Bucking the Trends

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Keeping Wood Cabinets

Keeping the Old Wood Cabinets:   One of the big trends in kitchen design is painted cabinetry.  While I love the crisp clean look of a white kitchen, and some of the new colors are wonderful, I decided not to paint my light oak cabinets.  The wood is in really good shape with no wear, discoloration or stains.  Unlike many people, I really like the grain of oak.  I think it has character and frankly, I love the warm look of wood.  These are not “builder grade” cabinets. They were custom built, chosen by me-- and I still like them.  I was tempted, however, to change the top molding from the porch picket style to a more architectural design. But, I chose this style because I like to display my antique kitchen items on the top of the cabinets.  Solid molding would make it difficult to see some of my treasured family gadgets.  Plus the rails make decorating the space above the cabinets at Christmas easy with just a few pine garlands.

Still Love the Wallpaper

Keeping the old wallpaper:   The second big thing I like in my “old kitchen” is the wall paper.  Believe me I’ve looked for wallpaper or a paint color and technique I would like better.  I still like the willow and house striped pattern with the blue border and light cream colored background.  It is neutral.  It has the colors I want, the design I like and it is in really good condition.  I am really surprised and delighted that this kitchen has stood the test of time.  The wallpaper has no holes, no peeling, and the seams are really firmly in place.  It has not faded, discolored or stained.  So, surprisingly, the wallpaper stays too.  If I do find a paper I like better or a paint color I would prefer, I can make those changes with very little expense or effort.

These Counters Will Go

Quartz Instead of Granite Counters:  The old counter tops are plain almond beige laminate with bull nose edges.  While these counters are in good shape, this is where I chose to splurge.  The replacement will be a quartz product by DuPont.  Quartz has a look similar to granite but is has more even color and pattern.  Quartz is very hard and heat resistant, it doesn’t need to be sealed and is antimicrobial.  (Bottom line is the low maintenance aspects of the product.)  Because of the new counters, there will also be a new sink, to be mounted under the counter.  I was tempted to replace the stainless steel sink with a quartz model, but decided that stainless steel would coordinate with the dishwasher and be less expensive.

Will Keep Refrigerator

Keeping Some Older Appliances:   Over the years we have replaced several appliances.  These include the dishwasher, the garbage disposal and the refrigerator.  These will stay in the kitchen since they are in very good condition and have several years of longevity left.  Besides, I love my refrigerator.  It is the third one we have had over the 25 years in this house and it is finally the one I really, really like.  It is a French door design with the freezer drawer on the bottom.  I can see all my leftovers in the top without getting on my hands and knees..  I can stuff more frozen foods in the bottom than any of the side by side models I’ve had.  I am a happy camper. 

I will be back next week with more pictures and commentary on my great kitchen caper.