UPDATE and sneak peek ~ White cabinets?

by Heather Bastianelli

+94

Answered

I know I already posted about adding character. I am wondering what everyone feels about painting the cabinets white. I feel they currently match too closely to the floor. Would white go well with the slate backsplash and gray countertops? We added the slate backsplash last year.
So we have not gotten to the white cabinets yet but we added a nice sage green paint to the walls. We also changed out the light fixtures and replaced them with more of a rustic type. I wasted some color so rolled the dice on these orange drapes and love them! Next is crown moulding...

q white cabinets, home decor, kitchen backsplash, kitchen cabinets, kitchen design, painting

Before..yellow paint, chrome light fixtures

The before

before..Drab drapes

After..New Pendants

New hardware

New paint, drapes and chandelier

After

More after

76 answers

Cheryl on Feb 21, 2014
I would go with a linen color in a low-sheen finish, and then do a light bit of distressing and then use an antiquing glaze. To finish it off, some new hardware - Hobby Lobby has an excellent selection of cabinet hardware, and the best part is that every other week, it's 50% off.

Helpful Reply
Small Talk Mama on Feb 21, 2014
I agree with Cheryl. Her idea sounds very nice, or you might try a light grey. I'm afraid with your backsplash and other darker tones in the space, that white might look too stark. If your adventurous, you could also add a different fun color completely on the bottom cabinets and leave the uppers as they are. :)

1 marked as helpful Reply
Sue on Feb 21, 2014
What colors are in the rest of your house? I'm thinking if there is more white, do white, but if you have more creamy tones, then like Cheryl said, go with the creamy color. I have been looking at painted cabinets and white looks great with stainless steel and gray as you have.

Helpful Reply
The Garden Frog with C Renee on Feb 21, 2014
I have had painted white my kitchen cabinets years ago in another home with 4 kids years ago and found myself always freaking out about the messes. Kids spill and I found myself constantly wiping the cabinets down. Your floor is beautiful and the cabinets are in great shape so maybe a new wall color? because this wall color is more yellow which makes the cabinets look dull and the white trim look out of place. Your backsplash is beautiful and goes well with the cabinets. Personally, I would think about the wall color first and maybe add some black wrought iron handles or spray them black. I painted my cabinets because they were mismatched otherwise I would not have. You had stated like you like craftsman style which is wood not painted. Another thought I had before too- I would have your white trim replaced in the kitchen and living room to a darker stain and maybe even the toe kicks to give some separation to the floor and cabinets. Just a thought...

Helpful Reply
- Kristi K on Feb 21, 2014
  @The Garden Frog with C Renee I agree with changing the wall color first. Yellow is a "dating" color in a kitchen - more of the 80's feel. Personally I love the color, but in all the remodeling projects I've experienced & seen, just getting rid of yellow in a kitchen is an automatic facelift. A more contrasting wall color to the honey oak cabinets will change the appearance all together.
  
  Helpful

Shari on Feb 21, 2014
I whole-heartedly agree with you about the floor and cabinets being too close in color. As a result, I think the kitchen appears a little "bland," which is too bad because your countertops and backsplash are really lovely. They just aren't being showcased to their full potential though. I think white cabinets would be the "wow" you are looking for. If this were my kitchen, I would paint those cabinets in a split second. I would not have to think twice about it. I feel the countertops and backsplash would look very elegant with white cabinets so I, personally, would skip any distressing or glazing techniques on the cabinets, which always feels more casual, old and used, to me. Just a nice, clean, soft white (with no yellow undertones) and maybe adding dark hardware, would take this kitchen from "ho-hum" to "heavenly," in my humble opinion.

Helpful Reply
JL on Feb 21, 2014
Similar to what some of the other ladies have said, I'd go with a light grey on the cabinets, change to dark hardware, and I'd also change the wall color. Definitely a fun space to work with!

Helpful Reply
Heather Bastianelli on Feb 21, 2014
Hmmm....you guys always give such great ideas! I would love to repaint the kitchen but my problem is the kitchen opens up to the family room on one side and there is no room division. My house is a creamy yellow throughout the main floor. I would love to somehow separate the rooms. What colors would you suggest? Also, would darker handles contrast with the stainless steel appliances and fixtures?

