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Painted Kitchen Cabinets Before and After

May 28, 2013 By Mary Ann Pickett 47 Comments

When my sister and mother bought their home in 
San Diego eight years ago, there were priorities.  
Painting the kitchen cabinets wasn’t one of them 
(although I may have mentioned it a few times).
Until now!
Below is their kitchen before…
the only before photo I could find.
Alie wasn’t cooperating.  Don’t you hate that?  
So, to be fair, here is another shot of her with her Uncle Joe 
(same kitchen, you just can’t see much of it).
We had to work with the granite countertop colors 
and try not to highlight the floors 
(which my sister hates, she has replaced 
the ceramic tile elsewhere with wood…
but this wasn’t in the budget).
I suggested Benjamin Moore’ Revere Pewter 
for the cabinets and my old standby, 
White Dove, for the walls.
 We also tested two colors for the island. 

With a job like this that requires sanding, priming, sanding again and spraying…it’s important to have good painters.
Javier Galvan and his painting crew did a fine job.

Benjamin Moore’s Chelsea Gray and Kendall Charcoal.
 With all the votes in, the Kendall Charcoal won
…for more contrast.
 I recommended finishing the hood with some wood 
trim like below.
I screen shot this before I knew the importance of crediting photographs.  If anyone knows the source, please tell me.
See how plain the hood was before?  
The hand painted Italian tile of the Madonna 
you see there was broken.  
Our cousin, who is an artist, believes she can repair it…
and it will go back in it’s place of honor 
(possibly in a darker stained frame).
 Here’s the hood with the new trim detail created by Javier.

The Revere Pewter paint looks pretty with stainless steel.
 My mother and sister say they love coming 
downstairs in the morning
for coffee in their bright and fresh kitchen.
Down the road…I’d like to add cabinet hardware, pendant lights and
a window valance but I’m keeping my mouth shut for now.
Have a great day!
Participating in 

Home Sweet Home
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
Open House Party Thursdays

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. At Rivercrest Cottage says

    June 8, 2013 at 3:09 am

    Great makeover. I'm showing it to my daughter asap.

    Reply
  2. Ciao! Newport Beach ~ Fabiana says

    June 8, 2013 at 2:29 am

    I love the transformation. Hope to see you soon!

    xo

    Reply
  3. Sherry Thecharmofhome says

    June 7, 2013 at 6:25 pm

    Great makeover! This will be featured today at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

    Reply
  4. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    June 5, 2013 at 3:44 pm

    Hi Mary Ann, I wanted to drop by again to let you know your mom's beautiful kitchen is being featured at this weeks Open House party.
    xx,
    Sherry

    Reply
  5. Nita Stacy says

    June 4, 2013 at 3:24 am

    The kitchen looks fantastic! I especially love that you added trim to the hood…it just makes it! Great job!

    Reply
  6. Stephanie says

    June 3, 2013 at 10:17 pm

    It is a HUGE transformation and so beautifully done. You did good, and were so patient to wait until they were ready. Allie looks super cute, she just doesn't know it, cause she is young and pretty lol {being old makes you appreciate those younger years} Hope they get knobs and pulls and some pendants soon, they will wondering why they waited so long to do it. Love the contrasting island, great choice in paint colors!

    Reply
  7. Trish says

    June 2, 2013 at 5:34 pm

    Do you suggest "do it yourself" for a job like this or should we hire a pro?

    Reply
  8. Renae Moore says

    June 1, 2013 at 1:30 am

    That looks great! I soooo want to paint ours, but the MR says no. wah! Maybe one day, he does travel a lot, maybe when he's gone?

    Reply
  9. kim at northerncalstyle. says

    May 31, 2013 at 3:34 pm

    Mary Ann,
    I am amazed the change just paint can make. It really looks all new. I had similar cabinets in my last home and when we sold it, my realtor suggested painting. I wish I had done it earlier, it made such a difference! Love the darker island color as well.
    Thanks so much for your note on my blog! It's been crazy lately, but always love coming here and seeing what you are up to down in So. Cal!

    Have a good weekend!
    xx
    Kim

    Reply
  10. Mimi says

    May 30, 2013 at 1:05 pm

    Love this! They must be very happy and it is uniquely theirs!

