Hiram, GA on Sep 06, 2011

My hubby and I have moved in our new Home and we lucked up and purchased a model fully upgraded verses having to have

one in our neighborhood built. Well the kitchen was pretty but painted very dark colors. I have repainted the entire kitchen a blue gray color and a lighter blue with a hint of yellow. Well my kitchen still seems dark. I want to have my kitchen cabinets painted a light to medium tone gray with clear or chrome knobs and my floors a hard wood. Give me opinions will this be hard to sell my home once we choose to sell down the line? and am I ruining the upgraded cabinets?

30 Comments Displaying 25 of 30 comments | See Previous

KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

I would steer away from painting the cabinets...this would be a downgrade in my book. In your first post you mentioned hardwood flooring in the kitchen...is that what is there now?...Hardwood in a kitchen is less desirable form a cleaning and durability standpoint. Installing some light colored Travertine ( to match the backsplash) would brighten things up some..a "travertine" version of porcelain would be even easier to maintain.

on Sep 07, 2011 · Like 4
Tasha W Hiram, GA

Thanks for all the input. To answer the question above yes hard wood flooring is already their it matches the cabinets. Thanks about the fire place havent used it yet but looking forward to it.. My backplash is a cream brick and I'm not sure how difficult / expensive this will be to remove...

on Sep 07, 2011 · Like 0
Melissa A Fort Dodge, IA

your home is beautiful!! As a homeowner with a less than desirable kitchen...I would die for those cabinets just the way they are!!!:) But with your style and decorating-I agree they need something!! I think a wash would be nice

on Sep 07, 2011 · Like 1
Peace Painting Co., Inc. Alpharetta, GA

I would not be concerned whatsoever about resale, if whatever you do looks anywhere near as good as what you have done already.

on Sep 07, 2011 · Like 1
Culpepper Carpets and Int... Atlanta, GA

Tasha, if you were my client I would tell you the following; Your home is lovely to begin with and you have made some wonderful choices with color. It is a happy environment. The furniture is well appointed and not to much. I think that the kitchen is wonderful, I would add lighting, perhaps even decorative lamps in the kitchen. If you still don't like it I would paint or glaze the cabinets to match the backsplash. If you add gray to the mix, then it is too much. Now it is nice but ...»
there is a lot going on and if you add another color it will cause tension & not look good. A monochromatic theme with the cabinets & tile & the dark cabinets would look nice.

on Sep 07, 2011 · Like 4
SheilaG, Plum Doodles Acworth, GA

I love your cabinets and tile backsplash and countertops, wouldn't change any of them. How about buying a couple of cabinet knobs and change them out to see how you like it- if it's good, change out the rest- it may be just enough sparkle to satisfy you without all that work and expense.

on Sep 07, 2011 · Like 4
Tasha W Hiram, GA

Thank you all you have all given me so much to think about. I have searched for knobs so I will mostly likely change them and see how I can change my backsplash and live with the cabinets for a while and as most of you have said if I dont like it then, make a choice from there. I take so much pride in my home and my work I want to make sure it the right choice and not too much going on:) Thank you all again...

on Sep 08, 2011 · Like 0
Gena H Longwood, FL

Tasha, I adore your pics! Your house looks gorgeous. I know I'm with everyone else RE: the cabinets - they're stunning and I know I wouldn't change them. However, it's your house and you have to live there, so if you decide to paint/stain/glaze etc those cabinets, my guess is it wouldn't affect the resale value because the shape and condition of your cabinets is good. (I know you've already decided what to do, but I couldn't help weighing in. :)

on Sep 08, 2011 · Like 1
Tasha W Hiram, GA

No thanks your opinion is very much a value. I'm not gonna make any haste decisions but it's still weighing heavy on me :)... I'm gonna look at all my options and keep you guys posted:) thank so much again

on Sep 08, 2011 · Like 0
Vicki P Birmingham, AL

When I built my home 18 years ago, I was advised against painted cabinets because they are hard to repair if wear occurs. You cannot beat the beautiful look of natural wood. I have periwinkle (which some say is out, but I go by what works) on my walls and graycounters and black appliances; accented with floral accents. I have my mother and dad's first table from the mid '40's, my grandmother's sewing machine cabinet and an Ice Box with a lamp that my mom had all of my life.(about to hit ...»
59) It suits me... I think you have done a lovely job. The only thing that did not appeal to me was the yellow accent on the wall because I think I am one of those who sticks with the same color unless you have something to separate them. I guess it could be considered a sort of accent wall but it is such a small area to me it just breaks up the space. A photo would help you visual but did not have one available right now. When it is comes to resale it is hard to say because you just can't please everyone. I always say let the people come in and make it their own but do what makes you happy now.

