weezel - I did not fill the grain. This was just a quick fix to get the cabinets to last a couple of more years until we rip them all out. They are builder grade 20+ years old and the finish on the bottom cabinets was looking very worn. The grain isn't super deep . Up close you can certainly see the wood grain but from a few feet away it really isn't noticeable. christasista - I found lots of blogs that showed gray wall colors in a variety of rooms and also show which ones are warm gray or cool gray, etc. I liked Edgecome Gray and Revere Pewter in addition to the Agreeable Gray I chose. I also found lots of photos with blue gray cabinets but I found that they rarely listed the actual cabinet color. That was a harder choice. SW Sea Salt is more of a green gray and I also liked Tidewater. For white, I have just been using Behr's Ultra Pure White, which is the untinted paint straight off the shelf, for all of my trim, doors and ceilings. mama goose - Thank you!

I've decided to paint the cabinets first, then change out the counters and see how it looks before I make any decisions on the flooring. I think I would de-value my house if I replaced the current stone countertops with anything other than stone or quartz. This is a photo of the color I did in my entryway last year with some granite samples and then a few inspiration pictures of what I want style wise in the kitchen.

In retrospect I should have dug deeper into the painter’s statement that he has done waterbased paint before since he clearly specializes in CV, but he’s been in the business a long time and came highly recommended so we went for it. Lesson learned. As a disclaimer, you are a bit past my knowledge here, as I have not really used the chemcraft waterborne products. I don't think Chemcraft Aquaset is a water-based paint. It is a solvent based paint that is waterborne, it has fairly low amounts of solvent, especially when compared to conversion varnish. Also, it likely doesn't create formaldehyde in the curing process as conversion varnish does. I don't want to freak you out but you should mention to Chemcraft that you are pregnant. I believe that Aquaset has an, "Avoid exposure during pregnancy" warning. As a disclaimer I just googled "chemcraft aquaset material safety data sheet" to get that information so it may not be correct. I am unconvinced his experience with water borne products is the problem, I think you are in danger of post hoc fallacy. I bet that I could switch out a pure solvent based conversion varnish with a waterborne conversion varnish and most people couldn't tell the difference in application. ---- The idea that he will do the job as he originally agreed to do it but will not warranty it, will not fly unless he also offers you an option to get your money back. He can't arbitrarily force you into a worse position than you agreed to originally. You are essentially scrapping the original contract (which we can assume had a workmanship warranty by default) and creating a new contract (disclaiming the warranty) without any consideration (compensation). I would insist that he perform the work as agreed in the original contract with all warranties intact, or return the money. Technically, you might be able to get more, but cash in hand might be better for everyone.

Your cabinets are already beautiful. They look to be in excellent condition too. Your countertops go very well in your kitchen. I dont mind the wall paint, even though, it probably wouldnt be my first choice. The biggest problem is that its a bit blah in there. You have way too much stuff on those counters, so it looks messy and cluttered. There isnt anything colorful to add interest. Clear them all off completely. Once you are done and have wiped off the countertops, put what is absolutely necessary back on there. Pick a bright color for some accent. Maybe a grouping of colored glass canisters, to put some of the food items in, if you need them on the counter. A colored lotion bottle by the sink. Some colored towels, replace the rug with something colorful. Maybe some curtains on the windows. Give it the wow factor. You will then find out, that you actually have a very nice kitchen, that really doesnt need anything else done to it.