Formica River Gold: Artsy and Cool. or too weird to use? :)

last year

Hi there. I'm doing a light renovation of my kitchen in November (keeping footprint and cabinets, but painting/glazing them, replacing cathedral-front doors and khaki quartz countertops, and removing the uppers on the wall by my sink and awful mosaic tile. New appliances, flooring, and lighting will follow next year.) I'm had also been planning to install a wood feature on the back of my peninsula, with thin, vertical wood paneling.

Here is the current state of things. Plenty to fix, but I think my plan will help a lot. This is a family home (I've got two small children) that needs to fit our personality but also needs to work. It's not a forever home (necessarily) so we aren't focusing on high end finishes right now.

I thought I had a plan: MCM-lite (it's a 1960's backsplit with some vaguely MCM elements still there, but mostly renovated out in the 90s...for example, the cabinets that I'm keeping are basically a shaker look: they aren't going to work with a truly MCM look and I"m not replacing them. I'm not looking to make it an MCM museum, but thought it could be a gentle design guide.)

My walls are all cream, and I'm planning to paint my uppers cream too. The lowers will be stained with a darker glaze that will cut the yellow, but remain warm. I've already got these cabinet pulls ordered to go with it all. Amerock Riva 3" Centre Bar Pull & Reviews - Wayfair Canada

Anyhow, I went to look at my Formica options yesterday and found myself really drawn to River Gold:

3546 River Gold 180fx® by Formica Group · More Info

It's got a lot of movement and drama, but in kind of an artsy way that I appreciate. Our house is full of original art, plants, books, etc, and I think this kind of fits that vibe. It also fits really nicely with the golden oak original hardwood flooring in the rest of the house.

It was the only one that I was really excited about. I also noticed that it is one of very few options that doesn't lean heavily into grey, which I like: this kitchen is a Southern exposure with tons of light, and I adore how warm it gets (I live in Newfoundland, so warmth and sun are sometimes in short supply!)

That said, I'm a bit concerned that it could be too much (its quite a bold pattern,) and also that maybe it looks a bit dated (or am I making that up?) My kitchen is a U-shape, so there will be quite a bit of counter there.

I'm quite OK with an eclectic look, but I still have a bit of fear just because I haven't seen a lot of other people using this countertop. I did find this, which I quite like, but which leans a bit further into "country kitchen" or "farmhouse" than I would prefer. My lower cabinets won't be quite as dark, but I am planning creamy uppers and natural wood lowers, so the concept from this photo would be there in terms of the cabinets.

I also think it doesn't work quite as well with the MCM-lite concept I was playing with. This, plus the paneling would be pretty overwhelming in my small-ish kitchen, and I'm not sure what lighting choices I would make.

The other option is probably to go with a very, very simple countertop in a creamy white. It will look good with the creamy uppers and natural, medium-dark wood lowers, but maybe isn't as much fun (although decor can go a long way.)

I'd love to hear others' thoughts on River Gold, other Formica 180x options that you'd also suggest, and ideas for how to work the River Gold into my MCM-lite, artsy/eclectic design aesthetic. I think that good lighting options would be particularly helpful in giving me what I need to make the decision. I'd be looking for one flush mount, and one with a bit more potential for some hanging to go over the dining area.

Thanks in advance!

Featured Answer

Rebecca C

last year

Phase one is done, and I’m happy! We replaced the counter with Formica Rivergold, removed some upper cabinets, tore out way too much mosaic tile, replaced cathedral cut doors on the remaining uppers, replaced the sides of our battered peninsula, and toned down the honey oak cabinets with a darker, cooler glaze. It was never intended as a total overhaul, but has made a nice difference for under $10,000. Next I’ll replace the lighting and the floors (appliances will be replaced as they die :) )

Comments (50)

jackowskib
last year
That’s a pretty bossy countertop and could look very nice! But consider waiting to select backsplash and paint until after it’s installed so you’ll see in your lighting. Good luck!
Rebecca Cohoe
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
Bossy is a good word for it, @jackowskib! Thanks.
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herbflavor
last year
last modified: last year
i'd price a new floor..get the appliances and pause. with a new backsplash the counters you have seem fine. i think a different floor would allow the existing cabinets to work just fine......i'd pare back your laundry list of things. the phrase "light renovation" may be giving you comfort but I dont think it is.
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Rebecca Cohoe
Original Author
last year
@kandrewspa Yes, this is all good advice. It is already going to have something going on with the uppers and lowers. And I haven't made any decisions about a backsplash yet, so there is still room for something interesting there too as long as I don't go to wild with the counter. Part of what I needed with this post was some common-sense talk to balance my initial love for that weird counter pattern. There's a great chance that you're right...