Helpful Reply
- The Garden Frog with C Renee on Feb 21, 2014
  @Heather Bastianelli If you change the kitchen color then you could find a complimentary or contrasting color to tie in your decorating by taking the kitchen color along the wall into the living room on the one wall and then the other walls could be the other color. I have done this for someone and it looked really good. I have also painted a straight line and ended a room with the color and it happened to work because it was at the top of a 2 story room and staircase. You could think about this and use a stained piece of moulding to separate the rooms. I think the kitchen should be color in your backsplash. Black is a great color to add to any room and will not clash with your stainless appliances. check out Home Depot they have some really cool wrought iron ones that could tie in your country look. There is also oil rubbed bronze too for handles
  
  Helpful
Z on Feb 21, 2014
I like @The Garden Frog with C Renee idea of a wall color change as it would be a shame to paint such nice cabinets. You could easily divide the rooms for paint by adding a strip of painted trim down the wall and under the header. Something like this below. Please understand it's almost impossible to get a proper shade of any color using the Paint program. I was thinking a soft sage like green for your kitchen walls as it would blend well with the gold you have in the rest of your main level. Because of the darkness of the photo I used I couldn't see any other color used in the living room.

Helpful Reply
Heather Bastianelli on Feb 21, 2014
@Z I was thinking a sage type green as well. Maybe I'll try painting the walls first and changing the cabinet handles before I decide on the cabinets themselves. I have always wanted a white kitchen but don't want to paint them and have it look bad. Thanks!

Helpful Reply
- See 2 previous
- Z on Feb 21, 2014
  @Heather,like C Renee, I think that's a good plan. But then this is coming from someone that prefers stained cabinets and trim. :^)
  
  Helpful
- Teresa Kilman on Feb 21, 2014
  @Heather Bastianelli It takes alot more work; however, the cabinets could be sanded (to take of the varnish and smooth) before painting. Just make sure what you want before hand. I would recommend painting the walls first. Then you could paint or even white wash the cabinets.
  
  Helpful
- Terra Gazelle on Feb 21, 2014
  @Teresa Kilman You can use just a deglosser and not sand...make sure you prime first and then paint. I love the look of painted cabinets..unless you have very expensive or old cabinets they are not all wood any way.
  
  Helpful
- Terra Gazelle on Feb 21, 2014
  @Heather Bastianelli I think the white cabinets or sage would be beautiful in that kitchen and really bring out the color of the backslash and counters. But then I am loving the colors of the sage. I would paint the walls sage with the white cabinets.
  
  Helpful

Sweet Pea Studio on Feb 21, 2014
Heather, I'd go to the Sherwin Williams online site. Take a photo of your kitchen - upload it into their program and add and change colors until you find what you want. I think I would paint the walls a light pumpkin color and see if that doesn't make everything harmonize. I love white painted cabinets but you have to touch them up on occasion when they chip. Yours in art, Pamela PS. A rug with pumpkin, yellows and purple or silver gray on the floor would be a nice touch as well.

Helpful Reply
- Teresa Kilman on Feb 21, 2014
  @Sweet Pea Studio I agree; that would be totally awesome to see before hand.
  
  Helpful
Heather Bastianelli on Feb 21, 2014
@Z You know as much as I love the craftsman style I can't get into the stained trim. Although I have seen some places where it really works.

Helpful Reply
- See 1 previous
- Z on Feb 21, 2014
  @Heather,our home is a Victorian Revival. All the trim work is stained but leans to late Vic, early Craftsman in style. It's all stained but the half bath. Though that was my decision, it was more out of I wanted at least one room done in our home kind of thing. The door is still stained. We were the contractors and did much of the work ourselves so it's all to our tastes. The picture below shows the window and base trim along with four chairs I was working on at the time.
  
