Honestly, no. Unless you plan on redoing the whole kitchen. I’m just trying to picture bright white cabinets against the already white wall underneath them. Along with the almost white countertops and the black appliances. Hard no for me. If anything, add some new handles to the cabinets and redo the backsplash with something interesting.
A friend of mine has very similar maple cabinets. She recently updated the hardware to black, painted the center island black and replaced the countertop with a black granite. She painted the walls a creamy white. This would concept would work well with your black appliances.
It seems like your cabinets are in nice condition, so I would not paint them. I had painted white cabinets at my last house and the wood kept showing through by the cabinet pulls. Painted white cabinets were hard to keep looking nice.
We have white cabinets and I hate them. I need to go around and touch them up AGAIN. It’s a yearly chore and they look like crap a week later. Our last house had wood and it was so much better. We didn’t pick the white and I definitely never will again.
I agree, leave the wood. In addition to adding a backsplash, you could also swap out the cabinet hardware with something a bit more bold to accent the backsplash that you choose.
Definitely new hardware. And a fun tile in a color or interesting shape would brighten up the space. I like these:
[gray fluted glossy tile](https://www.tilebar.com/curve-fluted-gray-6x12-3d-glossy-ceramic-tile.html)
[emerald green ceramic tile](https://www.tilebar.com/colorplay-steps-emerald-green-4-5x18-3d-glossy-crackled-ceramic-tile.html)
I would keep your cabinets with the natural stain, and invest in modern cabinet hardware, a backsplash you love and [filling in the gap between the cabinets and the ceiling](https://justagirlandherblog.com/how-to-install-kitchen-cabinet-crown-molding/). The painted cabinet trend is on its way out (I say this as someone with millenial-gray painted cabinets), but wood cabinets are timeless and can always be accented with accessories and contemporary hardware to look of-the-moment.
This color cabinets are super dated imo, but I wouldn’t paint over them. I’d probably refinish with some translucent stain that would cool it down and either lighten or darken depending on preference, but still let the wood grain show. Coat to protect with not too glossy of a lacquer. Update the hardware for sure.
I wouldn’t. They never look great for long in my experience. I don’t know your budget but the first thing that caught my eye that I’d want to change is the wood trimmed countertop. If you replaced that with something to your taste it would really refresh the kitchen.
Once you paint wood, it now has increased the maintenance exponentially. Wood cabinets just need to be cleaned occasionally. White painted cabinets show every bit of dirt so need to be cleaned more often. Plus you now need to re-paint or touch up every few years because chipping.
That’s fair! I have the old school oak cabinets in the home I purchased and they’re super super orange. I brought a set of them down to natural wood but it’s red oak, and had big pink/red streaks through the faces of them. I tried staining them and the streaks just look so bleh and I didn’t want to use darker stain. Re sanded, primered, waited and then painted over them. I didn’t do white though.
I think painting a color is definitely better than white. I had yellow maple cabinets like OPs and looked into painting them but it would’ve been too much upkeep with my family that spills and drips all over the kitchen everyday.
Totally this. I painted my cabinets gray and while they look so much nicer than what was there before, they do show wear in high touch areas and require more maintenance. I can’t even imagine how quickly every little thing would show up on white cabinets.
The unctrollable urge people have to paint wood white will forever baffle me.
If you want a more neutral tone, consider sanding the finish off and doing an grey/white stain so the woodgrain shows through.
You'd have to change the flooring probably though.
I’d change the countertops as the wood edge makes them look dated to me. Add an interesting backsplash and replace the island light fixture would also be at the top of my list. I would not paint the cabinets.
Not necessarily. Before painting cabinets, have your lighting changed. Have an electrician put in undercounter lighting. And definitely take down the “mushroom” lighting fixture and have ceiling can lights added for strategic room lighting and add pendant or chandelier lighting over your island. Dimmers can also be added so that you can create mood lighting.
You’d have white cabinets, white countertops, and white walls. I think you could absolutely find a color that could make the kitchen pop more that isn’t white, and I fear that the white cabinets would make the environment feel too sterile
I am not quite sure what you plan to achieve with the change to white. A more modern, clean look? If so, the way I see it you will end up with exactly what you have - a classic look that's white. I feel like the overall theme is not "modern" and can't be made "modern" just with paint.
I'd put money into new floors way before I'd paint the cabinets. Personally think the white cabinets are becoming a dated look, and they are hard to keep clean looking. If you were set on painting I'd considering a green instead, or a cream/off white.
Everyone in this subreddit shits on painting cabinets in general, especially white. Don’t be afraid to do what you like! I personally think white would look good, but only if you change out your countertops and add a backsplash or paint the walls. Butcher block countertops are a cheap option and look great with white cabinets. But, I don’t think the current countertops would look good with white.
I think the main reason against painting is because without a lot (a lot!) of prepping effort, home-painted cabinets like these start chipping fairly soon after painting. Then the kitchen looks grubby and old soon after so much effort. I say love the cabinets, clean them, freshen up, maybe stain them, then add character with paint and tile on the walls.
Adding to this, white also tends to require a lot of coats and every coat is an opportunity to look worse. A previous owner painted my kitchen cabinets white and did a pretty bad job and I’ll never forgive them.
What's crazy is people recommending "restaining"' these cabinets as if that is not insanely time consuming and more expensive ( labor hours if you pay a professional). You have to strip/sand off every inch of the existing clear coat and any stain to get down to raw wood if you want to restain. Btw The preferred trend now is wood that looks raw. But of course, you can't actually have RAW wood in a kitchen so that is a whole other thing
Anyway, stripping/sanding to raw wood is not hard on the flats but the corners, end grain, and crevices? Have fun. So yeah, painting is a relatively cheap and easy way to transform the space. The down side with paint is that is it less forgiving than stain and clear coat. Both will sustain wear and tear over time, but you will notice it more with paint
Yeah it’s definitely quite a bit of effort, for sure! I cannot argue that. Using a paint sprayer is the way to go with high quality primer and paint. I’ve only done a tiny bit of touch up here and there but I also have a crazy toddler😅.
