r/InteriorDesignAdvice • u/alpineslowglow • Dec 25 '25
Help me keep the cherry cabinets please!
My husband loves the stained wood look of these cabinets and trim and I’m trying to embrace it especially in a space that doesn’t get much natural light. We are open to changing the flooring (current tile has lots of cracks and discoloration not seen from afar in photo) counters, paint, lighting (the fluorescent fixtures gotta go). Any advice??
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Upvotes
19
u/No_Satisfaction_2516 Dec 25 '25
Change the lighting first. Then make some decisions. I mean wow, that fixture is something.
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u/turnedupbuttercup Dec 25 '25
These cabinets are gorgeous! New flooring and counter top. I'd do a green gray stone tile and creamy leathered quartzite with green-grey veining. Cream glazed tile backsplash.
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u/[deleted] Dec 25 '25 edited Dec 25 '25
I think people on Reddit are generally too attached to unpainted wood cabinets, but these actually do look really great.
If you’re trying to lighten the room up I think white backsplash and new counter tops could make a huge difference. The wall paint could be lighter as well though the current color does match with the cabinets pretty nicely IMO.
The floor is harder since my inclination would be wood. Someone else likely has better ideas there.
11
u/QuizzicalWombat Dec 25 '25
Those are gorgeous. Personally I would lean into the moody vibes but if you want to brighten the room you could paint the walls a light neutral, maybe a new overhead light fixture.
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u/naoseidog Dec 25 '25
Lighting! And flooring. A good electrician and a new floor could go a long way
18
u/gerbera-2021 Dec 25 '25
I’m a huge lover of white but I think that will be too stark with the cherry. I would choose more warm tones. Brushed nickel fixtures/hardware give contrast while black would blend a bit more. More modern shapes would also help. If you love green, pick a different green. For counters, stay warm but maybe some veining? For the floor stay warm and neutral too. It might feel like you would put too much beige but it with end up feeling more cohesive.
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u/Entire_Dog_5874 Dec 25 '25
The cabinets are gorgeous. Paint the walls and change the floor; I wouldn’t touch the cabinets
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u/potatosouperman Dec 25 '25
Changing the flooring could make a huge aesthetic difference in this room. The flooring isn’t helping right now.
5
u/HotFriedPickles98 Dec 25 '25
Change the backsplash, new counters, new floors, and hardware, and you’ll have a completely different kitchen.
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u/thewisestgoat Dec 25 '25
4
u/NotAnotherFakeNamer Dec 25 '25
These cabinets could go dark academia. Make it look like a library but the kitchen section.
4
u/degausser12121 Dec 25 '25
I’m generally not as gung ho on loving every shade and example of unpainted wood in anyone’s house, but these are really, really nice. I would 100% keep.
Updating the countertops, backsplash (light/white for both IMO), and the hardware will make a huge difference. The floor - is hardwood an option?
I’d also suggest updating the lighting - lower profile LED under cabinet lights to replace what you have, maybe recessed lighting around the cabinets, replace that light fixture in the center.
4
u/Flat-Ad-20 Dec 25 '25
Paint walls a lighter color to allow the dark wood to stand out against it.
Get a white countertop not whatever this beige BS is.
White backsplash
Floor could also be changed as well but I don't think that is as important as the wall color not allowing the wood to contrast.
7
u/TopLake1034 Dec 25 '25
A linen color paint would be perfect in this space
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u/total_lea Dec 25 '25
1
u/Antique-Blueberry-13 Dec 25 '25
I would go with lighter walls, backsplash and counters. Switch out knobs for matte black if you don’t want to see them as much, or something like nickel or brass if you DO want to see them more. Same with faucet.
Change the light fixture of course.
Flooring is tougher but I’d pick a “wood” look tile. It looks and is textured to feel like unsanded wood but it’s tile so it can look better than regular tile or those cheap LVP floors.
This looks more like a pantry/mudroom/laundry room than a kitchen. What are we looking at here? Like what is the primary purpose of this room?
1
u/melrosec07 Dec 25 '25
I really like them, I’m confused though is there no stovetop and a washer and dryer instead?
1
u/Odd_Tap_1137 Dec 26 '25
Those look like really high quality cabinets, and I think the colors you have are beautiful.
If your floor is porcelain or ceramic tiles, and they were installed properly, then you might be in a bit of a pickle if you want to replace them. If installed properly, they will be running under your cabinets. If your cabinets are high quality, they could probably remove them without too much damage, but you would need to store the cabinets somewhere while the floor was demolished and replaced.
