What to do with this 1978 mauve countertop kitchen?

Question

Right now, we're planning to paint the builder's grade cabinets instead of replacing but are definitely going to replace the countertops(granite or butcher block, unsure). We go back and forth on the colors since it's such a small area and the only light comes in from windows from the neighboring dining room and a small light fixture- any ideas appreciated!

Teresa Salvator Lemoyne · Answer

Paint them if they are in good condition.

Kristy Champion · Answer

Light gray cabinets paired with granite, marble, or quartz countertops with shades of light gray, dark gray, black, and white would look nice with the white appliances. But you'd have to replace the floor too. I like neutrals, but some may find that boring. But if you are planning to replace appliances with stainless in the future, that would be too much gray. If you do that, I would suggest white for the cabinets instead and use same countertops. If you want to liven things up a bit, cabinets in light blue or green would also be a nice neutral backdrop for granite tops with shades of blue or green. Either of those colors would work with stainless too. I'm lazy and frugal. Honestly, if this were my kitchen, I'd just invest in new countertops with shades of white/beige, new backsplash, and new sink. I would live with the cabinet color and introduce some drama/character with the tops/backsplash. Good luck! Can't wait to see your AFTER pictures!

Sandy Slade · Answer

All I can say is lucky you for having mauve worktop. I would of loved this in my kitchen. Make sure you post pic when you have chosen and completed your project x

Pattie · Answer

I have the mauve laminate counters also...and there are some small chips. Thing is....I rent. Can you paint them? I'd love to know what kind of paint and instructions! Thanks!!

Valerie Van Bergeijk · Answer

Not sure if you have heard- Mauve is trendy again. If you still want to change it out, consider formica. There are many new styles and colors. Granite is not always the best investment so unless you are sure you can recoup the cost go with something more reasonable

Cathy Borths · Answer

I'm not buying it. How can the mauve be trendy again. Nope, no way!

Paige Tomas-Suffel · Answer

I can't believe mauve is trendy either! I've been looking at other houses in our neighborhood that are selling and they all have granite, so we are leaning towards that route. It's such a small countertop area, that the cost isn't that outrageous.

Marj · Answer

I painted my countertops and it was as different as night and day! I followed instructions for sanding, cleaning, priming and painting. Everyone is impressed with my results!

Kix · Answer

New white cabinets that go with the appliances will look great. You might consider updating with pulls and knobs as well. Granite tops in some kind of mottled white and gray, with maybe just a small section of butcher block could work.

TwoPlusCute · Answer

Your cabinets look in perfect condition. I would paint them, too. White and light grey are trending now and will keep the kitchen light.
Another option is neutral light beize hues.

Vickie Miles · Answer

Mauve is never 'trendy' in my opinion!  Butcher block (Light wood) and then maybe a medium shade of gray paint on cabinets? You didn't say what color you are painting them, but gray with maybe blue painted walls would look beautiful with your floors! (Creams and blues) I am assuming you are taking away the back splash also?  If so, continue on with either subway tiles in white, or a gray blue tile?  Good luck and can't wait to see what you ended up with!

Dee · Answer

You have great bones in your kitchen. I would paint the cabinets white. Look on pinterest and Hometalk for painting instructions. I would put granite in or quartz. Butcher block will stain, scrape and will be hard to keep. Quartz is easier to keep clean than granite, but I love my granite and got a great deal at a big box store.

Kay Adams · Answer

My countertops were PINK. I faux finished granite in forest green, brown, and black in acrylic paint and then speed a thin layer of resin to make them waterproof and shiny.  Inexpensive and so far so good 6 years and counting

Kay Adams · Answer

Hate it when spell check changes words...speed a thin layer is SPREAD a thin layer!

Ilona Elliott · Answer

I would go some shade of white for the cabinets and quartz not granite on the counter tops in a light shade without a lot going on. And some great hardware on the cabinets. Glossy paint is favored by some professional decorators to bounce light around. A chandelier with crystals over the sink would be nice too!

