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Design Dilemma
azfar_alam

Got Kitchen Cabinets colours wrong, need help.....

Azfar Alam
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago


Hi,

This is my first post here. We moved into new home just before Christmas. It's new built property. One of few things which the builders were providing (included in the house price) was the kitchen cabinets and worktop. These are from Paula Rosa's Manhattan Range. We had to choose the kitchen cabinets and door colours. Initially we chose gloss white. But we felt it might be high maintenance. We saw cream/off white colours in some of our friends' houses and felt that it would be better option than gloss white. So when we changed the colours the closest option to cream which the developer had was called Gloss Cappuccino. In the sales office of the builder it seemed just like what we wanted. We finalized it.

When we came for the home demo, we were hugely disappointed to see that it seemed much darker (with a slight greyish green tinge) than what we had seen earlier.

We were so surprised that we actually thought that they have made a mistake and put in the wrong coloured cabinets etc. We got it cross checked with the samples. Alas, it was exactly what we had chosen. Maybe the lighting in the sales office when we chose it made it look so different.

It was too late to do anything about it.

We are feeling very demoralised that this was one decision which we so wanted to get right and we made a hash of it.

We now feel that we should have gone with the gloss white. It looks brilliant in the other houses in the development.

On top of this if we now want to get more cabinets etc fitted, it has to this same colour and procured from Paula Rosa (quite expensive!!). White is so common that we could have got it else where much cheaper. So it is a double whammy !!

Me and wife just hate the words 'Gloss Cappuccino' now. This colour from Paula Rosa is so deceptive.

Not sure what we can do now to redeem this situation (other than to live with it).

This is our first home, so we are still learning the ropes. (maybe the reason we made this mistake).

Any help, advice, suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Featured Answer
  • Azfar Alam
    Original Author
    8 years ago

    Thanks so much for your encouraging comments .....we are feeling so much better now.....

    Comments (51)

    • city033
      8 years ago
      I really like it too. Maybe you just need to get used to it. White will be high maintenance!
    • modernistlover
      8 years ago
      I actually like it too. Lovely kitchen. What you can do is colourmatch and then get a can of spray paint or three (!) made up by Colorite in London. Then you can buy any cabinets you want, prep and spray the colour none of us will dare mention to you! By the way congratulations on the purchase :)

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    • Jonathan
      8 years ago

      I think the reason you are disappointed is it doesn't match your expectation. In my opinion though it looks great and is a much more expensive looking option than white so I hope you will come to love it.

      Do you like the colour.....if not what don't you like? Does it clash with the wall colour? Perhaps a different wall colour would change your perception of it.

    • alant1000
      8 years ago
      It could well be the color you are seeing it against which is making the shade look different - in this case your grayish floor, which is going to enhance some of the greenish pigment in the doors. If the floor was a different color the cabinets might also look like a slightly different shade.

      I actually think it looks nice too, but as a worst case you have the carcasses, and new doors may be a few hundred pounds. You have to love the kitchen, so maybe you could try selling your doors at a kitchen refurb type place and just buy some new ones.
    • meisner123
      8 years ago

      I think this colour is so much nicer than the white. White with black work tops never looks great in my opinion. I agree with the above comment that you are unhappy with it because you expected something different. If it was a mistake I think you have made a rather tasteful one. I notice you have quite a few red accessories. I would get rid of these and either go with items that are similar to the cabinet colours but darker or lighter, or find an alternative contrasting colour which is brighter but doesn't clash - perhaps a teal or even a fushia. I would carry my sample around with me until I found a colour or items that worked and then change all the accessories. I'm not sure what you have on your window, perhaps start with finding a fabric you like for a blind?

    • Juliet Docherty
      8 years ago

      I agree with the above comment. My current house had black worktops and white gloss cupboards and it looked really harsh and visually jarring. I had to tile and paint with a mid tone colour (very similar to your cupboards) to get it to work and now it does. I would have chosen the cabinets you have. Possible if you were to paint out the white walls with a pale warm grey such as Little Green slaked lime or Portland Stone it may improve the look.

      my house project · More Info

    • stardin
      8 years ago
      Looks fine, colours match. I would try accessorising with strong colour kitchen utensils eg dark cappuccino or maroon storage containers etc, whatever suits to create a nice palette. Certainly wouldn't stress re kitchen though...
    • Oriolus Oriolus
      8 years ago
      Agree with others the colour you chose looks much better with black countertops that white would have done. Painting the walls would be a much easier and cheaper fix and you won't have a cookie cutter kitchen like everyone else!
    • turquoisetree53
      8 years ago
      last modified: 8 years ago

      Asfar Alam - not a disaster - It can be classy NOT to completely fit out the kitchen with the same cabinets - maybe you could consider some nice wood fronted ones, and shelves in wood, which tone with the cream and the floor too. So, you are even more distinctive from the neighbours.

