@wdccruise Need a hankie?

@bmorepanic: "Need a hankie?"

If the OP did anything you suggested, I would.

@Flo Mangan "..."

If any of this were done, I'd need a whole box of Kleenex.

Your cabinets are beautiful and unique. I don’t like having what everyone else has so I’d keep them in a heartbeat. I’m trying to figure out what to do with my cherry cabs. They’re pretty but not special like yours. Maybe live with them for awhile and then decide. Flo has helped me, I think she has great ideas.

Why don’t you kids take the bickering over to Twitter 🤨

I want to chime in to say I love your current kitchen and the granite . . . I like natural stone with drama. With that said, I personally like a lighter kitchen because I want my work space to be lighter. I'm not a pro, so won't advise, but wanted to share that what you have is special.

The cool detailing (grooves) on the horizontal trim near the ceiling would be lost if it were painted black.

only a little. dark colors help hide flaws, but not completely. even if it was matte, you'll still be able to see the grooves.

Ok. Here’s another idea for you. Just redo the island with white quartz waterfall countertop. That would be a step toward your long term goal and keep your sanity.

Well, @Flo Mangan, I respectfully disagree. White is too jarring against the rest of the kitchen and Jill will lose the continuity of design, the storage cabinets in the island, and that beautiful piece of granite.

Nester44- I am trying to respond to the poster and what HER dream is for this kitchen. She wants white. I also stated very early that I thought the kitchen was “gorgeous” so I am offering suggestions to help her. She is final judge. We all have our opinions but I respect what the “client” in this case Jill wants. She doesn’t like the woods. By doing the island, it’s a step along the bridge to her desired end point. I work with a very highend cabinetmaker and if he executed this kitchen as is, not counting the highend appliances, in today’s market, his price would be in excess of $100,000 installed. So there’s that. Jill, what do you think?

from the inspo pics Andrea and I posted, I think a marble type white counter would absolutely work in there, and make that burlwood look so much better. but I'd want to replace them all at once, not just an island. the granite will look even worse next to the beautiful new white counter.

Yes, if you do the island in white, then do all the counters too. I just don't think one countertop element in the kitchen should be different from the rest of them.

I think that the cabinets completely fit the bones of the house - it doesn't seem to be a traditional, rustic, colonial, cottage - anything but modern. I also like the dark framing around them, that is a unique and stylish touch.

I agree with you that the wall color isn't quite right for them. A creamy white would be my choice, perhaps with just a touch of warm gray. I dislike the granite too - the person who chose all the materials just didn't quite make the right choices for cohesion, did he?.

As much as I love the window frames and door trim, and the light wood is typical of the modern vibe, I think that they need to be painted in a darker color similar to the cabinet framing, to work better with the counter and cabs. Urbane Bronze might work - or something similar. That is a good color to work with your fireplace stone also.

Really, I think the best step would be to change the counters out. But, since that isn't in the budget right now, try changing the wall paint, get a different color (darker blue, or even black & white - I am inspired by your chair fabric!) & quiet pattern on the floor rugs, get frosted white round globes for the pendants.

You can paste your photos into the visualization tools at the Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Glidden, and other paint websites then try out different colors on the wall and trim to see what the difference would be.

PS your cabinet handles are very similar to the originals on my 1950s Swedish Modern bedroom set - straplike, but mine are bronze.

Your kitchen is beautiful and very unique! If you change anything, change the counters to something white, as others have said.

WOW! I have seen a ton of kitchens photos over the years and your wood cabinetry is one of the prettiest and unique I have seen. It is truly a work of art. I would be so curious to find out exactly what type of exotic wood that is and who made the cabinets. I’ll bet they cost more then my whole house! Haha!

I can totally relate to you not immediately falling in love with the wood kitchen and prefering a nice light and bright kitchen. I have always had dark, wood kitchens so when I finally got the chance to design my new kitchen, I went with white painted cabinets and a big skylight. It has been a few years now and while I still love it, I realize that I actually do love beautiful, unique wood kitchens like yours as well, but it was just that the natural sunlight was always missing for me. Your kitchen does seem on the dark side unless every light is on, even during the day. Would it be possible to add a skylight in the kitchen? Or can you remove the cabinet to the right of the main sink (use somewhere else) and add a new bigger window across that wall? And even if the view isn’t the best on that side, I think the natural light would make a huge difference.

