The decorative trim pieces on the doors are usually attached by carpenters glue and small finishing nails. Since there is decorative trim work at the top and bottom of the face of the cabinets, I would recommend removing the decorative trim off the face of the cabinet doors, which would highlight the decorative trim on the face of the cabinets. Further I would also update your hinges as well. I think that you might want to keep the handles that you currently have and reposition them differently if you want, for they are unique in design. Regarding painting the cabinets to give them a different look, there are several suggestions I have, one add some color to your kitchen for there is to much white going on, put a darker color on the base cabinets with a complementary lighter color on the upper cabinets. Now not knowing what color your floor is, it is hard to give you some color recommendations. In my kitchen, I pulled the colors from the flooring to use, so there was harmony among the colors. If you want to give the cabinets an antique look you can soften the edges of the decorative trim by hand sanding with a fine grade sand paper in order to give a worn look, and you can always use glazing on the cabinets as well. Since you have a plate rail from above you cabinets, this is another great way to add color with plates (use 3m Velcro strips to hold in place).
I'm pretty sure the raised details are just nailed or glued on the cabinet fronts I had some on a bathroom vanity and my fireplace mantle and I took a metal putty knife or flat edge screwdriver would also probably work to just pull them off. then you can sand them and paint if they are glued, I had a few tiny holes like finishing nails were used on my mantle so I just filled them with wood putty and sanded it smooth and then painted over it. It is really very easy and I did it by hand with a sanding block in just a few minutes.
I would use the raised area as a feature point. Use printed paper in the middle paint the raised area a colour of the printed paper and the rest of the cabinet a lighter shade.
You can paint the middle with a silver metalic paint and then do a frosted look over it with a pattern parchment paper....think Japanese rice paper effect.
I love those cabinets....can I have them? NO suggestions other than to paint them the colors you love, put on the hardware you love. Dark colors recede, light colors pop. If you want to see less of the ridges, paint them a darker shade of the color you choose for the cabinets, maybe they will recede enough for you....show us your decision!
I would remove the trim and this is a possible how-to. I'm guessing the trim is glued on, probably hide glue. Hide glue that is old will be brittle and easier to remove.. There is a multi function tool by Dremel or a far less priced one at Harbor Frieght. They have a number of different pieces which fit them for different tasks. One is a flat blade that moves and is used for removing a job like yours. It wouldn't gouge the wood, the blade moves back and forth and is kept at a flat angle for doing what you want to do. There would be some glue left, but a small hand sander would get the job done quickly. The trim may also come off a lot easier than one thinks.
If you could figure out how to get rid of that curvy trim on the top and bottom, I do not think you would mind the other trim on the cabinets. I would change up the handles for something simpler. Unfortunately, you would have to fill in the holes and then decide on a knob or handle placed vertically. I think just those things it would give that update you want. I like the off white cabinets, but you could change the color to whatever you like. Good luck on your project.
Thanks for all suggestions. This will be a time consuming project since I have 22 doors top and bottom! This same design is on my 3 bathroom cabinet doors also. I will post pictures when get some completed and entire project but it will take me several months doing after work, etc.
I think I'm going to try leaving the raised part on the doors and see what creative idea I can come up with paint first. And yes I've wanted the curly Q sections cut out for some time. I've tried convincing husband but he hasn't had time to try. (And yes the curly Q's are in all bathrooms too lol)
If want follow so you'll get notification when I finally post pictures. Thanks again!
I would kill to have cabinets with such character. I might change the hardware and add a slight tea accenting to the finish. You need to look for ways to improve. Why spend money and time to end up with something you find at any warehouse store.
Your kitchen cabinets are very attractive. Changing the hardware can make them look a little more modern. If you need to make a big change, you can remove the doors for that open cabinet look. You can also reface your cabinets. It's much cheaper than replacing. You'll find more info here: http://goo.gl/38Mdfr
I love your cabinets and your hardware.So unique,made with a lot of love! Would love to see a photo of your entire kitchen.The beige color is beautiful,you can't really appreciate all the work someone spent on all the detail.Before removing any details,I would try painting maybe the center a light pastel color.Aqua?Light pink?Maybe a center insert of burlap?Too pretty to destroy!Keep looking for other options before changing them too much.I would have a decorative painter come out to your house and look on Pinterest for ideas!the hardware is beautiful.they are made like fine furniture,a light wood stain?really need to research your options!
After looking at Your pictures,your cabinets should stay,I think you need to change the color of your appliances to stainless steel,and your backslashes should be changed to a different color.would love to see a stainless steel mod chandelier,making your cabinets the stars of the show.would also spray paint the hardware on the cabinets to look like stainless steel.the mini blind is too modern.I would replace that with a roman shade with silver curvy fabric.maybe paint some of the trim a metallic silver?the molding trim in the center?I really think it would be gorgeous with some professional help!send us your finished photos when you are finished!would love to see the results!
