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[Marybella]

I'm thinking of making some changes in our kitchen. I have light oak cabinets that seem quite out of style to me. I have a dark granite countertop that I would like to keep. I'm wondering what to do regarding replacing the cabinets, finishes, etc. I want them to look relatively modern for about ten years when we plan to sell. Any ideas? I'm just starting to do some research. Thanks!

[kaydee50]

A friend of mine recently redid her kitchen with medium gray cabinets.  Looks great but it may date itself.  Gray seems to be the "in color" right now.  I would personally go with something more traditional--maple, cherry.

If the cabinets are in good condition and the layout works, I would consider just refinishing them and putting on new hardware.

[Marybella]

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@kaydee50 wrote:

A friend of mine recently redid her kitchen with medium gray cabinets.  Looks great but it may date itself.  Gray seems to be the "in color" right now.  I would personally go with something more traditional--maple, cherry.

If the cabinets are in good condition and the layout works, I would consider just refinishing them and putting on new hardware.

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They are in pretty nice shape. It's mainly the light oak, which is sort of golden oak, that bothers me. Yes, I think gray will become outdated in a short while. I have debated about painting them, but still not sure if I will. I'd hire it done if I did. Thanks for your reply!

[queendiva]

I recently bought a home with medium oak cabinets, which I referred to as Plywood.

Did a cosmetic upgrade. The cabinets were sturdy and the layout worked. Replacing or refacing cabinets where I live starts around $10,000.00 for a small to modest size  kitchen like mine.

Had someone come in and sand/ prep/ prime and spray them white. Also painted the walls and trim. I replaced the short cabinets in the focal point area with new 42" white cabinets. Three of them cost just over $700.00. Added trim molding to the cabinet tops and of course new, basic hardware- brushed nickel pulls. Major difference. Not cheap, but half the cost to replace all: just under $6K., ncluding the additional paint of wall & trim.

If you have a soffit I would suggest that you consider removing it and adding the trim molding. I did not have a soffit, but that is another feature that gives a kitchen an outdated appearance.

Kitchens and baths do sell houses. Don't go crazy on a kitchen reno and make it as universally appealing as you can. That would certainly include white cabinets. Timeless and supports any style and decor.

I am staying, so I replaced the countertops and backsplash. Kept the SS appliances. 

[jackthebear]

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@Marybella wrote:

I'm thinking of making some changes in our kitchen. I have light oak cabinets that seem quite out of style to me. I have a dark granite countertop that I would like to keep. I'm wondering what to do regarding replacing the cabinets, finishes, etc. I want them to look relatively modern for about ten years when we plan to sell. Any ideas? I'm just starting to do some research. Thanks!

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There’s no way to anticipate what’s going to be in style in 10 years do something you like that’s not too  much one way or another 

[ItsME]

@Marybella   I'd also stay away from something as trendy as gray.  Are your cabinets tall or short?  What does the front look like?  If they are tall, and with a plain or modern front, you might want to refinish them and put on new hardware.  With the dark counters, I'd be tempted to do white cabinets and a nice backsplash to tie it together.  

If you have shorter cabinets, you can never go wrong with changing them out and putting in the 42".  It makes a big difference!  Stainless hardware, sink, and appliances will also go a long way to updating the look.  French Door refrigerator.

[Snowpuppy]

I'm thinking today's grey cabinets and white subway tile are going to be tomorrow's shag carpet and avacado appliances 😉

If your cabinets are a good quality but '90's era light oak, what about restaining them a darker color and keeping them? Much easier to go darker than go lighter when it comes to stain.

[jackthebear]

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@Snowpuppy wrote:

I'm thinking today's grey cabinets and white subway tile are going to be tomorrow's shag carpet and avacado appliances 😉

If your cabinets are a good quality but '90's era light oak, what about restaining them a darker color and keeping them? Much easier to go darker than go lighter when it comes to stain.

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grey cabinets def,  subway tile is kind of classic, 

[Marybella]

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@jackthebear wrote:

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@Marybella wrote:

I'm thinking of making some changes in our kitchen. I have light oak cabinets that seem quite out of style to me. I have a dark granite countertop that I would like to keep. I'm wondering what to do regarding replacing the cabinets, finishes, etc. I want them to look relatively modern for about ten years when we plan to sell. Any ideas? I'm just starting to do some research. Thanks!

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There’s no way to anticipate what’s going to be in style in 10 years do something you like that’s not too  much one way or another 

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Yes, I know that, but I was hoping that someone had info on trends. So far, I have read that white kitchens and stainless appliances are on the way out. I have white appliances because they will always be available and stand the test of time. Brightly colored appliances are becoming popular, but I wouldn't buy them. I'm starting to think that if I don't change anything, I might hit the right trend in 10 years! LOL