Flooring-wise, I suspect I will do my best to match the original hardwood, but I'm not committed (like I said, that will be a next year job.) Any thoughts? I will make sure to remove the previous flooring.
Fori
last year
It's lighter than what you have now but not better and kind of the same color family. If resale is an issue, Fomica would probably be considered a downgrade. (Keep in mind that the photo of your current kitchen doesn't allow close inspection.)

I like many laminates, but I don't like the fake stone ones so I can't say I like your choice. I prefer the ones that are unashamedly laminate. Be sure to check out Wilsonart if you haven't.
functionthenlook
last year
I don't know much about MCM style, but I am also a bold fx 180 lover. I think river run is a nice choice for your kitchen. It would go nice with your natural wood cabinets. If you love it then use it. Your home should fit your personality and i don't think at all it would be too bold for a future buyer. I've received nothing but compliments on my counters. It gives the kitchen personally and wow factor. Not one of those boring one note clone kitchens you see over and over again.

Yes, I'm also a gray lover. I have been for the past 40 years, long before it became popular. I wish I had natural wood cabinets like you , but they were already painted black (ugh) when we first moved in and I don't want the mess or have the energy to strip them. Don't shop for the backsplash until the counters are installed. Then just buy samples and compare them at home. With a bold counter top a simple backsplash looks better IMO.
Rebecca Cohoe
Original Author
last year
Thanks, @functionthenlook. Yes, I agree...our house is already quite eclectic, and isn't going to be the right home for someone who is looking for home trends. I think following my gut on this is probably the right thing, although I do appreciate all the other advice here. I actually saw a large piece of the countertop that you've got at the store: really nice! And yes, I'll be playing it really simple with the floor and the backsplash once I get to that point...
palimpsest
last year
last modified: last year
To me, this one has a "not clean" appearance. I like travertine a lot, for example. I have a pair of massive travertine block table lamps that weigh over 40 lbs each. I like travertine cladding and floors in mid century houses. I even like the fake travertine vinyl tile they made in the 60s.

But I would never use it as a counter or a shower wall because it is a kind of grubby looking cavity filled stone.

Even though this is smooth and relatively non porous, its a picture of a porous, not-easy-to-clean surface, and that's why I would not like this as a kitchen countertop.
PRO
RL Relocation LLC
last year
Personally, because you are staying in the same color family with the counters, I would wait for the cabinets to be painted/changed, and until you put the new floor in. I think the counters you have now are much more hardy. Also you might find you like them just as well once the cabinets are refreshed. And lastly the backsplash you have now is really mucking up the over all look of the space demo that out, do the cabinets and then breath.
PRO
RL Relocation LLC
last year
aziline
last year
I'd go with the counter tops you like. There are sooooo many posts here of people ripping out stone counter tops under 10 years old because it's "dated". Who knows what the future will bring so live with what you love today. Personally I love it too.
kazzh
last year
I agree with RL Relocation LLC - the backsplash is mucking up the cohesiveness of your space. I am actually liking the colors of your current counter - olive with a subtle movement - which goes well with the wood. Before you go changing your counters, which look really well maintained, photo shop changing the backsplash to a single color and pop in your color choices for the cabinets. That alone may make a world of difference.
happyleg
last year
You could paint your backsplash go to your home improvement store and find paint for stone
PRO
RL Relocation LLC
last year
PRO
Beth H. :
last year
last modified: last year
do you have access to granite slabs? colonial gold granite is inexpensive (less than 1000K for a slab) and looks almost identical to the formica. the granite is warm and will last forever.

They even have a River Gold granite

I had a golden tone granite for 15 years

Unlike you, I'm in so cal and get sunshine every day and was tired of all these warm tones.

you mentioned 'glazing' your cabs? I wouldn't do that.