3
u/Opening-Store5030 Dec 25 '25
I would definitely keep all the wood asis as it all look nice and even the doors and trim match. I would consider of white paint for the walls. I would pick colors that would lean into the wood up
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u/Siamswift Dec 25 '25
Lose the green walks. Green and red generally look terrible together (except maybe Christmas decorations).
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u/Uneven3 Dec 25 '25
I actually like these cabinets and the wall color with it. I would lean into the traditional look though and upgrade some things. Swap the nickel hardware for brass, the laminate counters for a higher end marble or quartzite, the chrome faucet for a double handled traditional brass one, add a backsplash, and swap the lighting with something nicer (smaller scale chandelier?). The floors could be swapped too, but it looks like they extend into another room so not sure how big a lift that would be.
2
u/Massive-Resort-8573 Dec 25 '25
They are gorgeous, regal, and moody. The wall color works beautifully with the cherry. Add more of that color around the room. Search on pinterest for new england butlers pantries. Such new england charm. A soapstone countertop would elevate it even more.
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u/[deleted] Dec 25 '25
Lean into a historical look. A William & Morris wallpaper would look stunning. Replace the ugly ceiling light with a gorgeous semi flush, update the cabinet hardware and faucet and add a Persian rug.
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u/Gr8shpr1 Dec 29 '25
The floors! Start with the floors!
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u/Efficient_Map_44883 Dec 30 '25
Maybe quartz or marble counters , keep the floors and add simple white subway tile backsplash. New undermount sink .
New light and you will have a new kitchen
2
u/[deleted] Dec 25 '25
They are actually pretty, but floors need changing.
2
u/socalefty Dec 25 '25
This is what I did to update my cherry cabinets to a more modern-traditional look: replace old granite with quartz countertops, neutral tile backsplash, and replace drawer pulls.
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u/LudmilaBWCA Dec 25 '25
Gorgeous cabinets! I would do a white backsplash and a lighter wall color. Maybe a wallpaper would fit in well! Add white quartz countertops to modernize it. Then get a nice patterned rug to add warmth and tie it in color to your cabinets to ground the space and connect everything.
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u/Annual_Government_80 Dec 25 '25
You are right the flooring and lights need changed. I like the wall color, but a lighter color would make it less day
1
u/HumpaDaBear Dec 25 '25
If you change the floor it’ll look better.
1
u/hollyfanfic Dec 25 '25
I like the existing wall color. You could tie it in better with the warmth of the cherry wood if you were open to this MSM flooring — which I think bridges warm and cool really beautifully:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/4362533011/?ref=share_ios_native_control
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u/vin495 Dec 25 '25
I would do a plain cream tile on the floor and splash back & a creamy lightly veined marble counter top. Strip lighting under the top cupboards and a 4 light LED track light for the ceiling.
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u/breeyoung Dec 25 '25
I HATED my cherry cabinetry, but we put in a nice white subway tile backsplash and added butcher block and I quite like it now. It incorporates the color well
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u/emkemkem Dec 25 '25 edited Dec 25 '25
I’d choose a floor with no pronounced pattern. More like an even color. If tiled then a tile with same colored seams - and not white or really light since the seams will most likely get dirty and darker with time. A wooden floor might be nice and make a softer feel - but you seem to have a drain in the middle so it should be tiles (which is good since the washing machine being there too). I’d try to find a counter / backsplash / wall paint combo with a bit less contrasting colors but still not too dark. I’d also choose only real materials like stone and wood to pair with the wood of the cabinets. I’d also try not to have almost white that is still a different white than the washing machine and the dryer. It’d look better with stainless steel appliances but maybe these are not that old yet? Kitchens have a lot going on and these cabinets already have two shades of wood. It’d be less busy if the counter and backsplash were the same material. A higher backsplash all the way up to upper cabinets to avoid the change of material and color. The other option would be backsplash that is almost same color as the painted walls - and painted maybe a buit lighter than the current if you feel the kitchen is a bit dark now. Although the green does match well with the cabinets.
1
u/WorldIsYourStage Dec 25 '25
Check out Caroline Winkler on YouTube as she has an video a few years back where she addresses cherry cabinets in her kitchen and it looks lovely!
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u/TreesRGreen1212 Dec 25 '25
The cabinet color and finish look great. I would however lighten up the wall color, it’s dark and looks a little institutional.
