Blog - FunCycled - Interior Design, Kitchen Cabinet Painting, Furniture Repurposing in Upstate NY

Posted on May 27, 2025May 26, 2025 by Meg Booth — Leave a comment

Lake House Fireplace Mantle Decor: Easy & Inspiring Ideas

Making sure your mantle decor fits the style of your home is an absolute game changer and really elevates your home. This is true whether you have a wood burning fireplace, a gas fireplace, or even a faux fireplace set up somewhere in your home. The idea is cohesiveness. So, lake house or otherwise, let’s dive in – pun intended! ; )

Choosing Your Lake House Mantle Decor Style

So how should you style your mantle if you have a lake house or want to create the idea of one? The answer may seem obvious, but the truth is, if you have seen one lake house it DOES NOT mean that you have seen them all! Lake houses come in many forms, sizes, and styles: rustic, modern, vintage, or even coastal.

Guidance for Deciding Style

Does your lake house have peaked ceilings and large windows? You may want to keep your design more simplistic and clean. Select more modern finishes.
Is your lake house camped out in the middle of the woods, surrounded by tall pines? Creating a more rustic feel may be the right option for your lakeside retreat.
If the word cozy describes the feel of your lake house, then adding vintage touches and retro fixtures are a good choice.

Essential Elements for a Lake House Mantle

Although the offerings of lake houses can span an array of styles, there are some common features that should accompany any of these styles and will accomplish the feel of a home situated by the lake. Here you are:

Comfort & Relaxation – select furniture that invites people to kick their feet up and stay a while. Oversized cushions and deep seated sofas help send this message.
Natural Materials – using linen and cotton are the best choices to select for textiles, but it is also important to incorporate wood and rattan around the room.
Open Views – make sure you maximize the use of windows and views of the outdoors, especially if you have a the blessing of seeing the lake from inside the home. Light – filtering and sheer window treatments are perfect.
Reflections of Water – using soft blue colors and placing mirrors around the room will mimic the idea of water and create a calm atmosphere for you and your guests.

Coastal Lake House Mantle Decor Ideas

Here is the picture of the coastal lake house fireplace we generated through AI. What I love about creating an image with the help of AI is you end up with a concept. For designers, a concept is a jumping point, and that means it serves as a catalyst for creativity.

Because my goal was to create a sense of seaside charm to this mantle, I wanted to add some touches of the coast and keep the palette soft.

Coastal Items for Your Mantle

I love adding layers and texture right on a mantle – it creates the perfect vignette. Shells, birds of the water, coral, and, of course a beautiful picture of the water – all work together to create a peaceful mantle scape. Here are a few similar to our inspo design!

Around the Room

WOVEN TEXTURES

Lighting is a great way to add texture and keep it a focal point in any room.

Woven baskets, ottomans, and storage containers are also great for lake house decorating

DRIFTWOOD & CORAL

NEUTRAL BACKDROP

Using beige, creamy whites, and subtle greige hues will create the right background for the lovely blues, reflective of water to take center stage. Here are a couple of great paint colors for walls or even the mantle itself.

Final Tips for Styling Your Lake House Fireplace Mantle

#1 Remember, keep your design simple. A lake house should feel at ease and allow the water and view remain the focus.

#2 Use layers on the mantle to create special vignette’s and even incorporate family photos framed in natural wood to showcase memories made by the water.

#3 Avoid hanging a TV above the mantle. I know this is a popular place for many of our homes, but if you have a lakeside property, promoting peace and relaxation are key. I would suggest a mirror instead.

Need Some Help Putting Your Ideas Together? Schedule an Appointment with Us!

We are here to help. Reach out to our team at FunCycled by contacting us today, or go ahead and schedule your 1 Hour Interior Design Appointment today. It would be a pleasure making your house feel just like your home!

Schedule a 1 Hour Design Consult

Thank you all for following along! If you’d like to get this blog in your email once a week, please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture.

If you’ve enjoyed this post, please like FunCycled on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest if you don’t already. Keep up to date on the newest finds, vote on colors and give your input on our creativity. We share fun tutorials, great before and after, and new design inspirations.

We offer interior design, kitchen cabinet painting, and custom built tables, barn doors, and repurposed furniture. Thank you, again, for working with us and for taking the time to spread the word about what we do.

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ;)

Note some of the the links provided are affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from any qualifying purchases.

Posted on May 20, 2025May 20, 2025 by Meg Booth — Leave a comment

One Day in Prague: Best Places to Visit in 24 Hours

Only have one day in Prague? Don’t worry — it’s absolutely possible to see the highlights of this magical city in just 24 hours with the right game plan. We spent a whirlwind day in Prague and made the most of every hour with a mix of guided tours, river cruising, unexpected adventures, and a five-course Czech meal that we won’t forget. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning your own one-day itinerary in Prague.

Arriving in Prague: A Tricky Start

Our adventure began with a small hiccup. We were dropped off near our hotel at night and couldn’t actually see it from the drop-off point. If you’re staying near the city center like we were, be prepared to walk a short way uphill under a small overpass — the hotel will appear on your left. Without cell service, it took a kind woman at a nearby hotel and a quick look at Google Maps to point us in the right direction.

Take time to download maps of the city before you arrive –
that way, you can have and use them offline!
Travel tips from sarah

The Best Way to See Prague in One Day: Bus, Boat & Walking Tour

With just one day in Prague, we knew we needed an efficient way to experience the city’s top sights — and the Prague 4-Hour City Tour delivered. It combined a bus ride, a Vltava River cruise, and a walking tour, all led by a knowledgeable guide. It was the perfect balance of convenience and immersion.

Our favorite part? Cruising along the Vltava (not the Danube — common mix-up!), which gave us a beautiful, panoramic view of the city’s historic sections and stunning architecture. For anyone with limited time, this tour is a must. Here’s the exact tour we took.

Here are some of the beautiful pictures we took on the boat. You can see that Prague’s infrastructure includes a lot of bridges

Three Major Churches in Prague

SS. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral – famous turning point in WW2. You can watch the story about this part of the war – it’s called Anthropoid.

Basilica of St. Peter & St. Paul

St. Nicholas Church

Unexpected Moments: Lost Phones and Language Barriers

Not everything went smoothly during our one day in Prague. While grabbing a quick bite at McDonald’s, one of us accidentally left a phone in an Uber. Without speaking Czech, getting it back turned into a mini adventure of its own. We learned how to use the Uber app’s “Lost Item” feature.

Thankfully, a helpful local stepped in to answer my call from the uber driver, and talked to him on our behalf. We met the Uber driver at a nearby parking lot, paid a small fee, and got the phone back. Crisis averted — and an important reminder to double-check your seats before exiting any ride.

Here’s Josh at the McDonald’s. Visiting as many international McDonald’s is always in his travel plans, but truthfully, the food was not that good.

