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cluck29

Before and After granite...need cabinet advice now.

12 years ago
We bought this house with a granite allowance and agonized over what color to choose, ended up with Blanco Leblon. We love it, but now I can't stand the oak cabinets. We also added a stainless fridge and Electrolux induction range in the island.

We need to paint and put up a backsplash, and since those tie in to the overall look - I'd prefer to have a master plan, even if it's a gradual process. I'm considering having someone paint the cabinets white (no idea on that cost....estimates anyone?). And we love the look of glass or basic white ceramic subway tiles for a backsplash up to the bottom of the cabinets. Maybe a fun paint color on the island?

OR, paint only the uppers white and leave the oak on lower cabs? The issue, aside from cost, is that we can't paint the windows because that will void the warranty.

OR, leave the oak alone?
Would love to hear what others would do...and see pics if you've left some oak with painted cabs. Thanks!!

Comments (24)

  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I would paint all of the cabinets, then the wood on the windows will just be an accent. I like the idea of painting the island an accent color. I can't tell the tone of the cabinet hardware, but that's an easy update as well.
    Are the floors a travertine-look tile?
  • 12 years ago
    I'm not entirely sure what travertine is supposed to look like, but here's a closer view of the tile. I hate this flooring too but that's a future project unless it ends up looking fine with however we do the cabinets, walls and backsplash.
  • 12 years ago
    Cabinet hardware is like stainless. My husband likes it...but if it doesn't match with white, I can convince him to change it.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Gotcha...I think the stainless works just fine. I was thinking an off white for the cabinets and then either a darker color for the island. Do you mind also posting a close up of the granite?
    I have a couple of colors in mind...
    cluck29 thanked Lemongrass Interiors
  • 12 years ago
    Off white cabinets and rustic gray for island? I'm no professional but I love that look!
  • 12 years ago
    I initially wanted gray cabinets but I think we decided it wasn't right with the oak. Here is the granite, it has specks of garnet and black/charcoal. Next to it is a thought for the island.
  • 12 years ago
    Gorgeous!
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    That's pretty much what I was thinking for the island. As long as it's a warm, taupey gray, it'll work well with the granite and the floors.
    I like Benjamin Moore Cromwell Gray HC-103 which looks a little lighter than the one you have (probably like yours better :) )
    Then for the main cabinet color, try BM Pale Oak OC-20 or Dove Wing OC-18. Best to just look at them in the room and see how the lighting affects the tone.
  • 12 years ago
    Thanks! Any thoughts on backsplash and wall? I almost want to do a icy pale blue subway tile, but I have no sense of color at all! Lol
  • 12 years ago
    I love this kitchen....
  • 12 years ago
    Cluck, if you really love that pic of the kitchen w/the blue tile, why don't you keep your island and bottom cabs and just paint your uppers white?
    cluck29 thanked indianpatti
  • 12 years ago
    I would have never have pictured the combination in your inspiration picture ... But I LOVE it! Go for it!
    cluck29 thanked chungv
  • 12 years ago
    indianpatti, my only hesitation is that my oak is way more orange-ugly and I'm not sure I can pull it off with that much oak left unpainted. It's a thought though, for sure.
    soberg, I'll look that tile up, thanks!
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I like @soberg's tile suggestion - also like the mist color.
    I like the kitchen you posted (very homey), but not sure oak is going to give you the same look. But just like with salt, it's easier to add than to take away....so start by painting the uppers, live with it for a week or two, then if you're still not in love, you can tackle the lowers and the island :))
  • 12 years ago
    I find oak cabinets dated. But painting them a different color on top from the base cabinets would really give the room a lift. And white subway tiles for a backsplash would be great. How about a dark, dark drown stain on the base cabinets and white or cream paint on the upper cabinets?
  • 12 years ago
    Do not paint cabinets. You will not like it in the long run. Stain them. Darker,add brush nickel hardware to update look. Back splash a solid dark gray,subway. Cabinets could be stained to look like reclaimed wood in the blue grays. Add glass to a couple of doors. It looks great so far.
  • 12 years ago
    Lived that you raised island. Add bar stool, in a metal. Restoration hardware has some great looks. Go on line to see. 2 should be enough
  • 12 years ago
    Add roman shades to windows. Darker than wall color. I like the grays. Sherwin and Moore both good.
  • 12 years ago
    You might want to change out light over island. Go more industrial. In brush nickel.
  • 12 years ago
    Nothing on top of cabinets. Could take cabinets to ceiling by adding glass fronts. For interest.
  • 12 years ago
    Flooring ok. Paint all trim white. Oak is dated.
  • 12 years ago
    Do not do two different cabinets in this room. Looks choppy and unfinished.
  • 9 years ago

    Totally disagreed with the "Don't paint the cabinets". Have done it twice over the last 30 years and loved it both times. Am considering it now in a townhouse I just bought. Go with the picture since it's beautiful and that's what you like. Love the blue tile in that. Good luck.