      Actually, to me from the photos, the tone of the colour has a lemon undertone, which makes me wonder if some kind of fresh olive green might be really nice on the walls.

    • PRO
      makingthingsandbuilding
      8 years ago

      Have a new set of doors made and sprayed. The old doors can be used as templates. New carcasses and custom units are very common additions to standard kitchens. Budget around £100-£200 per new door made sprayed and fitted.

    • Lynn Scarry
      8 years ago

      Bless you, it's such a disappointment when you make a mistake (been there, Done that) too. I think the tops are too dark for the cabinets, there is a company that can cover the tops with another I believe, or change them altogether...expensive though. Have the new doors in a completely different colour, it's quite the modern thing to mix and match, here's a photo of the dreaded colour in a splash back, check out the dark cupboard doors and white tops...hope this helps.

    • PRO
      Property Reviver Ltd
      8 years ago

      You mentioned you liked the colour when you saw it in the showroom and some of that will be down to the lighting as you suggested. I would consult a lighting specialist to help you get the rght lighting to show off these lovely cabinets. It looks as though you have just got an energy saving light bulb and some spot lights. Changing the bulbs and adding a statement pendant light will definitely make a difference.

    • buzzmummy
      8 years ago

      Hi Azfar, I have to say I agree too with other comments that it looks a lovely kitchen and certainly not as "cheap and usual" as white cabinets would have done. Having said that, I believe that we have to love the space we live in and something like this can feel horribly major! :( in your case I would definitely try doing something to the lighting as mentioned above...with a bit of looking around and help and a lot less expense than buying new fronts you should be able to re create the colour you loved in the showroom. Also add accessories in a colour that suits you. Perhaps tie this in with some lovely fabric blinds on your window? You could even paint either side of the splashback behind the hob in an accent colour for maximum effect..(though make sure you love you colour first! Lol) I think you should go with what you have and love it..you have a great space and a new kitchen after all!! Hope you manage to come up with some ideas of how to make it your dream!

    • Joanna Biddolph
      8 years ago

      The colour of the cabinets is fine. It is the floor that's wrong - in colour and style. The handles of the cabinets are somewhat industrial in style; find a floor that goes with that - something bold that makes the kitchen sing. The current floor is too quiet, too predictable. A bit of drama could solve the problem. Jazz up the walls, too - which could be done relatively cheaply.

    • dottymax
      8 years ago
      You don't want to look the same as everyone else, do you?! I think they look great. I even like the floor. Painting the walls will make a huge difference as will changing the lighting. Don't commit major money until you've with it for a while. We've just added a new room with a feature reclaimed brick fireplace and I hated it - too orange. Painted the walls greeny grey and now I love it.
    • credz4
      8 years ago

      I don't think you made a mistake I like the colour. I think it is detracted from by the huge handles and the fact that the cabinet sizes are all different and there is a lot of cabinets. Change the floor as its very busy looking design and the tops are too dark. Declutter like mad keep only absolutely necessary items on view like a kettle. Even hide the bin in one of the cabinets. Really pare it back and then you may find the cabinets start to make the statement you wanted rather than getting lost in lots of detail.

    • ingabrereton
      8 years ago

      It's not a mistake, it looks fantastic and white is totally impractical. If you want to replace just the doors, or perhaps mix in a few feature wooden doors I would source them from ktchenwarehouse ltd, near Ripon they are specialists at your kind of problem (I don't work for them, they are a good local company).

    • Amanda Robinson
      8 years ago

      I'll add my voice to the others - I like the colour very much, especially with the black worktop. You should live with it a while; I can't tell you how many expensive mistakes I've made (which would make me feel nauseous just looking at them) that over time I've gotten over. With your kitchen, the one thing I would do is change the wall colour, it does nothing for the floor and cabinets. Dark walls, black worktop, medium shade cabinets and lighter floor, you could make your kitchen very expensive looking just by changing the wall paint. You wouldn't be able to do that with blah white cabinets!

    • pinkelephantdesign
      8 years ago
      Maybe add a splashback or some tiles maybe in an olive green or a dark red/plum colour could finish it off nicely or paint walls another colour,I think the floor does go with the unit colour, I think it may be the white Walls which are too stark against the colour of the worktop and units.
    • Azfar Alam
      Original Author
      8 years ago
      last modified: 8 years ago

      Thanks again .....you guys are just fabulous .....so many ideas !! We certainly like the suggestions relating to painting the wall and lighting....maybe after some time. But most importantly, based on so many positive comments about the cabinet colours.....our perception of it has changed and we have started liking them !!

