I think painting your cabinets all white would really freshen things up. I would also change out your hardware and your hinges to really update your kitchen. I think it would make it look totally different. We just did the same thing. My post is on here somewhere if you want to see what we did. I also think your backsplash and counters will look nice with white cabinets.

I agree that a fresh clear white would look quite fine - the two colored effect is a little busy. Then I'd choose much simpler hinges and hardware in a nickel or pewter finish. Buying lots of hinges is a surprisingly expensive affair, but I think it would make a huge difference.

And if that's not in your budget, you might take all the hardware off, and spray paint the hinges with a high gloss version of your cabinet white.

Thanks for the suggestions. I didn't know I could paint the hinges! Great idea. That would save some money for sure. Then I would only need new hardware.

Any suggestions of a white to use?

I also think white...lots of sanding, a good primer and oil base paint if you can...it will give a nicer finish and hold up better. I would try to bring home different white samples and paint swatches on poster board then see which one works best with your counters and backsplash. Also clean your hinges well and spray prime them before spray painting.

I like White Dove by Benjamin Moore. It's a light creamy classic color that goes well with just about everything. I am using their Waterborne Satin Impervo on cabinets, which I would recommend or you could try their new Advance Semi-Gloss line.

sreedesq, thanks for the suggestion, I can use all the help I can get.

White would look nice. Do you know what type of wood is under the paint? You know that sometime in the future the original wood of those cabs with the original hardware will be all the rage. Sort of like how cane, bamboo and rattan furniture is back when a couple of years ago you would see it on the side of the road for big trash pick-up day. No one wanted the old stuff. Of course you have to be happy in the meantime so maybe painting is the answer for you. DonâÂÂt throw away that old hardware though because it might fetch some bucks down the road.

If you do decide going with white do NOT use oil base paint as it yellows over time - speaking from experience.

Yes, do use water based. BM Satin Impervo or SW ProClassic. Take doors off and lay them flat to get the smoothest finish white the paint settles. Use a foam roller to put the paint on, then back brush with a Chinex brush once for a smooth finish and let it settle. The brush marks will disappear as it dries.

These waterborne paints are tricky to use - you don't want to overwork them. If you haven't used these before, practice on some scrap wood to perfect your technique. The key is to roll on, back brush ONLY once, then let it be. Lay on two coats, and sand lightly between coats.

I would take a photo of your kitchen to the SW store (or BM if they have a color consultant) and ask the color consultant there to assist you in choosing some possible colors that will go with the rest of your kitchen. Narrow down the choices to 2 or 3, get Color To Go samples and paint some foam board. Tape them up in various spots and see how they look at different times of the day and night. That should make your decision easier.

Choose satin or semi-gloss finish. Gloss shows all the imperfections.

I'm interested in your use of Rustoleum for the counter tops. Have they held up? And are you happy with it? The ones I've seen had a really rough texture and almost looked like fresh asphalt.

I recommend bm aura paint in simply white - very happy with how our cabinets turned out.

BM White Dove would be my recommendation, too. ItâÂÂs a beautiful white for cabinets. Hardware is definitely dated, and needs updating, hinges as well. Either switch them out, or paint over in same white. Hardware would look best if it matched the same finish as the hood over the stove top.

I like the idea of white too. BM Mascarpone or SW Roman Column or Greek Villa would be good. Also SW Westhighland White is a nice warm white that isnt too yellow. And FYI... Lowe's sells brushed nickel cabinet hinges by the bucket at a really good price. You may want to look into that. It might be more affordable than you think.

Thanks everyone! I have been putting it off because I know how long it took me the last time, years ago.

The cabinets are a solid hardwood, not sure what kind. They were stained a very, very dark brown when we moved in 23 years ago. My kitchen is tiny, to the right of the pic, there is a counter in front of the sink. Then there is the space where my table and chairs are. That's where the window is. No window on the "appliance" side. Also used to be extremely dark paneling on the table side. I painted that also. I'll attach a pic of the table side of the kitchen.

I will check out the recommended colors. Anyone change their opinions on color knowing there's no natural light on that side of the kitchen?

The rustoleum counter paint worked great. It's smooth. I will say I have some chips in it. However, I didn't buy the entire kit that has I believe 3 steps to it. I bought one $20 can of sandstone and painted it on. I will reapply that also.

No change in color recommendation - White Dove is very versatile. I've used in in bright light and closets.

The suggestion of laying the cabinets flat is a good one - especially if you use Satin Impervo.

I'm assuming you don't have oil based paint on them now, b/c if you do that is an additional consideration.

When you remove the cabinet pulls, I'd save them. I just have a hunch that in the not too distant future, they will seem retro and cool.

Rosebud...interesting....I had oil base white paint on my cabs for 15 years and I don't think any yellowing...if so, so little it wasn't noticeable. Maybe it has to do with the brand. I would think you would need to poly or varnish, etc over water base paint otherwise I could see it chipping easily.

I'm in the minority here (I guess the lone dissenter), but I think your cabinets and hardware are cool. I'd have to paint that kitchen a color, maybe turquoise or something more fun than white. Maybe update the hardware with some pewter finish paint and embrace it all.

edited to remove image that posted about as big as the head of a pin. aarggghhh

This post was edited by olychick on Wed, Jun 26, 13 at 17:23

You know.......that's not a bad idea. It's just so bland now. I suppose I could paint the limited wall space and see how it looks. That's only about a million times easier than painting all those cabinets!

I'm certainly not looking forward to doing the cabinets. Maybe I'll give new hardware and wall paint a try first. I will definitely hang onto the hardware, thanks for the suggestion.

Turquoise huh? Hmmmmm......

I tried to post some pics but this site makes me crazy. They show in preview then don't post. I don't know how that one ended up so tiny. Just for clarification, I did mean painting the cabinets a color :)

I had that hardware in this house when we moved in. I think its still in a bag in the attic somewhere. I would change it out but I think you will still have to paint and puddy the holes in the center of the door. I like the color the cabs are and the idea of a brighter color on the walls to make them pop.

Oh, o.k., gotcha olychick. Don't know if the DH would go for that. I do have to consider any opinion he might have also, his house too and all that.

madeyna, glad to hear you like that idea.

One of my sister's is coming tomorrow, I'll tell her all your suggestions. She def thinks outside of the box. I covet her house, in only a good way. Coolest, most unique house I know. Compared to my very blah 1950's rancher. The good thing about my house. . . . it's paid for, haha.

Thank you again everyone. I really appreciate all your help.