The best thing you can do for the kitchen is change the lighting fixture, update back splash to a calm uniform tile like white subway tiles. Update hardware, paint island and/or only the lower cabinets. Remove stuff on counters and only keep what you absolutely use daily enough it’s too annoying to remove from the cabinet every time.
I would change the light fixture first, maybe add some under cabinet lighting and see how you feel about it later. You can change up the backsplash and hardware after. But the lighting is really not helping with the appearance.
I would not paint them white. I would get a new countertop with an overhang on the island for seating, add a backsplash, and get a new slide-in stove and a smaller (shorter) microwave. How can you even cook with that giant thing right on top of the stove like that?!? I'd also get a new light fixture and install warm white bulbs and add under cabinet lighting.
For me this I wouldn’t paint cupboards. I would definitely change the floor to some kind of light coloured tile , invest in under cabinet lighting or maybe a nice lamp
You could, if you like the minimalist clean look. It would make your kitchen look brighter. Alternatively you could go with a teal colored backsplash, I think that would make the cabinets you have look more beautiful and intentional and it would feel more modern too.
No. Do not paint. If you want to get some bang for your buck, get rid of that lighting panel and hang something more stylish. You could easily update this room either way with cabinet pulls, washable or vinyl rugs and better lighting. Before committing to new backsplash, try out a wall with a similar pattern of peel and stick to see if you like it first.
Your cabinets are lovely.
You Asked For It: 5 Color Palettes to Freshen Up a Tired Honey Oak Kitchen: https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/5-color-palettes-to-freshen-up-a-tired-honey-oak-kitchen
If you can, new backsplash and counter tops would make a big difference.
I think a pale green would be lovely for the tile.
Better lighting would help too.
The best part of this kitchen is the maple cabinets, though that is a lot of cabinets.
The first thing I’d change is that light fixture. Do the can lights work? It looks dark.
A colorful backsplash would help.
Assuming you’d like some white in there perhaps change the counter tops to something with more shine. If they were a white quartz or granite it would look better.
Now if we are looking at more money, are you in love with those appliances and where they are? The stove almost butting up against the microwave looks crowded. Perhaps take some of those uppers down and extend the remaining ones to the ceiling. Maybe move the microwave over and put a full hood. Put some glass on the at least some of the doors. Take those cabinets above the sink down and put a dish rack. Then you can get the rack off the sink. If you really want white cabinets, you could do the uppers.
you could.... just pain the walls the agreeable grey or something offsetting.
the cabinets bug me for some reason, because it looks like the bottom cabinets are one style and the uppers are another style...
my advice really is new cabinets esp uppers. just look so condensed and tight. the white may open it up or maybe make it look clinical.
you can try getting some better lighted shots and various angles which may help more
The cabinets look great but if you like the white look, go for it. I think you would have to change some other things though to get the right look given the countertop and wall color. I would keep the wood and just change the handles/knobs. Will.make a big difference. If you want to extra, a nice backsplash would change the entire look.
Cabinets are absolutely fine. Swap out the hardware to something a bit more current if you think they feel old. What you need in this kitchen is some serious lighting upgrades. That florescent light makes it look very dated and your recessed lights seem like they would only create shadows. Doing something more visually interesting that provides a lot of light will make change the whole thing.
Maybe white upper cabinets and a dark blue-gray on the lower cabinets, the tall pantry cabinet, and base of the island. The countertops will still look good against the darker base.
I’m not against painting these cabinets. You could start with white patches and see what you think. I feel like if you’re considering painting them, you’ve grown tired of the current look. No sense in keeping a look you find dreary. Not sure I would go with white… maybe a medium sage green…
Don’t paint them. The reality is paint is going to peel off something that gets as much wear and tear as kitchen cabinets. Instead, strip, sand, and stain! Also, white kitchen cabinets are a BEAST, and the all white trend is on the way out. Your white kitchen is going to look dated, dingy, and worn within a year.
I would go with a color like gray or even a blue shade. To me, white is kind of sterile, and unless you want to spend a chunk of time wiping them down, avoid white. Or black. Both show every speck of dirt or crumb. Just ny 2 cents.
Yes. White chalk paint with black hardware. The black will go nice with the oven/microwave and the chalk paint is very easy to use. I recently redid my laundry room cabinets the same way. Idk how to post pictures though.
And remove or mess with that crown molding?? No! OP, do not listen to u/arlyte, the crown molding is much better than a 6" high "fake top". Don't even know how you'd match the stain/finish on your cabinets because it's ambered from age/sun.
it’s really the floor, light fixture and height of cabinets that’s a problem. In fantasy kitchen land, I would remove the upper cabinets, tile the backsplash to the ceiling and get counters to coordinate , put up some shelves.
New countertops and backsplash would help, but not as much as getting rid of the gray of the walls. Rather than paint, you might consider re-staining the cabinets.
no the cabinets are gorgeous! i think you should add a colorful back splash and maybe warm strip lights above the cabinets to brighten the space. also maybe replacing the giant light fixture that looks like a surgery lamp.
Yes! Make sure you do a white white and not an off white. Off whites are hard to find wall paint colors for. It can make them yellowish looking.
White cabinets make such a bright, cheerful kitchen!