I actually wouldn’t switch out the hardware. Those look very high-end and in my opinion the curved handles mimic the gentle curves of the burl pattern in the wood perfectly. Plus if you do paint the cabs, they would still look good. Different dark hardware might not be the right look then. Hey, the fridge handles even match! The Granite is pretty and doesn’t bother me at all, but that can also be changed to something lighter later on as you save up the $.

If it were my kitchen and I was on a budget, this is where I’d start. First, I would remove the small granite backsplash and slab above the cooktop. Fix the sheetrock and paint the kitchen wall the same color as you painted the rest of the home so far, since you like how that looks.

I would also change the light fixture above the island and possibly above the dining table. That should not be too expensive, yet make a nice update. As the budget allowed, I might change some the accessories in the kitchen and adjoining family room room. Its ok as is, but maybe a change of the rugs in the kitchen, throw pillows, small lamp, and other stuff as some have mentioned might help. I like to ‘go shopping’ from other rooms in my house and just rearrange a few things. It usually works for me anyways. And finally, just light that fireplace, have a glass of wine, and relax. Enjoy your gorgeous new home! Congratulations!

I agree those cabinets are absolutely unique and amazing. I personally prefer the brown tone of the 3 living room cabinets to the more cherry tone of the kitchen ones and think they work better with your floor and dining chairs. I have heard of cabinet finishers that can change the tone of the finish... I think your cabinets will look a ton better with your creamy white walls, though I'm not sure if you'll be able to pair your modern art with those counters. I would spend the $$ for painting on new counters instead, because you said you are hoping painted cabinets will help you love the counters.

I found a beautiful quartz (in Sugar White) for the countertops that feels bright but warm and complementary with the cabinets and the other wood tones. The backsplash tile I'm leaning towards is Island Stone glass tile in Champagne or Akoya Pearl. It looks gorgeous together with cabinets. I'll then see if cabinet trim needs a new color to match cabinets. Pulls in bronze may be the route. I don't think I'd miss the two upper cabinets around main kitchen sink, and could add windows for view of the backyard, which is in many ways the star of the show. Feeling led to prioritize kitchen project and wait for master bath now that I have a better plan here, thanks to all of you.

My yellow rugs are in garage 🙌🏻😭.

My previous primary home didn't have any unpainted wood (all white) and the entire house was gorgeous basalt tile floors. The contrast was stunning but also a bit dark (beautiful tree covered lot). I knew the new tones and all the wood in this new space would be an adjustment, but so far so good.

You've been great and I'm so grateful. You've helped me see what the previous owners (she was the architect) were trying to tell everyone about these oh so special cabinets. Most of the prospective buyers were like me with respect to not digging these cabinets. There are so many special features to the house and the property. And I of course want to respect that ~ while wanting to make changes that are more our style and help it feel more fresh, less dated.

@mnmamax3: "I personally prefer the brown tone of the 3 living room cabinets to the more cherry tone of the kitchen ones..."

They're all the same.

@wdccruise it's true, all the cabinetry is the same from kitchen into the three pillar type cabinet structures that delineate formal dining from hallway into kitchen and family room areas. The stone around fireplace is consistent with the stone in outdoor kitchen, back yard, fire pit and accents on front exterior. Luckily I don't dislike it as much and am not led to change it.

I may take heat for this, but I picked the ufo style island chandelier. Maybe it makes more sense if you see what had been there, in pic. We referred to it as The Medusa. Note: this image is from the seller's realty photos which made the entire kitchen space and granite look so much lighter and brighter than it actually is. She had custom wall paintings for young children living area (seen in the background).

Is this the same granite from the original photograph? It looks much lighter in this picture. I like the light fixture.

@rachel it is exactly the same granite. But, it's the previous owners realtor photos. They knew the kitchen came off as dark in person so the photos of kitchen were edited to make it seem much lighter than it is. Luckily, I was a local buyer and saw the house many times prior to closing so I could see all her angles and lighting.

They even made the medusa light fixture look good. Wizard photography 🪄

Morning Jill! Good to get your input and a bit more info on this home. You have handled all this input with style and grace! I will comment briefly on backsplash. The current backsplash is too busy for the cabinetry BUT it might be best to wait because if you decide to resurface the cabinets, you might just want something that is new at that time. While I understand your desire to make changes, patience will help in the long run. Best of luck. It’s a gorgeous home and may you enjoy it for many healthy years!

