How can I improve on a kitchen with white cabinets?
Question:I'm moving into my first home (I had been taking care of my mother in her house for many years). So finally I'm buying my first house. I'm very excited but not so much in love with the kitchen cabinets and can in no way remodel the kitchen for at least 3 or 4 years at the earliest. Here's a virtual view of the model home: http://www.divosta.com/homefinder/model_...
My house is the no frills version so it pales in comparison to the model but it looks like the cabinets are the same. All of my kitchen and dining room furniture is medium oak and I do love its quality and durability. I hate the whole kitschy looking farmhouse white and oak thing that was popular in the 90s. It was fun back then but I don't want it now. What can I do? I was hoping to put crown moulding over the cabinets but I see that the cabinets on the outside wall go right to the ceiling. Any ideas on how to tackle this on a budget?
Answers:
Looks like a cute place! I think you could do a lot worse with the cabinets. I'd try looking at Lowes.com and bhg.com to get some ideas on basic kitchen remodeling. Painting the cabinet doors and adding new hardware is a good way to give it a personal touch. Good luck.
I think green always looks neat with white. Just a suggestion.
First of all, CONGRATULATIONS! That is so exciting. I have yet to buy my first home, and I am SO looking forward to it. I know how happy you must be!
If it is the white you have a problem with, I would suggest painting the cabinets. It's cheap, it makes a big impact, and it's relatively easy. Pick ANY color and go to town! You could even get away with just painting the doors if you pick a cool (not warm) color.
There is a primer paint called Gripper. It adheres to ANYTHING and using this primer keeps you from having to sand anything before painting. You could even use a spray paint if you found the right color.
I would also suggest putting as many plants as will fit in your kitchen. It really adds life!
You could even paint your furniture, if you want! I did an entire Ethan Allen dining set because it was free, and it was SO dark. Ick! But it's sturdy beautiful furniture. It turned out really great!!
Paint is the easiest way to change them. And the color possiblities are endless.Glaze them with a color wash if you don't want to paint them a solid color or paint and then glaze. Easy to change if you decide you hate it.
Add new hardware - can make the look very chic or country or whatever! (stainless, wrought iron, glass, pewter).
Oak doesn't have to look country -- you can go Euro with oak staining on the cabinets and stainless hardware. Check out Ikea for style ideas!
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