    Reply
  11. Melanie says

    May 30, 2013 at 12:47 am

    Amazing and beautiful transformation! Anytime you want to come over to my house and paint my old oak cabinets, you are more than welcome. 🙂

    Reply
  12. Therese Long says

    May 29, 2013 at 1:36 pm

    You are a genius!!!
    Amazing transformation.
    I can hear the phone ringing now, I think they are ready for the next step.
    XO

    Reply
  13. Vicky says

    May 29, 2013 at 5:45 am

    Absolutely gorgeous!I love what you've done, it looks bright and fresh , Love your makeover!
    xx Vicky

    Reply
  14. Tiffany says

    May 29, 2013 at 1:14 am

    Wow, what a huge difference. Amazing color choices. I can see why they're so thrilled!

    Reply
  15. Linee Zajic says

    May 29, 2013 at 12:55 am

    Amazing transformation! I can imagine that they are in love with the new and bright results! I also love the trim detail and how it completely redefines the hood. Amazing that just a little trim can make such a big difference. Beautiful beautiful beautiful! As always!

    Reply
  16. Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement says

    May 29, 2013 at 12:36 am

    It's beautiful! I love how the new colors make the room pop!

    So well done!

    Pam

    Reply
  17. Elisa of Fancy Free Me says

    May 29, 2013 at 12:31 am

    I love it! It's so dynamic now. The hood is amazing painted and I love the island color. Fabulousness 🙂

    Reply
  18. the girl is craftee says

    May 28, 2013 at 11:28 pm

    I'm so glad you posted this Mary Ann. I would say my kitchen is similar in materials but different colors to your mom and sister's kitchen. Mine has been bugging me for years. I feel a little guilty changing stuff because it's a perfectly fine kitchen and many people would love it and be grateful, but it's not me. This is a great transformation to show how simply just painting can really transform a space! I'm curious, were the frames of the cabinets wood or laminate and if laminate, what kind of paint was used?

    Reply
  19. Karen at Home Sweet Hollywood says

    May 28, 2013 at 8:04 pm

    It looks fantastic Mary Ann. Love the new color. I particulary took note of your comment "try not to highlight the color of the floors" when choosing the paint color. THAT is something I need to learn about color. Very tricky, but you succeeded because the color looks great.

    Reply
  20. Kathysue says

    May 28, 2013 at 6:55 pm

    Mary Ann, what a great transformation. Oh My, what a little paint, elbow grease and molding can do for a room. Love it and I am sure they are so very pleased with the results! Great job and choices on color.
    Happy Tuesday,
    Kathysue

    Reply
  21. annie@mostlovelythings says

    May 28, 2013 at 5:54 pm

    Beautiful Mary Ann! What a difference adding that trim made to the hood…and the colors…I can see why they are thrilled with the results. Ummmm….love your commentary….has Alie seen this? I can just hear my daughter…"mooooooooouuum….who knew "mom" had two or more syllables?!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann at classic•casual•home says

      May 28, 2013 at 8:33 pm

      I did get an angry text this morning…followed by an "oh well." It was the only photo I had…seriously, Annie.

      Reply
  22. Leslie says

    May 28, 2013 at 5:35 pm

    Beautiful job here Mary Ann! The hardware will come … and in the mean time there is lots to enjoy about this newly painted kitchen. I like the color contrast choice! Well done!

    Reply
  23. Fletcher @ High Cotton Style says

    May 28, 2013 at 5:24 pm

    What a difference!

    Reply
  24. Amber B (Simple Dwellings) says

    May 28, 2013 at 5:01 pm

    Amazing before and after! Oh, the power of paint! These were perfect color suggestions. Beautiful work!! 🙂

    Reply
  25. Beth C. says

    May 28, 2013 at 4:57 pm

    That paint took the kitchen from ho hum to wow! In our current home we had similar cabinets in our master bath. We painted them a Ben Moore charcoal black. It completely transformed the space. Paint covers over a multitude of sins! Best, Beth C.

    Reply
  26. Nancy says

    May 28, 2013 at 4:50 pm

    Beautiful… I am always amazed at the power of paint! Love the additional wood trim on the hood as well. Pendants lights? Oh, those will look sooo pretty!!!

    Reply
  27. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    May 28, 2013 at 4:22 pm

    Hi Mary Ann, I love the new lighter look and the wood trim on the hood makes such a difference.
    xx,
    Sherry

    Reply
  28. Gail Storti says

    May 28, 2013 at 4:09 pm

    WOW….what an amazing difference! I'm SO glad they finally came over to the "painted cabinet" side!!! I love your choice of colors, it looks like a whole new space. And with your additional special touches that you have in mind, it will be perfect! Once again….a GREAT job!

