input needed - dark cabinets in a small kitchen?

13 years ago

So dh and I just bought a house and project #1 is going to be re-doing the kitchen. Here's a pic of the kitchen, taken from the dining area. I really like the style of the cabinets so they'll be staying, along with the floor and appliances (for budget reasons), but everything else will be changed.

Here's what I'm thinking of doing: re-staining the cabinets a darker color, but not black. The countertop would be light, probably Silestone quarz's diana pearl, as would the wall color. The backsplash would be light tiles with dark tile accents, probably cream marble 2"x4" tiles with a border of dark glass tiles.

So...I know that conventional wisdom says that since the kitchen is small having dark cabinets will create a cave look. But I think that if I have enough light colors (ie counter, backsplash, wall) and install under-cabinet lighting, I'll be able to pull it off. I think removing the wallpaper trim will help too since it seems to chop off the height of the walls, if that makes sense. Having a light wall color extend all the way up to the ceiling will help prevent the dark cabinets from being overwhelming, at least in my head. :)

What do you think? Anybody ever try something like this?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (15)

kitchenaddict
13 years ago
There is a small kitchen on this forum that was a DIY for $1,400 that I trully love. The cabinets are painted very dark, yet the rest of the kitchen is light. It has a small window over the sink. It doesn't look caveish at all. If you search ...$1400 the thread will come up . The user name is enigmaquandry...you can also put that in the search box. I don't know why it won't allow me to attach a link..I think I'm computer challenged at times! Maybe someone else can do it?? HTH
idrive65
13 years ago
Here you go ...

