It’s such an honor to be featured in the “Ask the Designer” article in this month’s issues of Leawood Lifestyle Magazine and Johnson County Lifestyle Magazines! Check it out!  

Ask the Designer

Question:  We have lived in our home for 30 years and the kitchen cabinets are worn and dated. I love the look of white cabinets that are popular now, but will they date my kitchen in a few years?

Answer: We are asked this question frequently. White cabinets are like a breath of fresh air, but many older homes will not accept the look of the white cabinets without spending a substantial amount of money to update the rest of the home, especially in the new open floor plans. Rest assured whatever you do today will inevitably look dated 20 years from now. Take your new, fresh ideas and brighten up your home!

In this featured home, white kitchen cabinets were the perfect solution for a fresh new look. This 35-year-old home was designed with golden oak cabinets and trim throughout. Our client loved the idea of an open and bright kitchen with all new cabinets and appliances, quartz countertops and a very large entertaining island. The timeless grey walls paired with the white cabinets and the glass tiles in grey, white and charcoal will keep this kitchen’s design current for many years to come.

In this instance, the remainder of the home was renovated to harmonize with the new California Contemporary-inspired kitchen. For a unified design, we carried the white trim from the kitchen throughout the home, further emphasizing the seamless look and open feel our client desired.

Design Tip: If your kitchen does not work well with all-white cabinets, stain your perimeter cabinets in a dark stain and treat yourself to a new island with white painted cabinets and a complimentary countertop. The contrast of the crisp white island cabinets against the surrounding darker woods will add depth and give a renewed style to your dated kitchen. Done right, white cabinets are classic and always in style.

Content for article was provided by Arlene Ladegaard owner and principal designer of Design Connection, Inc. She can be reached at 913 851.8776.