  Helpful
Shari on Feb 21, 2014
Dark hardware (black or oil rubbed bronze) would not clash at all with your stainless appliances, in my opinion. Remember, you have many dark (gray) tones in your countertop and backsplash and dark colored hardware would look very intentional, I think. New, darker hardware would also add some much needed visual interest if you decide not to paint the cabinets. On my computer monitor the wall in your last photo actually looked like it was already a light sage green. I'm a huge fan of greens, and especially sage greens, so I love the idea of using that color in the kitchen and I even have a specific color suggestion for you to check out; "Mountain Haze" and "Restful" in the Behr paint colors at Home Depot. In a former home, my daughter had cabinets the color of yours. She used Mountain Haze and it looked gorgeous with the cabinets. I also used Mountain Haze and Restful (which is one shade darker than Mountain Haze) in my former home. (I really wanted to use those colors again in my current home but the lighting was different here and I needed a little brighter shade of green.) I'm no fan of Behr paint but I do like their colors and if you find you like either Mountain Haze or Restful (or even another Behr color), they can always be color matched in another brand of paint.

Helpful Reply
- See 1 previous
- Heather Bastianelli on Feb 21, 2014
  @Shari Thank you for the paint suggestions! I will check them out. I like greens...my house is so yellow I am going crazy!
  
  Helpful
- Heather Bastianelli on Feb 21, 2014
  @Heather Bastianelli I love, love, love those colors! I am thinking one of those will be my new kitchen color! I am leaning towards restful because I like a bit darker shade. I have a lot of light that comes in so it wouldn't be too dark.
  
  Helpful
Heather Bastianelli on Feb 21, 2014
@ Becky Ooooh I do like that look! I think I was envisioning that 60's-70's woodgrain inexpensive trim you see in outdated houses. Your windows look very elegant and tasteful! I love the stain color choose as well!

Helpful Reply
- Z on Feb 21, 2014
  Thank you @Heather. We had a hard time matching the stain on our kitchen cabinets until we checked into water based stain. Now that's all we use. It's by Minwax and called Cinnamon Toast. Our home is still a work in progress as we are finishing it as time permits. That works out great as it allows us to pay cash for everything. It's been slow going, we moved in the first weekend in October in '03. At that time there was no wood trim, very few finished floors, the kitchen cabinets were not completely installed and we had no kitchen sink because the counters were being remade. The supplier didn't believe the template the apprentice they sent out (on my request as they were backed up and he's the only one available) made was correct. I looked at it closely and told them he did an excellent job, but they chose do do it their way anyway. I hope they trusted his work after that. Building this home has been a labor of love. Hubby and I work very well together. I design and we figure out how to make it happen and do the work together too.
  
  Helpful
MaryAnn A on Feb 21, 2014
I too want to paint my cabinets white (or the nearest thing to white). I think it would look wonderful with your slate backsplash and countetops. Then pick a wall color. In one of my apartments, because I already had white cabinets, I went very bold and painted my walls a Martha Stewart color called hoooyhock. It was in the red family. It looked gorgeous. When the landlady sold the house and I had to show my apartment, everyone said it looked better than the main house. Because of that, my current dining room is painted a color called "dinner party red" by Sherwin Willilams. Goes fabulously with my off white dining room furniture. Don't be afraid of color. Any color you love. :)

Helpful Reply
- MaryAnn A on Feb 21, 2014
  @MaryAnn A I took a closer look at the picture and I noticed tiny clear crystal Christmas trees so I guess that tells a story. :)
  
  Helpful
Linda Weeks on Feb 21, 2014
Hey, nice kitchen! I'd like to have your backsplash too!

Helpful Reply
Linda Weeks on Feb 21, 2014
I have this issue too, I liked my cork flooring so much, even though the pattern doesn't work well with the cabinetry... so I'm going to paint them a cream color. That's what would make it work together I think!

Helpful Reply
Moxie on Feb 21, 2014
I hear you! My cabinets "almost" matched my floors just like your. I have painted my base cabinets Benjamen Moore Kendall Grey...they look fabulous! II had painted white base cabinets a long time ago and the showed everything really quick and looked bad in just a few years but that was during little kid days to. As soon as my new tops are in and uppers are painting (going white with them) I will be sharing pics. Good luck on whatever you decide!!!

Helpful Reply
𝕭𝖗𝖔𝖈𝖆𝖓𝖙𝖊 𝕰𝖑𝖊𝖌𝖆𝖓𝖈𝖊 on Feb 22, 2014
White would be stunning!