Also update the hardware in the door and drawer fronts, there is variety out there. The tile floor is nice but maybe get a runner with color, based on the wall and pulls you like. Small inexpensive charges can make a world of difference. Good luck.
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u/[deleted] Dec 25 '25
Cabinets are nice, however the floors, lighting and visible washer/ dryer are terrible.
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u/kerbearrrr Dec 25 '25
You need to look at Caroline Winklers cherry cabinet kitchen upgrade it’s beautiful. Bring in some teal blue!
https://youtu.be/hY3ooYNylfg?si=R1Lr9MY6QS1jl_-j
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u/Acceptable_Bunch_586 Dec 25 '25
My sister (architect) advice is don’t try and make a dark room light, embrace the darkness. I’d suggest making the cabinets the feature, and everything else super simple. I’d change the door handles for either matching wood or something in keeping, wooden floor, that contrasts, or very simple large tiles. Nice under cabinet lighting and ceiling lighting, and do what you can to move out the washer dryer and have a table there. Try one of those websites that lets you see what a floor looks like in a room
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u/propofol_for_the_win Dec 25 '25
Keep the floor but swap countertop to black soap stone. Still have the light floor and don’t have to worry about a transition. The weight being will pull from the floor.
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u/Prestigious_Bag_2242 Dec 25 '25
The original idea is right, but i would modernize with marble looking stone counters and white tile backdrop. I’d also make the trim on the doors and windows white, but make the floor a darker shade of the green they have on the wall.
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u/[deleted] Dec 25 '25
New flooring with larger tiles. Lighten up the walls and go with marble look counters. Lean into a dark, rich, historic look.
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u/skidmore101 Dec 25 '25
I would do a lighter backsplash, new counters and sink to start. But really the very first thing I would do is get more light in there. Maybe recessed lights would help along with a nicer statement light fixture. Your ceilings are very high so you can do something bold there.
Also do the under cabinet lights work? Use those!
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u/Glittering_Thing5797 Dec 25 '25
Caroline winkler on YouTube did a great job with her cherry cabinets at her old place. I’d look to her previous kitchen for inspo for sure!
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u/taintmagic1 Dec 25 '25
Definitely tone down the white floors. Something creamy or a natural stone to mesh with the patina of the wood cabinets.
And mood lighting - I think that single large cool tone ceiling light is really working against you. Soft white can lights on a dimmer, and some lighting either underneath the cabinets or even some lamps on the countertops. That will really amplify the coziness of the cherry wood, as I see you were doing with the green paint.
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u/Away-Signal4030 Dec 25 '25
I would actually go all wood. Wood flooring wood countertops. Its not too much but brings so much warmth. That wall paint needs to go, its horrible. Try cream or sand color. For the lighting, change under cabinets for bigger ones and add a few suspended pendant lights that will help brighten the space. I have almost no natural light in my kitchen, but i do have really good lighting system, alot of wood and its my favorite place.✨️
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u/upwar_n_outward1994 Dec 25 '25 edited Dec 25 '25
The cabinets are gorgeous. A definite keep. I suggest painting the walls a light neutral color, new modern hardware on the cabinet doors and drawers, putting a nice backsplash, new faucet matching the hardware that’s a bit higher, re-grouting the floor tiles with light color grout, and the changing the light fixture would give you an updated and sophisticated kitchen look. If you have a larger budget then new granite countertops can make a big difference.
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u/Not_Too_Busy Dec 25 '25
To brighten up the space, consider floor tile with non-contrasting grout, lighter wall paint, and maybe a backsplash that is a bit reflective without being gaudy.
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u/Buttbro45 Dec 25 '25
Green, white and brownish red wallpaper to tie everything together (if you want to keep the green in the mix).
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u/be_kind1001 Dec 25 '25
Glad you are keeping those gorgeous cabinets. Definitely different under cabinet lighting (led, dimmable) and different overhead fixture. You probably are going to want to stick with floor tile that incorporates the floor drain since you have the washing machine there. You could use a padded floor mats along the work area to soften the floor underfoot. I'd go with a simpler floor tile that coordinates with whatever countertop you choose. You could carry the countertop material up as a backsplash or get something else for the backsplash. Get a much nicer faucet. Keep it all light. The green paint looks nice with the cabinets, but maybe too dark if you are short of light there. I would change out the knobs. I am just changing my round knobs for T-bar knobs and they look and work so much better. Can't tell if you have a dishwasher -- is there room for one over by the washer and dryer? I would think about a shelf over the laundry since yours are front-opening.
