Help with Kitchen Update
We just recently replaces our countertops with quartz and added new appliances. The backsplash tile is on back order due to transportation issues.
I am having second thoughts about the cabinet color. As you can see, it’s a reddish maple. The cabinets are in great shape, and we are not planning to replace them, but I don’t think that they go with the countertops. My husband does not want to paint them. Do you think a darker stain would be the solution? How difficult is it to stain cabinets?
Comments (14)
HU-187528210
2 years agoKarin Glessner
2 years agoRelated Discussions
Need help with kitchen update
Comments (14)When I changed out my flooring from white vinyl to hardwood, it took me a few weeks to adjust to the change. The hardwood is natural, so not so dark. I love my undercabinet lighting - so definitely do that - best and favorite change. My sink is a "short apron" Kohler Whitehaven which can be installed on a standard sink base cabinet. It is just as deep inside as the "tall apron" style. Do be sure you like the look of the shorter apron - see it in a plumb supply shop if possible. The Kohler Vault which is stainless also comes in a short apron style. Kohler Whitehaven is on backorder right now, but since you haven't started yet, you can wait for it if you like it. Subway tile that leans a bit cream rather than ice white usually works best with oak - but it also depends on the cabinet stain tone. The tile in the inspiration pic looks slightly creamier than the countertop - as does in my kitchen too, though there is some cream in my countertop: [https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~110720042[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~110720042) This is also the time to consider any layout changes. I would be incline to move the stovetop to the exterior wall - then you can vent and do a stainless hood. The pretty hood is probably one of the things you unconsciously like about your inspiration pic. I would not let the stovetop get too close to the sink, and there might not be room, but you would get much better venting. It is possible to stain a wood hood to match your cabinets - I did that, but it can get expensive compared to a stainless hood which would still be attractive....See MoreHelp with kitchen update!
Comments (23)The kitchen looks appropriate to the style of the house. Trying to add trendy gray or go more trendy modern, would be a bad idea. I would replace all the counters with something like Taj Mahal quartzite to lighten things up and then do an interesting backsplash with a nod to the style of the house. I have a Spanish style house with dark wood cabinets, TM counters and I used this arabesque tile from Encore but in a tone-on-tone colorway, so it has the look of one color from the distance. OR, if you really dislike the kitchen, do nothing for now and rip the whole thing out when you have the budget and time for the project. I waited 8 years to do mine, which then justified getting rid of the appliances too, which allowed me to change the layout....See MoreHELP-Kitchen update dilemma...Quartz/Trilium, paint colors
Comments (2)I would not spend that kind of money on old cabinets with worn spots. Start from the beginning and get a KD in there. You may have to save and wait to do what you want, but what you're suggesting is "lipstick on a pig". Sorry to be so brutal but we've seen this happen SO many times on GW, and 2 years later, owner is wondering if she can reuse her very expensive countertops. The answer is usually "probably not"....See MoreHELP! Kitchen updates
Comments (6)Best to google or search houzz for two toned u shape kitchen. it is large enough . dark lowers and lighter uppers maybe new glass doored fronts . slate look vinyl squares on floor ..... lighter counter and splash. where is eating area re to kitchen? a bonus thing would be add stack drawers under open curve counter spot!!!...See Morefelizlady
2 years agoKarin Glessner
2 years agopalimpsest
2 years agoclt3
2 years ago
RedRyder
2 years ago- PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
2 years agoI would start by changing the lighting to all LED 4000K bulbs then choose a wall color I do agree that having cabinets painter professionally is the only way to go and it will cost as much as new cabinets or close to it. I think your cabinets are fine now just clean thme really well, and choose a wall color I think maybe anice gray/ green will help and aslo remove all the word art and get some nice art for the wall I see on the right A nice roman shade with some color including the wall color .This is a color I really like with wood tones anf if you like it a bit lighter I cut it 25% quiteoften
barbhursh
2 years ago
PRORandy Trainor
2 years agohousegal200
2 years agoWe're not really seeing adjacent space to give holistic advice that takes it all in. Please provide more photos of the bigger space. The lighting and painting advice is definitely a way to go. Once you have that, remove all those little decor items. I have a feeling a larger art work in the rest of the space would really make a big change.
Not suggeting this bold subject (necessarily) but a big piece in a subject you like in a palette of grays and golds could look beautiful with your existing cabinets, new gray walls, better lighting.
HORSEHEAD Contemporary Fine Art Gallery Wrapped on Giclee Canvas, 40"x40" · More Info
PRODesign Directives, LLC
2 years agoPerhaps, as other suggested, painting the walls and updating the hardware is all that's needed. Both of those things will improve your kitchen immensely.
Modern Napa · More InfoKarin Glessner
2 years agoI wanted to show you the installed backsplash. Took your advice and changed lighting and cabinet hardware, and it made a big difference already. Now, we’re working on the wall color. Some of you already suggested colors.
I have two more questions: Should we get rid of the bookshelf? I have it half-emptied already, and should I paint the island? Husband loves it, and it provides some storage and preparation space, but I miss my open kitchen.
Hope Stewart