Marcia Reichert · Answer

If you have a local counter top company, you might have them give you a free estimate on the Wilson art high definition laminate for replacement of your countertops. A lot less headache for you and my guys were really affordable. I am a tightwad. Yes to painting the cabinets white too. Putting high dollar granite on builder grade cabinets might not be a good idea if you ever plan on replacing the cabinets. And FYI if you do a laminate remember that the seams and edges will be dark. They all are, so pick a laminate that is as dark as you can stand. I love mine.

Nancy Wuitschick · Answer

Purchase a 70.00 kit at your hardware store. Will look like grannet.great  fix.

Rose Hominick · Answer

We moved into an extensively renovated townhome almost two years ago, and our kitchen has stone countertops, which we love.I am not sure if they are granite or quartz, but they are lovely. I also would not opt for staying with the mauve countertops, and would encourage you to go for an affordable and easy to keep-up stone of some kind. I would definitely go with white for the cabinets as well. I SOOOO would!

Bette · Answer

Sorry not into granite, but light gray tone or even the recycled material counter tops would had some pizzazz.

Susan · Answer

Years ago we lived in a gold kitchen, gold appliances and gold countertops. I hated the gold but couldn't afford new ones. I had the idea of looking for something to blend everything together. I found a beautiful and bold wallpaper with large roses in bold reds and pinks with a pinkish/gold background. After papering the main walls with it and the back splash it was stunning! Our friends came over soon after for a carry-in and nearly dropped their food. When we were selling it the four couples interested in bidding were heard to say how impressed they were with the kitchen. Nothing was ever said about the outdated appliances or countertops.

Leslie · Answer

Totally agree with Ilona Elliott's advice. White or light gray cabinets, new pulls on cab doors/drawers, and light color quartz for countertops. Granite is on its way out.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

Would go with a soft white or creamy white for cabinets. I'd try the faux finish for the countertops as mentioned. My money would go for electrical to getting some extra lighting in the kitchen.

Kay Adams · Answer

Those mauve countertops are exactly what I had. 
1. bought 3-4 acrylic paints in colors I liked. Put down first color--usually the darkest--with small sponge. Repeat with other colors until you are satisfied with pattern. If desired you can use a feather to apply and smear strokes of a lighter color to make cracks.  Wiggle the feather as you apply. Let dry 24 hours be

Nancy Williams · Answer

I redid my previously painted countertops with a product I bought from Spreadstone.  I am very pleased. I have had no problems whatsoever with water.  It cost a little over $100 and it looks and feels like a stone surface.  I painted my cabinets with a product called Cabinetcoat online from Home Depot.  It is the very best I've ever used and I've painted everything that will hold still.  Use a good primer coat first and a high denisity roller.  You can buy the 1 gallon kit cheaper than the 1 gallon by itself.

Sharon Gavala · Answer

I have those counters and I went retro.. a blush pink on walls, with accents of white and black.. and my stone look floor blended well together for now.. until I really find what I want for counter tops that I can live with for years.. they look in good shape so I would work with it..

Diana Deiley · Answer

Here's a thought: black cabinets in a satin finish with a faux white marble counter (very easy to do with white and several shades of gray paint and a feather!). The counter would blend well with your white appliances, and the black would be elegant. A new light fixture and a new faucet would just add to the beauty. Whatever you do, have fun, it's your kitchen.

Elizabeth · Answer

You can still go with a rich colour of granite...OR lighter tones, whichever strikes your fancy, if you expand your lighting options. I'd suggest under cabinet strip lighting...maybe led's in a warm white? They can be plug in, battery powered or hardwired, your choice..it'll give you tons of ambient light and add a glow to the granite. Definitely change out that fixture to a pendant..doesn't have to hang too low. IF there are no rooms above the kitchen ceiling, I'd personally add lights there and not fluorescent...they're always horrible, but you can put cans in that ceiling by yourself if you have attic space above, and an electrician who'd connect and run the wiring for you. I personally like continuing the granite up as a backsplash  if it's a lighter colour OR some type of subway tiles which come not only in white ceramic, but other versions in glass (seaglass, clear, etc. which reflect the paint colour behind.)

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