Painting Brand New Cabinets White. Will this look cheap?

12 years ago

Hello,

First I'd like to say that I have been lurking thru these message boards feverishly and have found some wonderful advice (and work done) by all of you, so I'm really excited about the opportunity to pick your brains about my dilemma.

My husband and I just purchased our first home. It's a new build, and below are pictures from the model home kitchen--our cabinets, flooring, granite and backsplash will be different than what's pictured in the model, as everything in the model is "upgraded", and we're going w/ standard options.

What do you think about the following choices:

Flooring - Medium distressed hardwood (wanted dark hardwood at first, but we have a puppy that will grow to be 35lbs)

Cabinets - Our actual cabinets will be a standard cabinet provided by the builder that is somewhat lighter than the model home's (see last pic below). THe color is "light coffee". Given that we want medium hardwood, we would like to have more of a contrast with the cabinets, which is why I'm thinking we paint them white. Have already gotten some reasonable quotes for painting them white. My only concern is - do you think we're just going to make them look cheap by painting "perfectly brand new cabinets" white? I'm drawn to white kitchens, but most of them have shaker style cabinets, so I'm wondering if I'll be disappointed with the outcome of painting our standard cabs white. What kind of paint would you recommend for this type of job? Oil based?

Granite - We're thinking Kashmir White Granite because we don't like too much movement in our granite (builder won't do quartzite).

Backsplash - At first I was thinking white subway tiles, but perhaps given white cabinets and kashmir white granite, a darker gray subway tile would be better to provide some contrast? We're going to look at some gray subway tile options at Dal Tile this weekend. Would love to know what you think...

Would really appreciate your two cents with all of this. Thanks in advance!

Here's the model kitchen, with upgraded cabinets:

{{!gwi}}

Here's the model pantry w/ upgraded cabinets, also to be painted white:

{{!gwi}}

Here's our standard cabinet (in "light coffee"), to be painted white:

{{!gwi}}

Featured Answer

oldbat2be

12 years ago

I have painted wood cabinets white in my past two houses and really grow to dislike them, over time, due to colors yellowing and scratches and chips.... Is there any chance you could take the doors off, paint the cabinets, then order new doors for everything? Many upper level cabinetry lines buy their doors from Conestoga. When I went to my local woodworking shop for a quote on cabinetry, the specialty doors on the wall display (which they were unable to make in house) were Conestoga.

When painting wood, I always use Benjamin Moore Satin Impervo, oil based.

If at all possible, suggest you stick with the light coffee or see if you can pay the builder extra to change cabinet color.

Best of luck and congrats on your new home!

Comments (29)

herbflavor
12 years ago
You SURE you don't want to use that door? It looks beautiful, with light and dark in the grain I would find that quite nice to work with..
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remodelfla
12 years ago
I actually love the graining in that wood. Maybe you want to live with it first?
dianalo
12 years ago
I would use the new kitchen for a few years and then have it painted for a whole new look. You may as well get some enjoyment out of it and then paint them. It is like a 2 for one deal....
BlueKitten
12 years ago
I am a big fan of painted cabinets.

But.

I really like the stain color and wood grain of your cabinets. Everything looks really warm and rich. I'd also leave it alone for awhile.
caliberry
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks everyone. This is exactly why I was torn -- so if I stuck with these cabinets, do you think I would HAVE to go with tile floors? I've always dreamt about having hardwood floors, but I'm worried that if we stick with the cabinets, our kitchen will end up looking like a log cabin.

When we compared flooring options, there was a faux travertine that looked the best (though not exactly cheap). But, given that our home isn't huge, would we have to stick with the same flooring throughout the family & dining rooms so we don't "break up" the space? I'm attaching a picture below of the family room which is right off of the kitchen. The dining room is to the right of the family room.

I just don't know how I'd feel about having tile in the family & dining rooms (especially because my feet are always so cold)...and I've always dreamt about having hardwood floors. Also as far as our interior style goes, we're probably trying to go for contemporary + french country.

So with these cabinets, should I do:
1. hardwood everywhere (if so, what color would be best w/ these cabs),
2. tile in the kitchen and hardwood everywhere else,
3. tile everywhere? If I go with tile everywhere, I'm afraid I might have hardwood floor envy :(

Would love your thoughts.

Here's the family room in the model home (we won't have the custom built-in entertainment center).

{{!gwi}}

Thanks!
pricklypearcactus
12 years ago
That door is really beautiful. Admittedly I am a sucker for wood cabinetry, but that door looks so lovely it seems a shame to paint it.

Wood cabinetry can go nicely with wood floors. Do a forum search (and maybe some people will see this and help post their pictures here) as this has certainly been asked about and done before. It does not have to look like a log cabin. In my opinion, using a lovely creamy white granite like Kashmir White will really help provide some light to a kitchen with wood doors and wood floors and I think it would look stunning with the cabinet door you posted. In my opinion, a granite like this really helps offset all of the warm brown tones of having wood cabinets and wood floors. I think it will work out very well.