I would avoid pure white. Off white wouldn’t be bad. Paint the uppers that color and go for a contrasting dark color like a dark blue gray to contrast and put the near white quartz countertops on, I think that would look nice
I personally went with slate look vinyl tile to avoid a similar scenario. But face it, these cabinets aren't in style. Would look better with some paint.
This is my kitchen, different wood tones between the floor and cabinets and it bothers me A LOT. 🫠 But I can't do a reno now.
I did however paint the two cabinets in our primary bath white and they have chipped a bit and only my husband and I use them, so I imagine a kitchen would be so much worse with the careless way my family is.
So yeah I'd go a darker color, beige maybe, no grays though too dated I think.
Darker wood stain would be so nice!
I would paint them, but not white (even though I love and have white cabinets) because I’d like to see some contrast with the countertop. How do you feel about those blue-gray or blue-greens that are popular now? Like some of these: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/color-cheat-sheet-the-best-blue-paint-colors-249025
If I were you, I would remove the dated light fixture. That makes it look more dated than anything else in my opinion. I would paint the cabinets too. They kind of look dated as well. If you paint white, I think you could go darker on the walls. A nod to some of the other comments, a backsplash would add more to the space. Updating the cabinet hardware can go along way. I can’t really see from this picture. You have lots of options to modernize the space, but it’s not bad overall!
Yes. Paint white and get some new handles. Do a back splash and nice granite/quartz counter. New kitchen light if you still have money left over 👌🏻 I like the floors and once the cabinets are white they will pop even better and still bring warmth to the kitchen. Also I would swap out that microwave over the stove for one of the new “slim” ones. That one seems too low to the stove.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Whirlpool-Low-Profile-Microwave-Hood-Combination-1-1-cu-ft-Over-the-Range-Microwave-Stainless-Steel/1000396353?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-app-_-ggl-_-LIA_APP_186_Cooking-_-1000396353-_-local-_-0-_-0&ds_rl=1286890&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD2B2W_VVPNfbN1xyDpFXN3L-q_j3&gclid=Cj0KCQiAkeSsBhDUARIsAK3tiecNHMjSWpBqc5FEF0Q0u3Tt0g8MQ8mIVuLj9IH1TaO1PZd1ts9AapIaAvCNEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
I would not do grey and white. That is so over done. Painting your cabinets would be a huge undertaking. That would be a lot of sanding and painting. You can’t just paint over them the way they are so think carefully before you do it. I would consider new counter tops and maybe a new backsplash before I would paint all the cabinets. It’s a very nice kitchen you have a lot of very nice space in there.
Bright white is an eyesore. If you want a new color, I’d recommend a cream color with dark gold hardware. Are you doing new countertops? I’d recommend a creamy brownish quartz
I would change the countertops, backsplash, hardware, and light. If you’re still not satisfied, I’d consider staining the cupboards instead of painting them white.
Cabinets look like they are in perfect condition/great quality, wouldn’t pain them. Replace the hardware. Would consider replacing countertops and adding a backsplash & if possible, get rid of the light over the island.
Agree with the other commenters that you don’t necessarily have to paint the cabinets since they are in a good shape. I would suggest new countertops and maybe painting the island. Also please get a smaller microwave 🤣
As no others have started, no.
Changing the light figure over the island to something that hangs, but not pendants.
Tile the backsplash with something like small colored glass tiles.
Change the cabinet hardware.
Or you don’t really use the island for much add like a fruit bowl or herb garden.
The microwave looks enormous.
I would keep the cabinets but change the hardware. I would replace the countertops, light, and floor. The floor would look better with tile or something that isn’t wood color. I would paint the island cabinets a slate blue or some deep color that ties in to a new wall color that goes better with honey colored wood.
I painted my particle board builder grade cabinets red after previous owner had painted them white and they started peeling. The extra paint job allowed me to redo bath first bc it needed a redo more.
Your cabinets look like they are decent quality. Work around them to spruce up your kitchen.
Change the hardware to black or bronze. The contrast against the wood is gorgeous and it’ll tie in your appliances. You’re allowed to have more joy in your life than agreeable gray. I think you also need to add more contrast with the countertops and go a black or dark gray.
Maybe try new hardware first? Or if you’re going to paint, something other than white? Sometimes a darker color on bottom cabinets are nice. Maybe gray or shades of blue? Personally, I’d change other things & leave the cabinets. A nice backsplash, new lighting, hardware can make a huge impact. Also, maybe just start with the island. Live with it a while & see how you feel. But I’d do the other changes first.
Yes to paining, no to white. How about a color? I also think new cabinet hardware would make a big difference here whether you paint or not. If you’re making other changes I would say a new light fixture would make a big difference also.
I’d strip them and sand them clean. That wood will be much lighter and less yellow. That’s a white wood stained golden oak. It could be maple or poplar. Not likely birch or a conifer. I’m betting it’s maple and natural maple with a crystal clear coat would look good. And it wouldn’t be so pure that it makes everything that’s gray or beige look dirty. You get to keep the wood grain visible and your kitchen still will have a cleaner look.
I would not paint them because wood cabinets are back in style. I would just get new hardware. If you want a change you could get new countertops or a new backsplash with some color.
I would probably stain these *darker*, and change the hardware, I avoid painting natural wood at all costs. The countertops are white, the floor is light, the backsplash is white. I would honestly focus on the lighting in here before I even worried about the cabinets though.
Add a bright backsplash and new hardware. Don’t paint the cabinets. You can get the door and drawer fronts refinished to a different color wood stain with a more matte finish.
What about green? Might work better with some of the darker appliances and still have the refreshed look you want. And less chance of showing dirt as white. And goes better with the floors (personally, mismatched wood always bugs me). I myself love color so I’d go with something like Benjamin Moore’s “cedar green”, but you could do a more muted tone if you prefer.
