Should I paint my kitchen cabinets?

These cabinets are about 30 years old but still look good I think. I have been throwing around the idea of painting them a off white colour. It is a hugh kitchen and would be a hugh job. Or, I could just paint the walls... it is a peanut shell colour now. What colour do you think? Also, I was thinking maybe just change the hardware. Should I have a runner or area run under the table. Any other ideas to spruce up this space would be welcome. HELP PLEASE!!

40 Comments Displaying 25 of 40 comments | See Previous

Amy S Dallas, GA

Paint the walls and the island...leave your cabinets as is:)

on Jul 12, 2012 · Like 1
Just a Girl Rockford, MI

While the decision is ultimately yours, I can only tell you that if it were my kitchen, I would paint them in a heartbeat. The difference will be dramatic! Good luck deciding--not easy!

on Jul 12, 2012 · Like 1
Ashley T Poplar Branch, NC

I would definitely try other things out before painting the cabinets! A brighter colour on the walls, and I also really like the idea of painting a contrasting colour on the island as someone else mentioned above.
I could see a white with undertones of yellow on the walls, and maybe a soft blue with undertones of green on the island. Maybe throw some beadboard wallpaper on the island?!

on Jul 12, 2012 · Like 1
Leslie D Las Vegas, NV

One thing to consider before you paint the cabinets is whether they are solid wood or a laminate. You would need to clean with TSP to remove any signs of grease and lightly sand the cabinets to remove any gloss for the paint to stick properly. Solid wood cabinets are easier to paint because the surface isn't as "slick" as a laminate and you don't have to worry about sanding that may penetrate the thickness of the laminate. Whatever the material, do your homework on prep before painting ...»
because it is a LOT of work and you wouldn't want the paint chipping. There are also special paints made that are more durable, so check with your local paint store pro for advice. If you decide to paint, we want to see pictures! I also like the idea of painting the island a different color.

on Jul 12, 2012 · Like 1
Sherry B Flushing, OH

I wouldn't paint them. I think they look beautiful. Just do your walls for something diffrerent♥ Changing the hardware would give them a whole new look. As for the area rug..that would give it a whole different look and think its a great idea.

on Jul 12, 2012 · Like 2
Deborah D Groton, CT

I think a different wall color would make them look great. Everything just blends as one color

on Jul 12, 2012 · Like 1
Bonnie Lockport, NY

I'm in middle of painting my cabinets white, they were same color as yours, and what a difference, just brightened up my kitchen! Yes lots of work but in the end very worth it :)

on Jul 12, 2012 · Like 1
Paula V Pickerington, OH

I would definitely paint them. The grain is a little heavy and really dark. I personally love cream so I painted my oak cabinets and put a glaze over the cream paint to give them a touch of the distressed look. I love it!

on Jul 12, 2012 · Like 1
Donna R Lumberton, TX

I'm on the side of painting. I'm faced with this in my kitchen also. Wanting to paint oak cabinets an off-white. I've looked at a lot of pics of white kitchens and they just seem more attractive to me. Calm, crisp, clean. All the wood grain showing is busy and it seems when that is painted over, all the decorative items pop more. You do have a LOT of cabinets! How nice.
We decided to start with our laundry room cabinets first, to get a feel of how we like it, can we really do a good job and how much work it will be.

on Jul 12, 2012 · Like 2
Natalie V Kerrville, TX

I love the wood. Paint the walls. I am a white wall fan myself and like to get my color from the things I put on them. I like to hang pretty linen towels on some of my higher cabinet doors.

on Jul 12, 2012 · Like 0
Sharron W Memphis, TN

Well I have to say, I would definately paint the walls a nice pale yellow/cream color to start AND because I love wood, and I also love big contrast...I have been seriously considering a project that I saw and fell in love with the look, which was painting the cabinet boxes and retaining the wood of the cabinet doors. The color scheme that I thought was so fabulous, the boxes were painted a royal/navy blue and the doors were in a Birch/natural kind of color it was just such a unexpected ...»
and beautiful look. Also I agree with the idea of painting the island, but I'd paint it either white or a cream color and in addition to that, I would paint the pedestal/base of the table and the chair legs and the the backs as well. keeping the table top and the chair seats in the natural wood finish. I truly love the combination of painted and wooden surfaces....it breaks things up and keeps them from being too monotonous!
Regarding an area rug under the table, take it from me; either get an expensive rug that will hold up to multiple shampooing/cleaning or get a really cheap rug that you can afford to throw out about every three months...at least if you use the table on a daily basis...I only have adults at the table and the rug constantly has something dropped or spilled on it...and the more recently that I've cleaned it....the more disasterous the spill seems to be...LOL I finally just opt'ed for a cheap rug that I can cut up and use under the mulch to help keep the grass from taking over the flower beds...or take out and put on the patio for a while to have the gardening hubby wipe his muddy feet on...etc. in other words, if you really love the rug, don't use it under the table...

on Jul 13, 2012 · Like 0
Jeanette S Atlanta, GA

It does not matter what you do because in a short time it will be out of style. With all the home improvement shows and ideas shares, it seems things come and go so quickly. I remember the olive drab and no grain maples only to watch it move toward mauve and heavier grained oaks. Now we are back to olive drab and finer grains! Whew! Just cannot keep up. As for the rug, there are many manmade fabrics in rugs that are easier to keep than the natural fibers...try one of those. Also, do ...»
not pick a biege...get a multi-colored rug with some pattern and depth of color so it won't show the spills as much. Beautiful wood is always in style. It is how you compliment it that makes a difference!