Pick your countertop first, then pick a paint color (without glazing)
Dani Shugart
last year
WHOA. I love the River Gold. That is the coolest formica I've ever seen, and I like it even more than the quartz and granite I've been eyeing! I'd want that in my house for sure.
Rebecca Cohoe
Original Author
last year
Hi @Beth H. : Real stone would be lovely, but I have very limited accessibility and much higher costs because I live in a remote location. The quotes that I got for even basic stone and solid surface options was 2, 3 times the laminate price, which is more than I want to pay. This does look gorgeous though!
Rebecca Cohoe
Original Author
last year
Hi @RL Relocation LLC Thanks so much for your mockup! I agree: the mosaic tile is my greatest yuck in the kitchen! I am removing it and drywalling/painting for now, while I figure out a backsplash solution. While I agree that getting rid of the tile will help a lot, the condition of my counter isn't great (some parts are actually coming off.) It does need to be replaced, I'm afraid.
kazzh
last year
Ahhh, pity about the counter surface. It sure doesn't show in the pics! So if your keen on the new one... go for it!
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Beth H. :
last year
last modified: last year
I kind of figured that Rebecca. The formica is a nice match though!

(my grandparents came over from Newfoundland and settled in NY. My dad even had a 'Newfie" as a child. I've always wanted to visit up there!)
Rebecca Cohoe
Original Author
last year
@Beth H. : No way! I grew up in Ontario but have lived here for nearly 20 years. It is a gorgeous place, with a whole lot of character and a unique pace of life. I am always happy to make trip recommendations :)
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Beth H. :
last year
Rebecca, just saw the news about the hurricane. Were you in that area? Hope all is ok.
RedRyder
last year
Get the top cabinets down, remove the backsplash and then post again. RL Relocation gave us all an idea of what it could look like without those elements.

Personally, I’d go for the Formica. It’s durable, looks great for your overall plan and it’s reasonably priced. And you love it. That is enough for me. Yes, there will be a seam, but so what? If your house is clean, uncluttered and the kitchen is newly done, you will sell it. Make yourself happy now. None of us really know how long we will be in our homes.

I’m unsure about the wood feature on the back of the lower cabinets. I would reassess that idea once you’ve done the rest of your plan. You may think of something else once the “new kitchen” is done.
palimpsest
last year
This is what Beth means about the corners. This is Corian but of similar linearity. They show L shaped installations so people know what to expect. The Formica FX will be similar.
tangerinedoor
last year
That River Gold formica is gorgeous!

I've had new formica for 3 years, and love it, too. Super easy. Posters get very snooty about formica on Houzz, but don't feel compelled to get sucked in!

I agree that the tile backsplash should be removed. If you do the River Gold formica, I would do it without any kind of fancy, using plain tiles (subway or square) of some vanilla shade (e.g. white or cream).

Since you have children, I would recommend having rounded edges to the formica to lower the risk of a bloody head smack.
Rebecca Cohoe
Original Author
last year
@Beth H. :We are on the east side of the island, so we didn't get hit this time, but there are some really awful situations on the west...houses being literally swept into the sea because of the huge surges along the coast. Thanks for your thoughts!
Rebecca Cohoe
Original Author
last year
@RedRyder Yes, this really is a living, family house. I'm not expecting a show home, but I think I can still do something interesting. And yes, I agree about the feature. I think the River Gold will be the main element: adding anything more will be overkill. I'll get my contractor to clean it up a bit with some new wood (the current condition isn't great) but won't be aiming to draw attention. I'll definitely share photos once phase 1 is done.
Rebecca Cohoe
Original Author
last year
@tangerinedoor Great to hear that you're enjoying your Formica! Honestly, I've never lived in a house with real stone counters, but I've worked with all of them to make a home that feels warm and personal, so I think it'll be OK. Good call on the rounded edge :)
Missi (4b IA)
last year
We have the River Gold laminate. We painted cabinets, and I wish I'd gone w/a more "dirty" color, b/c in some lighting it's too "clean". We do have some wood around the windows and I love the River Gold and wood together. There's a couple threads on here of my kitchen and pantry.
Rebecca C
last year
Hi Missi! I’ve seen them: your kitchen was one of the few I could find w River Gold! We’re doing a cream up top and leaving wood tone on the bottom. Hopefully that will be “dirty” enough. I think I’m planning to extend our wood floor into the kitchen in my next round of Renos, so it’s great to hear that it works well w wood tones.
Missi (4b IA)
last year
If we'd been able to afford better cabinets, I'd have done wood as well. I've got a sample of a couple wood look ones from Semihandmade and they look really nice w/the counters. And cream will be lovely as well. I hope you post pictures as you go along!
Rebecca Cohoe
Original Author
last year
Hi folks! One more question (haha, or to be honest, one more question for now!) My counter people came in and said I should probably just replace my sink too. It's currently stainless steel and isn't new but works fine. Any thoughts on what type of drop-in sink would look good? I think I have three options: keep current sink, swap for new stainless steel, or go for a colour of some kind. Would love some perspectives on this, because sinks are way outside my area of understanding! I will def be replacing my faucet, if that helps.
functionthenlook
last year
I had a flush mount sink put in when I got my formica 8 years ago. I love the flush mount. No problems. Now I heard some fabricators don't have the training to install them so not everyone can get one. You could go with a new or use the current sink. My daughter used her current sink because she liked it. Personally I prefer SS sinks.
RedRyder
last year
Why can’t they do an undercount? They’re easier for countertop cleaning and look sleek.