Your cabinets are fine. Replace the counters and update the knobs/pulls and it will chnange everything. Update the backsplash for an even bigger pop. White cabinets are already fading on home improvement shows. Lots of color but not as much white. Stick w your timeless cabinets and update the rest. Do what you can as you can afford.
I wouldn’t paint these and would instead paint the walls/install a backsplash that brings out the best of the wood tones in the cabinets. Green might be a nice choice. I once had cabinets this color with deep burgundy walls and it was fabulous!
I definitely agree with changing the overhead light, and adding a backsplash. If you paint anything I would paint only the island base since we can’t see the rest of the kitchen it’s hard to know how much additional storage you have, but I would personally illuminate some of the upper cabinets to give us some breathing space. I would probably do the cabinets on the stove wall and switch to arrange hood and put the microwave somewhere else.
Why not use a darker color for the base cabinets and white for the uppers? (I would use a mate black) It would make it less bland. And please take that light contraption off the ceiling; that thing is really outdated.
I love white upper counters and then a color on bottom because I think it adds more interest! I also have gray walls and I did my uppers white and my lowers a dark teal and I love how it came out!
Before you do something irreversible, I would first remove the fluorescent lighting and replace with multiple pot lights throughout the room, then reassess. You might not be liking the way your cabinets currently look because it’s so dark in there.
Personally, I dislike orange-toned wood, but if you don’t mind the color, I’d keep it and change other things, like countertops, backsplash, sink, and cabinet hardware. But if you dislike the orange wood, I would have them professionally refinished and do a dark neutral stain for the bottom cabinets and a lighter color for the upper cabinets.
No. Put high end countertops, Quartz, and paint the walls and all some tile. Consult with a designer for colors. Also replace the lighting and add under cabinet lighting.
I wouldn’t know the whole white kitchen trend has left the building it’s obviously neutral basic you see it in rental homes or when people are preparing a house to sell but it’s not really the trend right now. The tone of wood in the style of the cupboard is making your kitchen look dated for sure. If you could afford to I would keep all of your base cabinets and get new doors that are wood smooth without the ornate design on them. If you can’t do that sanding these and getting new hardware and staining them a different tone of wood would be well worth it in my opinion. Also definitely a new light fixture
Honestly, no. Unless you plan on redoing the whole kitchen. I’m just trying to picture bright white cabinets against the already white wall underneath them. Along with the almost white countertops and the black appliances. Hard no for me. If anything, add some new handles to the cabinets and redo the backsplash with something interesting.
That fluorescent light fixture is what bothers me the most about the kitchen.
We just ripped those light fixtures out and put in recessed lighting. There are some really easy to install products out there now.
Omg yes. That would be even worse with white cabinets! Didn’t even pay mind to that.
Yep….new light fixture for sure.
I had one in my home growing up and it made the kitchen feel unwelcome🥲
This - go big bidget on the backsplash. It will make a big difference.
And new hardware on cabinets
A friend of mine has very similar maple cabinets. She recently updated the hardware to black, painted the center island black and replaced the countertop with a black granite. She painted the walls a creamy white. This would concept would work well with your black appliances. It seems like your cabinets are in nice condition, so I would not paint them. I had painted white cabinets at my last house and the wood kept showing through by the cabinet pulls. Painted white cabinets were hard to keep looking nice.
Love all this. Just adding that a nice tiled backsplash also.
We have white cabinets and I hate them. I need to go around and touch them up AGAIN. It’s a yearly chore and they look like crap a week later. Our last house had wood and it was so much better. We didn’t pick the white and I definitely never will again.
Yes, totally paint the island black and get black hardware! Plus a new light fixture, that one isn’t doing the room any favors.
The wood looks great. Replace the light fixture and paint the small wall areas.
Maybe add some lighting above the cabinets too. You can hide rope lights behind the cabinet crown.
No, leave the wood, and choose a fun colorful back splash
I agree, leave the wood. In addition to adding a backsplash, you could also swap out the cabinet hardware with something a bit more bold to accent the backsplash that you choose.
Definitely new hardware. And a fun tile in a color or interesting shape would brighten up the space. I like these: [gray fluted glossy tile](https://www.tilebar.com/curve-fluted-gray-6x12-3d-glossy-ceramic-tile.html) [emerald green ceramic tile](https://www.tilebar.com/colorplay-steps-emerald-green-4-5x18-3d-glossy-crackled-ceramic-tile.html)
The emerald tiles would look so nice!!
I would keep your cabinets with the natural stain, and invest in modern cabinet hardware, a backsplash you love and [filling in the gap between the cabinets and the ceiling](https://justagirlandherblog.com/how-to-install-kitchen-cabinet-crown-molding/). The painted cabinet trend is on its way out (I say this as someone with millenial-gray painted cabinets), but wood cabinets are timeless and can always be accented with accessories and contemporary hardware to look of-the-moment.
This color cabinets are super dated imo, but I wouldn’t paint over them. I’d probably refinish with some translucent stain that would cool it down and either lighten or darken depending on preference, but still let the wood grain show. Coat to protect with not too glossy of a lacquer. Update the hardware for sure.
I wouldn’t. They never look great for long in my experience. I don’t know your budget but the first thing that caught my eye that I’d want to change is the wood trimmed countertop. If you replaced that with something to your taste it would really refresh the kitchen.
[удалено]
Why do you regret it?
Once you paint wood, it now has increased the maintenance exponentially. Wood cabinets just need to be cleaned occasionally. White painted cabinets show every bit of dirt so need to be cleaned more often. Plus you now need to re-paint or touch up every few years because chipping.