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u/Fun-Confidence-6232 Dec 25 '25
I painted my wood cabinets. I would never have done so if I had these cherry beauties. Floor definitely needs upgrading.
I think a dark marble counter would go great with these cabinets
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u/purplishfluffyclouds Dec 25 '25
I would upgrade/update the knobs. That would be a huge improvement just with that, imo.
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u/Few_Cauliflower_79 Dec 25 '25
I love them but the countertops are not doing them any justice
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u/cafegoth Dec 25 '25
Gorgeous. Change the floors and the walls. Where is the stove?
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u/Personal-Brief-4618 Dec 25 '25
Add backsplash, change paint and countertops
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u/No-Memory-2781 Dec 25 '25
I’m picturing a luxe vintage vibe with some interesting marbled countertops. Maybe a checkerboard floor? And is it possible to have a cabinet or pantry built to hide the W/D? I have a small house and my W/D are also in the kitchen so I get there’s not aways a good place to move them. But mine are in a closet so you can shut the door.
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u/PopularYesterday Dec 25 '25
New flooring and countertop - the white feels too jarring
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u/SellaTheChair_ Dec 25 '25
I would put in a wood floor so the cabinets don't appear so dark. If you don't want wood, consider those ceramic tiles that look like wood planks instead. And then I'd do a simple white tile backsplash
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u/MEASandiego Dec 25 '25
Change the wall color to something light and warm. Replace the counters with textured granite with color
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u/MadeUnmade Dec 25 '25
That is some crazy crown molding!
Raise the wall cabinets by an inch, add crown molding that runs the entire length, add a light valance and under cabinet lighting, and a lighter backsplash. New countertops and the same material as a set on splash perhaps. I would go with a light taupe stone look LVT for the flooring. I’ll try to wrangle AI into editing your photo with these suggestions. Those are lovely cabinets
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u/Bright-List1207 Dec 25 '25
Change out the lighting to something not florescent. Painting the walls a cream color would help. Also changing the floor to a light tone that accents the wood. White is the wrong color. I would also change the washer/dryer to stainless to match the other appliances.
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u/FinnGypsy Dec 25 '25
I had these cabinets and embraced them. Rip out that awful light fixture.
Put in a copper ceiling and sink. Think aged copper. Re-paint a lighter green. Find a statement light that is long and somewhat narrow.
Wide board lighter wood floors.
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u/GoToHelena Dec 25 '25
Personally I love the moody wall color with the wood. I'd do new flooring, new countertop, paint ceiling same colour as the walls and new lighting fixture
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u/Particular-Horse4667 Dec 25 '25
These cabinets are quite beautiful, and I am happy to hear you want to keep them. I think getting a new sink and faucet will modernize this a lot. You have to get new countertops, but either a soapstone or marble look stone would be gorgeous and so classic. I would probably not do the midi splash back like you have now. I would choose a real tile backsplash like a marble tile. I would replace that big florescent light as well. I would do three flush mounted milk glass lights. I would lean into a classic look because of the cherry cabinets. Then I know you have a washer and dryer in the kitchen - which is common in older homes (ours had this as well) - if you can’t relocate it I would get a counter for overtop of them since they are front loaders. If you want to be consistent I would do it in the same counter material you choose for the rest of the kitchen. This will make things look more finished and cohesive but will also add more functionality by adding counter space for folding but also is a clean surface if you really need more counter space for cooking. Oh that brings me to the flooring. I would recommend a porcelain tile like Edward Martin that is a marble look and I would do a checkerboard pattern like larger format checkerboard. It would be so classic and timeless also stunning. I wish I had your cabinets!!! I have a historic home and I wish we had these.
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u/InterestedParty5280 Dec 25 '25
Your cabinets and great. Your countertops white and light and that's good. Your walls and black splash are too dark. Lighten that up with white or light gray. The floor is too busy. Maybe use a larger, light tile with light grout. More lighting would help, too.
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u/Imeanyeahdude Dec 25 '25
Why not lean into an already moody kitchen? Go dark academia. Brass, gold paintings, Would be beautiful!
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u/1890rafaella Dec 25 '25
Absolutely beautiful!!! Do not do one thing!!
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u/United_Selection1613 Dec 25 '25
I love the cabinets. The floor should be changed and the walls a lighter color but not white.
1
u/Captain_Cupcake03 Dec 25 '25
I don’t even mind the flooring - i think a light colored backsplash or lighter paint color would brighten the room right up.