On a brighter note, I would just like to share some neat photos that help showcase the beauty and culture of the city! These photos are taken from one of the oldest streets in Prague.

If you look closely, you can see that on many of the buildings they are marked by a symbol rather than a number. This one is the Key Building. I just love that little detail : )

The Prague Castle Complex: Bigger Than You Think

Of all the sights in Prague, the Prague Castle blew us away. We had no idea just how massive it is — it’s actually the largest ancient castle in the world! We learned that it would take 2 to 3 days to fully explore the palace itself and another 1 to 2 days to walk the grounds. In other words, we barely scratched the surface during our one day in Prague, but it left a strong impression.

Here is a photo of the gate and entrance to the Prague Castle Complex.

This is Vitus Cathedral located around the complex. Isn’t it stunning!

Also, did you know Prague is known as the music capital of the world? It’s an inspiring city filled with music history, especially classical.

PICTURE ON THE LEFT BELOW: And speaking of music, I love this picture below that shows this 75 foot tall metronome that stands in Letna Park. The structure, constructed in 1991, was placed there to replace a large monument that previously honored Joseph Stalin.

PICTURE ON THE RIGHT: n keeping with the cherished love of music in this city, I wanted to share this photo of a man just along the city streets, playing guitar. It put a smile on my face and warmed my heart!

A Five-Course Czech Dinner to Remember

To wrap up our day, we booked a 5-course meal experience that gave us a taste of traditional Czech cuisine in a cozy, intimate setting. The host was fantastic, and every dish felt like a warm embrace of Czech culture and flavors. It was easily one of the most memorable parts of our day. If you’re in Prague for just a day, this experience adds a luxurious and authentic touch to your evening. Check out the meal experience here.

Here we are at dinner and I want to share some of the creative display and delicious presentation of this yummy experience!

Final Thoughts: Why I’d Choose Prague Again

We visited Budapest, Vienna, and Prague during our trip — and if I had to pick one to return to, it would be Prague. Between the vibrant culture, beautiful views, rich history, and delicious food, this city has a unique charm that’s hard to beat.

Even though one day in Prague isn’t nearly enough to see everything, it’s just enough to fall in love with the city — and start planning your next visit.

Planning Your Own One Day in Prague?

Here’s what we recommend:

Book a half-day tour combining bus, boat, and walking.
Visit Prague Castle even if just briefly.
Try a traditional Czech dining experience.
Have Czech downloaded on google translate so you can interact easier with anyone who doesn’t speak English.

Let us know if you’ve been to Prague or are planning to go — we’d love to hear your top picks for how to spend one day in Prague.

Ready to See More Great Places?

Do you love to travel but aren’t sure how to get it done? I love sharing insights from our other trips. Consider checking out other journeys over the years, tagged on my travel blog and also linked below. You can also check out my blog post on our first stop in Central Europe: 12 Must-Visit Sights of Budapest, and Travel Tips for a Family Trip to Vienna.

Read the FunCycled Travel Blog

Thanks for Following Along

I hope hearing about our journey has inspired you to make some travel plans of your own, even if it’s just to a new town close to home! If you’d like to get this blog in your email once a week, please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture at the top of this page.

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ;)

Note some of the the links provided are affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from any qualifying purchases.

Posted on May 13, 2025May 12, 2025 by Meg Booth — 2 Comments

Updated Kitchen Design – Inside My Home

As an interior designer, working through and updated kitchen design in my own home is an exciting prospect, but it can also come with some reservations and even challenges. Thankfully, my experience (both as a designer and having now lived in my kitchen for 4 years) served the process well!

Shortly after purchasing our 1805 House, we began our first round of renovations – one of which included our kitchen. And in the fall of 2019, the first rendition of our kitchen was completed. For those of you who might be new to FunCycled, when we purchased this home, we deemed it the Repurposed Idea House. Repurposing has always been a a key component to FunCycled, so keeping that at the forefront for our new home seemed appropriate. approaSomehow we just knew that with each step, new ways of repurpos

Before the Update & Renovation

I want to share with you the very first before pictures. Those that we encountered when we first saw our home. When designing any space, I think it is important to remember how things begin. During any renovation, discouragement or concern can creep in, so having a benchmark from where things started is key to keeping you focused, recognizing that the process is and will be worth it!

As you can see, this was not exactly the kind of foundation needed for a truly functional kitchen, so we first decided to do a complete renovation of the space. Kitchen renovations are at the top of many homeowners’ lists. If you have never completed a renovation project before, here are some answers to some frequently asked questions:

What is the average cost of a full kitchen renovation cost ?

Full kitchen renovations can typically cost anywhere from $50K to as much as $400K.

How can I save money on a kitchen renovation?

Saving money on a kitchen renovation is not a lost cause. Keeping the same footprint and layout along with reusing some materials, especially the existing cabinets can really add up the savings. Consider painting your cabinets rather than purchasing new or sourcing materials that have been discounted.

What is included in a full kitchen remodel or renovation?

A full kitchen remodel can include a large range of components, especially if you need to change the structure and layout which will include plumbing and electrical work and even architectural work. A typical remodel will encompass updating cabinets, counters, floors, backsplash, and fixtures. It often includes updates to lighting and appliances as well.

How long does a full kitchen remodel take?

The length of your project is contingent upon several factors. For light remodels, your project may only take 2 or 3 weeks. For larger scope projects that include significant changes, your timeline can take as long as 3 or 4 months.

First Kitchen Design – Round One

This was a huge project the first time around! As you can see, we did ALL of the MAJOR work at this point! And, truthfully, it was fantastic! I mean what an improvement, right?

This was taken after our first major kitchen renovation at the Repurposed Idea House.

You can see the whole story behind the kitchen renovation project, linked up below:

Repurposed Idea Kitchen Renovation

Update & (RE)Vision – Time to Tweak Things

After having lived in our kitchen for a few years, it was time to make a few changes to the kitchen. Everything still functioned well, so thankfully, we didn’t need to replace any appliances or “bigger ticket” items. When faced with updating or re-designing your space, you need to answer a few questions. What is my goal here with this update? Are there things that don’t function well and need to be reevaluated? Am I hoping for And what exactly needs toSo what exactly did we need to do? And what exactly was the goal? was needed? The goal of my interior designer kitchen makeover was to….

Goal Number 1

DEPTH & COLOR

We would do this by painting our cabinets and balancing out the colors and textures around the room. Swapping the counter stools in a shade that mimics the hardware is one way we chose to create that balance. We also added plants around – this creates warmth and texture.

Goal Number 2

COHESIVE CHARACTER

Featuring unique items and vintage inspiration would enhance the character of the kitchen. We also needed to make sure that the items we selected would remain cohesive with each other. The antique brass

Goal Number 3

FILL & PERSONALIZE

Making sure the kitchen felt full or life, specifically my family’s life was important. We decided to add in artisanal & functional pieces that we acquired from our travels & journeys both around the world and locally. Placing items on the counter and filling in the spaces up and around left our personal touch throughout.