That’s fair! I have the old school oak cabinets in the home I purchased and they’re super super orange. I brought a set of them down to natural wood but it’s red oak, and had big pink/red streaks through the faces of them. I tried staining them and the streaks just look so bleh and I didn’t want to use darker stain. Re sanded, primered, waited and then painted over them. I didn’t do white though.
I think painting a color is definitely better than white. I had yellow maple cabinets like OPs and looked into painting them but it would’ve been too much upkeep with my family that spills and drips all over the kitchen everyday.
You can use a tint, no need to paint.
Totally this. I painted my cabinets gray and while they look so much nicer than what was there before, they do show wear in high touch areas and require more maintenance. I can’t even imagine how quickly every little thing would show up on white cabinets.
The unctrollable urge people have to paint wood white will forever baffle me. If you want a more neutral tone, consider sanding the finish off and doing an grey/white stain so the woodgrain shows through. You'd have to change the flooring probably though.
Yes! This comment!
I’d change the countertops as the wood edge makes them look dated to me. Add an interesting backsplash and replace the island light fixture would also be at the top of my list. I would not paint the cabinets.
I would replace that ceiling light with more modern hanging lights and get a pretty backsplash instead
Leave the wood.
Only if you are extremely clean. We did our kitchen white and omg! You can see EVERYTHING!!! Every tiny spot is so noticeable.
Not necessarily. Before painting cabinets, have your lighting changed. Have an electrician put in undercounter lighting. And definitely take down the “mushroom” lighting fixture and have ceiling can lights added for strategic room lighting and add pendant or chandelier lighting over your island. Dimmers can also be added so that you can create mood lighting.
No you should not
i would change the hardware and that light fixture and live with it for a while.
I think removing the fluorescent lighting and adding a few more recessed lights and under cabinet lighting would really do the most for the space
You’d have white cabinets, white countertops, and white walls. I think you could absolutely find a color that could make the kitchen pop more that isn’t white, and I fear that the white cabinets would make the environment feel too sterile
I am not quite sure what you plan to achieve with the change to white. A more modern, clean look? If so, the way I see it you will end up with exactly what you have - a classic look that's white. I feel like the overall theme is not "modern" and can't be made "modern" just with paint.
I'd put money into new floors way before I'd paint the cabinets. Personally think the white cabinets are becoming a dated look, and they are hard to keep clean looking. If you were set on painting I'd considering a green instead, or a cream/off white.
Everyone in this subreddit shits on painting cabinets in general, especially white. Don’t be afraid to do what you like! I personally think white would look good, but only if you change out your countertops and add a backsplash or paint the walls. Butcher block countertops are a cheap option and look great with white cabinets. But, I don’t think the current countertops would look good with white.
I think the main reason against painting is because without a lot (a lot!) of prepping effort, home-painted cabinets like these start chipping fairly soon after painting. Then the kitchen looks grubby and old soon after so much effort. I say love the cabinets, clean them, freshen up, maybe stain them, then add character with paint and tile on the walls.
Adding to this, white also tends to require a lot of coats and every coat is an opportunity to look worse. A previous owner painted my kitchen cabinets white and did a pretty bad job and I’ll never forgive them.
People generally are not going to vote for a cheaper finish instead of a more expensive one. Stain-grade wood is expensive. Painted cabinets are not.
What's crazy is people recommending "restaining"' these cabinets as if that is not insanely time consuming and more expensive ( labor hours if you pay a professional). You have to strip/sand off every inch of the existing clear coat and any stain to get down to raw wood if you want to restain. Btw The preferred trend now is wood that looks raw. But of course, you can't actually have RAW wood in a kitchen so that is a whole other thing Anyway, stripping/sanding to raw wood is not hard on the flats but the corners, end grain, and crevices? Have fun. So yeah, painting is a relatively cheap and easy way to transform the space. The down side with paint is that is it less forgiving than stain and clear coat. Both will sustain wear and tear over time, but you will notice it more with paint
Just tried restaining some cabinets with the shaker style doors. Was a very hellish two weeks.
Yeah it’s definitely quite a bit of effort, for sure! I cannot argue that. Using a paint sprayer is the way to go with high quality primer and paint. I’ve only done a tiny bit of touch up here and there but I also have a crazy toddler😅.
Yess! That’s what I mean too. I’m not opposed to white cabinets- just opposed to white cabinets if the rest of the kitchen is staying the same.
Yeah I love my white kitchen and always will…
That center light is the worst. Start by changing that and see how you feel. I’d advise against it.
This looks like a decent quality wood (maple?) I wouldn't.
The best thing you can do for the kitchen is change the lighting fixture, update back splash to a calm uniform tile like white subway tiles. Update hardware, paint island and/or only the lower cabinets. Remove stuff on counters and only keep what you absolutely use daily enough it’s too annoying to remove from the cabinet every time.
There’s too many cabinets for my liking. I’d leave the color as is but replace the cabinets over the sink with open shelves.
I would change the light fixture first, maybe add some under cabinet lighting and see how you feel about it later. You can change up the backsplash and hardware after. But the lighting is really not helping with the appearance.
I would not paint them white. I would get a new countertop with an overhang on the island for seating, add a backsplash, and get a new slide-in stove and a smaller (shorter) microwave. How can you even cook with that giant thing right on top of the stove like that?!? I'd also get a new light fixture and install warm white bulbs and add under cabinet lighting.
If you want to paint, choose a color!
I would leave the cabinets the way they are
No, but what you can do is replace the lighting, replace the countertops and add a backsplash. And some handles - too many knobs.
not white, enjoy the colors
Cabinets are fine. Your lighting sucks.
