Aww gee. Is it that bad? They still look good!

I wouldn't replace with stained walnut. It won't be the same. If walnut can't handle your lighting, find a different wood that is appropriate for your house but is more color stable. I'd look into teak, mahogany...I don't know how they take sun, but I'd start researching in that direction.

Thank you Fori! The pics dont show how blonde they are getting. The cabinets on the right of the floating run are much lighter than the ones on the far left that are away front the windows.

Stained walnut wont look the same? I didnt know that! I thought it might be a little darker. I havent gotten to the point of asking for a sample. After the first ID remarked on it a year ago, I asked for a quote. After my ID saw them last week and recommended changing them also, I realized I need to consider it.

And I had told him stained walnut for my new master bath! It’s not too late to change, but maybe I need to rethink it.

I dont know what to do then. I see a lot of light oak in modern homes here, maybe the light is why? I just think it might be too washed out.

I could do a painted cabinet, at least for the floating run...white with quartz marble top? But the marble might be too busy with walnut and the red rock walls.

I remember your remodel! Has it been that long? So the walnut never had any type of finish/protection? Can’t they be sanded and refinished? I have skylights directly over my walnut island and haven’t experienced fading but it’s finished with Waterlox. Yours look so good it seems a shame to replace!

Thanks bbtrix! Yes, it’s been that long...maybe more like 7 years! I’ve been too busy to finish it but now I am ready! The island top and side panels will not be replaced. They are real walnut and I think can be refinished. They dont look as bad. The cabinet maker said it will be cheaper to replace the doors/drawers then to refinish. I could live with it if it wouldnt fade anymore. But my fear is that it is going to look like a 1970’s office soon.

Thanks Sophie! But how bad will it get? This place is BATHED in bright light during the day. I defintely would prefer to leave them alone to save money!

I forgot to add that there is also water damage on the sink cabinets doors, but it’s not terrible and I can live with it. I suspect someone watching the house while I was away did it because I am ultra careful to dry them off thoroughly.

I agree with Sophie. And it will never look like a ‘70s office. Are you perhaps not a fan of modern design? Have you considered oiling them?

Leave it alone!!
Looks beautiful!

I agree too. I love your kitchen and mcm. Did you have a problem before the ID’s mentioned it? Also, what finish is on the fronts?

Thanks eam44. I am a big fan of modern design, but I just dont want blonde cabinets. I dont know if they can be oiled. I’d have to ask the contractor. Here you can see how light they are getting:

Those are really super extra faded! I've never seen walnut look like that. It usually stops at a nice rich orange. You're losing your stripes!! Maybe ask around some wood forums and see what experts think. You just might have too much UV to do walnut.

From what I understand, UV protectants won't stop the color change, but in this case maybe it would help prevent the extreme color washout you seem to be getting. But I don't know.

Thanks cookncarpernter and bbtrix! I noticed it myself 1-2 yrs ago. I never mentioned it to the ID’s but they also noticed it and brought it up.

yes, thanks Fori! The home is very bright. There is almost too much light. They look darker at night, which is why the pics I first posted look darker. I’ll see if I can find a cabinet forum also. I would really like to stick with walnut, but maybe it wont be possible? Are stained walnut cabinets really that bad?

Did anyone mention possibility of UV protection film on your windows? Maybe that would help you.

Stained isn't that bad--it's just not walnut at its best, and it'll still undergo change. You really need some wood pros. :)

If the fading bothers you, strip them and stain them back to the original color.

And then use a UV-protective varnish on top.

I'd also look into the oiling idea. Like a teak oil. I'd hate to replace them - I have to wonder if you could get the same quality / feel.

And also consider some window films. I've done our windows and it's really saved the floors and leather furniture.

Don't smack me, but is it definitely walnut and not, perhaps, cherry, or a dark maple?

I wouldn't remove them, I'd have a good person who knows how to take care of wood properly come in and refinish them. They're lovely! I'd be listening to someone who cares about lovely wood more than I'd be listening to floating IDs. :)

Thank you for all the helpful replies.

Mrs. S - thanks I’ll look into that.

I have no idea how to strip and stain/oil the cabinets. WHen I asked the cabinet maker about this, he said it is cheaper to replace the drawer fronts.

Bubbly jock- yes, it’s definitely walnut. :)

I agree with everyone else, it's beautiful so just let it be! Maybe just use some protective coat to your cabinets to slow down the process of washing out. But if it's really bothering you, maybe stain them back to your preferred color and don't forget to put some UV protecting coat to make it last a little longer! Just make sure you hire someone really good to preserve them.