The Final Reveal – A Kitchen That Reflects My Style

I absolutely LOVE our updated and refreshed kitchen! It has charm, character, color, function, and completely full of life and energy!

Kitchen Styling with a Vintage Vignette

It’s not that I did not care for this shelf after the first go around. Actually, I really liked it (and still do). But it didn’t have the fullness I really wanted to capture. The nature of the exposed wallpaper (original to the home) elicited the need to extend the story of this wall. I saw no better way than to add special vintage collections curated from my journeys.

Designing with Color

Don’t get me wrong – white cabinets and white subway tile, complete with black grout, fixtures and counter created a timeless farmhouse vibe for our kitchen. Over time, though, I realized that I wanted to add color and warmth to our kitchen. Painting the cabinets and adding copper antiques alongside plants added the warmth and depth I was looking for.

Showcasing Character

It might be hard to see, but I first styled the wall behind my island with a collage of dishes, DIY’d and patterned with undulating gold lines to create a Faux Kinjutsu plate wall. You can learn more about the Kinjutsu technique here. The idea is super cool and I loved the creativity behind this, but the white plates on the white wall fell a little flat after a while. So, it was time to tell a new story! After spotting a couple of these old brass pots and ladels at an antique store, I began a healthy search and scoured one local community until I had enough to fill the wall. I love how it turned out, and I guess I ended up with a few stories to tell in the process!

Enjoying the Details

Looking for More Inspiration & Help?

We have completed hundreds of kitchen renovations, makeovers, and updates throughout the years, and I would love to help you with yours! Let’s get connected. You can fill out the contact us form or feel free to drop us a comment or question below so we can best direct you! I have also pulled together some helpful links which will inspire you on your journey!

Tips for Renovating an Old House

Kitchen Makeover Stories by FunCycled

Renovations at the FunCycled Repurposed Idea House

Thank you all for following along! If you’d like to get this blog in your email once a week, please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture at the top of this page.

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ; )

Exquisite Spaces. Sustainable Designs. Brighter Futures.

Posted on May 6, 2025May 8, 2025 by Meg Booth — Leave a comment

How to Choose the Best Kitchen Cabinet Painting Company in Upstate New York

Finding the right kitchen cabinet painting company for your kitchen project is a key component to having a successful outcome. Whether you need a light refresh or are looking to upgrade your kitchen, connecting to and with the right company is a big piece to the equation!

As a trusted interior design company who has been in business for over 13 years, FunCycled has a deep understanding of the Capital Region and surrounding area. Our work in this region has given up ample opportunity to grow and perfect our craft. Take a few minutes to glean from this helpful guidance and professional advice as you make your search for what company will work for you.

Experience and Expertise

FunCycled has been delivering professional cabinet painting services since 2012, and we have remained committed to using high-end, professional tools and techniques for our projects. No matter your style or budget, we approach each project with care and excellence. Our team brings a collective 50+ years of professional experience to assist with all aspects of your kitchen project.

It is important to recognize that not all painting or even kitchen cabinet painting companies are the same. When you are searching, make sure you ask if surfaces will be prepped, how long the project will take, and what kind of maintenance will there be.

Make sure to ask if all surfaces will be prepped, how long the project will take, and what kind of maintenance there is.
funcycled PRO tip

For FunCycled, every kitchen cabinet painting project undergoes a time of prep in order for the cabinet surface to bond well with the paint. Our team is committed to ensuring all necessary prepping steps for this to happen! Kitchen cabinet painting projects typically are completed within one week’s time. FunCycled recommends routine cleaning measures with products you can easily purchase online or at your local market. For additional tips of maintenance of kitchen cabinet painting, read our blog post Keeping Your Kitchen Cabinets Fresh for Years to Come.

BONUS:

FunCycled offers touch up services for our kitchen clients. Whether your cabinets have general wear and tear or have encountered more significant damage (these things can happen over time), our crew can help restore and refresh with our touch up services.

Local Knowledge of Upstate New York Homes

Ensuring a company possesses an understanding of a local region is really important when you are seeking out home services. You want to know that the team of people you will be working with both know and value potential challenges that may come with the local climate or have a sense of the style of homes unique to a particular region.

FunCycled brings over 10 years of experience within Upstate New York. We have worked with the vast variety of home styles unique to the Capital District. And we understand the fluctuations of a climate from the hottest of summer days to the below freezing temps that can accompany our winters. We have perfected our process so it can accommodate those temperature fluctuations as well as preserve the character of the home.

What are common styles of homes in Upstate New York?

New York’s history encompasses a wide variety of cultures, making it full of architectural interest. Some common styles include Craftsman, Victorian, Ranch, Dutch Colonial, Tudor, and even some modern and contemporary styles.

Will painting my kitchen cabinets increase the value of my home?

YES, painting cabinets does typically increase your home’s value. Anytime, you update and upgrade your kitchen design, it adds to the overall value of your home. The cost of painting kitchen cabinets is considerably less than replacing cabinets altogether, therefore keeping your investment costs lower.

Best Cabinet Colors to Select for Upstate New York

Because so many homes in Upstate New York reflect a rich history and span a variety of architectural styles, we often recommend colors from the Historical collection from Benjamin Moore. Below you will see some of top picks from the Historic Collection. We might suggest these for cabinets or as an accent color on an island.

All of these pair well with one of our favorite go-to’s for cabinets, trim, or otherwise – Benjamin Moore Simply White

Selecting colors that reflect the history of your region is important.
funcycled PRO tip

Personalized & Additional Services

As you consider kitchen cabinet painting companies and what will work best for you, ask about other services that are offered. Plus, keep in mind the overall company and what that would contribute to your project and how it might impact your final decision. At FunCycled, we are eager to make each project successful! Here are some ways we rise above other companies.

Number 1

Design Consultation

Every cabinet project includes a complimentary 30 minute color consultation, or clients can choose to book an in-person appointment to handle bigger questions and assist with add-on services.

Number 2

Finishes & Fixtures

We offer assistance with selecting new hardware and can help make recommendations for faucets and fixtures in the room.

Number 3

Customization

Our construction crew can connect you with the right specialist to change your counters, we can add backsplash, trim out cabinets and islands, install new door and drawer fronts, and even custom carpentry work to elevate your space.

FunCycled, being an interior design company, brings interior design experience and knowledge to each project. We help clients consider the overall look of their kitchen and even how that fits into their whole home. Having this professional experience included in our process ensures successful choices. When we work with clients, we are just simply painting cabinets, we are ensuring clients have a well-designed kitchen!

We are Interior Designers

When we work with clients, we are just simply painting cabinets, we are ensuring clients have a well-designed kitchen!

Competitive Pricing and Value

Understanding the value of this type of service is crucial. To assist, let’s gain some understanding of costs. This will help inform the value of choosing to paint your kitchen cabinets.