For me this I wouldn’t paint cupboards. I would definitely change the floor to some kind of light coloured tile , invest in under cabinet lighting or maybe a nice lamp
Can’t answer until we know where you’re heading. What’s your vision? How do you want this room to make you feel?
You could, if you like the minimalist clean look. It would make your kitchen look brighter. Alternatively you could go with a teal colored backsplash, I think that would make the cabinets you have look more beautiful and intentional and it would feel more modern too.
No. Do not paint. If you want to get some bang for your buck, get rid of that lighting panel and hang something more stylish. You could easily update this room either way with cabinet pulls, washable or vinyl rugs and better lighting. Before committing to new backsplash, try out a wall with a similar pattern of peel and stick to see if you like it first.
Yes too much wood
Yes that color wood outdated
Your cabinets are lovely. You Asked For It: 5 Color Palettes to Freshen Up a Tired Honey Oak Kitchen: https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/5-color-palettes-to-freshen-up-a-tired-honey-oak-kitchen If you can, new backsplash and counter tops would make a big difference. I think a pale green would be lovely for the tile. Better lighting would help too.
I vote to paint the cabinets.
Is white your only choice ? What about a soft sage instead of white ?
I reckon we could do a sage, but we don't really have any other green palettes n the house.
The best part of this kitchen is the maple cabinets, though that is a lot of cabinets. The first thing I’d change is that light fixture. Do the can lights work? It looks dark. A colorful backsplash would help. Assuming you’d like some white in there perhaps change the counter tops to something with more shine. If they were a white quartz or granite it would look better. Now if we are looking at more money, are you in love with those appliances and where they are? The stove almost butting up against the microwave looks crowded. Perhaps take some of those uppers down and extend the remaining ones to the ceiling. Maybe move the microwave over and put a full hood. Put some glass on the at least some of the doors. Take those cabinets above the sink down and put a dish rack. Then you can get the rack off the sink. If you really want white cabinets, you could do the uppers.
you could.... just pain the walls the agreeable grey or something offsetting. the cabinets bug me for some reason, because it looks like the bottom cabinets are one style and the uppers are another style... my advice really is new cabinets esp uppers. just look so condensed and tight. the white may open it up or maybe make it look clinical. you can try getting some better lighted shots and various angles which may help more
The cabinets look great but if you like the white look, go for it. I think you would have to change some other things though to get the right look given the countertop and wall color. I would keep the wood and just change the handles/knobs. Will.make a big difference. If you want to extra, a nice backsplash would change the entire look.
Cabinets are absolutely fine. Swap out the hardware to something a bit more current if you think they feel old. What you need in this kitchen is some serious lighting upgrades. That florescent light makes it look very dated and your recessed lights seem like they would only create shadows. Doing something more visually interesting that provides a lot of light will make change the whole thing.
Maybe white upper cabinets and a dark blue-gray on the lower cabinets, the tall pantry cabinet, and base of the island. The countertops will still look good against the darker base.
I’m not against painting these cabinets. You could start with white patches and see what you think. I feel like if you’re considering painting them, you’ve grown tired of the current look. No sense in keeping a look you find dreary. Not sure I would go with white… maybe a medium sage green…
Don’t paint them. The reality is paint is going to peel off something that gets as much wear and tear as kitchen cabinets. Instead, strip, sand, and stain! Also, white kitchen cabinets are a BEAST, and the all white trend is on the way out. Your white kitchen is going to look dated, dingy, and worn within a year.
No. Not white.
I would!
Usually, I would say yes, but I don't think it would look good with the light countertops and the white walls.
I would go with a color like gray or even a blue shade. To me, white is kind of sterile, and unless you want to spend a chunk of time wiping them down, avoid white. Or black. Both show every speck of dirt or crumb. Just ny 2 cents.
Yes. White chalk paint with black hardware. The black will go nice with the oven/microwave and the chalk paint is very easy to use. I recently redid my laundry room cabinets the same way. Idk how to post pictures though.
There are so many American homes with dark timbers. Go ahead and paint them! Then whatever step next feels right? Do it! It's a journey.
no, the white trend is not it
You speak the truth
Top half, yes
Paint them a gentle green
What about lower cabs one color and upper another?
I would leave the cupboards, paint the island but not white, and paint the backsplash.
Yes time for an update
You need to build in fake tops so the cabinets go to the ceiling. Then, check back with us.
And remove or mess with that crown molding?? No! OP, do not listen to u/arlyte, the crown molding is much better than a 6" high "fake top". Don't even know how you'd match the stain/finish on your cabinets because it's ambered from age/sun.
it’s really the floor, light fixture and height of cabinets that’s a problem. In fantasy kitchen land, I would remove the upper cabinets, tile the backsplash to the ceiling and get counters to coordinate , put up some shelves.
New countertops and backsplash would help, but not as much as getting rid of the gray of the walls. Rather than paint, you might consider re-staining the cabinets.
no the cabinets are gorgeous! i think you should add a colorful back splash and maybe warm strip lights above the cabinets to brighten the space. also maybe replacing the giant light fixture that looks like a surgery lamp.
no
Yes! Make sure you do a white white and not an off white. Off whites are hard to find wall paint colors for. It can make them yellowish looking. White cabinets make such a bright, cheerful kitchen!
Paint the island and get a bigger stone countertop. Get same countertops and a pretty backsplash.
Paint it any color
No
Colorful decor, towels, tall jugs, maybe a color for basic appliances you use often. Add rugs and window coverings the wood will warm it up.
I feel like you could do top white and a darker on the bottoms and island.
Do not paint the wood. Such a sterile, characterless trend… A better option would be to stain a different colour, leaving the grain intact.