Is there any chance you could have in floor radiant heating installed if you decide to go with tile? This would help alleviate your concern of cold floors.
jessicaml
12 years ago
Depending on the other colors in your kitchen, I don't think your hardwood and cabinets necessarily have to contrast. My mom got white cabinets for the same reason you're considering them, but a friend of mine has oak cabs and oak floors with a dark (green I think) granite, and it looks great. Her counters and walls offer the contrast and it doesn't look like too much wood. The only area I'd be worried about is the pantry wall. That's a lot of wood.
herbflavor
12 years ago
can you take a sample door to a flooring store..hold it next to different floors..There is a lot available in the wood flooring category....and wood floors give great resale later, when/if you are selling.In the pic-your wall color there works with the lighter shade of wood in the door..I think it'll be easy to find various wood tones that will be great.
phoggie
12 years ago
I also love white cabinets BUT I would not paint those cabinets....the wood is beautiful. Yes, you can definately use hardwood floors in your kitchen with the stained cabinets...put down some colorful throw rugs in front of the sink etc. That is the way mine is and I love it~~ Use the granite you mentioned and either a lighter or darker wood flooring for contrast. Your wall color will also help break up all of the wood. And, no, I would not like tile in the other parts of the house...too hard, cold and tends to make legs hurt.
slush1422
12 years ago
I'm also a huge fan of white cabinets (we are doing off white shaker style) but I agree with the others. That door and color is soooo pretty. Glad you are keeping it.

Found this older thread about wood cabinets and hardwood flooring.

Here is a link that might be useful: Dark cabinets w/Hardwood flooring
caliberry
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks everyone for all of your thoughts -- given the unanimous votes on sticking w/ the cabinets, I'm feeling really good about the decision to keep them...I'd been losing sleep over this because it pained me to think about painting over brand new cabinets (and paying $ to do it). We might toy around with the idea of painting just the island in white...but that can be done later once we've had a chance to "live with it". :)

Come to think of it, I think you're right about the hardwood -- with the lighter granite, backsplash, wall color and some rugs, we'll probably be able to break up the wood.. (I had looked into heated flooring under tile, but it would be too costly and the builder would likely not work with us on doing that...) Plus, I prefer the look of wooden floors.

Phew. Feeling relieved. Thank you all SO much! I'll probably be back soon for my next round of questions. You all are great! :)
desertsteph
12 years ago
the wood is beautiful - and many have wood cabs and wood floors. it'll be fine. wood is easier to stand on than tile also.

glad to read you're feeling more comfortable with it! can't wait to see it all pulled together!
fivefootzero
12 years ago
Our cabinets are Decora Pheasant stain (a bit lighter than yours) and we have white oak flooring with a natural stain. I have a colorful runner, color on the walls, backsplash yet to be picked out. There are so many ways you can make it NOT look like a log-cabin.

I don't think it will look like a log cabin if you add lots of punches of color in rugs, accessories, textiles.
xc60
12 years ago
Love the cabinets and would not paint them, they are gorgeous the way they are.

You can definitely do a hardwood of a different shade either darker or lighter than cabinets that is what the designers have recommended in the past.
boxerpups
12 years ago
Please oh pretty please do not paint those lovely cabinets.
I think they are gorgeous. And of course you can have wood
floors with dark cabinets.
Here are some ideas.

~boxer

I know you said dark but light could be pretty if your
puppy is a golden or light colored.

Dark floors and dark wood cabs
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg071829474799.html

Is anyone doing wood stained cabinets anymore?
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0313273117614.html?51

wood stain cabs with wood floors--pics please?
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg021233004595.html
catherine_l
12 years ago
Have you asked the builder if he can provide white cabinets for you instead of stained?
flwrs_n_co
12 years ago
If only my builder's standard cabinets had been that rich and beautiful looking . . .
formerlyflorantha
12 years ago
In this part of the country, the wood floor and wood cab look, esp in darker or medium stains, is considered upper class. Please change out your metaphor--"log cabin" is passÃÂ©.

I do urge you do think about lighting from the get-go. Gotta have a lot of good light everywhere. Also think about lighter paint colors for contrasts.

Tile floors are for those who think they will never grow older; fun to think about but might not come about and then you're stuck.
caliberry
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for the wonderful pix Boxer-- I have a hard time visualizing things in my head (hence the log cabin reference) :) We do have a golden colored puppy, and we'll definitely be considering lighter colored flooring for scratches that will likely happen, but we're concerned about her occasional accidents, so hopefully we can find something that's distressed looking within our budget...