How much is the average cost of a kitchen renovation in upstate New York?

Full kitchen renovations can typically cost anywhere from $50K to as much as $400K.

What is the most expensive part of a kitchen renovation?

The cost of appliances can certainly add up and contributes to a large part of the budget. However, custom cabinetry is often the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel.

What is the average cost to paint kitchen cabinets in Upstate New York?

The range is between $3K and $10K for painting kitchen cabinets. But keep in mind what tools and process are being utilized by the company as well as what is being included in the service.

Free Estimates

Free estimates are really important! They provide you a basis to work from. Most companies will or should provide a free estimate to those searching for kitchen cabinet painting services. The ease of getting an estimate and clarity of the estimate should also be something to evaluate. At FunCycled, every kitchen project includes the following and is included in your quoted cost:

Painting the Underside of Cabinets
Filling Holes for New Hardware
Complementary 30 Minute Design Consultation
Next Date of Availability on our Project Calendar

To get your free kitchen cabinet painting estimate, simply follow these easy steps and submit by Contacting Us.

Customer Testimonials and Reviews

Of course, you should do some research and see what customers have to say about the kitchen cabinet painting services. Search social media and Google for reviews and comments on work completed. At FunCycled, we are so thankful that we have served thousands of customers in the Capital District. Partnering with them to create homes and spaces they want to come home to brings us great joy! Here’s what a few of our kitchen clients have to say.

“Professional & Prompt”

We are thrilled with our new kitchen! Thank you to the FunCycled Team!

Everyone involved from beginning to end of the project were great!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kristine P.

“Incredible Work”

“If you are looking for a very affordable transformation to any kitchen, bath, or anywhere, talk to Sarah and the team at FunCycled! Incredible work, incredibly quick, and right on budget!”

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ryan S.

“Easy Transformation”

The transformation is such a boost and was so easy because we partnered with Sarah and John Trop at FunCycled!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Mary Ann T.

Final Thoughts

Discovering the best kitchen cabinet painting service is worth evaluating. I suggest weighing these areas: experience, professionalism, cost, service, additional benefits, and overall mission of the company. Each should hold weight and have an impact on your decision. At FunCycled, we approach every project with a greater vision for

creating Exquisite Spaces through Sustainable Designs for Brighter Futures

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ;)

Posted on April 29, 2025April 29, 2025 by Meg Booth — 2 Comments

Light and Bright Transformation: A Kitchen Makeover with White Cabinets You Have to See!

Kitchen makeovers with white cabinets are long since a new concept. Despite this, a good makeover story truly doesn’t get old and is far from outdated-which may or may not be exactly what was wrong with this kitchen before we stepped in! Let’s jump in!

Saying Goodbye to Oak: The “Before” of the Dark Kitchen Makeover

Not every oak cabinet is equal, and the fact is that there is quite a variety of styles and hues. The challenge is that many of them feel tired and are quickly outdated. Here is a before picture of the kitchen in our makeover story.

There were a lot of things working really well for this kitchen, but it the wood cabinets next to the wood floor (a common design choice) feels overwhelming and does not allow either to stand out or shine! Here are the things we found helpful as we approached this makeover:

Good Layout – having enough space and good flow are important, and there was no need to accommodate anything out of the ordinary
Well Maintained Cabinets – we did not have to take any extra time to address any challenges
Classic Design Elements – the combination of white & black counters is very timeless and works well with many colors and styles
Neutral Backdrop – this helps streamline choices

Dreaming in White: Key Design Choices for this Cabinet-Focused Kitchen Makeover

Knowing what steps to take to get the desired outcome is sometimes really straightforward and for other kitchens, it can be a little bit trickier. For this project, our main focus and most significant change to this kitchen was selecting the right colors. Here are some common questions that often arise when making this decision. Let’s tackle some together:

Do dark colors make a room look smaller?

You may have heard that darker colors of paint will make a room look smaller. While this can be a truism, I am hesitant to make this a hard and fast rule. It may be true in some spaces, but the conversation doesn’t stop there. A darker color can work to elevate a space and can also create a focal point and statement. The right combination and use of dark colors in some situations can actually draw your eye out, making things look bigger.

Should my cabinets be lighter or darker than my counters?

For additional insights on selecting the right color for your cabinets, visit our blog post Choosing the Right Color for Kitchens.

The Radiant Reveal: This Stunning Kitchen Makeover with White Cabinets Completed!

Check out this gorgeous reveal! It is a perfect trifecta of bright, clean, and stunning.

We painted the cabinets in Benjamin Moore Simply White and the island in a mid-tone gray – Benjamin Moore Platinum Gray. It is hard to see in this photo, but I have the colors side by side for you to view better!

What looks best with white kitchen cabinets?

Without sounding tongue in cheek, the possibilities here are endless. White cabinets lend themselves to so many options. This means you can select almost any finish (brass, nickel, bronze, black, etc.) for your hardware. Make sure you consider the undertone and other fixtures in the space, such as faucet and lighting. All should coordinate.

Should white cabinets be the same color as white walls?

Using the same color on walls is a safe and sure way to ensure matching. This can sometimes limit dimension and may leave your kitchen feeling flat. The important element here is to consider visual interest. If your cabinets have texture like bead board, crown molding, trim, or paneling, this adds some great visual interest and will help create distinction if they are the same color as your walls.

What is the best color countertop for white cabinets?

Many counter options – both color and pattern – work well with white cabinets. If your white cabinets have a warm undertone, many natural stone or synthetic offerings are a good choice. Look for options with flecks of gold or beige veining to complement the warmth. For a cooler tones, select purer white or white with gray veining and flecks. Of course, the high contrast of black counters and white cabinets is a classic look and will give a timeless feel.

A Closer Look at the Details

To really appreciate the transformation, take a look at this side by side view of the before & after.

Here are some other close up’s of the details – after all, that is what makes great design. Notice the beautiful wood floors are no longer competing with the cabinets. These new beauties were installed by 518 Floor Care. They can be the showpiece they were meant to be!

Like many kitchens, just adjoining the main kitchen area is a dining area. We needed to ensure the design flowed well and created a seamless feel moving from one area to the next. Take a look.

Are you considering getting your kitchen cabinets painted (OR MORE!), follow these three easy steps to getting your FREE QUOTE today!

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ;)

Posted on April 22, 2025April 22, 2025 by Meg Booth

Sustainable Businesses in the 518: Celebrating the Earth Every Day

Sustainable living is NOT beyond your reach! For all of us at FunCycled, Earth Day is more that just a date on the calendar. This day serves as a reminder to celebrate our ongoing commitment to thoughtful, sustainable design. Whether it’s repurposing vintage furniture, choosing eco-friendly finishes, or giving kitchen cabinets new life with a fresh coat of paint, we believe great design can (and should) be kind to the planet.