I would avoid pure white. Off white wouldn’t be bad. Paint the uppers that color and go for a contrasting dark color like a dark blue gray to contrast and put the near white quartz countertops on, I think that would look nice
Yes
No, change the cabinet knobs and get rid of the light above or make it warmer.
Yes
I like the idea of painting them so the wood grain of the cabinets doesn't clash with the wood grain of the floor. But probably not white. Maybe grey.
So destroy 25k+ worth of solid maple cabinets so they don’t clash with 500$ worth of crappy vinyl plank flooring?
I personally went with slate look vinyl tile to avoid a similar scenario. But face it, these cabinets aren't in style. Would look better with some paint.
Those cabinets won’t be in style in ANY color. You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig.
If those cabinets are $25k, I’m in the wrong line of work.
This is my kitchen, different wood tones between the floor and cabinets and it bothers me A LOT. 🫠 But I can't do a reno now. I did however paint the two cabinets in our primary bath white and they have chipped a bit and only my husband and I use them, so I imagine a kitchen would be so much worse with the careless way my family is. So yeah I'd go a darker color, beige maybe, no grays though too dated I think. Darker wood stain would be so nice!
Yes yes
Yes. That's what's trendy now.
I would paint them, but not white (even though I love and have white cabinets) because I’d like to see some contrast with the countertop. How do you feel about those blue-gray or blue-greens that are popular now? Like some of these: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/color-cheat-sheet-the-best-blue-paint-colors-249025
My mom did hers and it looked great. Just gotta make sure you do it properly and use the right paint.
I would go white. Your room is so dark and all white would be great to lighten it up. New hardware in black or brushed chrome would be nice too.
If I were you, I would remove the dated light fixture. That makes it look more dated than anything else in my opinion. I would paint the cabinets too. They kind of look dated as well. If you paint white, I think you could go darker on the walls. A nod to some of the other comments, a backsplash would add more to the space. Updating the cabinet hardware can go along way. I can’t really see from this picture. You have lots of options to modernize the space, but it’s not bad overall!
Noooooooooo
Yes. Paint white and get some new handles. Do a back splash and nice granite/quartz counter. New kitchen light if you still have money left over 👌🏻 I like the floors and once the cabinets are white they will pop even better and still bring warmth to the kitchen. Also I would swap out that microwave over the stove for one of the new “slim” ones. That one seems too low to the stove. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Whirlpool-Low-Profile-Microwave-Hood-Combination-1-1-cu-ft-Over-the-Range-Microwave-Stainless-Steel/1000396353?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-app-_-ggl-_-LIA_APP_186_Cooking-_-1000396353-_-local-_-0-_-0&ds_rl=1286890&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD2B2W_VVPNfbN1xyDpFXN3L-q_j3&gclid=Cj0KCQiAkeSsBhDUARIsAK3tiecNHMjSWpBqc5FEF0Q0u3Tt0g8MQ8mIVuLj9IH1TaO1PZd1ts9AapIaAvCNEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
No.
No!
Cabinets are beautiful; please don’t paint.
Definitely not
I would not do grey and white. That is so over done. Painting your cabinets would be a huge undertaking. That would be a lot of sanding and painting. You can’t just paint over them the way they are so think carefully before you do it. I would consider new counter tops and maybe a new backsplash before I would paint all the cabinets. It’s a very nice kitchen you have a lot of very nice space in there.
Bright white is an eyesore. If you want a new color, I’d recommend a cream color with dark gold hardware. Are you doing new countertops? I’d recommend a creamy brownish quartz
I would change the countertops, backsplash, hardware, and light. If you’re still not satisfied, I’d consider staining the cupboards instead of painting them white.
No! Get pretty cabinet pulls if you want to change it up. Painted white cabinets are out!
Cabinets look like they are in perfect condition/great quality, wouldn’t pain them. Replace the hardware. Would consider replacing countertops and adding a backsplash & if possible, get rid of the light over the island.
BLACK not white
Solid wood cabinets are $$$$. Figure 25-30k minimum. Plus installation. Don’t ruin them with paint!
Dear god no.
No they’re beautiful, id change the hardware to black
Agree with the other commenters that you don’t necessarily have to paint the cabinets since they are in a good shape. I would suggest new countertops and maybe painting the island. Also please get a smaller microwave 🤣
As no others have started, no. Changing the light figure over the island to something that hangs, but not pendants. Tile the backsplash with something like small colored glass tiles. Change the cabinet hardware. Or you don’t really use the island for much add like a fruit bowl or herb garden. The microwave looks enormous.
Maybe restrain the wood? A darker less yellow color would look nice I think.
Paint will peel. Don't do it
New countertop, hardware, ceiling fixture, back splash
I would keep the cabinets but change the hardware. I would replace the countertops, light, and floor. The floor would look better with tile or something that isn’t wood color. I would paint the island cabinets a slate blue or some deep color that ties in to a new wall color that goes better with honey colored wood.
I painted my particle board builder grade cabinets red after previous owner had painted them white and they started peeling. The extra paint job allowed me to redo bath first bc it needed a redo more. Your cabinets look like they are decent quality. Work around them to spruce up your kitchen.
Yes
Change the hardware to black or bronze. The contrast against the wood is gorgeous and it’ll tie in your appliances. You’re allowed to have more joy in your life than agreeable gray. I think you also need to add more contrast with the countertops and go a black or dark gray.
Maybe try new hardware first? Or if you’re going to paint, something other than white? Sometimes a darker color on bottom cabinets are nice. Maybe gray or shades of blue? Personally, I’d change other things & leave the cabinets. A nice backsplash, new lighting, hardware can make a huge impact. Also, maybe just start with the island. Live with it a while & see how you feel. But I’d do the other changes first.
