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White or linen perimeter cabinets with brown wood island?

6 years ago

We're buying new construction and it has an open floor plan with a lot of light coming into the kitchen from the morning room. I'm trying to pick out the cabinets.

I'm leaning toward shaker style because I find them more versatile for long-term (even though I'm more traditional). I am a big fan of contrast, and after debating gray (husband preferred and "in") vs. brown wood island, I'm leaning toward the brown to be more classic and warming (w/ my traditional leanings).

My dilemma is whether or not to go with white or linen cabinets, and I'm not sure if there'll be much difference with the light coming in. I have always wanted bright white, but the designer is pushing me towards linen because of the brown island. My friends and family think the linen cabinets just look like old, dirty white cabinets.

Linen and Autumn Brown

Alpine White and Autumn Brown

(Ivory, which is darker is the color of the cabinets in the background)

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Comments (3)

wilson853
6 years ago
You should go with your instinct. I agree with your family. Imagine these kitchens if they had linen cabinets. The linen cabinet may have undertones which may be difficult to work with.
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Jill Pokryfke thanked wilson853
herbflavor
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
prefer the ivory...but must be honest, I prefer the piece of flooring off to the right, as peach faux tile floor material looks off to me. On the other hand, I like real terra cotta tile. But that's not what this is. [is hardwood not in your options?-its a good investment, even if an upgrade]... I'd do the more brown floor with the ivory and the wood island. Any of these will be fine...be careful with flooring choices generally...leave room for pattern in counter options. My hunch is they are offering you granite..a beautiful granite will unite the light and dark cabinets. good Luck..so fun.
Jill Pokryfke thanked herbflavor
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I think natural cherry would look nice if you want to go with a light color to keep the contrast low with the white cabs. A natural maple with it's yellow tones would also match nicely. That grain in the marble looks reddish to me. If so, a mahogany or dark cherry would bring that out and you'd get more contrast, if that's what you're after. I'd get a box of wood samples and bring your door and piece of marble with you and look at them with the slab. Pick the one you like best that matches them and has the amount of contrast you are looking for. My cab company had a box of 4" square wood color samples I carried around for a while. See if you can get something like that.
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I had the same predicament as you. I chose Carrara fror the perimeter and was stuck on what to place on the island. My black walnut quotes were outrageous also. Then I found a local woodworker to make mine for much less, even with the runnels and upmounting (not top mounting) of my undermount sink to reduce the finished depth of the sink. I agree with Fishies. If thats what you really want, keep getting quotes. Other choices include soapstone, stainless, or manmade quartz. Each have their pros and cons.
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cpartist
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I'm leaning toward shaker style because I find them more versatile for long-term (even though I'm more traditional).

Why would you find it more versatile if you prefer a more traditional look? Do what works for you and your house style, not what's currently in style because 2 or 5 years from now, shaker may have gone the way of the dinosaurs.

As for color, pick your countertop first since that is what has the least choices. Then you can see whether the white or linen works better.
Jill Pokryfke thanked cpartist

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