on Sep 08, 2011 · Like 1
Tasha W Hiram, GA

Wonderful advice and you are right you have to make the space your own :) The yellow is carried through my home Im not sure if you saw the photos of my formal sitting and dining as well as my kitchen and living room I have yellow accent pillows and the pictures may do no justice but the browns and grays and the vintage look is why I went with a yellow my kitchen was painted a horrible burnt orange colors. the accent wall that is painted yellow travels down the side of the bar and I kinda ...»
needed to define each space I didnt want the blue and gray blue traveling too much:) I love your advice and your home sounds beautiful..Before pictures are below:)
on Sep 08, 2011 · Like 1
Kay B Cypress, TX

Off topic but may I ask where you got your kitchen table? We've been looking for one like that :)

on Sep 08, 2011 · Like 0
Tasha W Hiram, GA

some after photos with the hint of yellow accents maybe this will better explain the yellow accent wall. Also Kay Id have to inbox you the name as I dont know it off the top of my head. But it is located here and Ga and I bought it for a whopping 127.00 brand new...its a wharehouse and if you buy off there show room floor they give you any where from 60-80%off...:) a complete steal! I will ask my husband because its on the tip of my tougne but not coming to me right now...
on Sep 08, 2011 · Like 1
Melissa A Fort Dodge, IA

your home is beautiful:)

on Sep 08, 2011 · Like 0
Willow House | Simply Goo... Cartersville, GA

Tasha, you've made this an absolutely lovely home. I love the personal touches and the clean lines. And I absolutely adore your couch! I think you might like some of the products I offer (this is a completely soft sell... I just keep imagining Willow House in your home, though :-) !). Let me know if you'd like more information on that...
And please continue to post pictures as your home continues to evolve!

on Sep 09, 2011 · Like 0
TonyaM Williams Atlanta, GA

Tasha--your home is beautiful. I would not paint the kitchen cabinet...I would put stainless steel or glass knobs on the cabinets but not paint them. You have a light backsplash which breaks up the dark cherrywood cabinets and the flooring. I think larger hardware on the cabinets (either glass knobs or brushed nickel--something light). Also just a few sparse items on the counter tops will warm the kitchen up. Beautiful home! TMW

on Sep 11, 2011 · Like 1
Tasha W Hiram, GA

Thank you very much..My first thought was the knobs but wasnt sure it would pop...But since you said that I will try that first :)

on Sep 15, 2011 · Like 0
Caitlin M Atlanta, GA

I love your house! You mentioned possibly changing to a lighter counter top? I would do that before changing the back splash and cabinets...I agree with changing the floors to travertine (or similar). If you really can't get over the cabinets, what about sanding and changing to a lighter wood stain rather than paint? I am NOT an expert and have little experience, but just a thought :)

on Sep 16, 2011 · Like 0
Janet O Decatur, GA

Your home is beautiful, continue to personalize it the way you choose and keep God first and everything will continue to fall in place for you and yours. I love it!

on Sep 17, 2011 · Like 3
Jenny Lowell, AR

Hi! If you aren't happy with your kitchen the way it is, then you should definitely change it! :) I think it would look great painted the same white as your trim color. I love a white kitchen with dark granite countertops. Here's a great post from one of my favorite bloggers about how it's OK to change what a builder put in if it doesn't suit you. http://theletteredcottage.net/easy-affordab...

on Sep 25, 2011 · Like 0
Kitchen Artworks South San Francisco, CA

I would add lighting first and foremost. A double row of T8 fluorescents 2700-3000K (on separate switches) on the tops of your upper cabinets and undercabinet lighting. Sconce lights are also great where you have the wall space for them. You want to light up that ceiling!
I absolutely agree with you that the gray painted or glazed cabinets would be a good way to go if the lighting doesn't do the trick. glass tile on the backsplash would give you some gleam and ...»
reflectivity. Glass door inserts would also help. All the light is dying in this room in the dark cabinets, countertops and flooring.

on Sep 27, 2011 · Like 0
Willow House | Simply Goo... Cartersville, GA

Jenny, thanks for sharing The Lettered Cottage link -- one of my favorite blogs, too, and always great for some inspiration and how-to's!

on Sep 28, 2011 · Like 0
Paticia G Clermont, FL

I would not touch the cabinets. To my eye what makes it look dark is your dark table ( nice , as it is) Your eye is immediately drawn to it . I understand your concern because I prefer light and airy as opposed to dark victorian

on Oct 20, 2011 · Like 0
Kathy R Lockport, IL

Tasha,
Please don't paint the cabinets; it appears your floors and cabinets are maple. This was a big upgrade; and you will not get the effect you are looking for with gray ; that will cheapen the elegance of your home. Personally I would paint the walls a golden yellow - that is what I have and my cabinets pop...I can give you the exact color; it is rich and warm. Black hardware would look great too.

on Nov 03, 2011 · Like 0
JoAnn H Milwaukee, WI

I agree, the cabinets are beautiful. I think such a vivid yellow accent is not helping your eye. The blue looks really good and the cabinets are lovely. Maybe a softer, buttery yellow would help with the over-all vision and make the darker colors feel soothing rather than dark?

on Jul 26, 2012 · Like 0