    • wendyhouseboutique
      8 years ago
      I love the colour of the cupboards! I agree with what many people have suggested about changing the wall colour, then the lighting. I also agree that accessories are important. Stick to one 'style' and possibly one colour. A mix of modern and traditional if done properly can look stunning but can be difficult to pull off. Have fun!
    • PRO
      User
      8 years ago

      I too like the colour. Change the lighting, but change the wall colour. White is too stark and too cold with a lovely warm colour like the cappuccino. Pick two colours that you really like, have a darker shade on the long wall with the cooker on it and a lighter shade in the rest of the room. You need to make the cupboards and surrounding walls differ more from the flooring as they are a little similar at present. Glass pendant lights in different shades will also change the colour of the cupboards as the light hitting them will be coloured. Someone mentioned above changing the doors and quoted 100-200 pounds, i don't know why he wants to make templates and charge so much when all carcasses are standard sizes, but there are loads and loads of replacement kitchen door companies about and they range from 25-60 pounds a door! If I were to change anything at all it would be the worktops!

    • suesykes
      8 years ago

      I agree with everyone...the cupboards are a great colour. I do think the handles look cheap and completely overpower the look...it may not be possible to change them as the fittings may dictate the size, but if it is possible, it would make a big difference to the look. Also as, others have said, the wall colour and area behind the cooker are very drab,a brighter hue would make a huge difference...post some pics when you have made any changes, it would be great to have an update

    • pathardy16
      8 years ago

      The cabinets are lovely. Clear all the clutter. Buy some tea & coffee canisters, bread bin a wood effect bottom with cream lids would look good. You could try a coffee & cream colour scheme. Also get oven gloves & tea towels to match your colour scheme. Add a chopping board. Keep the walls a light colour.

    • eehchristie
      8 years ago

      Real shame you don't like the result, but take heart. I'd try adding some colour to some or all of the walls. Keep it light but a definite colour. I find great way to try out a colour is to look at quite plain wallpapers. Buy a roll, use BluTac to stick it to the wall. Live with it for a few weeks and see how it feels. Easy to then go for paint in a similar colour. £20 should cover that experiment. Good luck guys.

    • Emma
      8 years ago
      I really like it and I'm a big fan of gloss white too. Our gloss white was with a solid dark wood top though and I agree with other posters, I think the gloss white with the black worktop would be too stark. For me, when I look at the picture, it's the floor that I'd change. Not sure what too but that's what doesn't work for me. It's too similar to the kitchen colour and doesn't allow it to pop.
    • dorothie
      8 years ago

      I think I can see how you are visualising the colour combination and are not happy with it, however I think some quite minor changes could make a difference. If poss without causing too much damage change the splash back behind the hob for poss white or the glass that just give that very minimal green tinge if as you say the floor has that element. Change the floor mat for something lighter like the cabinet colour or that has a similar colour fleck in it so it pulls the floor and cabinets together rather than accentuating the difference between floor and cabinet. Get tea towels that pick up on the floor colour. Get rid of the red items in the kitchen because they seem to be negative to the overall kitchen colours. Plus as someone else said think about changing the handles. And how lucky are you to have a lovely new home and KITCHEN - hope it all comes together and you can enjoy it.

    • peny9lyn
      8 years ago
      Kitchen is nice and neutral. Cheapest advice would be clear the clutter, it looks chaotic. There are hundreds of photos on houzz for you to look at. Get some classy looking matching storage. Buy lots (keeping receipts safe) and take back the ones that don't suit. Agree with nice lighting. Paint samples are cheap and easy to change. Walls need colour. Either strong walls neutral storage or vice versa. Best of luck it just needs tidying up and tweaking.
    • Jo Arnold
      8 years ago
      I agree with many of the people on this thread. The cabinet colour is actually rather nice and I like the flooring, but not the handles (too chunky) or the worktop (too dark and dull). The clutter on the worktops is the easiest thing you can fix, though. Clear away as much as possible and only have accessories out that give a lift to the colour scheme (you can disguise things you want to keep out with nice jars or containers, perhaps with a subtle pattern). I love the idea of the colourful lighting pendants someone else suggested, too.
    • superfreakinick
      8 years ago

      I'm ridiculously picky and I really like the colour!

    • jazza6
      8 years ago
      I honestly love them
    • gd11
      8 years ago

      Everything fits in perfectly and very smart too. The whole room looks like you spent lots of planning time on it and got it right! In time I'm sure you'll begin to realise that you really did get it right! An extremely smart kitchen which everyone's loves by the sound of it.......when can we all move in!

    • AMB
      8 years ago
      If the cabinets are standard sizes you could look at just replacing the doors? You can buy them online and fit them yourself. changing the lighting and other colours in the kitchen in the mean time will help. Good luck!
    • PRO
      Pat Oliver Interior Design
      8 years ago

      You have a lovely kitchen in the Cappucino doors and dark worktop. What let's the scheme down is the rather uninspiring floor. Have a look at something that is a bit quirky and will bring colour into the room like a patchwork tiled floor. They are very in right now and range in subtle colours to wild vibrant designs. The clue for wall colour will be in the floor.