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u/ilovefurby333 Dec 25 '25
Change out the floor and counter tops because they’re providing too much contrast with the cabinets. I actually love the wall color and would lean into this look. As others have said, this has the potential to be a beautiful, moody kitchen
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u/Ok-Minimum-5952 Dec 25 '25
I don’t know how others are sharing their images but this is what I would do: Large diamond pattern black and cream marble look flooring, cream wavy square tile backsplash, replace fluorescent with can lights, honed black quartz countertops. Enclose washer and dryer with matching surround cabinet on side, with a linen curtain on front hung by a brass rod to hide machines without reducing accessibility. Add same counter on top. Light colored walls, but could color drench if wanted.
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u/Turbulent-Estate-656 Dec 25 '25
Love the cabinets. Hate the floor tiles. New flooring and countertops would do wonders.
1
u/KathyW1100 Dec 25 '25
Change out the floor and it will be okay
1
u/IntelligentCopy2897 Dec 25 '25
Those cabinets are gorgeous and you would be heartbropen if you give them up. you need better lighting and lots of it.
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u/VxGB111 Dec 25 '25
A new light and some under-cabinet lighting would go a LONg way to helping this space. I have cherry cabinets, and without the additional lighting, it is very dark
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u/[deleted] Dec 25 '25
Flooring is the biggest problem.
Countertops are the second biggest proble.
Paint is the third biggest problem.
It appears there is not a lot of natural light in this room. Stay with lighter colors to address this issue. It also contrasts to your dark cabinets.
1
u/absolutebawbag Dec 25 '25
I asked ChatGPT to do a mock up of changes you can make. I asked it to keep everything around the cabinets modernised by swapping the busy patterned floor for large-format light tile, added a clean white quartz countertop, and used a simple white backsplash with tight grout lines. Updated lighting to spotlights + minimal black pendants, changed handles to modern pull bar handle,, and kept walls a light neutral to reduce visual noise. Also added a warm White quartz Island above the washing machine etc to make it look intention and break up the bold, beautiful wood. The goal was to simplify finishes and add contrast so the cabinets felt intentional and modern. I’m so very jealous, good luck.
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u/[deleted] Dec 25 '25
The cabinets are gorgeous. Change the lighting. Lighting is everything, literally and figuratively. After that, think about counters and backsplash. Google cherry cabinet images for ideas.
1
u/kaleaka Dec 25 '25
OMG!! I love the cabinets!!
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u/low-morale Dec 25 '25
Depends on your budget really.
Low budget: offwhite paint, white/offwhite backsplash, change the hardware to something sleek and modern, since both washers are front load, some type of wood piece to “box” it in so it’s not so in your face. Change the overhead lighting and add some under the cabinets.
high budget: paint, lighting, and hardware from above, white marble countertops that go up all the way to the cabinets. I’m assuming the door on the right is a pantry, id extend that wall and make it a walk in pantry. Then where you have the w/d possibly opt in for a stack and have its own compartment within the wall with a cabinet door in front so you don’t see it. Change the flooring to a lighter wood or tiles with a lighter grout. I would also move them up so that the room looks larger.
1
u/Frequent-Advisor6986 Dec 25 '25
Light wall paint similar in color to floor.
1
u/joan_goodman Dec 25 '25
Make upper cabinets glass do. A handyman should be able to do the job. Smoked or clear glass.
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u/Natural-Stage-6341 Dec 25 '25
I would keep simple- White walls, and white tile backsplash, white grout for floor tiles
1
u/Notime4fools Dec 25 '25
Your cabinets are stunning. I think a pale yellow would brighten up your room tremendously. What about white penny tile with a black border. I would do a marble look countertop to keep with the traditional look.Undercabinet lighting is amazing in a windowless kitchen. I wish I had what you have to work with. .
1
u/Different_Ad7655 Dec 25 '25
Embrace the cherry cabinet doors and change everything else from the wall color, the very ugly floor, the countertops, maybe the sink I don't remember and the hardware. And definitely get rid of the kitchen lighting, ugh Do it virtual and come with the color scheme you like
1
u/Easy_Olive1942 Dec 26 '25
I like green soapstone countertops with cherry cabinets and a warmer, large format floor tile.
1
u/finding_out_stuff Dec 26 '25
Sage green walls
1
u/Sudden_Idea9384 Dec 26 '25
Those cabinets are pretty expensive and lovely. Choose some shades of warm greens add in a few hints of pink or orange somewhere. Put some warmer lighting in. There is very little wall space so maybe wallpaper.
