krisapfeiffer's ideas

Reply to: That looks so much like my old kitchen color combos! Wow. Ours were in good condition so we just did a facelift to the floors and counter and ss appliances. It really toned down that golden oak! FWIW this is what we chose to do: Old (floor had already been updated - it was white linoleum): New (not quite completed as you can see a drawer front is missing):

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Reply to: I agree with what MamaRachel said. Oak and grey are a dreadful combination. Given that you said this is your first house and you're only two years in... For the least amount of expense--what I would do is move the oven stack to the end of the run on that far wall. (Involves only doing a switcheroo with the existing cabinets.) Then replace the counters with a stock laminate that works with the color of the oak. Such as Carrara Pearl available at Menards. Tumbled Roca or Classic Crystal Granite (maybe) at Home Depot. Or maybe Kalahari Topaz from Lowe's... Also, I would remove the wood panels from the dishwasher. IMO, it would look better. Fully integrated dishwashers look great. Partially clad ones don't. And since you don't like the wood, less of it is better, right?

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Reply to: Statuary bronze hardware.

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Reply to: We have 20 year old oak cabinets in the same color and updated the kitchen last year and kept them and added statuary bronze hardware and added Absolute Cream granite counters and a cream beveled subway tile. they look great and everyone thinks the cabinets are new too. The granite has cream, a gray green, black and lots of sparkly mica. Walls were painted SW Rice Grain a pretty green based cream.

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Reply to: My favorite is Cambria Windermere...light enough to contrast your cabinets but has copper flecks that would compliment them nicely.

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Reply to: I don't know TCE, but yes, there are lots of choices that are more purely white, or that bring in a mix of pale grays and tans. Here are some promising examples, just from Cambria:

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