Kitchen update

6 years ago

My kitchen has very expensive J Rambo knotty alder cabinets , I would like to paint them or whitewash something lighter as the counters and wood floor and counter are the same hue no definition . Can you paint knotty alder should you fill in knots . Could I stain the island a different color leave it as an accent ...

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simstress

6 years ago

Do you hate the cabinet finish, or just want contrast? If contrast, I'd leave cabinets alone and put money in new countertops and backsplash to break up the monochrome going on.

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Comments (31)

T. J.
6 years ago
I agree with simstress. Those cabinets are beautiful! If contrast is the issue, change the granite and backsplash.
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P Banos
6 years ago
I agree. A proper professional refinish of those pricey cabinets will cost more than a new counter.
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Cdeems
Original Author
6 years ago
So what type of counter Despite the nix of granite lately love to roll out dough for bread and other items , it also remains durable.
mmilos
6 years ago
I would replace the granite with soapstone.
Carly Schwanz
6 years ago
Those cabinets are beautiful! I agree with the comments above, just change the counter and backsplash if you want to change anything. Also changing the hardware would change the look drastically.
simstress
6 years ago
I like the soapstone mentioned earlier, but I know nothing about its suitability for dough. Do any of these kitchens excite you?

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jhmarie
6 years ago
Your kitchen is beautiful the way it is. If starting from scratch I would have used lighter countertops, but I can't see tossing the beautiful ones that you have. I think they are the same as my sister's, who also has Alder cabinets - one year old home she just built.

This is my light quartz and simple subway tile. It is a simpler look - but seriously - there is nothing wrong with what you have:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~57088087
jhmarie
6 years ago
If you do change the countertops - my sink is the Kohler Whitehaven "short apron" style farm sink. It can be installed on a standard sink base cabinet. It has a shorter apron, but is just as deep inside as the "tall apron" style. I do not have Alder cabinets, but was going for the light counter / backsplash look in two of your pics above. I have since added the quartz to my island too.

Obviously a more modest kitchen, but here is the sink:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~58830325

You can have a farm sink retrofitted into your present counters without removing the countertop. Joe, a countertop specialist here does it by removing the cabinet frame, changing out the sink and then putting the frame back on.
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B&S Woodworking Inc.
6 years ago
Those are beautiful knotty alder cabinets!! I would recommend black leather granite or soapstone. Soapstone counter tops are beautiful as well!! Here is a kitchen remodel in which soapstone was used with our stain grade cabinets.
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pitbulls
6 years ago
Lovely kitchen.
kjoy1
6 years ago
You have a beautiful kitchen. Do nothing. Enjoy it...
acm
6 years ago
I would change out the backsplash -- I think the rest would feel less monotone if that didn't continue the theme. Imagine a shiny white or cream tile back there to bring some life to the space without dealing with the big-ticket items!
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Cdeems
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you for all suggestions and comments , I had a much lighter kitchen on the lake and miss that cheerful look but you are right I should be great full for my kitchen ...it is beautiful and I have two nice ovens and love to bake every day ,that granite is perfect for this and actually looks there are l sunflowers in places .
btydrvn
6 years ago
I fear that the counters and backsplash will not have enough impact on changing the look....the counters are beautiful and a good color to avoid constant counter wiping for every little speck...I might consider making a color change on the bottom cabinets ..try draping a beige or white sheet over the lower cabinets...see if that breaks up the big expanse of floor and lower cabinet wood colors...then I would try a sample of the wash first..before painting...this all depends a lot on the length of time you have lived with these cabinets...sometimes after years... a change is worth the sacrifice..after painting you may or may not want to try a backsplash to match the cabs as well
btydrvn
6 years ago
Another picture from further back...encompassing the whole kitchen will also assist in suggesting other options that may work...this is a visual dilemma...a full picture would help
Chessie
6 years ago
I understand what everyone else is saying about the wood. Yes, it IS beautiful wood. But it would drive me up a wall if I had that in my kitchen. I had knotty pine cabinets for 19 years, and it made my kitchen dark and dreary. I've always wanted a light bright kitchen, so I finally bit the bullet and painted mine white, and LOVE them.
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Jodie White Designs
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago

I think if you break up some of the cabinetry with painting the island and new counter-tops, new rug and stainless exhaust hood this would update the kitchen without painting your beautiful cabinets. Not sure your color preference but chose colors I think would compliment the existing materials. Some ideas to ponder.
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Jodie White Designs
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Also, lighting in your glass cabinetry to display art glass would be a nice accent in your kitchen . Possibly update the accessories you display on counter tops. There is little wall space for wall covering or paint, correct? Are you opposed to updating your lighting? Lighting makes huge difference with the overall aesthetic look in a space. I think your cabinetry is gorgeous. May I ask what part of the country you live in?
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Cdeems
Original Author
6 years ago
Jodie We live in The Tulsa area , same location of JRambo cabinets. We bought this house seven years ago , just miss th light of the lake cottage , I had white cabinetry , a light granite with some gray and a little purple here and there then all Jennaire appliances which I loved. I had updated about a year before we moved. That kitchen was a plus in selling only put out about 15 , 000 for granite , new backsplash and new appliances I painted the cabinets. We had our cottage sell way over market.
I was talked into the knotty alder as my husband loved them, the kitchen faces North and it does have nice Windows . Maybe just a granit or marble update but still will remain a golden color , which now is out.
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Beth H. :
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I think we have the same granite! i've had it for 12 years and am so tired of it. my cabs aren't alder, but they are the same tone as yours. And i have that 4" tile travertine backsplash which I hate now! So I get you.

I like your cabs and would change out the granite first. that black soapstone above is gorgeous.

I think changing the granite to something else, changing your hardware and the backsplash would be all you need. Getting those cabs painted would be in the 5K range for an actual professional painter, not some hack.

something like this type, leathered or brushed, would look really nice. then you could do a similar white backsplash to keep in light.

and if that's an island you have, you could always just paint that piece.
lwfromny
6 years ago
I totally understand the desire for a lighter brighter kitchen. I would want one too. No matter how gorgeous the wood is, there's nothing like painted cabinets to make a room feel bright. With that said, your husband loves the cabinets and he gets to have a say too :). So I agree with others - start with countertops and backsplash. But I would add that if there is any way to change out that hood I would. The rest of your cabinets are a pretty timeless style but that hood detailing is dating the kitchen instantly.
jhmarie
6 years ago
A light, bright kitchen can be achieved with wood cabinets, especially lighter cabinets like you have. I see maybe a bit of gray wall - some of the grays can look sort of drab with warm wood tones. Wall color plays an important role in how dark / light a room is - even just the little bit that is in a kitchen. I actually like your hood because it is different - I'm a little tired of the "white bread" kitchen - not the white cabinets, but that they all follow the same pattern, usually based on lack of creativity due to a fear of being "dated", now or later.
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Jodie White Designs
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago

This combination of color would lighten and brighten this already beautiful kitchen. I incorporated eggplant as you mentioned this color in your previous kitchen. Attempted another look to see if this entices you in any way. It sounds to me like you are ready to paint the cabinets or will not be happy until you have done so.If you are leaning towards this then start with counter top selections first and then choose your color. Later you can add rug for texture and accessories. Hey, I understand wanting to make the right decision as the kitchen sounds like your peaceful place when baking and cooking. Small changes can transform into something you like and might surprise you. Color is key.
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Cdeems
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you for all for the great suggestions! I am heading out to look at some lighter counter tops! I loved the suggestion of adding a rug with some great colors and different hardware.
Thank you all for everything , I am so amazed ! Thank you for taking this time to give me great ideas❤️Connie
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Cdeems
Original Author
4 years ago
Update we have moved to Destin to a sixth story condo same thing but Tommy Bahama look cabinets and black granite with gold sparkle but don’t seem to care about the inside when the view and the ocean are already perfect!
houssaon
4 years ago
Good for you! Enjoy your new home.
PRO
Jodie White Designs
4 years ago
So I wonder what the new owners are doing with your kitchen? LOL good for you.
Sara Hart
4 years ago
So glad I found this post. I’m in Tulsa and have the same cabinets, hood and very similar granite. My husband is adamant about not painting the cabinets, but I really want to update with cooler tones. Everything in the house is brown/beige/gold. And the hideous hood is attached to the cabinets on either side so very difficult to remove. Starting with new lighting and cabinet pulls...
btydrvn
4 years ago
This post is from long ago
PRO
Beth H. :
4 years ago
Sara Hart, if you want some honest evaluations and help, start your own post w/pictures. Maybe we can give you some ideas

Kitchen update

simstress

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