do you wanna have a slumba partay in my basement? Do I make your heart beat like an 808 drum?
sorry. wrong question.
So when we moved into our home circa 2007 (I think? how sad is that?) we found it as is. There was no building. No selection of materials. No options. It came with generic builder tan walls. and carpet. OH the carpet. But that’s another story for another day…
But I love my house, so some things you live with as is. I mean, some people have to deal with bright yellow cabinets and giant holes and etc. etc. so poor me, I know. And our kitchen is quite nice. We love our kitchen. But it’s honestly not what I would have chosen for a kitchen, as far as colors and what nots. I’m not an ingrate. We have nice cabinets. I love them. But I was kinda thinking about (PLEASE don’t flog me) painting the island.
Please excuse the non styled pics. These are just shots to give you an idea. Styled pics will come later. maybe.
I need a realtor’s advice on this one. I know I can make it look professional. That’s not the issue. I want to know if it will bring down my home’s value. I’m breaking free of my rule follower ways, and I really want to just paint the cabinet, but preserve the rest. I’ve never liked the back or sides of the island. It’s so plain and pressed cheap board-ish. I want it painted, and I want to mount an awesome chunky frame on the backside, with chalkboard paint, so the kids can play to their heart’s content while I paint cook.
So I want to know, will that make someone mad? I mean, again, who’s preconceived notion of a house am I following anyway? I just don’t want to hurt our value. But then again, it’s JUST an island.
way to pay attention to detail, Lowder. Thanks for that white spec plug. BOOOOOO.
I’m thinking a nice cream color, done in our tea stain. No crazy bright purples or anything. Just a little something to brighten it up. Preserve the rest for the next owner, and in the meantime, GLASS KNOBS for a hint of color. Yes? No? Why? WHY NOT????
again, excuse the mess. Just sayin…I’ve been itching to do this for a while, and now I need some opinions, so I can sway Jamin to the light side. Oh, and those countertops are so going in a few years, as well. Since we’ll be here for a while…I may as well be happy with my kitchen, right???
This can be found on house of turquoise, and I may be mistaken, but I also think its urban grace interiors.
SOOOO what do you think? LET ME KNOW BELOW!!!
If they were really high quality wood I might say that SOME (not me but some potentional buyers) might be upset by that. But since they are builders grade you should totally go for it. Painted cabinets are so much more in style than they have ever been so I don't think you have to worry at all.
I say YES, absOlutely YES!!!!!! Paint the motha out of it, go for it NOW!!! You will love it, your family will love it and you'll be asking yourself, "now, why didn't i do this 2 years ago?". Do it!
he he
-I am not a realtor, but I'd buy your house tomorrow….ok. Even if you painted the island purple.
-my cousin has a newer home that she and her husband bought……well, back in '07 I think…the island is a different color (green) than the other cabs. (they're dark like yours), and the island is seriously one of my fave. things about her home. it looks unique and makes it look diff. than a "cookie cutter" kitchen that you might see next door.
Hope my opinion helped and have a lovely day!
I've REALLY been enjoying coming by your blog by the way, I just came across it last week. I absolutely love every single thing about your style.
*Thank you for letting me write a novel.*
Do it. I like it when an island looks completely different from the rest of the cabinets. Like it was brought in from another time and place and just plopped down. Different color, texture, knobs, counter top if possible. It makes the kitchen look so much more custom. And most people would like it. They just can't imagine it themselves…you have to show them what is possible. If you are putting chalkboard paint on the back, consider covering the ends with beadboard or something…
I think……….you signed a contract or something?? Riiight? On the other hand, I like it! And NO I don't wanna have a slumber party in your non-existent basement!! what?!
Go for it!!! I think it would look awesome and the lighter color will brighten up the kitchen. You can also always add some bead-board,or other architectural detail, to the sides to add some texture and add some strength so it's not so cheap feeling. I love the idea of the chalkboard too. It'll be a great use of what is now useless space.
I agree with everyone else that you should do it! I have no realtor experience, obviously. But I have seen them do that on those sell-your-house shows on HGTV, if that counts for anything.
And I think it would look great! I like the idea of adding bead-board or something to the sides, too.
DO IT!! This input is not based on anything but my own two cents, but go with it
It's your kitchen and you should love it while it's yours. Besides, if a potential buyer doesn't like it, they can just redo it themselves. If she's anything like me, she's probably just looking for an excuse to do a little DIY in her new kitchen 
Absolutely! Positively!…paint away!- you'll love it! and definately fun glass knobs! oh! and the chalkboard sounds mighty fun too!
Blessings!
Jill
I just stumbled upon your blog because of Martin's contest & love it! I am an interior designer who dabbles in pretty much the same things you do; interior design obviously, art and furniture (also scrapbooking which i dont know if you do). My husband has been making frames too (we won't talk about how he hasn't finished them though). But anyway I'm also an auburn grad & a Mom. How cool that we have so many things in common. Weird that we've never met since we are in the same town & have mutual friends. Anyway, I say paint the island, it will enhance your kitchen not hurt it. It helps to break the cookie cutter mold. So I have a question for you- how do you have time to do all this????? I'm so jealous!
Paint it! I am not a realtor but my husband and I constantly move. We have built 4 homes and hope to start on the 5th one soon. In every house I have made the island different from the other cabinets. I think it makes the island look more like a piece of furniture. By the way I have never had any complaints (well that I know of) about the island being different.
I believe that unless you are planning to sell in the next 24 months, do what you want. We buy our homes to have a space that feels like an extension of who we are. It makes no sense to me to live with a feature we are unhappy with just because we might theoretically sell one day. Who know what will happen between now and the time you actually do put your house on the market – both in your personal life and in decorating trends. Go for it and never look back.
from my own experience…i waited seven longggggg years, ignoring my own instincts and desires, in fear of resale worth. we took the plunge last summer and it has changed my whole home. looky here if you want and you be the judge.
http://jupinfamily.blogspot.com/2009/09/island-finally.html
http://jupinfamily.blogspot.com/2009/07/ta-da.html
nice cabinets are nice. but having what you want, really want, well that's making peace with yourself. (i'm not very dramatic at all, am i?)
happy painting! and go for it! everything you touch is gorgeous anyway!
Do it!!!! If you dont plan on moving anytime soon, its YOUR house!
Have fun!!!
I painted our island black and gave it some new hardware to add some interest to our kitchen. My mom, who is a realtor, loves it and didn't give me any grief about it. I've seen a lot of houses where the island has a different finish than the rest of the kitchen. I look forward to seeing pics!