In the spirit of Earth Day, we’re also highlighting a few local businesses in Upstate New York that share our passion for sustainability. These resources are perfect for homeowners looking to make greener choices in their own spaces—because building a more beautiful home shouldn’t come at the earth’s expense. 🌿

How FunCycled Incorporates a Sustainable Approach

You might be wondering just exactly how we, an interior design company, use a green approach and keep sustainability at the forefront. First, much of our work comes through repurposing, giving homeowners another option beyond just buying new. Second, we seek to incorporate repurposed items and eco-conscious products into our designs. And, finally, we desire to promote and support other local businesses who share in the same passion – upholding sustainability and being conscious of their impact.

Repurposing through Kitchen Cabinet Painting Services

To learn more about our Kitchen Cabinet Painting Services, I encourage you to visit our page and to browse our website to see lots of great makeovers – all done by repurposing kitchen cabinets rather than throwing out and buying new!

To learn more about refreshing your kitchen by painting your cabinets, click the link below

Kitchen Cabinet Painting Services by FunCycled

Furniture Repurposing

This practice is often incorporated into our Interior Design Services. When we design a space, we often find that people have a special item of furniture that they would love to keep in the space. so we gladly work that item into the design of the room.

This dresser that was outdated and not being used, but it held sentimental value for our client. So we were excited to give it new life and refresh it with a coat of paint. Rather than using it as a dresser, we decided to repurpose it for use as a TV console for our client’s living room design. Not only did we give this dresser new life, we were able to save money for our clients and now have given them a piece of furniture that will last for years! I love that!

Below, you can see the dresser in its new home, all refreshed in the living room. To read the whole living room transformation, click the link below.

Living Room Makeover with Repurposed Dresser

FunCycled’s Picks for Sourcing Products for Repurposing

Up-stitch

Up-stitch is a local, non-profit organization and store. Their mission focuses on reducing waste by reusing fabric, yarn, and other sewing & needlework materials, through donations, and selling them to the community at reduced rate. This is a great option if you want to make or embellish pillow covers or window treatments for your next design. You can also see this wreath, made from upcycled thread spools, perfect for the holiday season!

We also love that Up-stitch also has a give back program, so many of the items that are made can then be donated to various charitable causes. This blanket was crocheted by a volunteer from donated materials and then gifted to St. Peter’s Hospital. What a beautiful way to pay all of this forward!

Here’s a little piece of advice from the founders of Upstitch as you endeavor to be eco-conscious in your decisions:

Upcycling is important for the sustainability of our planet, but it’s also super fun and creative! Challenge yourself to use upcycled materials in your next project, it will elevate the final product AND reduce waste!
– Founders of upstitch

Habitat for Humanity of the Capital District

Although founded in 1988; Habitat for Humanity of the Capital District operated its local ReStore in 2005, and has been in operation since. The ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell building materials, appliances, new and gently used furniture, and home accessories at a fraction of the retail price. Our program prevents tons of home improvement items from ending up in the landfill and gives them another life! Proceeds from the ReStore support Habitat’s mission of building strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership in the Capital District.

We love the mission of HFHCD and their care for our earth by giving new purpose to items. Plus we love that they help provide housing for those

Below is an upcycled lamp that my son made from a lamp we purchased at the ReStore and added our own creative twist with some Legos. Allowing yourself the opportunity to reimagine is such a beautiful thing!

Home Decor & Lifestyle Needs

Bluebird Home

Specializing in unique finds for the home & gifts. They carry everything from handmade and fair-trade jewelry to body care, unique vintage pieces, handmade greetings cards and so much more. We love that Bluebird offers older items the opportunity to be given new life and hits the creative mark with their custom designed and artistic selections. Definitely give them a visit!

Sand Lake Merchant

A great market and gift shop that is home to a number of local artisans who focus on repurposing and using sustainable or reclaimed materials. The makers who call Sand Lake Merchant home are a curated collection of goods for home decor, gifts, lifestyle, and health. I would definitely check them out!

We also have curated some products that you can find online through my Amazon Storefront. Click the link below to shop eco-friendly furniture & products for your home!

Shop Eco-friendly Products through Amazon

Homeowner’s Resource: Local Businesses with Sustainability in Mind

Nature’s Way Pest Control

As you would conclude, Nature’s Way offers pest control services in the Capital Region. In addition to some traditional methods, their services include botanically based and more natural solutions for pest control. We value their commitment to using natural products and some non-toxic alternatives.

Kasselman Solar

Finding alternate energy solutions is such an important initiative in stewarding our planet. One great solution is adding solar panels to your home. Kasselman Solar serves the Capital Region with solar panel and clean energy options. We love this part of their mission: “There is no Planet B, and we see doing our part to preserve Earth as a duty.”

Eco Sealcoating

Eco Sealcoating provides alternative solutions for asphalt and paving needs. Their eco-conscious efforts are dedicated to maintaining safety for their clients and the planet. We appreciate this commitment to research and upholding practices for a positive environmental impact.

Sustainable Living – Incorporate Plants

Adding plants to ANY and ALL designs is a great way to incorporate eco-conscious practices into your daily life. Plants are good for absorbing pollutants and improving air quality. Plus, this practice also helps reinforce biodiversity. Here are some local nurseries to consider:

Hewitt’s Garden Centers – we love ours here in East Greenbush!

George’s Nursery

Final Thoughts

I hope you have found these tips and resources helpful as you consider incorporating a sustainable approach to your home and daily living. If you are struggling to know where to begin, please reach out to us! Our 1 Hour Design Consultation is a great way to assess the needs for your kitchen or any other project you may have. Appointments can be in-person or virtual.

Ready to start?

Book YOUR 1 Hour Design Consultation

Let’s work together

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ;)

Note some of the the links provided are affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from any qualifying purchases.

Posted on April 15, 2025May 16, 2025 by Meg Booth

Traveling to Vienna – Top Picks & Travel Tips for Families

Taking the time to travel with my family is a major priority for me! This winter, we got to journey through Central Europe, making stops in 3 major cities. Beyond making some wonderful memories, this trip was filled with vibrant history, beautiful sights, and amazing new foods! Come along as I share our journey through Vienna, Austria!

Travel Expectations

If you have ever considered taking a trip like this but are wondering how you could afford it, I want to encourage you to really consider doing it the way my family did. Thanks to the help of Great Value Vacations, our trip was easy to coordinate, filled with amazing sights, and amazingly affordable!

Traveling to Vienna Full Immersion

Exploring a city in real time & in authentic ways is such a gift! Our trip allowed us to really immerse ourselves into the richness of this city in so many ways.

Vienna is a bustling city, complete with a lot to do and a lot to see. Like any other major city, when traveling to Vienna, you should spend some time in advance narrowing your choices and selecting the top items to suit you best. I want to share our experience and give you some tips along the way.

IKONO Interactive Vienna

We had about a half day when we first arrived. This meant we had time to check off one place on our “to see” list and still leave time for an authentic Austrian dinner! Our travels included a trip to IKONO Interactive. We were not sure exactly what to expect at IKONO, but the description compelled us, and I am really glad we went. Everything at IKONO is completely immersive!

