Kitchen Cabinet & Backsplash Help

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

Hi Houzz,

I moved into a new condo about 6 months ago and the last room I need to tackle is my kitchen. Currently it functions fine but is always so dark and brown. I've replaced the pendant lights, installed new pulls, and new faucet already.

I'd like to get the cabinets professionally painted, add under-cabinet lights, and swap out the stone backsplash for something lighter/more modern. Replacing the brown granite isn't really in-budget so I'm trying to find something that can refresh it and make it look more contemporary.

Anyone have any recommendations on cabinet colors? I've considered Urbane Bronze for the lowers & n creamy white for the uppers. But not sure if this would be too matchy...also not sure if the 2-tone kitchens are falling out of trend...
Assuming I keep the brown granite, any recommendations on what kind of backsplash will lighten this up and still match??
Backsplash is the same stone as in the adjoining living room around the fireplace. So I think if I replace one of them I should keep them matching?

For reference: Walls are Proper Gray (SW) and Urbane Bronze (SW) is the accent color under the peninsula. The stone backsplash is also carried into the living room around the fireplace, also painted Urbane Bronze (SW).

Thanks for your help!!

Mark

(Note: Posting this at work so I can add some better photos of countertop/backsplash when I'm home tonight)

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Comments (7)

PRO
JAN MOYER
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
A really decent pro paint job will be as much or more than changing the counters/splash. Do that instead!

If you still want to paint them later??? Rome wasn't built in a day.
chicagoans
3 years ago
The cabinets look nice. Instead of painting them (best left to a pro) I think you'd get more from replacing the counters. I took a stab at using the visualizer on MSI Surfaces with light counters and a paler backsplash (below.) (It rather aggressively put the tiles up to the ceiling, which I don't think you need.) It's worth a try playing around to see what you think. (Sorry I couldn't figure out how to save the image without all the bullseyes.)
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PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago
IMO no dark cabinets in that space so a nice white or maybe even a aple taupe hrd to say with seeing a close up of the counter. IMO you do not have enough lighting in the space and you need LED 4000K bulbs in all the lights you have. Sorry see the counter I would choose the lightest color in the counter for the cabinets and after that choice cut it again to be a lighter shade . The pendants are useless for lighting and IMO placed wrong too . Maybe a stainless backsplash could work
Mark McColl thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
ffpalms
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I agree with Jan Moyer. Your wood cabinets look great with your floor. I woud replace both the countertop and backsplash with the same material for an unfussy look. Even this kitchen with very dark cabinets looks very bright surrounded by all the white. I see no need to tie the kitchen backsplash to your fireplace surround.

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PRO
Debbi Washburn
3 years ago
Your cabinets look great - wood stains are very much back in fashion now. A good painter is costly - I would just change the top and splash and better lighting ( get some undercabinet lights ). I would not match the tile on the fireplace with the kitchen backsplash. These are 2 areas to have some interesting patterns or colors.

Good luck!
Mark McColl
Original Author
3 years ago
I like the more modern looking wood cabinets, but unfortunately that isn't what I have. I have more of a honey-oak that looks dated with the style. I think getting them professionally painted is the way to go.

@Patricia Colwell Consulting - The lighting is 3000K in the cans (4000K is too white for me I think). I agree the pendants aren't doing me any favors in lighting up the space.

The pendants were originally can lights that had been retrofitted (by previous owner), I just swapped out some very ugly pendants to a fixtures I liked more. I agree the horizontal positioning is a bit odd...I'll consider hiring someone to come in and relocate them and potentially add in some additional cans in the kitchen to brighten things up.
riverscox25
3 years ago
All creamy/white cabinets and stainless subway tile backsplash.