Design trends ebb and flow! In the 1960s, an all wood kitchen with colorful laminate counters was picture perfect. In the 1990s, pickled oak cabinets with tiled counters were considered high end. In the 2010’s, fully painted white or gray cabinets rose to such popularity they were almost a forgone conclusion in home building and interior design. There are so many beautiful styles and designs in the industry today that it can be overwhelming to know which one is right for you. Kitchen cabinets, should I paint them or not? We want to ease that feeling and give you some tips to pick the right kitchen cabinet finish so that you end up with a high end and timeless look.
Pros for painting include durability, ease of refinishing, and endless color options. Baker Design Group suggests for homeowners that want a durable and easy to maintain look, painted cabinets are perfect because they hide dust and are easy to clean. Most painted cabinets utilize a satin or semi gloss finish, this provides for a smooth finish that’s easy to wipe down and protects against heat and moisture damage.
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Painted cabinets are easy to refinish because you can do a simple scuff sand and paint with another color. The color options with paint are endless because you can choose any color from any manufacturer. Painted cabinets often lend towards a more modern look and when coupled with various door profiles and colors you can accomplish traditional styling all the way to contemporary styling. You see this often in the Dallas interior design world.
Pros for stained cabinets include ease of touch up, cost effectiveness, and display of natural beauty. With stained cabinets you’ll see certain aspects of the wood that you wouldn’t with paint. The pattern and grain of the wood can offer texture and color. Therefore, when small nicks and wear from use occur it’s easy to use a wood touch up kit to blend out the imperfections. Since this is a localized repair it’s often more cost effective to maintain. Depending on the stain color choice, the total number of steps it takes to accomplish and the type of wood it is possible that stained cabinetry can be more cost effective than painting. The best rule of thumb is, the fewer the stain steps, the less labor (aka cost) you’re looking at.
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Many people love the way a stained cabinet brings natural elements into their home design plans. The grain variations should be celebrated and enhance the look of your kitchen. The color can lighten or darken storage solutions in order to enhance a kitchen’s layout.
Kitchen cabinet design isn’t a one size fits all formula. Your decision should be based on how you use your kitchen and the joy it will bring you as a major feature of your home. You can certainly combine stained cabinetry with painted cabinets to create interesting and unique features. Working with an interior designer for guidance can be a great way to accomplish your kitchen remodel goals and feel confident in your design decisions.