As I’ve mentioned here, one of my resolutions this year was to update my kitchen and paint the cabinets white. I’ve wanted to paint these kitchen cabinets since the day we moved in four years ago. I tend to go for clean lines and bright spaces in my decor and don’t feel that my kitchen reflects that aesthetic. I’ve always thought the best way to achieve that feeling in my kitchen is to paint the cabinets white.
Then, I came across this photo and it made me do a complete u-turn in my thinking!
While this is obviously not a kitchen, it got me thinking about my kitchen and wondering if I can achieve a similar look by replacing my countertops instead of painting the cabinets. I love the natural wood paired with the sleek marble. One of the reasons that I’ve been holding off on painting the cabinets is because I’m afraid that down the road, they’ll start to chip which will drive me crazy! AND, I’ve never really liked our granite countertops so maybe it’s best for me to invest the money in new countertop instead of paint…Do I sound confused? Well, I am!
Here’s another example of natural light wood cabinets with white countertops. Definitely not my overall design style but I’m starting to really love a clean white countertop paired with natural wood cabinets.
Ok, yes, this one goes back to the white (upper) cabinets, but check out that natural wood island!
I’ve also been thinking about taking down the upper cabinets on the far left (of my kitchen picture above) and doing open shelving to create a more open feel.
While I love the concept of the openness above with the combo of natural wood/marble countertops below, I’d prefer the shelves to be white. I have been concerned how white shelves would look with the rest of the cabinetry staying in the natural wood, but seeing the two shots below am now feeling a little more confident that I’m in fact going in the right direction and it could all go together.
I love how the shelves match the countertop keeping things extra light on top.
These weathered cabinets are gorgeous with the classic carrera marble countertop. I won’t be able to accomplish this look with my kitchen cabinets, but will file this away for my ‘someday’ file.
So, what do you think–should I paint my cabinets or keep them au natural and replace the countertop?
I agree with other comments about not painting your cabinets.The former owners of my house did just that and while I’m sure it looked good at first, we’re already thinking about whether we’ll go through the pain of repainting (too many layers looks terrible) or get new cabinets (they’re in decent shape but are original from 1926 and not our style). Either way its a hassle and a big cost.
Instead, have you considered doing something above your cabinets to help bring interest to the otherwise open, unused, boring space above the cupboards? Its a bit different from the direction you were looking to go in, but a few changes there could make the “refresh” you’re looking for… Perhaps some trim above the cabinets with some dim rope lighting running along just behind the trim. That would bring your eye up and would add interest to an otherwise wasted visual space. It also would contribute to the open feel you want without the impracticality of having open cabinets (totally not realistic with a family!!) or the cost of new counters or cabinet painting. Also, I noticed one of the photos you posted (David Henig Architecture) has a modern (no trim) take on the above-cabinet lighting. Here’s an example with trim– its not the right cabinet coloring, but you get the idea: http://www.homeconstructionimprovement.com/cabinet-trim-difference/
Also, the current backsplash is clean-looking but doesn’t offer any “dazzle”… maybe if you want a clean but updated look, consider a stamped metal backsplash, although depending on how that’s done it can be very “this old house” or modern.
Finally, what about switching out (or just painting) the stools a lighter color? The dark color just adds a bit of “color weight” (copyright ME!) to the room, which it sounds like you’re trying to shed.
Good luck!!
Avoid marble, it really stains easily…although I do love my old marble top sideboards…
Paint!
Thanks! =)
I love the pictures here. I say keep the cabinets (for the chipping/scuffing reasons and b/c, from what I hear, it is a fortune to paint them) and go for the white counter-top. My only advice is not to do straight white. Carrera or something else with a light pattern is ideal, whatever the material you choose. I am looking at a couple of the really lightly-flecked or veined caesarstones for when we replace our straight white counters. While I LOVE the look of my counters now, I only truly love them at the end of the night. It is simply impossible to keep them from bugging me throughout the day. I don’t mind knowing there are always a few crumbs (inevitable w all these people here!), but seeing them is a different story. Good luck! Can’t wait to see what you do. xx
Thanks for the helpful tips, Linnea! Good point about all white countertops. It would definitely drive me nuts if my counters always looked dirty.
Hi Amy – If your cabinets are in good shape, I’d keep them and replace the counter and achieve the look of the photos above. Not sure about marble – it looks beautiful, but stains – we have it in our bathroom of all places and it does stain.
Yes, I love the look of marble but definitely not practical for a kitchen. Thanks for the input!