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melissa_baker71

painted upper kitchen cabinets... now what?!

6 years ago

I just painted my upper kitchen cabinets (used to match lower) and I am regretting going with pure white. They look too bright and the cream counter top now seems out of place I think? The same counter top is in the bathrooms too. Would a white counter fix the problem or should I repaint them or leave them. The trim and doors are the same pure white. Help! 😅

Comments (21)

  • PRO
    6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    What goes with what? As in countertop vs backsplash tiles vs floor tile?

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    I think the cabinet looks different in every picture - the lighting is playing tricks. I think it looks good. It will be more costly to redo the countertops which could damage the backsplash than adding one more coat of paint in a different color.

    Are you keeping the wall color? Maybe changing that paint will change it all as well..

    Good luck!

  • 6 years ago

    Keeping the wall colour! We want new counter tops at some point anyway but didn’t think about it damaging the backsplash. Might have to update that too then! Thanks for your thoughts maybe I’ll get used to the bright white! If we get new counters I am assuming as long as they have white in them the will coordinate ok with the cabinets?

  • 6 years ago

    I was going to say the same as @Debbi Washburn. The cabinets and counter look different in every single picture. Your undercabinet lighting looks bright white, but your ceiling lights look like they might have a slight yellow to them. I'd change your lighting to be all the same before painting anything else, this will also be cheaper than any paint job or counter / tile replacement.


    ps - the counters in your bathroom have nothing to do with the counters in your kitchen... they don't have to match in every room.

  • 6 years ago

    Thanks for your thoughts. I really just wanted folks opinions on if having a cream/beige counter top and white cabinets was ok or a complete design fail haha I’m not good with these things!! :) maybe this pic is better.

  • 6 years ago

    Sorry, I do think the cabinet white is too white compared to everything else in your space. Cant you paint them a softer white?


    its ok to have cream counters with white, you just need a warm white

  • 6 years ago

    I think it might look cool if the cabinets were the same color as the walls. They then disappear and open the space.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    I think a diff backsplash would make all the difference. (I think lighter stools (or at least white seats) would also help.

    if you did something with some color, or even a black/white or geometric type of tile, it would really look good.

    The benefit is that it puts in a buffer between those two shades of white. right now it all melds together

    see how this one runs interference for the two white shades?

    Scroll down to the last picture and I did a mock-up for you.

    Your white counter, white backsplash w/white grout, and the white cabs, is rather meh.


    Doesn't have to be anything 'out there'. any of these would add a nice pop to your kitchen








    a porcelain tile w/muted colors that look like cement would work too





    if you like the white and the mosaic, then look at the Nabi Jewel from Tilebar.


    this one is matte white. if you grouted w/medium gray grout, you'd still have your white, but the gray would give the eye some break between all of that white. (also comes in many colors,,,the SeaWind would be stunning w/the wood in the lower cabs




    then I'd bring in a nice sisal rug for some added texture and to play w/the white shades

  • 6 years ago

    Yes, they are too white for your room. I do think a different wall color might help some.

  • 6 years ago

    Thanks all! Especially BethH. Very helpful! Maybe I’ll keep them pure white but add a white counter and more interesting backsplash when I have the budget (or maybe just try to get white bar stools for now a few more white accessories to tie it in better...)

  • 6 years ago

    for the stools, look at something along these lines. Your dark stools virtually disappear into the wood panel




  • 6 years ago

    I think it's fine. The lighting makes all the colors look different, and the white of the cabinets looks like it matches your trim and doors well. If you change anything at all, I would think about a different color for your walls.

  • 6 years ago

    Thanks calidesign! What would you recommend for the walls?

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    melissa,,,I saw some other options over at HeathCeramics. you have a small backsplash area so it shouldn't be too costly.

    I love some of these to put in between your cabs/countertop

    any of these blues would look great w/your wood and your dining chairs. I like this one:


    this blue looks beautiful next to wood and white. I love this




    or this blue:








    for your walls, try a slightly warmer gray tone. I used Light Pewter in my kitchen and really like it. (and I have walnut shelving, so it works well w/the wood)


    BM Pale Oak is another nice neutral.

    Have you thought about painting your front door a color? (on the inside)

  • 6 years ago

    Beth those are great backsplash ideas! I do actually like my wall colour haha they are SW White Duck. I like pale oak too! Sort of similar. I love the idea of painting the inside of the front door a colour! Fun. We have Behrs Bermudan Blue in our bedroom - would be fun to match that on the door maybe. What do you think?

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    I like that color.

    can you do a door like this?


    tried to fill in the backsplash too.


  • 6 years ago

    Similar! Yes. Maybe leave the inside of the squares white and the rest blue? Or other way around

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    I'd do the entire thing. leave the trim white.


    Maybe do a shade or two lighter though, since nothing else is blue right there. I'd think about doing an entryway rug w/the blue, or some artwork, or something else to tie it in.



    See how these dark blue doors all have something else to tie in the color? do that






    any chance of doing a door w/some glass or maybe a cool light ?


  • 6 years ago

    Love those doors. Nice idea

  • 6 years ago

    For the wall color, it depends on your personal preferences and also on your furniture in the adjacent space. It just seems that the beige is very bland along with your beige floors. You might consider a white that has a very subtle amount of blue or green, which would look fresh in the space. Just enough color to contrast with your white trim.

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