Dark cabinet owners, (previous and current) please weigh in.

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

Hi all. While making a comment in this thread, I asked a question that was then suggested by another poster I ask in here. I was already contemplating that very thing, so here I am. I am hoping this will not only help me, but others as well with the same concern.

To reiterate, I have been gearing up for a kitchen remodel for about the last year. One thing I was certain of was that I wanted dark cabinets. Not as dark say as Espresso, but a nice rich dark chocolate brown/walnut, somewhere in there. And, having a south facing kitchen, and not a ton of cabinets, I thought I was good to go. Until a few days ago, when I suddenly looked around (on a sunny day) and thought to myself, this kitchen is not that bright to me all things considered.

I have a 60 year old ranch with an overhang. The cabinets in here are the originals, Birch I am told. We painted the slab doors white 25 years ago.

I don't like overhead lighting. I do use the canned light above my sink a lot, and a small lamp that sits on a divider of sorts that is part cabinet, part "wall" for stove and DW to sit against. I use that lamp all the time, but will lose that perch in the reno. There will be nowhere to put something like that. I will have UCL and I think I will really love it. And something will have to go over the eating table, will try to make that softer, ambient lighting. But that's pretty much on the lighting, not loving the idea of more cans, but could if I have to.The sun shines IN the kitchen during the fall/winter months, but that's it. There is a small set of double windows above the sink, and a med (?) size set of double in the eating area.

I don't have a ton of cabinets nor will I when I am done. L shape with upper and lower (let's say 11 cabs 5 drawer), but because I will lose some in the placement of the DW and stove, I am considering getting a bid to put something in the wall that the basement stairs are behind.

So my concern is, will this make the kitchen too dark? I like warm, rich, cozy type rooms. If I went dark, I wouldn't necessarily want very light BS, counter and floor. I would like something with the warmth of say, susan466's kitchen. Not the black appliances, I am wanting stainless, but the general feel of the room with darker counter and med BS (I really love hers) and my floor would be a bit darker I think. Or sochi's kitchen, which I can't find a link for now but I'm sure some are familar.

If I thought this would be too dark for the room, I "could" go light. Not white, but maybe cream/antique white. I love this kitchen, a lot. So I guess I am not married to dark cabs like I thought I was.

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But my question is, for those that went dark (and especially from light to dark), what was your experience/feelings? Love, hate, adjustment? Please share all your thoughts. I never thought I would even get an entire redo, I cannot make a mistake.

Thank you all in advance. I have lurked here for a couple years, and many of you unknowingly helped me redo my LR awhile back. :)

Featured Answer

kalapointer

9 years ago

I have dark QS oak with dark green counter tops. lots of windows and an open floor plan.

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Comments (157)

Amber
8 years ago
I think if you did stained cabs, marble (or something light) and a light backsplash it would look great. I'm not a big fan of dark kitchens, and the only ones I've ever really likes had a good balance of lighter elements. Some people love dark, but I think if you're questioning it you won't love it. I love stained cabinets + marble. I'm doing white in the kitchen but my butler's pantry will be stained.
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Lily Spider
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I don't normally like stained cabinets but I really like that last pic with the 2 different stains. Maybe it has something to do with the glass fronts.
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Amber
8 years ago
I think that color is different from what everyone else it doing right now - it's not espresso, it's warm and happy. It reminds me off the color of Casey's gorgeous cabs.. Let me hunt down a pic
beth09 thanked Amber
Amber
8 years ago

These aren't Casey's, the bottom one is vjrnts. I can't find Casey's for some reason.
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Amber
8 years ago
Here it is..
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beth09
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Amber, thanks for the pics! I totally agree with you that to keep the room light I need a lighter counter and BS. That's why I ditched the color Corian (I am definitely going with that brand) I had loved so and am considering lighter choices. I really like Witch Hazel which is much lighter (pictures up thread) and has streaks of carmely (is that a word?) brown, light grey, white and beige/tan. Rain Cloud could be another, it looks a lot like marble, grey and white. I tend to like warmth and feel the WH would project that better, but have not ruled out RC.

I also agree that it takes a "certain" combination of light and dark to get it right. In fact, just a few days ago I was struck by this very thing. I have looked at SO many rooms with dark stained cabs and light counter/BS, and I dismiss most of them. I began to wonder what was it about the ones I liked. So I am in the process of dissecting these rooms to find the common denominator. And for sure one thing is glass/shiny/reflective surfaces/things. So I am thinking a glass door or two on cabs (do not want all glass), and I am thinking about doing a set of 3 staggered pendants in glass for over the kitchen table. Then maybe throw in some other glass accents where I can. Knobs? I dunno... Also, shiny/reflective BS.