Helpful Reply
Jim L on Feb 22, 2014
Why not paint the lower cabinets a "medium gray" and the upper cabinets white? That is a very good look and then you could pain the base of the cabinet base in the butler's pantry dark gray. (Let's get some color in that dining room also!)

Helpful Reply
Theresa Shaut on Feb 22, 2014
When we renovated out kitchen we wanted to stay pretty neutral but add one contrasting wall and bring the color over with a vase or some kind of decoration. Easily changed when you want change.

Helpful Reply
Theresa Shaut on Feb 22, 2014
Here's photos:

Helpful Reply
Wanda.ll on Feb 22, 2014
Ok here is and idea and a product that you might consider. It is called Restore. It will work through the stain and varnish you have on there now. You rub it on to change the color. The more you rub the lighter the color or darker if you prefer. It comes in loads of wood colors. You don't have to strip, yea. When completed the Restore A Finish then Feed' n Wax( The Howard Co product ) These are 2 great products. All the antique dealers have used them for years and are now sharing them at their stores. If you can't find check out here. No I don't have a thing to do with this man just love him hints and tips fro anything DYI www.happyhandyman.com or call 210-341-1573 Johnnie Cuoke Home and Hardware store. Now if you decide to paint use this product Coronado Paint's Grip and Seal and then their paint Coronado's Cabinet Coat paint is it self leveling good smooth finish.ASK Johnnie.......

Helpful Reply
Wanda.ll on Feb 22, 2014
Why not Cherry colored stain cabinets. With your dark counters . It is the going thing now days. Cherry wood I mean.

Helpful Reply
Margie*Lee on Feb 22, 2014
I want to change our custom made cabinets in our kitchen but would not want to paint them. I know that if I paint them, they will need touching up or repainting every few years and I'm NOT willing to do that. Our cabinets have a maple finish and I want them darker so I'm going to hire someone to re-stain them using the Rustoleum kit I have seen. It's a 3 or 4 step process and I want someone to do it that has done it before. I know it will be expensive but our cabinets are too nice and well made to replace. Plus, our kitchen is large and we have a lot of cabinets.

Helpful Reply
JessieMacD on Feb 22, 2014
Sherwin Williams has a free app that allows you to upload your photo and paint it! It's really fun and easy! It will help you visualize before you commit, but I think white would be nice....maybe add some beadboard for texture on the bottom of the island. And post after pics please!

Helpful Reply
Katie on Feb 22, 2014
I'm a huge fan of green. Check out "Churlish Green" by Farrow and Ball. It is an absolutely gorgeous green. Farrow and Ball is an English paint company. Their product is quite different from North American paint and it really has a depth of colour that is amazing.

Helpful Reply
DebLynn on Feb 22, 2014
I actually like the cabinets….Have you considered darker stain on the floor? I'd match it to the color of your backsplash/counters. Just an idea….

Helpful Reply
Robin W on Feb 22, 2014
White is and will always be popular...it stands the test of time and looks beautiful. It would look great in there with the other colors you have and change the whole look! Good luck

Helpful Reply
Val on Feb 22, 2014
White would be fabulous with the gray and slate! It would brighten up your kitchen as well! Val

Helpful Reply
Debbie Chapman on Feb 22, 2014
I think white would look great, and really open up your space visually. I painted my kitchen cabinets & love them! Just know that it may take more coats of paint than you expect, for it to look right.

Helpful Reply
Jean Lucey on Feb 22, 2014
I have similar colors in my kitchen. I was going to paint the cabinets white, butI painted only the cabinet framework white and left the doors wood. I love how they pop out and match the floors. I think all white might be too much. You could try the framework first and then continue on to the doors if you don 't like it.

Helpful Reply
Nancy Wiseman Smircic on Feb 22, 2014
I totally agree with Jim L. Before reading his comments, my feeling was that, though gorgeous, your room appeared much too dark for my liking at least My first thought was a very soft grey shade, but that didn't seem to be quite right until I read Jim's comments and the contrasting greys seemed to be the way to go, in my opinion. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Helpful Reply
Anne on Feb 22, 2014
My sons has new cabinets and they went with the colour expresso. Their kitchen is a light orange and they have mixed coloured tiles...beautiful...I myself have white cupboards, we are now getting ready to paint ours. I am changing to a cream colour...

