And no, a colorful kitchen or one that isn't just white or gray doesn't necessarily take lots of money, but it does take creativity.

When you go into a.m cabinet store, you’re limited to white, grey, and browns. However, they are now carrying this pickle look. So to me it adds some sort of different character.

And if you absolutely love it, and will in 10 years, then that absolutely is what you should get. (If you notice my comment wasn't about the pickled look, it was about gray. The same thing you were saying.)

We are building in a suburb outside of New Orleans, and on the water. So to me, I’m used to color and soul. Not stark white. Yet I know the white is timeless and in my budget I can do the all white look. But just wanted different.

White has been used forever but even white is not timeless. The cabinet styles change. The materials used in the kitchens change. However if you design the house and the kitchen to work together and to work with the style of the house, then yes your kitchen will look more timeless. (Again, look at some of the kitchens posted in the thread above and how they do look timeless)

I’m just scared I’ll hate the pickle look. Do you do maybe just the island pickle?

Why not pick a color for the cabinets? What is your favorite color? What would work with your house?

If you're willing to be bold, I can even see a muted turquoise for the cabinets, with a soft white counter and backsplash. Or white perimeter with maybe any glass cabinets insides painted a beachy color along with the island?

Seriously though, do something because you really love it and are sure you are going to love it for some time. Unless you are being intentionally retrospective in all of your design choices it's nearly impossible to create something that won't have some trademark stamp of the year that it was done.

Excellent advice!

I can think of nothing more coastal than white cabinets a honed marble counter and an cloudy ocean blue or green paint on an island:) I doubt you ever tire of it either. Or soao stone !

A feel in a home ? Get the pros to help you carry that feel throughout.

One should NOT decorate ones house based on the kitchen cabinets!!! Hire a designer to help you with your main living spaces. After that, you will know what color your kitchen cabinets should be.

I do remember pickled cabinets at least 25 years ago. I was not a big fan then, but it's YOUR house and you should get what makes your heart sing. Just design the living space before the kitchen, otherwise, the "tail is wagging the dog".

You can tell by reading all the comments that there really isnt an answer for you here. It is what you like! None of "us" are going to live there. Good design is three part. 1) factual... is there enough storage, can you work in there freely, a place for your passion pizzepizza oven, coffee bar, pasta spout over the cooktopcook top? 2) financial , this is the prickley one, is it in Your budget? 3) and the one that makes you happy... when you walk in does it, color, style, flow, make you smile. Some parts itsit's a good idea to get proffessionalprofessional help with. BUT it is your kitchen so go with what you want. Will you always like it? Probably not. So in XX number of years you will change things. But please do what you want.

I posted a response a while back and was attached by other posters. Since this is all opinion letslet's play nice and not attack each other. It is dated, it isn't dated, I've done 15 remodels so I know. Tisktisk, play nice.

Erin.... I don't see gray, but deep ocean in those cabinets. This color reminds me of the waves breaking off of Malibu. The white tile and countertop keeps things airy & light.

If you live near the ocean or not, this is a beautiful kitchen. Keep this muted blue in your decor scheme throughout the home... Even the slightest bit of blue- light blue- navy.. You could have a red traditional Persian rug, with tiny bit of blue.... (Blue touches here and there OR everywhere- your choice.)

I don't see gray, but deep ocean in those cabinets

This reminds me of the dress color from about 2 years ago because I see gray. LOL.

Thanks guys! I guess the photos portray it as more grey but it is definitely more of a bluish hue. Which I think will look great as I’m building on the water. Appreciate all of the feedback, both negative and positive. It’s given me a lot of insight and made me realize that at the end of the day, it’s my house and my taste, and only i can make that decision. Thanks you all!

Erin, you've already been given the best advice - do what you love. And the second best - hire a designer to help you.

You've also accidentally learned a crucial lesson, too: be very careful what you ask on Houzz and how you ask it! :-)

Design for no one else's approval but you and your family and you'll be fine. Best of luck to you!

I personally like them, especially for a house on the water.

I’m not a fan of blue in kitchen cabinets unless it’s very very dark, almost black. But that’s just my personal preference.

Green Designs-. You made a rather interesting statement: Those who can not learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat it. And learn personally from the expensive mistakes..

In your wisdom/ foresight and experience, what color kitchen is best?

Thank you for your post, I've saved it to my Coastal kitchen folder.

This PB Kenmare Ikat pillow may help to marry those cabinets with the seating area in your great room.or perhaps on an entry bench- just spots of blue throughout the home https://www.potterybarn.com/products/kenmare-ikat-pillow-cover/?catalogId=11&sku=6555114&cm_ven=PLA&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Pillows%20%26%20Decor%20%3E%20Patterned%20Pillows&cm_ite=6555114&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIroGzhtL74gIVk7fsCh2krwhmEAQYASABEgJogfD_BwE

DK Haas - I don't know if I would state it as portentously as Green Designs :-) but my interpretation is that if one follows trends rather than designing with what one likes, your kitchen (or whatever) will stand the most important test of time - i.e. that you like it down the road.

Of course it's sometimes hard to separate trends from personal taste and there is the rub.

Color Choices from 1927. . .

"Dove Gray, Cactus Green, Lama Tan, Travertine Ivory, Shasta White"

Green Designs - I have to laugh - this was the inspiration for my kitchen. I saw it featured on Lynette Jennings Design in 1998. It was part of an award winning renovation in a historic victorian home. There was no saving online photos back then but I ran across the house for sale for 1.5 million in Pacific Grove. I did not get blue, but regular oak:) I still have my kitchen with a little refresh a few years ago:) I did not have the geese backsplash - though I did have them on my doorbell cover.

My inspiration from 1998:

Funny thing - I saw the three geese for sale as a yard ornament recently. I almost bought it just for the memories:) To be honest, I would take this kitchen over the ubiquitous gray and white with black counter any day - even without the ocean view.

So - go with what you like - I remembered this kitchen for 20 years and was able to recognize it when the house went up for sale.

I like the color but the pickle effect- they look dirty to me or like it was a bad stain or paint job.

Guess I’m just late to the game. Being born in 88’ I see the pickle as “new”. Something different as opposed to the cherry my parents had or the bites now.

I remember 31...................: ) The only thing I have left from that age is photographs and great memories. lol

Oh and the same wonderful white china with silver rim ....

I had a client that made a compromise with their cottage, the cabinets got painted and they got pickled every weekend they were there.

Thanks guys! Funny I follow the beachy style and rhisbwas on my home page on Houzz.

Erin,

After 40 years my style is in vogue.

I said earlier that my style is MCM. Very much in vogue today, but I got my first pieces in the 1980s as hand me down furniture and bought others pieces at garage sales and flea markets.

I have never looked good in tan, have never owned much tan clothing and never wanted a lot of tans in my décor. I am also not a big fan of gray, so over the past 40 years I have chosen either white or taupe as my preferred neutral. My favorite colors are still purples, reds and teals. They have been my favorite colors since I was a kid. I skipped over the builders beige and white trend and have never drown myself in a sea of neutral.

I have never liked small busy patterns, preferring a solid color, softly blended shades of a single color or a large, bold prints.

My home décor that was so "not in vogue" always brought me joy.

My advice to you, buy a sample door, bring it home and live with it for a few days. If you love it, buy it, live with it, enjoy it. Our homes are not meant to bring joy to others, they are meant to bring joy to the people who are living in the home.