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smita_96

How to make this kitchen cabinet modern?

last year
last modified: last year

We already purchased cabinets and cannot change that unfortunately. Need some recommendations to create a modern look with the finish (pics attached). I've seen inspo pics of a solid countertop and marble for backsplash and island (see inspo pic) . Any recommendations on what color, specific stones that will go with the cabinet to create a look like that? Not easy I'm sure but hoping for some creative inputs. Thank you in advance!








Comments (14)

  • last year

    I think a good way to begin tour search is taking one your doors to the stone yard to see what works with it. You’ll need to consider your overall plan for floors, wall paint , faucets and hardware.

  • PRO
    last year

    Thank you @ffpalms. Yes I have been doing that and haven't been able to nail it yet. The Taj Mahal quartzite seems to be neutral and a backup. But wanted to reach out to see if people had inspirations or any particular marble (or quartzite) that would help create the look I'm aspiring for.

  • last year

    The top pic uses the pale brown of very popular European Oak flooring to define the color tone without any yellow from the past. Your maple, being yellow, is the opposite. You're in a challenging spot.

  • PRO
    last year

    Honestly you will never get that look so use some imagination and start by going to the stone yard. IMO you show us nothing of your space , your lighting and one corner of a cabinet door with no context. I also advise you make sure your lighting is the final choice you want before doing anything else. Those cabinets are yellow at least do LED 4000K lighting so you do not add to the yellow. I think shaker cabinets at best can be transitional not modern . What are your floors ? Every slab of any real stone will be a bit different so choosing a slab is huge job the cabinets are what they are and so the counters need to be the chosen to take your eye to them . The lighting style needs to be modern so do all the other elements need to be and once the slab is chosen that will be it so be very careful you choose wisely.. You can of course mix and do the backsplash the star but this will take many trips to a good stone yard . But we need to have more info to even start advising stone choices and please no mix of fake and real unless the fake material does not try to look like stone at all so Corian is good example

    Smita N thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
  • last year

    The yellow undertones of your cabinets will likely get more pronounced over time. Go with basic colors. Try a black marble with white veining. Or white with black. I'd run the counters up the splash too if you can afford it. No waterfall please.


    Styling with contemporary lights will help a lot.



    Smita N thanked Kendrah
  • last year

    Here’s the combo you referenced, but keep in mind the outcome will feel different due to the style of your cabinetry.

    Another look. What are your floors like?



    Smita N thanked Maureen
  • PRO
    last year

    All of the above.

    Where is the rest of the kitchen , even partially installed?

    If you WANTED this? How did you arrive at?


    Show all the rest, inform the flooring , please?

    Flat no!!!!!!! to Taj Mahal.............

  • last year

    If you plan to have those cabinets painted or stained, this would be the time to do it, when they can be transported to a cabinet refinisher’s shop.



  • PRO
    last year
    last modified: last year

    The cabinets are maple, hard as a rock, and difficult to stain w/o getting blotchy. Paint would be fine, but nobody can answer based on the op info.

    All we know is she is A THOUSAND miles from her "look"

    Adjust the dream , from what appears a huge mistake

    You will never get the yellow orange out: ) nor turn the faces to slab fronts

    So your question should be.......

    " How do I make my kitchen feel modern, current, up to date and not a classic everyone has it kitchen, now that I already goofed,,fairly big time" : )
    Shaker in all below. Not stale.














    Smita N thanked JAN MOYER
  • last year

    would not overspend on counters. Modern is the entire space....one element such as shaker doorstyle isnt going to create or nullify a mood for your space. many folks are in the situation of an older kitchen they want to update or "modernize ". Unfortunately your inspiration pic didnt get executed..maybe cost issues or poor communication or time pressure. Not sure. things happen that interfere.


    Each of these with similar toned cabinets have ELEMENTS that keep the spaces looking up to date ...modern or close to it. I do not think expensive counters would be my choice./ neither would I paint the cabinets right now........But improved stylish lighting/ streamlined hardware / a wall where shelves or open cubbies or artwork help with line of vision mood. If the center panel of some wall cabs can be swapped for frosted glass that may help too. You havent shown your plan or space......people here do lots of tweaks and adjustments ....

    Simplicity in My Kitchen in Palatine · More Info




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    2018 Berkeley Raw Wood Kitchen Remodel · More Info


    Smita N thanked herbflavor
  • PRO
    last year

    Thank you for all comments. Certainly will keep the lighting in mind.

    Our floors will be hardwood, learning towards French Oak in a light shade.

    Like @Kendrah suggestion of using white with some black veining (Calacatta Brazil?).


    Yes, I goofed up :) - just wondering how to give it a modern look - prefer a natural stone though don't want to use marble on countertops but ok as backsplash and/or island - or go with a quartzite on all surfaces and give it a clean look.


    Any additional suggestions on countertop color, stone that would go well will be much appreciated. Or any inspo pics of maple wood cabinets with a modern look will also be helpful.



  • last year

    I had natural maple cabinets with a brown countertop that I liked, although black goes well also. Look at solid colors in brown or black in quartz.

  • last year

    Start getting your floor figured out first. I am not seeing French oak floors with those cabinets but maybe just need to see actual samples together to be convinced.