Helpful Reply
Maranda on Feb 22, 2014
Yes yes yes!!! Lighter and brighter - go for it! :)

Helpful Reply
Lori Delk Wynne on Feb 22, 2014
I think white cabinets would look great. :)

Helpful Reply
Cookie Callison-Douglas on Feb 22, 2014
You can't possibly lose by incorporating the white. It will brighten everything up. Isn't that the goal? White is timeless. If you choose to change back splash or counter top down the road, you have a clean palette from which to work.

Helpful Reply
Sharon M on Feb 22, 2014
If your cabinets are in good shape, I would not paint them. You can add color to the room by painting the walls a brighter color, and putting some colorful decorative items on the countertops. The eye would pick up the color in the room, and you wouldn't notice the floor. If you put a pretty valance on the window, it will also draw the eye. Painting cabinets inside and out (which is the way it should be done), is a LOT of work.

Helpful Reply
Barbara R on Feb 22, 2014
White or off-white or light gray...Your cabinets are beautiful the way they are, they look expensive. Paint away! I'm doing the same thing to my kitchen and I'm excited about it...wood cabinets are dated...you need more light in there, do IT!!

Helpful Reply
Geri P on Feb 22, 2014
Do it!! They would look fabulous & brighten up the entire room! I did it in my kitchen & I couldn't be happier!! Be Brave...you will not be sorry!

Helpful Reply
SawHorse Design Build on Feb 22, 2014
I like the idea of paint grade cabinets here. Most of the white kitchens we have completed over the years still look great since white is a timeless color.

Helpful Reply
Marilyn Lefler on Feb 22, 2014
Grays are very popular and there are some very pretty light shades that I think would look great with your counter top and back splash. I love white and am painting my cupboards as we speak but I think it might be a bit shocking in your kitchen.

Helpful Reply
Ann B on Feb 22, 2014
Your cabinets are beautiful. Keep in mind that it would be hard to ever go back after painting them white, although white would look wonderful with your gray.

Helpful Reply
Margie on Feb 22, 2014
White cabinets would look wonderful or a cream color with an espresso glaze (to bring out the detail) and I would put new pulls on also. Best of luck with whatever do decide to do. Please post the 'after' photos for all of us to enjoy.

Helpful Reply
Heather Bastianelli on Feb 23, 2014
Thank you for all the feedback! For starters we have decided to paint the kitchen, change all the cabinet hardware, add crown molding and change the brushed chrome light fixtures into something antique bronze or black. I will definitely post "after" pictures. I still want to paint the cabinets but we'll see how everything works first.

Helpful Reply
- Cheryl on Feb 24, 2014
  @Heather Bastianelli I'll look forward to seeing the 'after' photos! With those counter tops, I think that a pale robin's egg blue, lightly distressed and with an antiquing glaze, would be stunning.
  
  Helpful
Michelle LaRue on Feb 23, 2014
Jennifer at "The Magic Brush" has a video for sale .... how to for painting cupboards!

Helpful Reply
Heather Bastianelli on Feb 23, 2014
So here are my plans so far....we are going to paint the kitchen Sherwin-Williams Garden Sage and replace the light fixtures with the ones pictured. After all this is done we will price out the cost to paint the cabinets. So excited!

Helpful Reply
Lisa Cuddy on Feb 23, 2014
I would definitely paint. Although I an biased toward white, the suggestion of lt. grey is a good idea. Your cabinets are dated and refreshing tHem with paint would help bring them up to date. Also a painted finished will stay current for a long tIme. Paint!

Helpful Reply
Connie Hansen on Feb 23, 2014
I would paint the cabinets the same color as your door frames. you don't want to paint then gray .you would have to much of the same color. after you get your kitchen finished you should add some color to your kitchen to make it pop.

Helpful Reply
Dianne on Feb 24, 2014
Definitely paint them. I have a small kitchen and after painting the kitchen looked cleaner and bigger. I agree with Connie about the same color as you trim.

