Cabinet Refinishing · Dec 2019
Cherry kitchen with column painted white, gray island
Cherry kitchen with column painted white, gray island. These are before and after photos from the job, taken Dec 2019. This cabinet refinishing project was done by Larry Gaytos and the My Personal Painter crew. We are based in Florence, Kentucky, and our work is covered by a 2-year touch-up warranty.
Before and After Photos
Cherry Kitchen and Columns Painted White With a Gray Island
This large kitchen has an island framed by two tall columns and a range hood above a gas cooktop. In the before photo, the perimeter cabinets are a medium cherry with raised panels, the island base is a darker stain, and both columns are dark wood with square bases and crown caps. Dark wood and dark stone made the space feel closed in, even with lots of light. In the after photo, the perimeter cabinets, the tall pantry, the glass-front uppers and the crown molding are all white. The two columns are white too, with paneled bases that now read as part of the trim. The island base is a medium gray, which gives the room one darker anchor without weighing it down. A sparkling chandelier hangs over the island, and the stainless range hood, refrigerator and double ovens stand out against the white. The floor tile and wood floors stayed as they were.
How We Painted This Cherry Kitchen and Its Columns
- We covered the floors, counters and appliances and taped plastic around the work area. Large kitchens with columns need protection from more angles.
- We pulled every door and drawer front and marked where each belonged. The cabinet boxes, columns and crown molding stayed in place and were prepped on site.
- Every cherry surface was degreased and sanded to remove the gloss. The columns got the same prep, including the base panels and the capitals.
- We primed with a stain-blocking primer. Cherry can bleed through white paint, so a solid primer coat matters on a light finish like this.
- Two coats of white went on the perimeter cabinets, pantry, columns and crown molding. The island base got two coats of medium gray, with clean lines where it meets the columns.
- After the finish cured, we rehung the doors and drawer fronts, adjusted the hinges, and checked that each door and drawer closed evenly and sat flush with its neighbors.
Paint Colors Similar to This White Kitchen and Gray Island
For white cabinets, white columns and a gray island like this, sample these similar colors, keeping in mind they are not exact matches.
Sherwin-Williams Pure White SW 7005
A soft, clean white close to these cabinets and columns. It works on glass-front uppers and crown molding without looking too stark.
Sherwin-Williams Gauntlet Gray SW 7019
A medium gray with a warm side, similar to this island base. It gives a white kitchen a darker center without feeling heavy.
Benjamin Moore Classic Gray OC-23
A very light warm gray for the walls around white cabinets. It keeps the room bright while setting the white cabinets apart.
Questions About Painting Kitchen Columns and Islands
Can wood kitchen columns be painted to match the cabinets?
Yes. Columns are prepped like cabinets: cleaned, sanded, primed and painted. Painting them the same white as the cabinets or trim helps them blend into the room. Leaving them dark makes them stand out, so the choice depends on how much you want them to show.
Should my island be a different color from the rest of the cabinets?
A different island color is a popular way to add contrast. Gray, navy and green are common choices with white perimeter cabinets. It also hides wear on the island, which gets more traffic. If you want a calmer look, painting everything one color works well too.
How long do painted kitchen cabinets need before normal use?
Most cabinet paints feel dry within a day, but they keep hardening for a while after that. Gentle use is usually fine right away. Heavy scrubbing, sticky tape or bumping doors should wait a few days to a few weeks while the finish fully cures.
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