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 Despite this, a good makeover story truly doesn’t get old and is far from outdated-which may or may not be exactly what was wrong with this kitchen before we stepped in!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 The challenge is that many of them feel tired and are quickly outdated.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:
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.
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 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!
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.
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.
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!
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Happy FunCycling Friends,
Sarah ;)
Wow! What a difference! Great job!
Thanks so much! It is amazing how much these simple and very affordable steps can make in the overall look of a kitchen! We appreciate the encouragement!