Helpful Reply
Linda Stroney on Feb 24, 2014
If you HAVE TO paint them, don't paint them white! I have white cabinets they are hard to keep clean, once you paint them, the beauty of the wood is gone. I would agree with the other lady, add some color to your room with other things. Like area rugs, since you have dark counter tops, Red, or other bright favorite colors, that will break up the floor and cabinet sameness.

Helpful Reply
Matina V on Feb 24, 2014
Have you considered a white wash that would let the wood show through?

Helpful Reply
Nancy on Feb 24, 2014
White would be PERFECT with that backsplash and the countertops!! It will brighten everything up and you won't regret! I know everyone says they get dirty fast but why is that a problem...the moment you see a smear or sauce splatter you wipe it up because you CAN see it! I have white cabinets and have no issues at all keeping up with cleaning. I have dark laminate flooring and I'll find something that spilled over in the corner that I know was there for months but the lighting made it catch my eye! GROSS. If my floors were lighter I would've seen it right away and cleaned it up. Good luck!

Helpful Reply
- Shari on Feb 24, 2014
  @Nancy AMEN! You are singing my song! I have white cabinets too...and not just in my kitchen. I also have them in my laundry room and one bathroom. I don't find them difficult to live with or keep clean at all. Like you, I would much rather see the dirt/spills/grime etc. and address it rather than live with it hidden That's the same reason I have white (washable) slipcovered furniture in my family room and living room--see the dirt, throw it in the washer.
  
  Helpful
Kim Fisher on Feb 24, 2014
I agree with Margie, Paint them a cream color with a little gray showing through around the corners...Beautiful!!

Helpful Reply
Nancilee on Feb 24, 2014
White... use a glossy latex paint (easy for DIY) or an oil enamel (a little less easy) or a Marine paint. The oil enamel and the marine paint are long lasting, For any of the three, cabinet cleaning will be easy.

Helpful Reply
Jo on Feb 25, 2014
I had almost black cabinets and I painted them White and my kitchen was so much brighter and I love them.

Helpful Reply
Amy Ogden-Paparone on Mar 03, 2014
Yes!! Go white, you'll love it!

Helpful Reply
Anna on Apr 17, 2014
You must definitely paint the cabinets. Would you wear grey socks with brown shoes, or vice versa? I personally think the same color white as the trim would be perfect. I do suggest that you DO NOT use latex paint. I have found that urethane acrylic leaves a very durable finish.

Helpful Reply
Gale D on Apr 18, 2014
We redid our kitchen cabinets bright white and every day I can't believe how bright and wonderful my kitchen is now...I say, go for it!

Helpful Reply
Jennifer Kyzer on Apr 19, 2014
Here's my before and after.....to give you an idea!

Helpful Reply
- See 1 previous
- Heather Bastianelli on Apr 19, 2014
  @Jennifer Kyzer we have the same counter tops! I LOVE your after photos! I think I will do the white.
  
  Helpful
- Margie on Apr 23, 2014
  @Jennifer Kyzer beautiful kitchen redo! Amazing transformation.
  
  Helpful
Jennifer Kyzer on Apr 19, 2014
lol....I saw that.....I really love my new kitchen!! I used deglosser on the cabinets instead of sanding them....it worked like a charm!!

Helpful Reply
- See 1 previous
- Gale D on Apr 20, 2014
  @Jennifer Kyzer Can we see some photos?
  
  Helpful
- Jennifer Kyzer on Apr 20, 2014
  @Gale D http://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-before-and-after-3510556?scid=567140
  
  Kitchen Before and After
  
  Helpful
Jennifer Kyzer on Apr 20, 2014
http://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-before-and-after-3510556?scid=567140

Kitchen Before and After

Helpful Reply
Nancy Martin on Apr 20, 2014
not white! I am trying to change mine from white now. It is so boring and shows dirt

Helpful Reply
- Jennifer Kyzer on Apr 21, 2014
  @Nancy Martin I understand your desire to change your cabinets....mine had been stained wood for over 35 years and I was wiping them as much as I wipe these......so the dirt is there whether you have stain, white or any other color.....I just wanted something to brighten my kitchen and so far I do love it.....Would love to see your before and after.....I'm sure I will get tired of the white and want something else in the future! :)
  
  Helpful
Elaine Simmons on Apr 23, 2014
Krpr, not everyone has a contractor brother! But good for you for getting your cabinets on the cheap.