I loved the funky, bright designs used throughout. Plus their use of lighting and retro patterns and displays added to experience. Check out this fun video during our visit!

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A post shared by FunCycled by Sarah Trop (@funcycled)

Vienna’s Iconic Sights – Driving Tour of the City

This is a great way to see a whole lot of the city in a 2.5 hour window of time!

Rolling through the city in this vintage VW was so cool! Our guide was an architectural professor at the local university. He focused on history of the city, and architecture all throughout the tour. This combination was perfect for relaying the deep history of the country and...this was hands down, my favorite part of our Vienna trip! I would definitely recommend booking a driving tour of the city. We booked ours through Airbnb.

What impressed me most was not necessarily the major landmarks and buildings. True, all are amazing and beautiful. But it was seeing the city as a whole and getting a sense of It was the beauty of all of the streets, bustling with the thoroughfare of people and cars alike. Just look at the gorgeous architecture!

These iconic sights are filled with a richness that are no doubt best appreciated in person, but for sure you can understand their grandeur even from a car. HELPFUL TIP: See if your driver can pull over at some of the places for a quick photo opp! It doesn’t hurt to ask!

In this order below: Hofburg Imperial Palace, Schwendenpaltz Station, and Votivkirche (translated the Votive Church in English)

Vienna – 2 Palaces fit for a Queen

Well, who doesn’t love a good visit to a palace? Or say, two, at least for this empress. Technically, Empress Elizabeth ‘Sisi’ of Austria was also the Queen of Hungary, so I suppose two palaces seems fitting. But the truth, her reign was mixed with both political significance and tragedy. I enjoyed learning about her life and untimely death, the events and outcome still playing out in a legend among the people of Austria. You’ll have to do your own digging if you want to know more!

Sisi’s Castle, where her personal effects and legacy predominantly resides, is actually located in Hofburg Palace. But to really best understand and encapsulate the story and history of Empress ‘Sisi’ of Austria, you will find yourself on a expedition around the city, visiting both Hofburg Palace and Schonbrunn Palace.

Below are photos from the collection at Hofburg Imperial Palace. The gilded finishes next to the deep and luxurious red showcase elegance and grace befitting someone who carries the titles, ‘Queen’ and ‘Empress.’

And here are photos at Schonbrunn Palace. Our exploration of each room had me reeling. I could not get enough of the patterns! I especially love the detail of the wood floors. Look at the pattern on the inlay! Be sure to get the full palace tour or you’ll miss some of these room.

A Collection for the Ages

The empress had an extensive collection of carriages, many of which have been preserved or restored. Her collection is available to see at the Carriage Museum just adjoining the Palace at Schonbrunn. It started raining so we did this part spur of the moment to avoid the rain, and I’m so glad we did! It’s small but the carriages are jaw dropping!

Rich Culture of Vienna

Vienna, donned The City of Music, is rich in the Arts and has a deep and steadfast commitment to preserving history and tradition. These next three places made this endeavor come to life for me and my family.

#1 This is The Austrian National Library – one of Harmony’s favorite stops! It felt just like we walked into the library on the movie Beauty and the Beast! Stunning! Pictures don’t do it justice.

#2 St. Stephen’s Cathedral – this iconic church lives in the center of the city, standing as a landmark and reminder to uphold the traditions of Austria and remains a symbol of the country’s return to independence after the 2nd World War.

#3 The Vienna Opera House – make time for a show if you can! It’s a stunning venue!

Trop Travel Hints & Top Picks as a Family

Top Places to Go

Mine – Hands down, the driving tour!

Josh – St. Stephen’s Church

Harmony – IKONO Interactive & the Library

Best Restaurant Experience – De Capo by far! We loved the family atmosphere and food was delicious! We had gnocchi with truffles, and white truffle gnocchi pizza with burrata and local prosciutto. The best thing we ate this trip!

Travel Tips for Vienna

Definitely book a driving tour, and I think the one we used was perfect, linked here. It was very personalized because it was just our family in the car with our guide. Plus, he was so knowledgeable and knew how to navigate the city well!

Ready to See More Great Places?

It was also a great trip and super affordable!

Read the FunCycled Travel Blog

Thanks for Following Along

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ;)

Note some of the the links provided are affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from any qualifying purchases.

Posted on April 8, 2025April 7, 2025 by Meg Booth — 4 Comments

Mixing Design Styles for a Bold Living Room Makeover

Capturing a bold living room design (or really for any room in your home) does not happen without intention and planning. In order to effectively achieve the desired outcome for one homeowner, we decided that mixing design styles in her living room was the perfect way to go. The result, a striking mix of dramatic flair and timeless elegance. Since the classic tale of a makeover never grows old, this living room before and after stirs the heart with equal magic and charm! Let’s jump in!

Living Room Before & After

Quite often, the living room is the first room one enters after coming through the main entrance of a home. This can sometimes result in a sort of “catch-all” kind of feel and become the default function of the space. For this client, their living room was trying to serve multiple purposes and over time, it became a little disjointed. You can see in the before photos below, there were a few key challenges we wanted to address with our design plan: lack of a focal point and cohesive look, inadequate lighting, and a lot of open surfaces (all too eager to serve as clutter catchers).

LIVING ROOM BEFORE

LIVING ROOM AFTER

After assessing what would need to be addressed, we came up with a plan to overcome the challenges and create a cohesive living room design with a blend of gorgeous styles and function that works for the homeowners. Below, you will see how we tackled everything, but first how about this reveal!

#1 Lacking Focal Point – Dressing the main wall in a bold pattern draws your eye immediately to one major focal point. And by adding the dark & matching pieces of furniture adds weight to that end of the room, creating

#2 Poor Lighting – We added central, overhead lighting to the middle of the room. When light is cast from above and supported by table and floor lamps around the room, the illumination factor is amplified and creates balance.

I love this light! The sprawling design creates a major statement while adding so much light around the room. I have linked it up for you below:

Ceiling Light

#3 Open Surfaces – We chose glass fronted cabinets that could accommodate

Design Mixing That’s Bold

I love that this project serves as a great example of mixing design styles without the need to overdue one style over another. Plus, it truly is representative of working with a client’s personal taste and style while keeping a design cohesive and well planned.

Design Board for this living room

Mixing Styles Makes Good Design

So just exactly why does mixing styles make good interior design?

First, it is important to understand that one of the hallmarks of interior design is the ability to create a harmonious look and feel to any space while ensuring good function and flow. Mixing styles helps introduce the practice of balance and also lends itself to a more curated look and approach – key marks of quality and intentional design.

Can you mix different design styles?