Woods with red or yellow give off more warmth as a rule, unfortunately I do not want those, in any great amount at least.

Here is one room that I absolutely adore, yet so much of it will not go/work in my kitchen. But the dark cabs (I LOVE this stain color), reflective light BS, light counter (on island only but from from this view you can pretend it's on counter lol) and pendants are my main focus. The wall color is very similar to what I will have also.

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This one is my dream room. I truly love everything about it, except the light fixture. But not sure if it's all right for a kitchen, especially in a more modest home...

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HerrProfessorDoktor
8 years ago
Beth we have a dark table though it is a lighter shade than the floor and the cabinets.
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beth09
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Pretty! Almost identical to my set, just a different shade. :) Thank you for posting it. I think an open concept can get away with more than closed rooms.
HerrProfessorDoktor
8 years ago
We are in the middle of figuring out the main backsplash (behind the range we have stainless steel). We will most likely go with some type of class tile though the color or style is TBD.
beth09 thanked HerrProfessorDoktor
beth09
Original Author
8 years ago
Here's another kitchen I really like the feel of, couldn't find it earlier. I'm sure the glass doors have some to do with it.
ourlifeinthesticks
8 years ago
Amber, Do you know the source for this picture? DH wants to know what kind of wood the cabinets are :-)
beth09
Original Author
8 years ago
HDP, I think a glass selection will look great!
javiwa
8 years ago
beth: I'm certain I've got that last pic you posted SOMEWHERE around here as an inspiration pic....looks very familiar. Pretty sure I would've saved it in a "Backsplash Ideas" folder, since I went down that path first. But now that I'm seeing it again, I'm focusing on the glass doors. I'd always discounted glass since that meant I'd have to put too much thought into what I'd store in those exposed cabs. But frosted/translucent....YES!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have 42" uppers (12" widening to 15") flanking my kitchen window, and I'm feeling a bit concerned about crowding the window.
beth09
Original Author
8 years ago
Oooh javi, I think you should do it!! :)
beth09
Original Author
8 years ago
So javi, are you saying you picked your BS first? And if so, was that beneficial or did it make things harder? I ask because I was so drawn to looking at BS's, but I felt like I was putting the cart before the horse... Although Rebecca Robeson says design around the BS. Thoughts?
javiwa
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
haha...oh, yes, of course! Why, over the past many months, I'm certain I've settled on a number of BS's that I thought was "The One". ;) ...until I realized (okay, was told!) I had this all backwards.

So, no cart before the horse for me: I've resolve to sit on my hands and be the obedient, patient kitchen reno'er. Will likely (hopefully) be a more sane person at the end of this whole process anyway. (But when I come across a beautiful BS, my brain still silent screams, "THAT'S IT!!!!!!!!!!")
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beth09
Original Author
8 years ago
"(But when I come across a beautiful BS, my brain still silent screams, "THAT'S IT!!!!!!!!!!")'

LOL Me too!! It's hard isn't it? BS's are wayyyy more fun than floors and even cabinets, for me at least. So I too have tried to curb that and focus on the items at hand... Ok, thanks for clarifying. :)
Amber
8 years ago
What I notice about your favorite kitchens is:

- cream accents on hood, chairs

- uppers don't go to the ceiling and the wall paint is light

- under cabinet lighting

-the glass front doors you mentioned, which the upper uppers in the kitchen have a cream plate on display.

I think as long as you accent with cream, glass, and some glimmer you'll get your dream kitchen!! I love Thor ' favorite room' picture, btw!!!!!
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Amber
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
http://www.inspirationgreen.com/mission-kitchen-inspiration.html

She didn't list the source but there are several similar kitchens on there!
beth09 thanked Amber
rachelpants
8 years ago
Cute stuff on that website! Thanks!!!!
cpartist
8 years ago
I am in love with those kitchens Amber!
beth09
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Amber, thank you! The cabinets not going to ceiling were intentional, as they were a good representation of what mine will look like. There is a soffit that will not be removed and so will look much like that. and I agree totally with your assessment. Hope I can pull it off. The good news is, I actually like many styles/looks. So if I think it's not coming together right, or becoming a train wreck (yikes let's hope not) I can switch it up. I really appreciate your post. :)

I have to ask though, what is "Thor" in your last sentence.? I am stumped there.