Helpful Reply
Sue on Apr 23, 2014
I had oak cabinets and floor. Just had the cabinets painted cream and glazed. Love, love, love them. Brightens the room so much. I know you would be very happy with the results!! Take the plunge and paint them!!

Helpful Reply
Jennifer Kyzer on May 05, 2014
How's the cabinet painting going??

Helpful Reply
- Heather Bastianelli on May 06, 2014
  I haven't painted them yet but have my husband about 85% convinced to do it. It's just finding the time.
  
  Helpful
Carla Harrod Hampton on May 26, 2014
I painted my cabinets white several years ago and have never regreted it! It really brightens up the room! You could also go to a more creamy white than bright white if you wanted to have a less stark contrast! It is a difficult decision for some people, especially if they have nice cabinets! Mine were builders grade cabinets that were pickled oak; one of our daughters called them "pink!" That pretty much explains why it was an easy decision for me! If you do decide to do it! Do it right without any shortcuts so the finish will be a nice one. There are some very good tutorials for "how to" on line that you can google! Please post your finished product if you decide to take the plunge and do it!

Helpful Reply
Gale on May 27, 2014
we had our kitchen cabinets painted a 'bright' white and have loved them ever since. Really brightens up my kitchen and it's nice to see everyday.

Helpful Reply
Kim Linford on May 27, 2014
I am so ready to have them be white or cream, I dont care! I just want to brighten it up!!!

Helpful Reply
Beverly Lambert on Jul 22, 2017

Reversed my cabinet doors to inside to the outside, to hide the deep 70's revel 1 coat good primer, 2 coats Behr satin cottage white, a warm white. 99 cent single knob and 1.99 handles

Helpful Reply
Vicki Wicker on Nov 04, 2017

I like the cabinets as they are. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Your doing a great job and it looks beautiful!

Helpful Reply
Fauxgal on Nov 04, 2017

You can use white. But why not go with a very light grey?

Helpful Reply
Jo on Feb 28, 2019

adding hardware to cabinets 'floor mat,

Helpful Reply
Fiddledd224 on Mar 04, 2019

I've had white cabinets for 26 years and they still looks a fresh as the day my house was built - through several changes of paint and appliances. You cannot go wrong with white since it is a neutral that goes with everything. Here is a photo of my kitchen as it looks today. Same cabinets, different appliances, different countertops.

Helpful Reply
DebWor on Oct 12, 2019

I also have white. I think the cabinets and floor look like it just continues. White also brightens up the kitchen.

Helpful Reply
Jettie on Oct 31, 2019

I think I might try a very light greyI White seems a little stark. Perhaps you could go to a dollar store, buy a few cheap white plastic table cloths, tape them up over your cabinets and that might give you an idea as to whether or not you would like the white. And you would not have much invested in order to decide.

Helpful Reply
Melissa Monteforte on Jan 01, 2021

When painting kitchen cabinets white do you apply a polyurethane sealer over final coat to protect?

Helpful Reply

Related Discussions

Vinyl plank flooring vs pergo (laminate)

Lynn Turnbull Answered 6 days ago

I currently have stinky dirty carpeting in my living room and I want to replace it with a durable flooring that can stand up to dogs and kids.

See Answers

How to remove popcorn ceiling that has been painted?

Quilter2 Answered on Feb 06, 2024

Does having a paint over a popcorn ceiling change how I'd remove the popcorn ceiling?

See Answers

Need advice for kitchen cabinet makeover

Kerry Veen Answered on Jan 29, 2024

We have decided to paint our kitchen cabinets, but need to know which works better. Chalk paint or Rustoleum's kitchen cabinet kit? If you have used either your opini... See more

See Answers

How can I update my plain white formica cabinets? Plz help!!!!

Eilene Bodnar Answered on Sep 17, 2016

I don't know what else to say...except my cabinets are very dated.I see a lot of tutorials on refinishing wood cabinets...but nothing on formica cabinets. Is there no... See more