Here is a link that might be useful: enigmaquandry's thread
Related Discussions
Input needed: light upper cabinet, dark lower cabs trend
Q
Comments (4)
Just so you know, the link needs an "h" before the url (it got cut off). I like the mix - it's the best of both... oh please don't make me finish that Hannah Montana song. Anyway - I think that with two kinds of cabinets, it's like getting two kitchens at the same time. I think a lot of us have a couple "dream kitchens" in mind but we can usually only do one at a time. I don't know if it's a fad... but you know what? It's your house. Do what makes YOU happy. If this makes you happy, you should definitely do it.
...See More
Need Your Input! Layout for Small 50s Kitchen Remodel
Q
Comments (14)
I love your current kitchen so much I just want to come to your house and chain myself to your cabinets so when the demolition crew shows up, I can scream "NO!!!!!!". If you like the cabinets and if they are still in great condition, why change them all? Of course, it's your decision and I won't hunt you down if you decide to make a total change. But be aware there is a market for used vintage cabinets in good condition so, if you do decide on a to-the-studs remodel, please have those cabinets carefully removed and either donate them to something like a Habitat for Humanity store or sell them. The RetroRenovation.com website is one place to visit and post about them where you might find exuberant buyers. And, of course, Craig's List. So I came up with a plan with minimal changes, allowing you to keep most of your cabinets. Notes on the plan. It should get bigger if you click the photo so you can read it better. Basically, the only thing that changes is the stove wall. You could easily have a good cabinet maker make the additional cabinets you need to match the current cabinets. You may, however, need to paint all the cabinets to get a good paint match if just painting the new cabinets doesn't result in a good match. I didn't figure out how far down you can shift the stove but it looks like you could get a good 12-20" of extra prep space there. That increase should give you a nice prep corner with enough space to spread out. I would keep the charming countertops you have for all but the stove wall and splurge on counters that are cooking/hot pot friendly on that wall. Stainless would be great there and will really compliment what you currently have so it doesn't look odd or like a thoughtless add-on. Soapstone would also look great. Since you're done doing a lot of counter, these higher-priced tops would still be a minimal expense. The yellow is for a cart idea, similar to what MamaG came up with, but not inside the bottom of a wall cabinet. It is simply there so it can be moved to block access for visitors. A flip-up counter can be installed that hangs down the side so there is a place there for chairs and for someone to sit and visit with you while you cook and have a place for their coffee, appetizer, dessert, etc. It can also be used to help with food service at the table for items that might not fit on the table with people eating there. You say you like the peninsula because it does provide that barrier and place to sit but, really, it is the only real obstacle you have to an efficient kitchen that feels spacious. Removing it and just moving the stove down as far as possible to the end of that wall, even to the edge of the wall, should give you good prep space and make your kitchen far more enjoyable to work in. Anyway, just a thought, if you want to preserve what you have and just improve it. Of course, a good, well-designed and executed to-the-studs remodel would also be super-awesome. I just wanted to give you an alternative to consider.
...See More
Input needed for kitchen cabinet layout and sizes
Q
Comments (8)
What am I missing, which to the above commenters seems so obvious? With a slight rearrangement to the island, I think this will be a functional layout. I don't see a problem with the fridge door opening. If the DW is moved to the right of the sink (as you face it), with a trash pull-out to the left, a nice prep area is created, which will not cross with the clean-up functions. Dishes can be stored in the cabinets across from the DW, where it will be easy for a helper to unload, or gather them to set the table, without crossing the prep and cooking zones. On the opposite end of the island, the MW drawer is convenient to the fridge. I might suggest omitting the narrow cabinet between the trash pull-out and MW drawer, and adding an overhang to the side, for better eye contact among the seated diners. (Second plan.) vmnclark, do the hash marks above the windows signify cabinets? If so, I like the open areas better, but I added the cabinets in this view:Taller windows? To address your original questions: 1) The widths of the drawer bases are fine--you can always add dividers to separate items. eta, Think about what you will keep in each drawer to decide on 3-drawer or 4-drawer stacks. ie, if you are storing pans, you'll need a deeper drawer than if you are storing skillets, and since dishes area heavy, weight can be better distributed in 4 drawers. Glasses and cups can go in the upper, along with coffee-related items--if you plan to keep a coffee maker on that counter. If you want symmetry, think about making the bases on each end 4-drawer stacks. The stack beside the fridge could hold rolled goods (plastic wrap, foil, etc,) in the top, then utensils, then dish linens, and in the bottom, plastic food containers--if you use those. The 3-drawer stack to the right of the range could hold spices in the top drawer, with baking staples such as flour, sugar, oats, etc. in the next drawer, and bakeware in the bottom drawer. Oils and other frequently used cooking and baking items (baking powder, salt, brown sugar, etc.) can be stored in the upper cabinet. The 'How do I plan for storage' link that Kathi Steele posted is a great resource, as are all of Buehl's planning threads. 2) Addressed in first part of my post. 3) I like the open shelving in the pantry area, but you'll want nice dishes or other coordinating items on display--assuming that's not where you'll keep the boxes of breakfast cereal. ;) That area will also make a nice buffet serving space.
...See More
Need input on kitchen lighting! Advice needed!
Q
Comments (2)
I would keep it silver. It blends better with your kitchen finishes, and lets your dining table light be the main focus. You don't ned the contrast of a dark finish there, especially if you are keeping three lights. I would look for lights with clear glass, or silver in a square shape like your other light. Or you may be able to change out the glass bell without changing your whole fixture.
...See More
Buehl
13 years ago
Luceestar's Kitchen is similar... Her kitchen is 8'x8'

Here is a link that might be useful: FKB: Luceestar's Kitchen
ritamay91710
13 years ago
My kitchen is only about 10x10, and our cabinets are sort of darkish, they are carbonized bamboo, I would post a pic, but they aren't installed yet!! I'm also going to go light with the granite, probably Giallo Ornamental, and the floors are, what I would call a light to medium stone look.

I say go with what you like.
kitchenaddict
13 years ago
idrive...you're a peach! Can you tell me how you did that? I should change my user name to "computerchallenged"!
idrive65
13 years ago
In the box below the reply box (Optional Link URL:) paste the link to her page, and in the "Name of the Link:" box type what you'd like to call it. You're welcome!
doraville
13 years ago
I think it might be too much dark. I would go with lighter cabs and darker countertops.
lee676
13 years ago
I like dark cabinets. And your kitchen isn't small! (and even if it's small, what's wrong with small rooms?

