Hi loves2read, Yes, the room was pretty dark to start with hence the wall and desk lighting. I would like to put her ceiling fan lighting on a dimmer (I always put my lights on dimmers) and put in high watt bulbs. The room does look darker than what it is though. I had wanted to paint the back wall as well (behind long desk) but just didn't have the time or energy. We are still searching for the perfect art pieces to give the wall more color. My mother-in-law has recently retired but stays busy with various projects. She does not meet with clients, it's just a space to allow her creative, intellectual juices flow. Love your feedback, Thank You!

Lynxe, that kitchen is long gone. It was in terrible disrepair. The laminate counter was completely separated from the wall, many of the cabinets were separating from the wall. Most of the drawers were broken and not even usable. The linoleum floor was stained. It also had a separate utility room for storage, and a washer and dryer. We decided to grab the space from that to make the kitchen larger. We ended up removing 2 walls, one of which was load bearing and we had to put in a lam beam to keep the house structurally sound. The kitchen is now completely open to the dining room. I will add more pictures of the kitchen when I get a chance. It is not the typical "period/cottage" kitchen that is so prevalent in magazines. Since it is open to the rest of the house I wanted something a little more warm, and a little more french country. I love how it is turning out, it is not yet complete as my DH has done everything with the exception of the counters himself. Sorry about the toilet lid, didn't realize it was such a no-no. If you notice there is also a little pink plastic microphone in the pic, I suspect I know who left the lid up.

If you paint/sandblast, same color. If you limewash, white close to that. Have you ordered the front door already? The current surround/pediment is more Colonial Revival (and so pretty!) The blue door you are ordering leans more Craftsman, imo. If you want lights in the door, I would look for something more like this: Add a pretty door knocker, even a faux mail slot. New house numbers (if yours need replacing) and a larger lantern. I would fly a U.S. flag 365 for color since you have the flag pole holder between lower windows.

Chris, I did to my custom cabs exactly what you want to do. They were solid wood, great shape, but after 15 years I couldn't stand the overall dark feel. I had them refaced and everything painted. new countertops, vent hood, splash, window, everything. The company I hired to paint also deals w/refacing. for an additional 2K, I got all new doors, drawer fronts. (I prob have twice the cabs you do, including a 4X7 island) The new doors are all solid maple w/center panels made from MDF. when painting, MDF is a better choice for the panels than solid wood. To answer your questions about getting new doors that aren't painted, yes, they would then have to use a veneer material to skin your base cabinets so that they would match. something else you should change over is the lower doors to drawers. a good refinishing company can also do this for you. I had them make two large drawers in my island where open shelving used to be. so much better for storing large pans have you had any estimates? If going the painting route, make sure you get all of the steps they take in priming. if getting them refaced, those should come raw, so all they have to do is prime and paint. you can also get soft closing hinges. You're prob looking at well over 6-7K for just painting, and then whatever extra they charge for refacing. as for the gap to the ceiling, there are diff ways to tackle that. since your current cabs have a large wood edge (the part above your doors) , it might be difficult to add on boxes to that. you see how the doors immediately transition into the added boxes? You have that 3-4" of wood above your doors. what you might be able to do is get taller doors to cover that, remove the crown, and then build the boxes above that. or, you could add on a decorative molding or large crown This one might work for you. another poster on here had these, but notice how her doors almost touched her crown molding. They removed that Built boxes and then added doors. I believe she told me this cost her 2K to have that gap closed like this these are mine, before. I'm sure people thought I was crazy for changing it. I didn't care. I lived w/it for 15 years, the finish was wearing and I was tired of dark. notice my drawer/door design. see how the top drawers are slab and the others shaker style? This is why I refaced so they would all match. all of the fluted / rope trim and corbels were removed. micro was moved. vent hood made. drawers in island made. doors added to desk area. We did the window ourselves. new marble/quartz, lighting, flooring, appliances. I did Wrought Iron on my island, bright white on the others. there's a double pantry to the left you can't see. You say you don't want white, which is fine, there are plenty of other colors. Revere Pewter edgecomb gray Navy Kendall Charcoal This just gives you an idea. what is your budget? If you say 10K, that may get you countertops and new tile backsplash.