So up until now, I'd been dreaming of a white kitchen, and now that things have changed, do you think I could still do light gray walls, or should I pick a warmer color (like light tan) to go w/ the cabs & floors? We will have good sunlight in the kitchen... have any of you hired interior designers to help you with these decisions? (if so, what's the range on how much they cost, and are they worth it..?)

(p.s. We did ask the builder if they could do white cabinets, but they said no.
sandy808
12 years ago
What is the type of wood that your cabinets are made of? It has such a pretty grain and I love the soft shade of the stain. I am getting ready to have cabinetry made and I am trying to decide on the wood to use.

I like the look of painted cabinets but they would never be as rich as what you have now. Perhaps you can add some painted freestanding pieces here and there.

Not sure what can possibly be wrong with a log cabin. It's not what everyone wants, but after having "normal" homes all my life I am extremely excited about finishing our log home....and the interior is all tongue and groove cypress, with lots of windows and sliding french doors; heart pine floors.

There are many ways to break up the expanse of wood so as to avoid wood overload. Light granite, pretty tile backsplashes, colorful rugs and curtains, some splashes of painted kitchen pieces....and I will never, ever have to paint walls again.

Sandy
sabjimata
12 years ago
I've had walnut stained cabinets with a natural red oak floor and now have a cherry island stained chestnut with builder's grade red oak flooring--no log cabin look here, I promise!

The cabinetry in your new home is very attractive. I feel a natural white oak floor would be lovely. Depending on your budget, I think bleached oak would be beautiful.

Have fun with the new house! And do love those cabinets!!!
chocolatebunny
12 years ago
We have stained birch cabinets and a golden oak floor. I don't think it's too much wood at all. Our walls are Sherwin Williams Whole Wheat. The room faces west so we get a lot of afternoon sun. The Whole Wheat color has a greenish cast to it, especially at night.

These are the "before" pics. Our cabinets are staying as well as the floors. We're going to get new appliances and countertops *soon*.

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

FWIW, my neighbor has oak cabinets and oak floors...and an oak kitchen table. It looks fine. Not too much wood at all.
caliberry
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks Chocolatebunny - your kitchen has all the elements mine will have, and I agree -- it's not too much wood at all.

sandy808 - I think the cabinets are maple, stained in "Light Coffee". Richfield Inc makes them...
queenofmycastle0221
12 years ago
I love those wood cabinets! If we could figure out how to trade my oak cabinets that you could paint and those I would trade in a heartbeat. Also, I have wood floors with my cabinets that I would trade for tile any day of the week. Yes they are pretty but I miss having a tile floor that I didn't have to worry about spills and water being on them also where we live the dirt gets tracked in no matter how hard I try for it not to.

Good Luck!
kadydid
12 years ago
I really like those cabinets. I say leave the cabinets alone for about 5-10 years until you're sick of them. :P
sandy808
12 years ago
Thanks caliberry. I am currently working with a custom cabinet maker and I am going to show him the picture of your cabinet door. We are both leaning towards a shade such as you have for both the wood floors and cabinets so that we will have a nice contrast with the light cypress wood. we also want to make sure we do not pick a wood with a grain that will fight the cypress grain. One suggestion was to use cherry for the cabinets and floor, stained about the shade your doors are, because he said the grain wouldn't fight the cypress. Maple might be a consideration and I will run that by him. We can't afford real mahogany for both cabinets and floor, and our cabinetmaker feels they should both be the same wood. Mahogany might be too dark for my taste anyway.

Left to my husband, he would have everything match. I told him this morning I do not want to feel like I'm living in a shipping crate LOL!

We have a lot of windows and sliding glass french doors, all with nice views of our land, so with the right splashes of color I hope to achieve a warm comfortable home while avoiding a wood overload look.

Thanks for the info. I'd say live with those beautiful cabinets for a while unless you truly do not like them. If it isn't in your heart and your stomach tenses up looking at them I would see if you could swap them out for the painted ones. It sounds like that is what you truly want, so don't settle if you don't have to. A kitchen is a very important space that nurtures us. You HAVE to like it.

Sandy
pricklypearcactus
12 years ago
I would absolutely do a light gray wall over tan. This is just my opinion, but I think mixing warm wood tones (such as your lovely cabinets) with cool paint and countertop colors allow each element to really present a rich contrast. I love how warm wood looks with cool gray.
gigit
12 years ago
I also vote for not painting. The new stained cabinets will have a protective finish on them from the factory. To apply paint, your guys will have to do a ton of sanding and the paint still might chip from use after that... might be something you could deal with if you are willing to touch them up every few years. New painted cabinets have a special baked on finish from the factory that makes it a little more durable.

The stained wood on hardwood should be fine. I am putting the two together in my almost done kichen. Alku05 posted a great picture of her kitchen with stained cabs, dark hardwood with kashmir white in a french country / transitional look in the following discussion..

Here is a link that might be useful: kashmir white counter kitchen