You can ask for the amount of colorant added to the base can of paints to be reduced with the intent of lessening the chromaticity or colorfulness of the color. You can also go the other way and have the amount of colorant increased so the color is strengthened or more saturated. Messing with stock formulas is a slippery slope. Adjusting formulas works for those who are not super particular about the color they want -- they have relaxed expectaions and a flexible color tolerance when it comes to how a paint color is going to look in their space and change the atmosphere. Adjusting formulas is not the most productive path that people with a heightened sense of color acuity should pursue -- because it will never be right for them. The adjusting and tweaking to get it to that "perfect color" can go on freakin' forever. It can get out of control until someone says it's time to stop and focus on the all the right reasons for choosing a paint color instead of continuing to chase an idea of a "perfect color". As a general practice, I don't do it. It can be far more efficient to just keep looking for the *right* color. This biggest pitfall is you don't know what it's going to look like until you do it. If you ask for a decrease/increase in colorant, you will own the can of paint whether you like it or not. Sampling, or testing, paint colors first is standard operating procedure for all paint colors but it is especially important in the case of altering the formula. If you want to try it, then try it. Just don't get too wrapped around the individual colorants or trying to understand what all the letters and numbers mean on the label. From a homeowner perspective none of that matters -- stay focused on what the end result of combining those colorants looks like. How does the resulting paint color behave in your space is all you really need to know because that's all you can control -- as in does it work or not and WHY. If it doesn't work, then you need to articulate "WHY" it doesn't work. If you can articulate why it doesn't work, then the color mixer person at the paint store who works with colorants and paint every day can figure out what needs to happen with the formula. That's their job, not yours.

Casey, Great points, especially about uncraftmanlike work. That's hitting the nail on the head. As it turns out, the other guy had a bid for the painting, too, but didn't get that part so... As a side note, he is installing light-duty, pre-made floating shelves (purchased from target or somewhere) to support a mini stereo system & speakers, CD.'s, etc. I already gave my thoughts to the homeowner and now get to wait and see how well it all turns out.

Thanks, loribee and CLBlakey! It turns out we'll need to modify some cabinets and also the apron on my granite counters (who knows what that's hiding) in order to switch out the appliances. The PO remodeled and actually blocked in the appliances when installing the floor and counters after. Crazy. I'm considering whether I want to spend the extra money to make these changes and just refurbish my existing cabinets or save up for a complete remodel next summer. If we remodel we can get an updated look and also address some issues with the current layout. Obviously, a big cost difference but I'm not sure about spending money now to modify what I have if I'm still going to want a full remodel within a few years. If I do paint my existing cabinets, though, I'm definitely leaning towards the Edgecomb Gray! Donna - I don't think I'll stain the cabinets because my kitchen is already so dark and I truly lust over lighter kitchens but thanks so much for the link!

I'm currently doing my whole house in Edgecomb gray. I can't remember what Repose Gray looks like, but EG has lots of warmth/beige in it so it's not too cool. I liked that and thought it would go nicely with a light tan/white couch. I was inspired by Young House Love blog, which did much of their house in that. But of course, color translates different in different homes/lights.