Start by covering the red with primer. You have to do it anyways, and it's very hard to visualize the space because the red is so strong. Any paint sample you will consider for the cabinets will look off due to the red.

I don't see a need to paint your cabinets if they're in good condition. Then again, it depends on what you're envisioning for your kitchen. If your inspiration photos all have painted cabinets, you might not achieve your desired result leaving them as is.

ETA: Great tip from luckyblueeye. There is certainly more to painted cabinets than white or grey. A timeless colour though...that's when it gets tricky! :)

Karen - I haven't picked the new granite yet. I feel like I need to figure out my cabinet situation first. Luckyblueeye - that is a wonderful idea! That would definitely help. With my kitchen paint - I would like to stay in the brown family - I was thinking a taupe similar to my great room only a little darker.

tartanmeup - I am thinking of deleting this post - because the more I think about it - I do NOT want to paint my cabinets. I think I need to focus on what color of granite I want with existing cabinets - and what color I am going to paint my walls - thank you so much!

Wood cabinets are coming back, Julie. Plenty of people have kept them over the years and someone here has a wood cabinet ideabook to share.

If you change your countertop to a granite one, what were you planning for the backsplash? Changing one element of a kitchen can often have a domino effect on the rest - best to look at the room as a whole and develop a plan that can be implemented in stages. You can keep this post up and get suggestions on a cohesive vision keeping your wood cabinets intact.

I was wanting to keep the backsplash that I have. The granite guy said he wouldn't damage it. It is very neutral and I like it. I would love to find a granite that matches my existing cabinets and backsplash. Then - pick a paint color for the walls. And I agree - I love wood and I purchased a nice conditioner to clean them up!

Thank you so much. And yes - the quote to paint was 3500 plus I just don't want to paint them. I am going to focus on granite that matches my current cabinets and backsplash. Then the wall color. I would consider painting island only later on!

What were you planning for the laminate backsplash portion?

The backsplash I have now is tumbled stone (I think that is what they call it). I definitely want to keep it.

Yes, I understand that but what about the backsplash portion of the laminate? That bit on your wall? You'll replace with granite or will you find your tumbled stone to extend it flush to the counter?

I've added a link to a slideshow from Canadian House and Home magazine for some current wood cabinet inspiration. Just to get colour palette ideas. You'll see wood paired with lots of whites, charcoal, black and some blues. Check out the hardware choices too - might give you ideas. Slides 9, 11, 14, 15, 20, 22, 26, 27, 31, 36, 38, 42 and 43 seem to have cabinets similar in colour to your own.

House and Home - 45+ Kitchens and baths with wood cabs

Oh I see what you are saying now! The granite guy said he could keep my existing backsplash and bring the granite up to it similar to the way the laminate is now. I would just have to replace the bottom line of grout. I do have extra tiles, although I need to check them to see if I have enough to cover that bottom row all the way around. He said he could take a drill to remove my laminate countertops to save my backsplash. Hmm Maybe I should see if I have enough tiles to bring down one more row or two. I guess I could just take out all the backsplash and pick out something new too. I just thought it was neutral enough to save. I have some research to do!

Yup. See what I mean about domino effect? :) Why are you getting granite countertops? If I were you and I was certain I wanted to change the wall colour, I'd start by priming the walls as luckyblueeye suggested, then reassess the kitchen, fixed budget firmly in mind.

Well, my laminate countertops are in bad shape. Glued in many places and scratched. Plus a friend in the granite industry is giving me a great deal I can't pass up. I feel like it's my chance to get rid of these ugly green countertops.

But I still need advice on what color of granite!

Remove the back splash, get new counters installed, then choose a new back splash. Then choose a new paint for the walls. The full back splash will give you nice height for the kitchen. Have fun!

This is true. Plus - it's really not that expensive. Thank you!

I agree with iamtiramisu: cream or warm white for your granite. (If you want a change from the dark green.) And yes, take a cabinet door with you and bring back samples to see in your light!! Would it be possible to do the backsplash in the same granite as the counter? That might look good and be a quieter look. Good luck! Hope you report on your progress. :)

Was looking over some of my old posts. This is what we ended up with this year. Plus new hardwood (white oak stained dark walnut). We love our new kitchen cabinets and countertops. A huge difference. I appreciate everyone’s advice!

#2

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#4 new floors.

Pretty floors. And I really like that backsplash.