on Jul 13, 2012 · Like 2
deezie Stratford, CT

I would paint them. They are nice but a nice white or off white would look fabulous I think. Maybe paint the walls also. Good luck on deciding
deezie

on Jul 13, 2012 · Like 1
Nancy Q Powhatan, VA

I totally agree with Jeanette S! I mentioned earlier that I painted my cabinets, well on the next kitchen renovation I had my husband tear them out, gut walls, move windows, you name it. The cabinets went to the utility room and shed! My new cabinets are cherry with walnut stain, love them still. As far as the rug, try an indoor/outdoor rug. They are sturdier and Jeanette is right, get a pattern.

on Jul 13, 2012 · Like 1
Shirley C Humble, TX

I just finished my kitchen redo. I'm a lover of the two toned look. I chose cream slightly distressed and espresso on some of my lowers and island. I had to work around my white appliances. I plan to post photos on my blog soon. I also think painting the walls and adding new cabinet hardware is an excellent idea. I am in love with my new kitchen. I am brand new here and would post photos here if I had them on my iPad. Sorry :( ...»

Please check in at organizethings.blogsot.com if interested in before and after photos.

on Jul 13, 2012 · Like 2
Debbi C Prattville, AL

I love white kitchens and my past two homes have been all white with touches of the bright primary colors in knobs (red) canisters (blue) trim (sunny yellow) and some green nic-nacs here and there. I get lot's of compliments from my country-cottage-farm-themed, kitchen.....GO FOR IT!!!1

on Jul 13, 2012 · Like 2
HandyANDY Home Renovation... Marietta, GA

I'm for saving most of the wood as well....changing the knobs is an easy fix. You could also try painting the crown molding a jet black.....I would consider install painted beadboard around your island...again probably painted black to tie in the chairs you have. You might want to change the clear glass inserts for some crackle glass panels....and add a couple of lights inside the cabinets which can also serve as a nightlight. ...»

I love painted beadboard....you can also create some beadboard inserts in your cabinets by overlaying the existing doors with an insert. Cut & paint a couple of them & use some velcro to temporarily attached them to a few of the doors to see if you like the look. I'm not sure you'd like the switch to white...it would be a huge change but it's very sterile. The graining on the island is a little too much but the cabinets look great...and you're in upstate NY so chances are they were custom built by a local shop.....just guessing.
I'd also change out the lighter countertops....is that white corian......for a complimentary granite......have FUN!

on Jul 13, 2012 · Like 1
Sharon M Orrstown, PA

I was studying your pictures some more, and I saw some more ways to bring warmth and color to your kitchen. Andy pointed out your countertops, that is one way to update, and the backsplash on counters and your desk niches, would really make a statement. I love glass tiles, but anything that would compliment your cabinets, new painted walls, and countertops, would really change the look of your kitchen. Also, I would put the rug under the chairs in front of your pretty windows. You ...»
could add pillows and an end table to make that area cozy and inviting. Since you obviously have children, keep in mind that off-white cabinets will show every little fingerprint! I know, that is what mine are, and even though I love them, I have to wipe them down constantly. Think about tiling the backsplash.

on Jul 13, 2012 · Like 0
Becky Madisonville, LA

I had my cherry cabinets painted last year and I love the way it looks. Used Crisp Khaki #234 by Benjamin Moore in inpervo alkyd low luster enamel. I used the same paint for all the trim and doors in our home. love the way it brighten up my kitchen.

on Jul 13, 2012 · Like 0
Patricia P Scio, NY

I think it would definitely brighten up the kitchen if you painted them a lighter color.

on Jul 13, 2012 · Like 1
Donna R Lumberton, TX

Bless your heart, Betty Anne J., I bet you didn't know you were going to start a whole discussion forum with your question about painting wood cabinets. Are you confused even more now? I have to add that white cabinets, (or off-white, soft white cabinets), I don't think go out of style. About twenty years ago, our then brand new house had all white cabinets. The house came that way, we didn't pick the color. At that time, I remember reading a design article that said white was the ...»
"in" color for cabinets, this was in the early 1990's. Well here it is 2012 and I see so many updates of kitchens with newly painted white cabinets. I think cabinet styles go out, types of woods go out, but I think white is a forever safe choice. Have you ever seen a time when there weren't white cabinets? Think about historic homes you've gone thru, so many times the kitchens are white. Plus, who says you have to always change with the current style. You do what pleases you.

on Jul 13, 2012 · Like 2
Patricia P Scio, NY

I agee with Donna Roth. Unless you are thinking of selling your house in the near future ( and want to attract buyers with the "latest" colors, styles, etc) do what pleases you in the kitchen. I painted old maple kitchen cabinets a soft yellow, and stenciled a design on them, and I loved them. This was early 1990's so probably was not "cutting edge", but it worked for me.

on Jul 14, 2012 · Like 3
Rhoda V Kennesaw, GA

I would paint that oak kitchen in a heartbeat! It would give it a fresh new look and white is always a classic. So many paint colors you can put with it on the walls, with rugs,window treatments, accessories to brighten up & make that a really special kitchen. Builders used oak cabinets for the last 25 or 30 years and oak is nothing special on its own. Paint them!

on Jul 14, 2012 · Like 3
Heather R Allentown, PA

In the process of painting my oak cabinets with ASCP. So far so good. I say go for it. :)

on Jul 19, 2012 · Like 2
Bfc ReRe B Mc Daniels, KY

OH YES !!! i painted mine and it looks like a different kitchen .. i used a high gloss very easy to keep clean , all you have to do is just wipe them down

on Jul 24, 2012 · Like 1