Natwerk Designs

Which type of cabinets for Frech Country kitchen?

I may be remodeling my kitchen, and I would love a French country kitchen. I want to splurge on blue granite counter tops. I'm not sure I can afford the aged/distressed cabinets. Should I get natural maple or white laminate? If it helps any, I also plan to paint the walls a light cream or ivory shade, and buy rooster & sunflower border, and decorate with other bits of gold and red.

Public Comments

1. The natural maple would lend itself more to a french country feel than stark white but blue countertops would be better with white cabinets. If you really want a french country look, the counter tops should be more golden with flecks of color and then you can do the maple.
2. Sounds like ur just starting out, on a journey of doing over the kitchen , I had to wait yrs, any way I'm always thinking of how will it clean , does it have a lot of nooks and crannies. Wish I done that with my new stove. My pick is go with natural maple. Have fun and good luck.
3. I would go with an off white laminate to get more of the country feel..the french country was more of a painted wood look, so I would not pick the maple.... I think the off white will soften the look better and will be easier to keep clean than the white, but that is your call...just look into a cupboard door that is not completely flat (more of a country look)...your ideas for your paint and border sound great..I think it will look stunning, especially with the blue granite.
4. You can pain your cabinets. First you have to get them ready to paint. If they are real wood, use a liquid de glosser or liquid sanding solution to get the varnish off. If they are laminate, paint them with an oil based primer such as Kilz or Zap Then se a color such as Navajo White ( Sherwin Williams) in a semi gloss latex and paint the cabinets. When dry, use a Minwax gel stain such as Special Walnut or an antiquing glaze ( sold at most home improvement stores). Use a soft rag or old t-shirt to rub & pull off the stain to your liking. I have used this many times and the results are beautiful. I think this will give you the look you are going for.
5. Check these cabinets out http://www.kitchenspro.com/FrenchAntiqueMapleKitchenCabinets.html I think the white laminate would look cheap frankly. Not at all what you seem to be going for.