I just want to say when I mentioned how you could take the raised details off, I was just trying to help with your question. I do think your cabinets have a lot of character as they are, but I am not the one staring at them daily or for years so I also know how it is to just want a change too ; ) I do think knew handles would calm it down a bit, if they were mine I would fill the holes drill new ones for just a simple knob maybe? For me the handles make them look very busy. I do think you could just use plain handles too if you wanted to keep it at an angle but I have noticed most look very modern and your cabinets aren't that style so I personally think a round know would look really cute!
I have gotten lots of suggestions and compliments the character of the doors. Right now I'm thinking I'll add color. For starters the top section - the plate edge - not sure proper name, in a sage green tone. Change the knobs and then possibly paint the bottom cabinets the same green or a complimentary green. This will add color and take your eyes away from the door design. I hope to get started soon. (I am recovering from hip replacement - which is one reason I have had time to do this research! Lol) Thanks! Everyone!!
I personally love the raised moulding and additional features that make it special. It adds character. I think you could give it a treatment like chalk paint and add another shade of wax. (Annie Sloan or similar). It is easy and you don't have to do anything to prime or sand. Love the cabinets.
Thank You Wjm I painted with a light tan/brown - think it was called cream in my coffee from Lowes - on all the bottom cabinets as well as the inset section above the upper cabinets to break up the color between. I updated the handles to black straight design ones. We are very pleased with it.
If the inside of the doors are flat, why not just reverse them so that the flat side is facing out? You'll need to patch a couple of holes and drill some new ones but you'll still have the raised side should you ever want to switch them back. Make sure that you post some pictures of whatever you decide to do. Hometalking minds want to see!
That was going to be my suggestion as well! Can't wait to see whatever Kim decides on. They have a lot of character, but I can see wanting something simpler. I think plain doors and keep the upper details would look great.
Love, love, love the cabinets & hardware. The details are impressive. I wish they were in my kitchen. I don't think I could bring myself to change them, maybe antiquing them a bit if you just can't stand the white. Hope you're feeling better.
thank you and we ended up painting the top section more of a white than off white and the bottom section "cream in my coffee" lowes color - a light brown to add some color. then changed the handles.
I think you will just have to work with these cabinets if you can't afford to change them, personally I love them, I think the biggest problem is the molding in the centre of the doors, I would try to remove the molding on a door that isn't too conspicuous, to see how successful it would be, if that doesn't work I would change the backsplash to a darker glass tile, ( darker brown, something to accent the handles, I would also paint the area above the cabinets a darker colour on the same tone as the backsplash, but I like the handles they go good with the cabinet style! just my humble opinion Lol
Sounds like you already painted the cabinets, which is what I would have suggested, but just wanted to say that I LOVE the cabinets!! The raised moulding and decorative trim is AWESOME!! I have UGLY fake wood grain LAMINATE that I hate, but can't afford to replace right now. They are FLAT with no character; I would LOVE cabinets like yours!!
Also painted the plate railing above top cabinets in the cream in my coffee color to break the light colors up. The cream in my coffee matches the trim line on the edge of the corian countertop.
Pin point glazing will make them pop! Go to Lowes and look at their pianted cabinet look. We do pin point glazing here also. Simple easy but effective way to make cabinets pop
Love the cabinets too, and you did great paint job! I would suggest getting a tin backsplash. as it looks like you don't have one right now. It would be less expensive than tiles and would go with the style/period of cabinets. I might also look at trimming off the bottom detail off of the top cabinets so that it's flat. That would change the cabinets dramatically without destroying the rest of the beautiful cabinet details. My thoughts for what their worth...
You are better to leave the corian as it is. I took off dark blue corian backsplash. Had to replace the drywall also. Big mess. I have my walls painted pale gray with dark blue corian counters. I will never again glue anything on my walls. I bought a product on wayfair. Smarttiles.com very neat, looks just like tile. i am going to apply them to a piece of sheet metal. Then use 4 screws with grommets to attach to wall above stove/under microwave. Easier to change if i ever want to. Your backsplash looks good to me.
Kim I think the trim should just pop off with a scrapper. Once you have them off you can sand them down to remove the paint edge left behind. Once the door fronts and sanded, try painting the bottoms one shade darker than the tops. Once you put the doors back on and change out the nobs to bring it up to date.
Sometimes with a little muscle you can pop the raised part off. Some do not. I did have to sand after I popped them off. It took some time ...but they are flat now and my husband cut out the front of the cabinet on 4 of them and fit glass in them . So pretty.
I love cabinets like this. Options would be to put some decals in the center area, paint the center different color, paint just the raised trim in a different color, wallpaper the central area....roses or marigolds. Paint back splash to match; use darker color for it. Wide wallpaper boarder at top above cabinets?