And I like that link too!
Amber
8 years ago
Beth

I'm sure you won't have any issues pulling it off! I think when you can list several insiration pics that are all very similar you know just what you want! And Thor, you know, like from Marvel? Actually, my phone has the most ANNOYING auto correct and changes ' your' to 'Thor' and 'you' to 'thou'. My hubby thinks I'm crazy when I say, "What are thou doing?" Never again, LG!

Those pictures have made it very hard to commit to a white kitchen. :P If hubby wasn't dead set on having darker floors we would have natural oak floors and those gorgeous cabs.....
beth09 thanked Amber
Texas_Gem
8 years ago
Amber- lol, stupid autocorrect right? Though I must ask, how often do you type Thor that your phone autocorrects your to Thor?!?

Thanks for the laugh!
beth09
Original Author
8 years ago
Amber, thanks! I need to hear that, this is scary. lol And couldn't you just suggest hubby get his dark fix on the walls instead? ;) Ya never know....

And too funny about your phone. I had a feeling you meant "your", but I just couldn't figure out how it ended up like that. Were you speaking into it? I have a friend who texts like that, and I can get some really strange messages. Funny about what are thou doing!
HerrProfessorDoktor
8 years ago
Regarding dark wood floors:

Hopefully your hubby is aware that they are super high maintenance? Like co-dependent heroin addict super-model high maintenance. When they are freshly clean they do look amazing but they show every little speck of dust and every single paw/footprint.
javiwa
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
beth: KD showed me one more door sample today, and my brain screamed, THAT'S IT! (Yes, in all caps, even.) Perfect color plus in maple (not the soft alder I fell in love with last week). Also realized this is very, very close to the stain shown in your first inspiration pic (with the four glass pendants), so thought I'd share. How's your search going?

And, sigh, JUST noticed (while cropping this pic) that the tilers didn't do the best job randomizing the tile pattern in the kitchen floor). Oh, well...
beth09 thanked javiwa
beth09
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
*gasps*

javi, that IS it!! Oh my, how pretty is that with your floor?!! Which I love btw, don't think I ever told you that. But I do. Meh, no one will ever notice the randomness or lack of. It will be our little secret. ;)

That really is drop dead gorgeous lady (and yes, they are very much like the cabs in my pic!). As they say (who ARE they anyway?), By George, I think she's got it! :) *clapping*
beth09
Original Author
8 years ago
HerrDoktor, I'm wondering if your post was meant for another thread? I never got a notice on it or I would have responded sooner. Was it perhaps meant for the hardwood floor meltdown thread?
HerrProfessorDoktor
8 years ago
No I just saw that you had mentioned that your hubby was set on dark wood floors. Just making sure you all go in to that with eyes wide open.
beth09
Original Author
8 years ago
Well shoot, you have surely got me stumped. Would you please show me where I said that?
beth09
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I decided to look back through this thread, because I was about as certain as one can get that I hadn't said that. Because my hubby hasn't uttered a word about the floor as he doesn't care. lol Though I know if I asked him, he wouldn't say dark, we need to lighten the room up since the cabs are dark. And for sure it wouldn't be wood, way too expensive for his taste. :) And the paw prints threw me, because we don't have a dog. (and that part of your post has disappeared now)

Here's the only comment I did make on the floor in this thread: From my post to javiwa on 5/18 at 1:31,

As for light walls, definitely. And layer your lighting. I am going to put in more than I think I need/want, just so IF I find it too dark, there is more light to be had. And my counter is really no darker than what I have now, assuming that's the one I go with. And my floor will be lighter (I think) than what I have now. Just work with what you can to help lighten things."
HerrProfessorDoktor
8 years ago
Actually it was in reference to Amber
gramarows
8 years ago
Hello everyone! Thought I'd pop back in and see how things are going, and update on my saga as I've made some changes. Javiwa, one of the first decisions I made for my kitchen, was that the counters would have to be stainless or white/light with little pattern so I can see if there are any ants!!!! My current house's corian has little specks making tiny ants impossible to see! Running out of time and still haven't decided the counters for the new place yet. I still love jan-in-davis's green marble, but think I need white. Beth, early on I really fell for Witch Hazel, but didn't think it went well with the hoosier's porcelain top; made the WH look dingy or washed out. Still don't know what to get, and wonder if stainless steel won't be light enough. But, I have made a big decision recently to forgo uppers on the sink run except for the over the stove cab and it's under cab hood. Plan to place a couple shelves on either side instead, made from antique oak shelves I already have. Only problem will be figuring out the under cab lighting. "Backsplash" will be white painted beadboard which will run either to the ceiling or top of windows. Haven't decided yet, but likely the ceiling. Behind the range will still be a sheet of ss. Think I won't be doing white uppers on the other, refrigerator, side, after all, as I think if I don't use half the upper for food but all dishes, I can make the uppers doors glass which will likely go much better with the oak wardrobe-pantry next to it, so the white won't be necessary. I was concerned about too many things going on in a small space. Beth - way back you mentioned having a lamp in the kitchen for warmth, I have had one for years, and hope to fit one in, but may only have room for a kitschey pin-up.

