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kitchen inexpensive makeover

20 days ago

Looking for ideas on what colors to stain my maple cabinets. I also don’t care for granite countertops, can I epoxy them? First time home owner

Comments (7)

  • 20 days ago

    Maple is a bear to stain well, so if I were you I wouldn't even try DIY. Besides, the cabinets are lovely, why would you want to re-stain them? I suppose you could paint, but here again - why? What is it about the cabinets that you don't like?


    It'd be less grief to just change out the counter and backsplash for a refresh, but I'd wait at least a year after moving in to see what functional changes you want to make before investing. Although, switching to a plain, simple subway backsplash in a soft cream color that you find in the stone you have now wouldn't be too expensive and might be enough of a change to tide you over while you're planning more involved and more expensive changes.


    For now, I would get some rugs/mats in there to provide contrast between the floors and the cabinets.

  • 20 days ago
    last modified: 20 days ago

    Inexpensive wont be possible. best bet is to leave the kitchen . there is a nice livingspace adjacent . fix that up w your furnishings and use the kitchen. later on when you have some knowledge youll know why altering the cabinets is not worth it and why basic granite is always a good thing and ripping it out, right now anyway , is ill advised.


    your kitchen is related to this classic look.. why not accept it and furnish the other areas which provide a lot of opportunity for a beautiful home . one day youll redo the kitchen it just wont be inexpensive.

    Tracey Stephens Interior Design Inc · More Info


  • 20 days ago
    last modified: 20 days ago

    You lost me at Maple. It blotches. Ask me how I know. I used a pre-stain conditioner, I tried using wood dye. My powder room vanity is now very dark blue. I wish you luck!

    For the counters you’re best off living with them as they are until you can change them. The backsplash could be changed relatively inexpensively, it just depends on what is expensive to you.

  • 20 days ago

    Changing the cupboards and granite won't be inexpensive. The backsplash can easily be painted with epoxy paint.

  • PRO
    20 days ago

    Staining maple is not a DIY project. You can paint the cabinets, but honestly there are scores of people on this forum that would kill for your kitchen. If this house is new to you, live there 6 months. Your inclinations may change.


    The countertops look better without the yellow of the maple cabinets.


  • 20 days ago
    last modified: 20 days ago

    Your cabinets look great with your floors and feel open cohesive with the rest of the space. Leave them. Save up for new countertops. Paint the backsplash for now. Change out the hardware and lights.


    Congrats on your new home. As a first time home owner you will likely soon figure out that there are going to be more expensive, PITA costs that come first. Decorate this space in a manner that draws the eye away from what you don't want to focus on - counters for example.

  • 20 days ago

    Budget wise….. new hardware on the cabinets. New light fixtures.
    The right accessories. Bring in color by adding pattern drapes and area rug in your living room.