The simple answer here is, YES, you can mix different styles together. I would suggest that this is true for all forms of art and artistic design. The key to this, however, is to approach this with care, balance, and maybe just a touch of restraint. As in the famous adage of “take(ing) one piece of jewelry off”, coined by Coco Chanel, you should ensure that no one style overtakes another. In other words, just when you think your design is complete and final, go ahead and remove one piece of proverbial jewelry off, and it will be perfect!

How do I merge design styles?

Merging styles is in itself an art form, so the answer to this question is somewhat nuanced. To assist, here are some key points to serve as a guide.
-Mixing design styles will take practice.
-Merging design elements lives within a bendable framework, giving a lot of possible combinations room to emerge.
-When blending a variety of styles, don’t get hung up on hard and fast rules.
-Remember to keep things in balance and in the appropriate scale.

What are common styles to blend in a home?

Interior design has encompassed the mixing of a vast array of styles over the years. With the right design plan and focus, most styles can work together to create a gorgeous and curated home.

Design Styles Used for this Living Room

Selecting the right balance and mix takes time, practice, and consideration. For this homeowner, we focused on capturing some drama of Art Deco and marrying it with the timeless ease of Mid Century Modern.

Art Deco Details

The bold sunburst motif and repeated geometric pattern mixed with curved lines reflect the flair and drama of art deco styling.

Mid Century Staples

Using clean, simple lines and natural elements such as jute & leather are consistent with the features of MCM design. It keeps everything so timeless.

Mixing Styles – Final Thoughts

Creating a style that is unique to you is part of the interior design process. If you would like some additional inspiration and want to see examples and tips for using different design styles, check out these other blog posts, linked below.

Mid Century Modern Basement Design

Design Trends to try in 2025

Mid Century Living Room Update

We offer interior design, kitchen cabinet painting, and custom built tables, barn doors, and repurposed furniture. Thank you for working with us and for taking the time to spread the word about what we do.

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ;)

Note some of the the links provided are affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from any qualifying purchases.

Posted on April 1, 2025April 1, 2025 by Meg Booth

Outdoor Kitchen Ideas – Shed Style

Well, ‘outdoor kitchen ideas’ is certainly a broad topic, but definitely worth exploring! No matter the time of year, it seems likely that our minds are ever wishful for springtime. And it seems that even with the faintest glimpse of spring emerging, we begin to feel the outdoors beckoning us. But what if you don’t have the kind of space that allows you to really enjoy the outdoors? You may feel like you are missing out.

My suggestion is always to find ways to maximize what you have and use that place as a jumping point for something new! For example, if you have an existing shed (or are planning to get one), adding an outdoor kitchen or kitchenette to the design is a great way to capitalize on what you already have and enhances a simple space for relaxation and entertainment! Ready to be inspired? Let’s dive in!

The Basics: Outdoor Kitchen in a Shed

True, not all sheds are equal in size, but a common denominator among them (when given the right impetus) is that ALL have the potential to be transformed into additional living space right in your own yard! Using this additional space for a small (or even large, depending upon your shed) kitchen is a great option, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Let me answer some basic questions to get things moving!

Can I put a kitchen in a shed?

The simple answer is YES, you can add a kitchen in a shed. Depending upon the type of appliances and how involved your design plan is, you may need to get permits. Always check with your local municipality or town to ensure you are in accordance.

Can I put a stove in my shed?

Having a stove in your shed is a possibility, but if you don’t plan to really use it that often, you may want to skip this. Provided you have included a power source for your kitchen area, you may want to opt for a small electric stove top or hot plate.

Do you need ventilation in a shed?

For any shed, there will be the option of keeping the door open, of course. But, I recommend purchasing or building a shed that will accommodate at least two openings across from each other to get a breeze. You will definitely need to consider further ventilation if you plan to outfit your shed with a kitchen that includes a stove or range of any kind.

Can you hook up electricity to a shed?

Yes, you can add electricity to your shed. You can consider having solar panels installed or even using a portable generator, but if you are considering adding a kitchen or making a lot of use of your shed with power tools, the best option is to run underground wiring from the shed to a breaker box. It will take a little more planning and time, but it is well worth it.

Rustic Charm Meets Functionality in Shed Kitchens

The concept I have created is exactly this – rustic and functional. You can see in my inspiration photo that this shed design is really outfitted with a kitchenette – sink, prep space, dishes, and simple storage for the main kitchen essentials. Depending upon your own wishes, budget, and space, you could easily add a small to medium refrigerator under the counter or on an opposite wall. Additionally, if you have the space and proper ventilation, you could easily add a cooktop or even a range.

This is the kitchenette inspo I created through AI.

While your idea may be sparked by an image you see, the next step is to begin fanning that spark and flaming the idea into a plan. Here is a quick guide to get you going:

Decide what you want – are you looking to have a space for cold beverages and quick snacks? What type of surface will you need – prepping food, cutting flowers? What items will need to be stored? Are there colors that you want to use?
Make a (preliminary) design plan – now that you have a focused idea of what you want, take a few minutes to get a basic design plan together. This should include a rough layout and maybe some color ideas.
Measure your space – after assessing what you want, it’s time to gather the measurements, so you can begin compiling your plan.
Start sourcing – begin to source the materials you will need and contact any professionals who might be needed to complete the project.

My Rustic Shed Kitchenette – Below I am sharing some of the products that are part of my outdoor shed kitchen inspiration.

brass knob for kitchen — Brass Knobs for Cabinets

botanical artwork — Brass Knobs for Cabinets

rustic round cutting board — Ceramic Rustic Pitcher

Next Level Shed Kitchen Design

#1 Incorporating Natural Elements into Your Shed Kitchen Design
I love incorporating natural elements into all of my designs! And even though your shed is already outdoors, here are a few ways to level up nature into this design!

Add linen or cotton cafe curtains to a window. This will add charm and echos the beauty of the natural setting!
Plant a container garden just outside the shed. Having fresh herbs, veggies, or fruits ready to go for quick snacking and prepping will save time, plus it adds a touch of color!
Using live edge shelving inside your shed mimics the organic lines of nature and doubles as storage. Love when form meets function!

linen cafe curtains — Farmhouse Cafe Curtains

green raised garden — Farmhouse Cafe Curtains

#2 Lighting and Ambiance: Setting the Mood in Your Outdoor Shed Kitchen
The right lighting is a key ingredient to all good design, and just because a shed (with kitchen or otherwise) is outside, does not mean this should be overlooked. Actually, having the right lighting is practical and can really elevate your shed design.

Add sconces on the exterior

String lights and solar powered garden lights will add a soft glow in the evening.

Concluding Thoughts for Your Outdoor Kitchen

Remember, some of the best realities start with a spark of inspiration. An outdoor kitchen may have seemed out of reach to you, but I hope today’s blog has shed some light (haha!) on taking a spark and fanning it into a robust flame, or in this case, a beautiful and functional outdoor kitchen!

For additional ideas and inspiration for your outdoors, check out my blog on our own outdoor retreat, linked up below!

Need Some Help Putting Your Ideas Together? Schedule an Appointment with Us!