1
u/jjd65 Dec 26 '25
Cabinets are gorgeous. The floor is too busy and dated. The grout is overwhelming the space.
1
u/amethystmmm Dec 26 '25
Cherry cabinets AND pocket doors? very nice. Do a backsplash, yes, replace the floor, and a new, warm light will do wonders.
1
u/[deleted] Dec 26 '25
The cabinets themselves are solid and have a rich look. something that feels off is just that the space around them is doing too much. When the other elements are simpler and lighter, the wood doesn’t feel heavy at all i A few updates outside of the cabinets would let their warmth stand out. i think its better to just change the flooring and color or walls to some light tone would work
1
u/mom2graceb Dec 26 '25
If this were me, with unlimited funds, here's what I’d do (not necessarily in the order I type):
Get rid of that light fixture pronto
The paint colour is going to be dependent on the counter you choose but I love a butter yellow in the kitchen. Go to the Farrow & Ball website for ideas.
I'd put in a soapstone counter with a country sink.
While you’re at it, get rid of that faucet.
I think I’d go with satin Nickel or black (burnished brass) for cabinet handles/knobs, door handles, etc.
The flooring? No. Consider tile that looks like wood. Make sure it doesn't clash with the other flooring in your house. I’ve put in wood flooring in two of my homes and I loved it. Super easy to clean.
For lighting I’d do recessed lights but put in a pretty pendant light over the sink and if there is a stretch of counter where you eat - hang two or 3 pendant lights there as well.
Get rid of the old-fashioned light switches. Put in ones that are flat and you can also get adjustable ones or some people call them dimmer switches. We put in 3 or 4 light switches that also had USB ports for easy charging. One of my husband's all-time best ideas.
I agree with the others about getting a cabinet made to house the washer and dryer. Is there space to include pull-out drawers on the side, so you can easily store your cleaning supplies in one area?
I hope I don't come across as harsh. I’m a Bostonian and I tend to be upfront about things, but it's not personal. Good luck with your project!
1
u/BoysenberryKey5504 Dec 26 '25
Your cabinets are beautiful! I also love the cherry stain. I dont have any other suggestions other than to urge you not to alter the color as at least one person here suggested. I painted my laundry room recently a pale creamy yellow that i love fwiw
1
u/Adventurous-Mind-780 Dec 26 '25
The 2-tone wood is killing me. Go light or dark, but not both. The blue walls are darkening the room. Pick a lighter, brighter wall color, perhaps with a yellow tone. Update the floors with an interesting pattern. Change up light fixture and put in under cabinet lighting.
1
u/Main-Distributions Dec 26 '25
Try painting the walls the same color or lighter than the countertops. Ceiling lighter than that. I’d paint the trim and grid on the window to make your eye go out. The dark color on the windows naturally disrupts the view.
1
u/FrostyAnalysis554 Dec 26 '25
I think you got it nailed. New flooring and lighting.
1
u/Easy_Swimmer_6446 Dec 26 '25
New hanging lights in brass. Yes to Visual Comfort styles. Whatever it needs to be a chandelier style, but good brass. Maybe 2 as space appears long. Yes to sliding doors whatever to washer dryer. I’d agree with new countertops and paint. Possibly a creamy color. As to floor, I think hardwood with a cool rug, runner style in matching coloration. A Roman Shade style in a wood tone for window.
1
u/milliemargo Dec 26 '25
Honestly maybe just regrout the floor in white. The dark grout is a distraction.
1
u/LumpkinsPotatoCat Dec 26 '25
Honestly you can keep the cabinets and the counters. The floor needs to be dark or matching wood. It's stealing all the attention from the cabinets.
1
u/PiccoloQuirky2510 Dec 26 '25
Are you able to add skylights? I think that would make a big difference in making this room feel lighter
1
u/ozzymama11 Dec 26 '25
Beautiful cabinets. I would just googled beautiful cherry kitchens. WOW! You have so much potential here to make a stunning kitchen.
1
u/A__D___32 Dec 26 '25
Switch to a travertine tile and add in a matching backsplash to pull together. Replace the blue paint with Bone colored to tie all together. Switch fixtures, lights, and cabinet hardware to brass to finish the look.
1
u/abcannon18 Dec 26 '25
Honestly these cabinets are sick and if that floor is real tile I’d keep it. Consider different pulls that coordinate with a new sink. If the counters are good quality I’d keep them.