BTW, I Looove the first kitchen cab photo Amber posted with that soft warm white counter - is that marble like it looks to be?
beth09 thanked gramarows
beth09
Original Author
8 years ago
Hi gramarows! Thanks for dropping in, I love hearing updates and seeing how things evolve for other people.

If it were me, which it is actually, lol, that wants a light counter, I probably would not count SS as light enough? but that's just me. Since you were considering Corian before with the WH, have you considered their whites? They have a pretty good selection as I'm sure you are probably aware. Anyway, just thought I'd mention it. As for the WH not working with the hoosier, I have to ask. What's a hoosier? The only "hoosier" I ever heard about was a descriptive term for a certain type of person lol. I don't think that's what you meant! ;) And, did you see the WH in person, in a counter sized piece? There are none around me, so I am going to have to start calling places in the surrounding area to find some. I am really puzzled by pics of that stuff. Some look like the pattern is very light and random, others it seems SO pronounced, and maybe busier than I'd like.... Would love to hear your thoughts.

And I am not sure what that counter is in the pic of Ambers but it sure is pretty! It definitely "could" be marble, but I don't know.

I hope you find a place for a lamp. I don't know if you saw this thread, but there are a couple ideas in there that might be of help maybe.
gramarows
8 years ago
I am thinking you are right about the SS counters, even though I was pretty set on having them and I've read they reflect light well, but right now lighter is better for me. I'm now thinking white like the hoosier, but my sink is white porcelain, too - Kohler Tones, a little bitty one. White on white? I'm pondering that right now. the fabricator I visited had little solid surface in white. Tried to go to another this weekend, but they were not open. : (

A Hoosier was a brand of early free-standing cabinetry often on casters that was an efficient storage and work station in one: had a porcelain pull-out counter when one needed more room, had flour and sugar bins, often had tin-drawers with tin slide-open lids, a built in cutting board, mine has a pull-out bottom in the big lower cabinet, they often had glass spice jars on revolving rack, wood and tin racks on the doors, and more. I'm including a photo of one similar to mine, but this one's counter top might be a replacement - this doesn't look quite like porcelain to me and they often had back or blue solid or speckled edges...original hardware is tinned metal? The drawer knobs usually had a screw in the middle....
beth09 thanked gramarows
beth09
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I hope you have some luck finding solid surfaces to see. White on white would be nice and bright and clean looking. :)

And thank you for explaining the hoosier! I know I have seen some in the past, just didn't know what they were called. You evoked some old memories when describing the porcelain pull out counter. My mom's mom had a kitchen with a real old time stove, I wouldn't even know what to call it to search for it to show you (so cool), but it was porcelain, as well as her kitchen table. I know for sure the table had a small shelf that pulled out, complete with the dark blue, speckled edge. I wanna think the stove did too, but can't be sure. I spent a lot of time with her in that kitchen, but she's been gone 35 years now. Thanks for the memories. :)
gramarows
8 years ago
Beth, I've loved porcelain enamel kitchen tables - with the red edges, since a child. It is amazing the influences from childhood. The pull of the past for me has always been strong and seems increasing as I age, especially from my grandmothers. My mother's mom has been gone for decades - it doesn't seem possible! I am always drawn to evoke some aspect of my memories, whether decorating inside or outside through landscaping. Right now the cabs are being delivered Tuesday, and I need to figure out what direction I'm heading in - white on white for a soothing, more sophisticated look, or something else altogether! Decisions, decisions!
beth09 thanked gramarows
beth09
Original Author
8 years ago
Here's hoping you come to just the right decision. I say, follow your heart! ;)
javiwa
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
gramarows: Seems folks base their final countertop decision on kitchen color scheme, amount of natural light coming in, etc. -- but never ants! :) However, unless one has had a life altering ant experience, one would not understand my/our thing about ants! (A digression/hijack: I used to save my kids' elementary school mosaics made of glued-on dried beans, peas, rice, etc. -- stored in a second-floor closet, under plastic wraps and in a banker's box. Somehow, a few fire ants found their way up and invited thousands of their best friends: DH's shirts were covered w/ fire ants. It was wintertime, so when the ants got done feasting, they snuggled up in the shirts.) Since highest on my priority list are durability and budget, I'm going to forego the white quartzites and stick with our original plan for leathered Black Pearl -- but will add UCL to more easily spot those little critters!
beth09
Original Author
8 years ago
javi, that's like something out of a (horror) movie. Yikes! Better get some good lighting indeed. lol

How's things going?

