When we did a fairly substantial kitchen remodel about 4 years ago, I knew not long after painting the cabinets that I didn't love them and would re-paint them eventually. Now, with the new wall color, the time has come. Last year when I had the white subway backsplash installed, I knew I'd probably be headed towards white cabinets, so even though the backsplash doesn't look great with the current cabinets, the choice was part of a long term plan.
With the scads of kitchen photos I come across, I kept coming back to this photo, the crisp contrast of the black and white wins me over every time. You can bet I'm hunting for a
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So that's where I'm headed, but here's the reality right now. You can see just how bad the cabinets are now with the new wall color. I'm SO over the creamy color with glaze! I'm trying out a sample on that trim above the pantry doors, which leads me to a dilemma...
The island is staying black, the cabs will be white. I can't decide if I should paint the pantry doors white or black (the trim around the doors will be white). I used my
And a slightly different angle-
Tough choice. I just might have one that I'm leaning toward, but what do you think? Here's one shadowy end that I couldn't resist painting to get a feel for the new color.
Over a year ago (when they were less than half the price they are now!) I bought enough of these pulls to use for the drawers-
I'm not sure what knobs I'll use yet, still on the hunt, but they will be some sort of brass or gold color also.
The other big decision I've been debating is the hinges on the cabinet doors. My cabinets have the regular run of the mill old exposed brass hinges, and I painted over them when I painted the cabinets. I thought I wanted to switch to hidden hinges this time, but that has 2 strikes against it... cost, and the fact that actually removing the old hinges and filling in holes and re-hanging everything properly would be a major pain. With brass making such a big comeback, I'd been toying with the idea of stripping them back down and just using them again. Then, I saw Caitlin Wilson's kitchen in my friend's IG feed the other day, and the heavens parted...
Exposed brass hinges! And jaw dropping gorgeous! I feel like that image validated my thoughts, so brass hinges it will be.
So, I'm a few weeks away from tackling the paint, but I can't wait to get this project started (actually I can...painting cabinets is a pain, but it will be worth it!). What do you think about the pantry doors?
I hope all of you have a super weekend! We're scooping the kids up as soon as they are out of school and heading to see the Alexander movie, then rooting for our alma mater Oklahoma Baptist University Bison at the game on Saturday. AND... we're preparing for one more trip that Ray and I are squeezing in. Goodness, I never had a passport before this summer and now we're traveling internationally twice in two months! It's gonna be a good one!
I cannot wait to see what you do. That first kitchen is amazing, I'm in love with it all!
ReplyDeleteExciting! I think I'm leaning toward white for the pantry doors, mostly because of the white trim....but I'd really have to see it to be sure. Please paint it both ways and post pictures for us to vote on ;)
ReplyDeleteJennifer I can't wait for the reveal I know it's going to look amazing!! I'm kind of leaning toward black pantry doors to tie in with the island and break up all the white. We're thinking alike I have white cabinets with a black island too and I just added a little brass...lovin the change;-) haven't posted it yet!
ReplyDeleteoh i love the inspiration and can't wait to see what you do- i like the idea of the white pantry and the island standing out as the awesome statement black piece.
ReplyDeletePS---I've been thinking of painting my pantry door black too!
ReplyDeleteIt's going to be gorgeous Jennifer. Based on your inspiration photos I would go with white, but that's a tough decision because I like the black too...
ReplyDeleteIt's going to amazing! I've always loved the look of white cabinets with a black island. The brass is going to be so pretty too!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, how fun!! You're right, a pain, but so worth it! I love that kitchen, and I'd vote white for the pantry doors. Have a fun weekend! :)
ReplyDeleteBlack pantry door all the way! I like the contrast against the white cabinets and how it jives with the island. And I love the idea of the brass hinges!
ReplyDeleteLove it! My vote is white doors- seamless look and island contrast.
ReplyDeleteI love your new white and the brass hinges and pulls will be fabulous. I am all for the white pantry doors, not sure you want to compete with the beautiful black island.
ReplyDeleteI gotta tell you that I would love to see a green pantry door with brass nail head trim! You are so brave and talented if anyone's kitchen could handle it, its yours! Hope you guys have a fun family weekend!!
ReplyDeleteWe have been working on a kitchen reno for the LAST YEAR. It's been a beating. But we are in the home stretch: all we have left is to finish painting a few cabinet doors.
ReplyDeleteWe did the white cabinets and white subway tile backsplash. I just love it. We also added a fireclay farmhouse sink that rocks my world. Like you, I painted by island. We added beadboard (and I had my husband extend the island so that he could build bookshelves on the end). Because I LOVE color, I painted the island a beautiful turquoise and then glazed it so that the beadboard crevices have a bit of caramel glazing. It turned out so nicely and I think is the jewel of the kitchen.