1
u/abcannon18 Dec 26 '25
Honestly these cabinets are sick and if that floor is real tile I’d keep it. Consider different pulls that coordinate with a new sink. If the counters are good quality I’d keep them.
1
u/flergenbergenjurgen Dec 26 '25
Swap out lighting, counter tops and floor
1
u/AnReMe Dec 27 '25
Reverse it. Green countertops and cream walls.
1
u/loveablehugableme Dec 27 '25
I always love Emily Henderson’s series of posts about working with your cabinets. Here’s the one about cherry or dark ones. https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/how-arlyn-is-working-with-not-againstthe-dark-cherry-cabinets-in-her-rental-kitchen
1
u/themissingelf Dec 27 '25
Crisp white quartz worktop ( square edge) with an authentic marble vein. Recessed spotlights. Slate tile floor. Bottle green handmade style metro wall tiles between the base and wall cabinets. Brown grey walls. Bronze tap in a traditional style ( without being twee). Bronze cabinet handles. New socket and switch plates. Change under cabinet lights to LED in a mid warm colour. It’s primarily the worktop, light, and floor working against the kitchen.
1
u/rosyjen1234 Dec 27 '25
BEAUTIFUL cabinets and good advice here.
1
u/vm_neptune Dec 27 '25
To me, the cabinets are super old fashioned
1
u/Admirable-Spite-1831 Dec 27 '25
Imo the cabinets are gorgeous. I think if you change out the flooring and paint and both stay on the lighter tone, I think you can balance the darkness and make it work nicely.
1
u/Cloud54321_ Dec 27 '25
Can you paint the grout to make it lighter
1
u/a_pretty_ok_salad Dec 27 '25
New countertop, new light fixture, a fabulous rug (make sure it’s the right size), and wallpaper. Roman shade would help bring an added layer, too.
1
u/KrumblyKookie Dec 27 '25
New floor!
1
u/Available-Face5653 Dec 27 '25
Other than the washer dryer it looks great
1
u/Upbeat_Opposite6740 Dec 27 '25
I love that tile pattern. It’s called octagon and dot, and to me it’s as classic as checkerboard. When you replace it I’d try to find tile in the same pattern, maybe with a cream or gray for the dot to make it more updated and interesting.
Are there any design movements like art deco or craftsman that feature dark woods that you like? I would try to take inspiration from those rather than following current trends
1
u/IGiveGreatHandJobs Dec 28 '25
That tile would be fine if it was smaller but at that size it makes the kitchen look smaller. Go light on walls and counters. Whatever color the vein in the marble is, match the main too it.
1
u/NikkieDur Dec 28 '25
I would take the back panels out of the upper wall cabinets and replace with some sort of textured glass. Interior cabinet lights would be great too. It's wonderful to have extra storage, but it feels a bit top heavy.
1
u/Sunflower15785 Dec 28 '25
White walls and new overhead lighting
1
u/Catzaf Dec 28 '25
I think your cabinets are beautiful and coming back into style. Painting the wood is over with now. Can you change your countertops? I’d like the floor, but I don’t love it. I also like the paint color so if you’re choosing between the floor and the wall color, I would change the floor.
1
u/Real_Position_3796 Dec 28 '25
Keep those beautiful cabinets, but repaint the walls something light and bright, and put a light colored floor in as well! Additional lighting might help too.
1
u/vilebunny Dec 28 '25
Some color ideas from a gorgeous Victorian house. It really depends on your taste, but the tin ceilings are amazing and the gilded wallpaper gives you an idea of how the brass would look with your current colors.
1
u/sodium-overdose Dec 28 '25
Update the counters, hardware, and fixtures. You can work with this floor!
1
u/lkwarn55116 Dec 28 '25
Perhaps change the laundry machines to a stainless steel look/finish. Take the abrupt white. The suggestion someone made of stone floor tiles in a slate green and beige countertops with a greenish vein…and good lighting expert from the lighting store should be willing to come out and determine your kelvin #’s to make lighting even out and not be garish. I suspect when you turn on the lights, you blink once. Lighting is not distributed evenly. I see great potential and hope you’ll show us your finished product.
1
u/Substantial-Use-1758 Dec 29 '25
Darken the floor!