    Reply
  29. Diane Haynie says

    May 28, 2013 at 3:42 pm

    Looks great. As a fellow San Diegan can I make a suggestion that you paint those two tiny areas under the arch of the hood the same color as the island to allow the beautiful hood to stand out. Looks like a bright and sunny San Diego kitchen!

    Reply
  30. Lisa @ Shine Your Light says

    May 28, 2013 at 2:54 pm

    In my next life I am requesting you as my sister. You are a magician with paint colors! And the trim on the hood – that is a little detail that made a huge difference! Love it.

    Reply
  31. Abby M. Interiors says

    May 28, 2013 at 2:47 pm

    I am always pro-painting cabinets. 😉 These colors are the some of my favorites and this kitchen looks GORGEOUS! I love that your mom and sister are so happy with it. They are lucky to have you on their team. 😉
    Abby M.

    Reply
  32. Di B says

    May 28, 2013 at 2:21 pm

    A beautiful transformation! Kudos on your insistence 🙂
    Sticking my 2cents in: I would suggest not hanging the Madonna tile in it's previous spot. It is truly gorgeous & worthy of a special place. The problem with it on the hood is that it hangs a bit high to appreciate its detail & slanted. Now also because that wall looks wonderfully spacious with the complimenting colors & less contrast, the tile is just too small. If it needs to remain in the kitchen, perhaps over the arched doorway, on the side of the cabinet over that adorable little dog, or somehow front n' center of the window over the sink.

    Reply
    • Mary Ann at classic•casual•home says

      May 28, 2013 at 2:31 pm

      You may be right about that Di. We might just eyeball it to see how it looks…if too small, there are lots of other good places and the aqua in the tile is a nice color addition.

      Reply
  33. cindy hattersley design says

    May 28, 2013 at 2:20 pm

    What a transformation…just lovely! You can never go wrong with white cabinetry!!

    Reply
  34. Julie Taylor and Danni Greenwalt says

    May 28, 2013 at 2:05 pm

    Amazing what a little paint will do…it makes everything look so much better….I love your vision…

    Reply
  35. AntiqueChase says

    May 28, 2013 at 2:04 pm

    so glad to see the before picture. proof that paint is the best weapon around! gorgeous!

    Reply
  36. pam {simple details} says

    May 28, 2013 at 1:44 pm

    Beautiful choices, Mary Ann! It's amazing what paint and vision can do to update a space!

    Reply
  37. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    May 28, 2013 at 12:57 pm

    Looks great and my bathroom cabinets are Revere Pewter.

    Reply
  38. An Urban Cottage says

    May 28, 2013 at 12:45 pm

    That…looks…awesome!!! I don't know why so many people are afraid of painting their cabinets. This should be highly Pinterested as a great transformation.

    Reply
  39. Cathy Wall says

    May 28, 2013 at 12:44 pm

    What a difference a little paint can make! A great choice of colors and fabulous transformation. The addition of the moulding was spot on too, great job!

    Reply
  40. SHERRY HART says

    May 28, 2013 at 12:27 pm

    Revel in your great decisions….they should be listening to every one of your suggestions for that space!!! Love the colors:)

    Reply
  41. Linda {Calling it Home} says

    May 28, 2013 at 11:56 am

    What a makeover! I love the new colors and it is the best solution. Adding wood to the hood was genius.

    Reply
  42. The enchanted home says

    May 28, 2013 at 11:45 am

    Amazing what a little paint and a great imagination/vision can do! Looks fabulous!

    Reply
  43. Marsha Splenderosa says

    May 28, 2013 at 11:00 am

    Oh, I love what you've done. Nothing is ever really finished, it all takes a bit of time for character to build, but what a transformation!

    Reply
  44. Acquired Objects says

    May 28, 2013 at 10:53 am

    That is a great makeover! Smart girl you know when to back off, baby steps. But wow, what fabulous steps!

    XXX
    Debra~

    Reply
  45. Chic Coastal Living says

    May 28, 2013 at 10:32 am

    Wow! What a difference! The how it came out and that the center piece was painted gray! Lovely!

    Reply

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