Go for the white cabinets - they are really nice to have and will match anything. I also think they are a very classic and timeless look that can survive any other changes you may end up making. :)
I painted my pantry door with chalkboard paint and have loved it! A terrific place for seasonal sayings/family jokes, etc.
ReplyDeleteps. go see Emily Henderson's kitchen cabinets for more brass hinge validation.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to hop on the black door bandwagon and only my pantry door would work. Now that I've lived with it a few months I know that it will be going back to white (hopefully before the holidays). It just competes with the fridge and window, I hope that it works out better for you,
ReplyDeleteBlack! :)
ReplyDeletePlease use caution while traveling! I don't want to be a Negative Nelly but this Ebola thing here is scary.
xo
Pat
I love the black island idea! I just adore the fact that you bought all the pulls last year. Such a smart gal! I can't wait to see how your mini renovation turns out!
ReplyDeletejennifer@decoratingdelirium.com
I really like the white option for the pantry door & surround - how open and spacious that be! In the economy of the kitchen space with brass accents, beautiful light fixtures, the statement of the black island and the lines the existing cabinets. A black pantry door may try to take "center stage" and may not be as free to draw the eye around the expanse of the kitchen as easily. Just my 5 cents! :o) Can't wait to see what you do!
ReplyDeleteI love love love the first kitchen too. Pinned it and even showed it to my mom and sister-in-law, it's so pretty. I can't wait to see yours. Are you going with black doors??? That's my guess
ReplyDeleteI love black & white! It's my go to color selection, especially for newbies. Accessories can be changes out by season or whim!
ReplyDeleteAs far as your pantry door, how about white with the panels in black chalkboard paint - best of both worlds! And with brass hardware and hinges - stunning!
Eagerly looking forward to see your results.
I can't wait to see this Jennifer! I'm going white with the pantry doors. I'm all about saving time and money so the brass is awesome and it will look fab! I'm going to paint my kitchen cabinets soon too! Are yours real wood? I keep trying to find a good tutorial but mine are melamine :( Ooh can't wait to find out where you're going too :)
ReplyDeleteBreak out the Rolling Stones.................................Paint it Black!!!
ReplyDeleteThat first photo...I die! My kitchen cabinets are also off white glazed and I'm itching for a change. I can't wait to see what you do with this project. I love me some black doors but with the black island, I would go with white pantry doors. Good luck with painting.
ReplyDeleteThis is tough! I lean toward black, but from the photos I almost think the white would "pop" and balance it out more. I think regardless of the color, it would look great with some trim like Jenny from LGN did to her closet doors:
ReplyDeletehttp://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.ca/2013/03/adding-trim-to-closet-doors.html
Good luck! Can't wait to see the transformation!
I like the pantry doors painted to match the cabinets, so I'd paint them white. Your island makes a bold statement in black, and I think you dilute the impact if you paint the pantry doors black, too. Just my 2 cents!
ReplyDeleteBlogless Peggy
My vote for the pantry door is black. It really makes that area pop!
ReplyDeleteI'm in the keep it white camp! Your island will have more visual impact. Jennifer- so thrilled to have found your blog! I'm a green and gold/ blue and white porcelain fanatic. Your blog has inspired me to corral the two together on decorative trays with much success that has really freshened up the look of my home. Thank you for the great ideas! - Donna in Harwich, MA
ReplyDeleteI think the pantry door in black with white trim would be beautiful. I'm going to paint my cabinets and island too. I'm in the planning stage. Thanks for all your inspiration.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, I am loving the changes! You can't go wrong on the pantry doors in either, but I think black is bold and fun.
ReplyDeleteYour granite looks a lot like mine... Is it Venetian Gold? Or St Cecilia? Do you know? I am wanting white cabinets badly but I can't find a view on Pinterest or Houzz that gives me a close look.
I say go black on the pantry door. Love your plans!
ReplyDeleteWhat about painting your pantry doors black/white checkerboard or argyle or some type of diamond pattern?
ReplyDeleteI have a black pantry door and white cabinets. Also have subway tile for backsplash. (Calcutta gold). I love my black doors. I can send a pic if u want to see
ReplyDeleteWhat is the name of the white paint? Who knew it was so hard to pick white? I need some help deciding for my own kitchen.
ReplyDeleteI'm using the Sherwin Williams ProClassic line, with the color straight from the can! It's called Extra White. YES, picking a white is definitely a headache! I was going to use Behr Decorator White and get them to mix it in the ProClassic, I think it's just a touch warmer. But, the paint guy told me Extra White was so close he would have trouble matching it. Whatever... I think there's a slight difference, but I'm happy with what I used.
ReplyDeleteI think the Decorator White was the sample on the cabinet in my photos above. But, the lighting was bad so it doesn't look as bright as it really is.
ReplyDelete