An undermount stainless sink shouldn’t be a lot of money. Just don’t buy the cheapest because they sound like tin.
ci_lantro
last year
I swapped a 60/40 divided sink for a single bowl sink. Love the single bowl.

Another advantage you gain when you have a divided sink is that you can getter a smaller single bowl sink, have plenty of room in the sink and gain a few inches of counter top space.

I was swapping out a 33" divided sink but wasn't replacing the counter top. So I bought a 33" single bowl sink that fit in the existing hole. After installing it, one of the first things I noticed is that a 30" sink would still have been huge compared to the usable space that I had in the old larger divided sink.
functionthenlook
last year
RedRyder, Formica makes a flush mount sink. The top of the sink is even with the countertop. You can just brush in food just like an under mount sink. Plus you don't have the food and gunk collecting under the rim like a under mount sink.
Missi (4b IA)
last year
dang I wish I'd known that when we did ours!
Rebecca Cohoe
Original Author
last year
Sadly, I'm at the mercy of my fabricators here on my Atlantic ocean island, and they don't do under-mounts. There isn't much selection here when it comes to many things (although plenty of amazing sights and people!) I checked into the Formica sink, and while I couldn't find one they manufacture themselves, they do seem to recommend Karran. They look great. I'm going to do some more research. Thanks all!
functionthenlook
last year
Rebecca, Karran is the one that is flush mount. I couldn't remember the name. I have that one. Love it. At the time that was the only kind without a lip they made. Maybe they have more now???
RedRyder
last year
I like the one that was posted by @functionthenlook. See if you can get that.

It’s not a huge problem but most kitchens have undermount (or farmhouse) sinks for convenience as much as style. Stainless is timeless. Make sure to get a good one. And buy a footed grid that fits inside to protect it from scratches. I have a stainless sink in our upstairs apartment and it has a grid even though it’s rarely used.
RedRyder
last year
Looks terrific! You got A LOT done for under $10k. Create a new post for lighting ideas when you are ready. I think the Formica looks amazing. Good choice.
functionthenlook
last year
Looks great. Enjoy!
PRO
Beth H. :
last year
last modified: last year
rebecca, that came out really good. I remember when you were debating on that formica. It actually looks like stone in the pic! nice choice. love the cab colors too.

If you guys are the least bit handy, what I think would really make a nice diff is to make a fridge surround. YOu might be able to gain a little storage on top too. YOu can either buy them, or make one from plywood.

you see how the side would look next to the cabinets?

sstore wine, cookbooks, put baskets up there, lots of options.

and on the other side, you could do a corkboard or hooks for hanging, maybe even simple storage for a broom.
PRO
RL Relocation LLC
last year
*clapping* looks great!
Rebecca C
last year
Thanks all! I really did appreciate your input along the way :) Beth, I agree: building around the fridge would be nice. I’ll save that for when my crummy fridge dies out.
ginatay124
last year
It looks so much nicer. I love the paneling on the peninsula. In my opinion your floors don’t look bad at all. Maybe just add a runners/rugs in front of sink and stove for now.
ginatay124
last year
Like this:
Missi (4b IA)
last year
It looks really good!