    • Shelly Anne
      8 years ago

      I'm so sorry for you, there is nothing worse than making a major purchase like this and feeling you've got it wrong! But I have to echo the comments above - I love it, and would definitely choose this for my own kitchen. You could change it but I also think, with accessories in the right accent colour, you could learn to really love it. Try searching for kitchens in a similar shade and see what other people have done with it

    • asalvona
      8 years ago
      Don't change the kitchen, change the perspective ! If all the other houses have white kitchens , celebrate the fact you don't ! Once you change the 'small' change stuff (in comparison to the kitchen that is ! ) like the flooring, tiles or accessories then it will look unique and considered. It will take a bit if thought but I'm sure you'll look back and see it as a triumph. Thankfully you are on Houzz for suggestions !
    • asalvona
      8 years ago
      ps for me it's the floor, should be darker or lighter for the units to pop out more and make a statement, as it is the kitchen is being absorbed by the floor, making it look duller than it should be. That's the only major thing, the rest would be minor decor 'stuff' .
    • Deborah Lee
      8 years ago
      I think your kitchen is beautiful. The floor enhances the colour of the doors and I think you have made a more tasteful choice than black/white which is so often seen in rental properties these days. I recently fitted a new kitchen and initially thought I would just go with the black white theme but I am glad that I did not. Be confident with your choice. As someone said before try to emulate the showroom lighting - go back to the showroom and check if they have cool or warm bulbs. Paint the walls a much lighter tone of the doors, rather than white which can make everything else look dark against it - get lots of samples and paint them on the wall. Change your accessories to chrome (ditch the red which is making you see the doors as green). Enjoy your beautiful kitchen. If this is your first home you have done a wonderful job. For your next project just get loads of samples and compare everything at home until you are happy with the colour scheme. Good luck.
    • Pauline cotton
      8 years ago
      Two colour tones of cabinets in a kitchen is quite trendy now so you could quite easily add a different colour either Mayberry something in a wood tone or even a dark grey and paint the walls a light grey
    • lorenachapa
      8 years ago
      What a gorgeous mistake!!! Love your new kitchen. I agree with the comments above... Enjoy!!!
    • rhona3450
      8 years ago

      I too think the cabinets are a lovely, classy colour .I think the floor is the

      big" wrong " so I would definitely start with that. Then review and see what, if anything else, is needed.I wouldn't decide on paint for walls until you have done floor .You may decide to change other things later but I think the floor colours ( excuse the pun)any judgement you have

    • firegard
      8 years ago

      Dear Azfar,

      I think your units are lovely, very sophisticated and much nicer than white. Your units and work tops are very similar to those I have in my kitchen, which also have black granite tops. I also have a wooden floor of a similar shade, please don't change this, it is lovely.

      I was aware when I had my kitchen fitted that the units appeared darker than in the showroom but this was due entirely to the colour of the walls they were installed on. To lift the units, and celebrate their beautiful colour, you should paint your walls a darker and contrasting colour, I have chosen a really shocking pink, Rock Candy, but there lots of options. The showroom I saw my units in used a burgundy colour, too dark for my Victorian kitchen. There are so many colour options which don't have to be expensive, play around with a few tester pots and see which you prefer. This is by far the cheapest option, and I'm sure you'll fall in love with your kitchen units again once your units are allowed to stand out.

      Incidentally your unit colour helps to visually integrate your stainless steel 'fridge, another reason to stick with it. If you want to add units in the future you could pick up on your new wall colour for a very stylish look.

    • Yve J
      8 years ago

      The glossy colour of the units themselves is quite sophisticated. Perhaps you just need to inject a subtle, rich warm coral or red tone (not too dark or it will appear gloomy) on the wall; this could consolidate the sophistication, along with accessories...in a very stylish, Italian sort of way (:-D)! Paint different tones/shades on A4 board and check them around the room in daylight and artificial light to see how they work... you could then bind the whole look and lighten the effect with 1/2 large, light-background artworks/posters in glossy frames co-ordinating with your cabinet colour. I think it was a good decision not to have white!

    • User
      8 years ago
      I love it very jealous x
    • Rachel Oakes
      8 years ago

      I like that it's different; everyone has white! I think it just needs some colour injected via accessories, splash back or wall colour.

    • gilliifer
      8 years ago

      I agree about the lighting, you could introduce some copper and dark wood too to ramp up a kind of French art deco effect.

    • Anna My
      8 years ago
      Looks much better than white which is much overrated now.
    • Lisa Burdett
      8 years ago
      I really like your kitchen cabinet colour. Much more sophisticated than white. I think you just need to change the wall colour. Great choice!
    • desnacampbell
      8 years ago

      Would a colourful large oval rug suit that area and then pick out one of the colours to paint wall around splash back?

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