I love your decision,they look great! I couldn't visualize what you meant...but this is lovely! So,no more replies...does this mean you shut down the post? I hope you get this because you deserve KUDOS...however there are people who won't read the comments and will continue to offer advice! NICELY DONE,
Well I read all the comments. And I have to say that when I first saw your cupboards, I thought, "Yikes!" So now I must apologize and say that when I had finished reading everything, those darn cupboards have grown on me. And with some colour, they're even better! Awesome!
I was wondering if you could help me with something -- I have an entirely oak kitchen. I know it's the rage now to paint or gel stain cabinets. I've been considering ...
See more
Opinions Please! I got this very plain damaged dresser and was at a loss to what to do with it. I was inspired to glam it up. The top is stained and the finish is a b...
See more
I don't want to sound like a total "hater", but am I the only one who doesn't like distressed furniture? I see so many beautiful pieces of furniture that would look o...
See more
If the inside of the doors are flat, why not just reverse them so that the flat side is facing out? You'll need to patch a couple of holes and drill some new ones but you'll still have the raised side should you ever want to switch them back. Make sure that you post some pictures of whatever you decide to do. Hometalking minds want to see!
Love, love, love the cabinets & hardware. The details are impressive. I wish they were in my kitchen. I don't think I could bring myself to change them, maybe antiquing them a bit if you just can't stand the white. Hope you're feeling better.
thank you and we ended up painting the top section more of a white than off white and the bottom section "cream in my coffee" lowes color - a light brown to add some color. then changed the handles.
good choice kim ! do you have a final picture?
your cabinets appear to be Highend price Range. I would Research before you copy the builders grade lower cost cabinets update often shown
I think you will just have to work with these cabinets if you can't afford to change them, personally I love them, I think the biggest problem is the molding in the centre of the doors, I would try to remove the molding on a door that isn't too conspicuous, to see how successful it would be, if that doesn't work I would change the backsplash to a darker glass tile, ( darker brown, something to accent the handles, I would also paint the area above the cabinets a darker colour on the same tone as the backsplash, but I like the handles they go good with the cabinet style! just my humble opinion Lol
Sounds like you already painted the cabinets, which is what I would have suggested, but just wanted to say that I LOVE the cabinets!! The raised moulding and decorative trim is AWESOME!! I have UGLY fake wood grain LAMINATE that I hate, but can't afford to replace right now. They are FLAT with no character; I would LOVE cabinets like yours!!
updated
Updated
Also painted the plate railing above top cabinets in the cream in my coffee color to break the light colors up. The cream in my coffee matches the trim line on the edge of the corian countertop.
Pin point glazing will make them pop! Go to Lowes and look at their pianted cabinet look. We do pin point glazing here also. Simple easy but effective way to make cabinets pop
Love the cabinets too, and you did great paint job! I would suggest getting a tin backsplash. as it looks like you don't have one right now. It would be less expensive than tiles and would go with the style/period of cabinets. I might also look at trimming off the bottom detail off of the top cabinets so that it's flat. That would change the cabinets dramatically without destroying the rest of the beautiful cabinet details. My thoughts for what their worth...
You are better to leave the corian as it is. I took off dark blue corian backsplash. Had to replace the drywall also. Big mess. I have my walls painted pale gray with dark blue corian counters. I will never again glue anything on my walls. I bought a product on wayfair. Smarttiles.com very neat, looks just like tile. i am going to apply them to a piece of sheet metal. Then use 4 screws with grommets to attach to wall above stove/under microwave. Easier to change if i ever want to. Your backsplash looks good to me.
Kim I think the trim should just pop off with a scrapper. Once you have them off you can sand them down to remove the paint edge left behind. Once the door fronts and sanded, try painting the bottoms one shade darker than the tops. Once you put the doors back on and change out the nobs to bring it up to date.
Sometimes with a little muscle you can pop the raised part off. Some do not. I did have to sand after I popped them off. It took some time ...but they are flat now and my husband cut out the front of the cabinet on 4 of them and fit glass in them . So pretty.
I love cabinets like this. Options would be to put some decals in the center area, paint the center different color, paint just the raised trim in a different color, wallpaper the central area....roses or marigolds. Paint back splash to match; use darker color for it. Wide wallpaper boarder at top above cabinets?
Your cabinets turned out so lovely!
I'm so glad you left the charming detail! Changing the handles was the perfect choice.
You ended up with great choices. Your kitchen looks great!
I have Vernier doors and the covering is coming off how di I fix.
I would be best for you to start a new discussion board and ask this question so more people will be able to give you advice.
I love your decision,they look great! I couldn't visualize what you meant...but this is lovely! So,no more replies...does this mean you shut down the post? I hope you get this because you deserve KUDOS...however there are people who won't read the comments and will continue to offer advice! NICELY DONE,
Well I read all the comments. And I have to say that when I first saw your cupboards, I thought, "Yikes!" So now I must apologize and say that when I had finished reading everything, those darn cupboards have grown on me. And with some colour, they're even better! Awesome!