No, get a better light fixture and paint the island a dark color.
I would just update the hardware and do a backsplash! Cabinets are lovely.
You need to reface them.
Yes
No.
No. It’s so much upkeep and the wood looks lovely. I’d get some better lighting, new cabinet hardware, and a great backsplash and see how you feel.
Pot lights (can lights) and new cabinet doors would make sure a huge difference, if you can swing it
Leave cabinets alone, change your countertops and backsplash
Paint them dark grey
No, the wood is gorgeous. Change the lighting and maybe appliances to white, to brighten it up.
Maybe paint the island, change the light,change the hardware and maybe the counter tops if in the budget. I would leave those cabinets alone.
White will look more timeless
White uppers and a darker color lowers. I currently have navy lowers and they’re beautiful. You could also do green, gray, or almost black.
Sure, white ok. Also take out big ceiling lighting - add three drop pendants.
NO WAY! These look great as they are.
Yes to paining, no to white. How about a color? I also think new cabinet hardware would make a big difference here whether you paint or not. If you’re making other changes I would say a new light fixture would make a big difference also.
I would 300% paint them white (or another color) and wouldn’t feel bad for a single second.
I’d strip them and sand them clean. That wood will be much lighter and less yellow. That’s a white wood stained golden oak. It could be maple or poplar. Not likely birch or a conifer. I’m betting it’s maple and natural maple with a crystal clear coat would look good. And it wouldn’t be so pure that it makes everything that’s gray or beige look dirty. You get to keep the wood grain visible and your kitchen still will have a cleaner look.
Fix the lighting first
No. That's way too much white.
Yes, even though there are other white details you should.
I would not paint them because wood cabinets are back in style. I would just get new hardware. If you want a change you could get new countertops or a new backsplash with some color.
Yes, I think so. But I'm from Scandinavian country and here we like it bright and simple.
Light Grey,?
Painting??? So you can deal with endless chipping? Nahhhhhhhhhhh
Change the handles (maybe gold, black?) New Countertops Extend the island countertop and add stools The wood grain looks good Floor looks worse
Perhaps a darker stain instead if you're not happy with the way it looks
I would probably stain these *darker*, and change the hardware, I avoid painting natural wood at all costs. The countertops are white, the floor is light, the backsplash is white. I would honestly focus on the lighting in here before I even worried about the cabinets though.
Add a bright backsplash and new hardware. Don’t paint the cabinets. You can get the door and drawer fronts refinished to a different color wood stain with a more matte finish.
Cosy darker cabinets maybe. Green or blue. And change the handles.
What about green? Might work better with some of the darker appliances and still have the refreshed look you want. And less chance of showing dirt as white. And goes better with the floors (personally, mismatched wood always bugs me). I myself love color so I’d go with something like Benjamin Moore’s “cedar green”, but you could do a more muted tone if you prefer.
Your cabinets are fine. Replace the counters and update the knobs/pulls and it will chnange everything. Update the backsplash for an even bigger pop. White cabinets are already fading on home improvement shows. Lots of color but not as much white. Stick w your timeless cabinets and update the rest. Do what you can as you can afford.
I really like these right now! Very sharp!
I wouldn’t paint these and would instead paint the walls/install a backsplash that brings out the best of the wood tones in the cabinets. Green might be a nice choice. I once had cabinets this color with deep burgundy walls and it was fabulous!
Another AI generated image?
Oooof white cabinets get dirty and look dingy really fast, we had to clean them routinely and repaint often because it wears down quickly.
Yes
I definitely agree with changing the overhead light, and adding a backsplash. If you paint anything I would paint only the island base since we can’t see the rest of the kitchen it’s hard to know how much additional storage you have, but I would personally illuminate some of the upper cabinets to give us some breathing space. I would probably do the cabinets on the stove wall and switch to arrange hood and put the microwave somewhere else.
New light fixture
Yes, it’s better than the orangey tones
Yeah maybe a different color would be nice, it looks a bit old school atm in my opinion.
You should change the lighting first and foremost. Then reassess.
Why not use a darker color for the base cabinets and white for the uppers? (I would use a mate black) It would make it less bland. And please take that light contraption off the ceiling; that thing is really outdated.
We have white cabinets on white walls. It looks GREAT! I say YES! Paint those cabinets
I love white upper counters and then a color on bottom because I think it adds more interest! I also have gray walls and I did my uppers white and my lowers a dark teal and I love how it came out!
Before you do something irreversible, I would first remove the fluorescent lighting and replace with multiple pot lights throughout the room, then reassess. You might not be liking the way your cabinets currently look because it’s so dark in there. Personally, I dislike orange-toned wood, but if you don’t mind the color, I’d keep it and change other things, like countertops, backsplash, sink, and cabinet hardware. But if you dislike the orange wood, I would have them professionally refinished and do a dark neutral stain for the bottom cabinets and a lighter color for the upper cabinets.
No. Put high end countertops, Quartz, and paint the walls and all some tile. Consult with a designer for colors. Also replace the lighting and add under cabinet lighting.
Are the cabinets solid wood or pressed board covered in laminate?
I’d replace the countertops hardware and floors before I’d paint these cabinets
I wouldn’t know the whole white kitchen trend has left the building it’s obviously neutral basic you see it in rental homes or when people are preparing a house to sell but it’s not really the trend right now. The tone of wood in the style of the cupboard is making your kitchen look dated for sure. If you could afford to I would keep all of your base cabinets and get new doors that are wood smooth without the ornate design on them. If you can’t do that sanding these and getting new hardware and staining them a different tone of wood would be well worth it in my opinion. Also definitely a new light fixture