Schedule a 1 Hour Design Consult

Thank you all for following along! If you’d like to get this blog in your email once a week, please sign up for our weekly newsletter by adding your email in the little box below my picture.

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ;)

Note some of the the links provided are affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from any qualifying purchases.

Posted on March 25, 2025March 25, 2025 by Meg Booth

Choosing the Right Color for Kitchen Cabinets

How to choose the color for kitchen cabinets

Some decisions are easier than others. And, depending upon your personality, choosing the right color for your kitchen cabinets might feel like a breeze or you may feel an impending weight at the very thought of it. No matter what camp you fall into, the bottom line is this: there is a right and wrong way to approach this decision. Here are some guiding principles to help you choose rightly!

1. Consider Your Kitchen’s Style

With a myriad of design styles to evaluate, this may seem like an overwhelming consideration. But whatever you do, please avoid the temptation to feel like requires a comprehensive dig or need to identify (for the rest of all time) what style best represents you! The fact is, for most of us, we adopt whatever style is present within a home when we move in. For this exercise, take a quick assessment of the elements of your kitchen to determine style. Here are some basics to guide you:

#1 Cabinets. Do they have simple or minimal details, like simple Shaker styles, or do they have more ornate details and molding that might be present with a raised panel.

#2 Counters. Account for the material of your counters. More traditional styles might include marble or granite or laminate made to look like either of these while more modern styles might include higher gloss quartz with a streamlined color and minimal pattern.

Common Kitchen Styles

Traditional – will include cabinets with detail and crown molding and will incorporate granite or marble with pattern and movement that coordinates with backsplash that has a shared pattern scheme.
Farmhouse – will include cabinets with simple details and simple backsplash (often clean subway tile with dark grout); it might have butcher block or beadboard used around the space.
Modern – cabinets will be sleek with minimal detail and ; stainless steel or high shine
Transitional – usually has a blend of traditional and modern elements; the lines are typically clean and simplified

Great Colors for Kitchens – Based on Style

Traditional

Farmhouse

Modern

Best Black for Cabinets — Black – Benjamin Moore

Transitional

Grey paint for kitchens — Hale Navy – Benjamin Moore

2. Account for Other Colors in the Room

Pay attention to the colors around the room. Quickly inventory what hues exist already. Here are some areas to assess:

Walls – what is the undertone of the wall color, more warm or cool? Remember, painting walls is also easily changed, so if you decide you just don’t like this color, you can always change this! Try. not to have your walls and cabinets be the same color unless you are going for a color drenching in the space (unless it’s white on white).
Backsplash – is there one color or is there a pattern?
Counters – are they dark or light?
Fixtures – even if you are planning to change out the hardware, you should still consider other fixtures in the room. This would be lighting, and finishes present on doors and windows to name a few.

Should my cabinets be lighter or darker than my counters?

Generally speaking, having a contrast between your cabinets and counters makes for good design, and in many cases, this is the best recommendation – keep a contrast. However, more important than whether counters are lighter or darker is what undertone is present. Your design will look the most cohesive when you ensure the undertone of both cabinet and counter are the same – if your counters have a warm undertone, your cabinet color should also have a warm undertone.
For this kitchen, we skipped the contrast of counters and cabinets but rather focused on keeping the same undertone and then added a high contrast with our fixtures. To read all of the details of this kitchen makeover, click HERE.

Pro-tip: Ensuring the same undertone matters just as much as what other colors are present in the room!

3. Lighting Matters

Lighting can make a big difference when selecting paint color. Determining the amount of natural light and evaluating the amount of cool and warm lighting can be helpful in making the right selection.

How do I know if my lighting is cool or warm?

Lighting with a higher Kelvin (over 4000) is cooler. Warmer lighting will have a Kelvin value below 3000. I recommend daylight/soft white to keep the color as close to what you see on the swatch as possible (3,000-4,000). I hope this chart will help guide you.

Pro Tip: Keep your space well balanced when it comes to lighting. The best way to do this, is to make sure you can account for both cool and warm lighting in your space so it will help create a soft balance for the whole room.

4. Room Size and Layout

When it comes to the size of a room and selecting paint colors, there are some general principles to draw from. However, when designing a room, I encourage clients to keep an open mind.

Room Size & Selecting Color

To illustrate the need to keep an open mind, let’s bust the go-to (and over simplified) idea that lighter makes things bigger and darker makes things look smaller. Here’s my assessment by way of an example:

Do dark colors make a room look smaller?

When can you use dark colors on kitchen cabinets?

If you love darker colors or want to employ a statement moment in your kitchen, follow these helpful tips. 1) Paint the lower cabinets in a darker color while keeping the top lighter. 2) Paint an island or pantry section of your kitchen in a dark color and keep the other cabinets lighter. 3) Create a monochromatic look by painting the cabinets and walls the same color and keeping the accents brighter. Below is an example of a kitchen painted in Benjamin Moore Tarrytown Green with the wall painted the same color, and I think it’s a great example of this last tip – using a monochromatic technique. To read the whole blog post on this kitchen before and after, click HERE.

Cabinet Color & Kitchen Layout

The layout of your kitchen truthfully is not as directly related to your cabinet color, but it is worth mentioning a few key things to evaluate.

What are the most common kitchen layouts?

Although there are several layouts with specifics, here is a list of the most common layouts: L-shaped kitchens, galley kitchens, u-shaped or horseshoe, 1 wall, and island centered.

Does my kitchen layout affect the colors I should choose?

There are not hard and fast rules about selecting specific colors based on the room layout, but there are some things to consider. For example, galley kitchens often have a lot of cabinets floor to ceiling which can make your space feel cramped. To combat this, you may want to consider a lighter neutral color to open things up.

5. Determine Your Desired Goal or Outcome

As with much we do, it is important to know what your end goal is. From there, you can find out the best way to get there. For this, I would like to offer a few thoughts on knowing the mood you want and helping create that with color.

CALMING: To create calm, select soft whites and subtle greens and blues.

ENERGIZING: For more energizing feel, mid tone greens are a great option. I like this example of a project we completed, where we used Cedar Mountains, a mid-tone green by Benjamin Moore. To see the full makeover, click HERE.

TIMELESS: To keep things timeless, deep navy and rich greens will work well as will creamy whites and staple neutrals. Some of my favorite colors are below:

Final Thoughts

I hope you have found these tips to be helpful as you consider the selection of your kitchen cabinets. REMEMBER, don’t get bogged down with following all of the right rules. Allow your decision to be guided with them while keeping perspective of the whole project.

If you are struggling to know where to begin, please reach out to us! Our 1 Hour Design Consultation is a great way to assess the needs for your kitchen or any other project you may have. Appointments can be in-person or virtual.

Ready to start?

Book YOUR 1 Hour Design Consultation

Let’s work together

Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ;)

Note some of the the links provided are affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from any qualifying purchases.