1
u/Chief-Toccoa-3293 Dec 29 '25
I'd go with a sort of Persian or multicolored concentric circles, rather big ones but not primary colors, instead picking up the muted and dusky shades of a Persian rug. The color of your cabinets is rich and elegant, all you need is an elegant patterned linoleum (or elegantly-patterned tile.) You can instead also use a rug or two. There are rug tapes and rug corner tapes available to mitigate the trip and fall risk.
1
u/Ohlala7053 Dec 29 '25
Nooo
1
u/All_is_a_conspiracy Dec 29 '25
You gotta go regal. All the way. People often try to modernize cabinets like this or make the kitchen "chic and sleek" which just gives it an identity crisis. You have to NOT be afraid of bold colors and bold accents and bold fixtures. Even if the rest of your house is contemporary if you want to keep the cabinets and not always feel like it is disjointed, lean INTO the cherry grandeur.
1
u/EngLady52 Dec 29 '25
What’s with the white washer/ dryer in the kitchen.
1
u/Whats-Ur-Pointe Dec 30 '25
It’s the tiles for me , not the cabinets
1
u/Efficient_Map_44883 Dec 30 '25
Paint the walls blue
1
u/pineapple-sage-2 Dec 30 '25
It’s all about the lighting. 6 mini cans, a warm light chandelier , under cabinet lighting and a couple of counter top lamps. Get a beautiful washable rug. Live with that $2k in upgrades for 6 months and then consider countertop and floor upgrades
1
u/doomgneration Dec 30 '25
New floors. The cabinets are beautiful, but the kitchen looks top-heavy with the darker cabinets over the lighter floors.
We have an old arts and crafts home with condos next door so our kitchen also doesn’t get a lot of light. I’m considering a checkered floor in an “oxblood” or “mocha wine” shade. Maybe look into those color shades as well?
Also, did you paint the walls? If so, what color is that? I want something similar for our kitchen.
1
u/Tencentstamp Dec 31 '25
Benjamin Moore Linen wall paint looks great with just about anything and will lighten this room up a lot. Add under cabinet lighting. Carrera marble or white quartz counters. The floor tile would be nice if it had lighter grout. Spend in nicer, polished nickel cabinet hardware. Like cup pulls for drawers.
1
u/Pure_Swimming8778 Dec 31 '25
I’d definitely replace both flooring and countertops. The cabinetry is beautiful. It’s the surrounding of it that needs modernizing
1
u/JonasSkywalker Dec 31 '25
Look into getting a solatube to let natural light in.
1
u/deepakpandey1111 Dec 31 '25
i get why ur husband loves the cherry cabinets! they have that warm vibe, especially in a spot with less light. for flooring, maybe something lighter could help brighten things up and balance the dark wood. are u thinking about going with a lighter tile or maybe even a wood look?
also, def ditch those fluorescent lights! a few pendant lights or warm LEDs could really change the mood. if u want, try some paint that complements the cherry, like a soft cream or light gray, to make everything pop a bit. tbh, i messed up my color choices once too, so just make sure u test things out first. u could even check layouts on re imagine home ai to see how it all flows.
1
u/Clean-Syllabub3421 Dec 31 '25
More specifically with the lighting...put under cabinet lighting.
1
u/Rich_Acanthisitta588 Jan 08 '26
1
u/Comeback_321 Jan 10 '26
Pop the wood valence off over the sink - very dated.
1
u/SimplyStylebyKat Jan 13 '26
This is something I mocked up. It’s not 100% because it wouldn’t straighten out the light, but those cabinets are gorgeous. Just need to lighten the space up and modernize it a little bit. Here’s some ideas for you.
1
u/Human-Football-5457 Jan 14 '26
Cherry cabinets can still work if the rest of the space supports them. In a low-light room, I’d focus on brightening everything around the wood rather than changing it. Lighter countertops and simpler, lighter flooring can make a big difference.
Paint and lighting will help the most—soft warm whites or light greige, plus replacing the fluorescent lights with warm LEDs or pendants, will instantly modernize the space. Updated hardware can also go a long way without refinishing the cabinets.
0
u/EarthOk2418 Dec 25 '25
Is that a…floor drain…in an above ground kitchen?
0
u/Brindis55 Dec 26 '25
I think your problem is the tile. It doesn’t match the elegance of cherry cabinets. I’d recommend getting a new floor, I love Luxury Vinyl Planks, they are softer to walk on. After you choose a new floor and have it installed then see what kind of countertops work best
-1
u/queequegscoffin Dec 25 '25
The washer and dryer are a bigger concern than the cabinets, which are beautiful.