I cant help thinking, get a stackable washer and dryer, put them where the dryer is now, and shrink the laundry closet so you can get an extra two feet of countertop & cabinet space to the right or left of the fridge. If it weren't for that water heater, I'd blow away the whole laundry closet.
3katz4me
13 years ago
Your kitchen looks a lot like mine pre-remodel - though I think it's bigger/wider. I replaced my dark cabinets with new dark cabinets. Whether or not it's "too dark" is really up to you. Do you want a warm, dark, rich feeling or a light, bright, airy feeling? I wanter the prior.
sammiecanada
13 years ago
I love dark cabinets and with the photos posted above it just shows how stunning they can be. Starting June 7th we are demolishing our kitchen and have ordered dark burgundy cabinets with caesarstone quartz reflection countertops and also doing the light colored backsplash-everyone has told me it's going to be dark but I don't think so and it is what I want....and after 27 years of marriage, that is what I'm getting! I say go for it!
sabrina_m
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks so much for the advice everyone! I am going to go for it!
I'm definitely going after more of a "warm & cozy" look, not "light & bright". Nothing against light & bright, I've just always wanted a warm kitchen with a coffee inspired color scheme.

kitchenaddict & idrive65- thanks TONS for pic of enigmaquandry's kitchen. Its gorgeous and doesn't look dark at all. It totally reinforces my idea that having a light wall & BS will prevent the dark cabinets from taking over.

lee676 - what a great idea about the stackable w&d! I've had a lot of ideas about this kitchen but none have been about remodeling that laundry closet. Condensing that closet could make things open up quite a bit. That's certainly going to go on my long-term project idea list!

I'll be sure to post pics once its done! Thanks again!
socalusa
13 years ago
Don't have too much to add, but we had Diana Pearl in our kitchen before this remodel.
We had stripped down the dark oak cabinets to a lighter tone just to "update" it, so they weren't dark,
but as you can see the light Silestone did brighten the area. We did the full bullnose.
shelayne
13 years ago
Here is one of my favorite dark cabs kitchens. It's a DIY. Really, really gorgeous.

Here is a link that might be useful: RT Paisley kitchen
growlery
13 years ago
There is a school of thought that dark cabinets/walls can actually make a room look bigger.

I don't know if it's true, but I'll lay it out for you.

Light colors accentuate features, that is, draw attention to them.

Dark colors make features recede, that is, draw your eye away from them.

So if you are in a room, your eye will sort of pass over the dark colors, making the room seem bigger.

Watch your proportions, take care with the lighting (you want well lit, not LAX/autopsy suite) and enjoy your kitchen, no matter what you decide.
sabrina_m
Original Author
13 years ago
socalusa - thanks for the diana pearl pic. It looks great! And I love the sheen it has. I've looked online but haven't had much luck so far finding real pics of it in a kitchen. If our budget allows, we're going to do a bullnose too.

shelayne - thanks for link to pics of RT Paisley's kitchen. I saw one of them on FKB this morning but hadn't seen the rest. WOW! you're right - that is gorgeous and doesn't look like a cave at all.

growlery - what an interesting idea! I think if dark colors are done right they can give a good depth and balance to any room.

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I'm getting more and more confident that dark cabinets are the right way to go.

From the first time we viewed this house I started thinking about how to re-do the kitchen. My gut idea was dark cabinets but I quickly dismissed it. My next idea was to do a dark countertop (and leave the cabinets as-is) but none of the dark quartz colors were in our price range. I realized we'd have to go with one of light quartz since they were cheapest so I started re-thinking the dark cabinet idea. I guess it goes to you to stick with your gut sometimes!

input needed - dark cabinets in a small kitchen?

Comments (15)

kitchenaddict

idrive65

Related Discussions

Buehl

ritamay91710

kitchenaddict

idrive65

doraville

lee676

3katz4me

sammiecanada

sabrina_m
Original Author

socalusa

shelayne

growlery

sabrina_m
Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

input needed - dark cabinets in a small kitchen?

Comments (15)

Related Discussions

sabrina_mOriginal Author

sabrina_mOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

sabrina_m
Original Author

sabrina_m
Original Author