I LOVE the kitchens cabinets. Everyone has white cabinets which is ok but when you have kids is hard to keep them clean. I mean I wouldn’t do anything to the cabinets they are perfect they way they are!

@JR Feeler, I'm a realtor and I just had photographs taken in a house that feels too dark . . . and yes I'm having the photographer use a flash to get some more light into the space also! Of course it's so important to tour the home in person.

The cabinets are beautiful. You asked for suggestions for a change of countertops. This would pick up the warm tones both of the cabinets and the flooring yet still have the richness of current countertops. To me, a solid might be too much contrast. There's so much wood, countertops with a complementary pattern are the way to go.

This is Cambria quartz Brittanica Gold

Forest Retreat Kitchen · More Info

Forest Retreat Kitchen · More Info

@Flo Mangan thank you ~ patience is not my strong suit, but I hear you and appreciate it.

I'd like to add another suggestion in addition to the recommendation of the Cabria Brittanica Gold countertops. You could emove the cabinets over the stove and just have a beautiful backsplash there facing out into the space. You seem to have acres of cabintry for storage so you might not need them.. Those cabinets on the farthest walls are the only ones that face outward to your living room. This would greatly lighten the sight lines.

I love glass tile, but it never seemed quite right in my 1941 "colonial" style house. I think it is perfect for yours, and will definitely lighten up the space!

If you replace the counter, I think that you can ignore my suggestion about the window frames and door casings. They may still be a little off color wise, but it won't be so noticeable without that granite.

I would say that, if you try any of these ideas and still don't love the cabinetry, sell the doors and panels -- somebody would be head over heels happy to have that stuff, and it could pay for the new doors (with some shaker or other molding to make them more interesting in color) and paint to bring your kitchen into the white you're more familiar with. Heck, I'd take just the fridge panel and spend the next year coming up with someplace to work it into my house so I could visit it every day! :))

I second that option. The cabinets are quite special, but no one should feel stuck in a house that does not fit them. If you cannot love them sell them and replace with new.

Sounds like you are on the right track. I looked up that quartz and I think it would look great! I tried to do a mockup for you. I would strongly suggest to install the countertops first and then pick out the backsplash. That way you can pick the perfect tile in your lighting. Please show us the reveal when finished!

Thank you everyone here for your insights. It was very helpful. We wrapped up this part of the project in May 2022 and I'm happy to post the after pics. We love the space and are so glad with the outcome.

Wonderful changes! The house flows now. Absolutely beautiful.

I made some side by sides (I know I appreciate those in others projects)

And I did the wrong order on some 😭

I'm so glad we kept the burl wood ~ thank you so much for the advice here.

@gina2020 Gina Roberts Wagner was my local pro and I ended up being the GC due to Covid (and impatience)

The Burl Wood is spectacular! I have walnut cabinets and white marble counters. I am seeing this color combo quite a lot, lately. We may be on trend. LOL

I love the fireplace. Very unique and personal.

Thank you 🙏🏻

I love the fireplace - is that tile? It's so dimensional! And with all the other changes, the burl wood really shines! Gorgeous!

I don't know if it was intentional, but I did get a chuckle out of the side by side before and after that featured the passing cat in the before and the hide rug in the after.

It looks great!

Congratulations! Your home looks wonderful.

@mnmamax3 thank you! It is natural stone tile on the fireplace wall. It is almost like a tile, 3d quilt. Tedious for my tile guy, but he loved it, too.

@snappity 😭 I think the cat was on a bar stool for the after, safe and sound 👍🏻. Thank you!

The tile in the kitchen is perfect, and on the fireplace wall is just WOW! What a great choice!

I love that you kept the cabinets and worked with them. it looks terrific!

@raee_gw zone 5b-6a thank you! I admit I absolutely love design and feel so attached to the choices made. That glass tile in kitchen was so gorgeous, I wanted it to the ceiling. It is so, so pretty. The contractors would literally stop and touch the fireplace wall. That part was fun, too. Craftsman 👍🏻

@SeattleMCM thank you so much! I definitely needed some convincing as I wasn't appreciating these cabinets. Now I do 🌟 They get to standout now which is perfect.