Expert: Eileen Cronk - 4/4/2008

Question
We are in the process of buying our first house which is perfect for us, except for a very homely set of old cabinets and some amazingly green countertops.  I'm hoping to be able to do a mini-kitchen renovation until we can afford to really renovate the kitchen.

the cabinets are quite dark but appear to be wood of some sort.  I've spoken to various people who've recommended to strip or to paint or not to strip or to paint.  ideally, i'd like to lighten these cabinets up but keep them looking like wood.  if not, i plan to paint.  Obviously, we need new hardware.

What do you recommend? How should i decide what to do with them?  

Any suggestions for the countertop?  
or the floor?

http://flickr.com/photos/90725043@N00/2387044780/

Answer
Hi Beth
Nice to hear from you.
Thanks for the great picture.
From what I see, I feel these cupboards would strip and refinish well but a test is in order.
Heres what I would do first.
Remove one door.
Work on the back of it only because in that way you will not ruin the finish on the outside if you decide to live with them as is.
Get a small can of paint stripper and strip a section of the door back of all finish.
Now see what you have.
Then get a small can of stain (you will have to decide on color).
Rub a coat on with a rag.
Then decide...do you like the look or not?
If not, then of course they can be painted but in my opinion it would be a shame to paint this wood.
And you will be repainting every few years too which is a pain.
I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I quite like your kitchen....green counter tops and all LOL
I do agree the cupboards are a bit dark though.
The only solution to the counter tops and the floor is replacing...a big expensive job.
Keep me posted
Regards
Eileen