I just called 4 surrounding places and none have a large piece of WH. I have one place left and then have to go next state over. Crazy.
javiwa
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
...was not exaggerating when I said life altering. I actually didn't realize they'd made it onto the shirts until I brushed my arm past them (and got stung!) when I was quickly running the box into our big sauna tub across the room (had to contain them somehow, then spritz w/ bug spray)...yeah, got pretty badly stung on my hands, too.

I know nothing about quartz, but are you looking for a large piece of WH in order to avoid seams? I guess with the pretty pattern, it'd be just like marble or granite: you want uninterrupted swirliness. :) I'm sincerely hoping that you live somewhere in the NE, and next state over is just a hop, skip and jump. Fingers crossed for you: it'll be worth it in the end.
beth09 thanked javiwa
beth09
Original Author
8 years ago
You said quartz, but wonder if you meant Corian? Anywho, getting the Corian just because I like the feel of it, and it suits my needs (performance wise) the best. The nearly invisable seem is just a plus. :)
javiwa
8 years ago
Totally my bad, beth -- because I'd researched the various counter options many months ago and went with granite, I'm afraid I'm not as precise with my non-granite terminology. :) Yes, Corian. And I'm all for cobbling together as many pluses as you can!
beth09 thanked javiwa
beth09
Original Author
8 years ago
;)
beth09
Original Author
8 years ago
Forgot to say, no it will not be a hop or skip or jump. Found a whole counter with some edge work done so I can get an idea on that in my state. 1 hour away. Found a large piece and another piece but she couldn't tell me how big, in next state over. 1 hour away. Sigh. Well, it'll be a good excuse to sample a new place for lunch. lol
javiwa
8 years ago
Now that's the way to spin it right and find that silver lining! BTW, I just saw the Corian thread you started: it's quite obvious I'm working backwards today! :) We're living such parallel experiences: we had white laminate forever -- LOVE that stuff! And it still looked great after all this time (a snap to spot any ants venturing across). Goes a lot to explain why I wanted to keep some large span of white in my kitchen: it's what I knew and loved.

Came to a bit of a realization this weekend: I see so many pictures of non-white, dark kitchens that I think are just beautiful. They don't seem too dark in these folks' homes, so I'm not sure why I'm so worried that my kitchen will be too dark...maybe fear of the unknown? Dunno. But as we're approaching the end of the process (BS will be another matter entirely!), it's just time to prioritize over here. Still need to check w/ KD about cost for frosted glass for the two single uppers flanking the kitchen window...these days, I'm afraid to ask. Also need to get some representative pics of the glass to make sure it doesn't look cheesy, ya know? :) Maybe this means I'll need to upgrade to a white interior since the interior walls and forward edge of the shelves will peek through the glass. Cabs come standard w/ that light brown laminate surface, and I don't know how much of the light brown will show through the frost.
beth09 thanked javiwa
beth09
Original Author
8 years ago
lol! We all have our days. Oh who am I kidding, I have weeks, months, years.... But don't tell anyone. :)

We really are cut from the same cloth aren't we?! Too funny. And yes, I am sure you wanted the light counter for the familiarity of it. Definitely get a good look at their frosted door, and ask them how see through they are if you can't see one in person. Though I would try for the in person peek. I am SO excited for you and your kitchen javi. It's gonna be gawgous! ;)
enduring
8 years ago
The post on May 30, 2015 at 6:57 am shows, in the second picture, Sydies kitchen from some years back. Always a favorite of mine! Here is a link to a thread that Allison0704 started a little later to congratulate her kitchen getting included in This Old House mag. When I searched for here KICHEN on Google, here original reveal had broken links to photobucket. But Allison's post is very good with a link to Atticmag.

Saydies Kitchen posted by Allison0704
beth09 thanked enduring
beth09
Original Author
8 years ago
enduring, thank you for that link!