Transforming Our Kitchen: A Stunning Sherwin Williams Billiard Green Cabinet Refresh
In the world of home renovation, it’s a rare and delightful occurrence when a project unfolds exactly as imagined. Yet, the vision Robert and I had for our kitchen, particularly the striking green cabinets, has not only met but exceeded our expectations. Just a few weeks ago, we laid out our kitchen refresh plans and mood board, dreaming of a bold transformation. Today, seeing our lower cabinets painted in Sherwin Williams Billiard Green, I am officially head over heels.
Forgive the challenging early morning lighting and the subtle purply/teal color casts in these initial shots! The moment those freshly painted doors were reattached, I transformed into a photography ninja, snapping away as the sun peeked through. I wanted to capture this exciting phase for you all before the electrician arrived, ushering in the next crucial step of our kitchen refresh journey. While these photos might not fully encapsulate the true richness of the Billiard Green, rest assured, more professional shots in better lighting are on their way as we continue to tick off more exciting changes.
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The Journey of Transformation: From Drab to Dreamy Kitchen
It’s incredible to see how far our kitchen has come. Just imagine, not long ago, this space was undergoing a significant shift with the addition of our DIY faux pressed tin backsplash and the initial coats of fresh paint. The before-and-after contrast truly highlights the power of a well-executed kitchen makeover.
Our current endeavor is a “refresh” designed to bridge the gap until we embark on a more extensive renovation, one that will ultimately involve altering the kitchen’s entire layout. For now, our toolkit consists primarily of paint, new hardware, and updated lighting. It’s consistently astonishing how these three seemingly simple elements can collectively create such a dramatic and impactful change in any space, breathing new life into an existing design without the need for major construction.
Selecting the Perfect Palette: The Allure of Green Kitchen Cabinets
When it came to choosing the ideal shade of green for our lower cabinets, the decision was not made lightly. If you followed my previous post, you’d know I meticulously considered a dozen different green paint colors. Each swatch brought its own character, but we were searching for that perfect hue that would not only complement our existing elements but also reflect a modern yet timeless aesthetic.
Ultimately, green emerged as the undisputed winner for a few compelling reasons. Our existing leathered granite countertops, which we planned to retain, possess a subtle, almost imperceptible green tint. This harmonious undertone made a deeper green cabinet color a natural and cohesive choice. Furthermore, deep green cabinets are experiencing a significant surge in popularity, becoming a dominant trend in contemporary kitchen design. This fortunate alignment meant our practical decision also became a stylish one – a true win-win scenario!
The Sherwin Williams Billiard Green is a revelation. It strikes a beautiful balance, offering a bold and sophisticated modern look while still possessing the versatility to integrate seamlessly with more traditional design elements. It’s a color that exudes confidence and character, transforming the kitchen into a focal point of the home.
Complementing Uppers: The Freshness of Benjamin Moore Simply White
While the lower cabinets took on their vibrant new personality, our upper cabinets also needed attention. They had begun to show their age, acquiring a yellowish tint over time. To ensure a cohesive and bright look, we decided to repaint them using Benjamin Moore Simply White. This crisp, clean white provides a perfect contrast to the deep green below, elevating the entire aesthetic of the kitchen.
For those interested in undertaking a similar DIY cabinet painting project, our tried and true cabinet painting tutorial offers comprehensive guidance. A key takeaway from our experience, and something we consistently advocate, is the unparalleled quality of Benjamin Moore Advance paint. It truly is, in our opinion, the most legitimate cabinet paint available, providing a durable, smooth, and professional-looking finish that withstands the test of time and daily wear.
Beyond Paint: Thoughtful Details That Make a Difference
The transformation of our kitchen extends beyond just a fresh coat of paint. Every detail, no matter how small, plays a crucial role in creating a cohesive and stunning final product. Our aim was to move beyond a “vanilla” aesthetic and inject personality and high contrast into the space, perfectly aligning with the design sensibilities throughout the rest of our home.
This past year, the pairing of dark, moody tones with bright, crisp whites has been our absolute favorite. This high-contrast approach consistently delivers a high-end look without requiring an exorbitant budget – a testament to the transformative power of carefully chosen paint colors. The Billiard Green, with its depth and richness, works beautifully against the Simply White uppers and walls, creating an inviting yet sophisticated atmosphere.
The Subtlety of Leathered Granite Countertops
Our decision to keep the existing leathered granite countertops was driven by both budget and design sensibility. The subtle green tint within the granite, though faint, beautifully anchors the bold Billiard Green cabinets. The unique texture of leathered granite adds another layer of sophistication to the kitchen, creating a tactile experience that complements the visual richness of the painted cabinets. It’s a testament to how working with existing elements can lead to a truly custom and harmonious design.
Hardware: The Jewelry of the Kitchen
Hardware might seem like a minor detail, but it can dramatically alter the perception of your cabinetry. Initially, I entertained the idea of spray painting our existing knobs and pulls to save approximately $75. I even experimented with four different brass/gold spray paint colors, hoping to find a viable, budget-friendly solution. However, the results were consistently disappointing; they all looked a bit glittery and artificial, lacking the authentic luster we desired.
Recognizing the importance of durable and aesthetically pleasing hardware, I ultimately opted to invest in new pieces. We chose this pack of aged brass pulls and a matching pack of aged brass knobs. This decision was totally worth it, not only for their superior look and feel but also because they perfectly tie into our new lighting fixtures, which I’ll be revealing in a future update. The aged brass finish offers a timeless elegance and, crucially, ensures longevity without the risk of chipping paint. Currently, we’ve installed the cup pulls, and we’re eagerly awaiting the arrival of the remaining knobs. It’s truly a unique experience trying to open cabinets without them – a small reminder of the impact these finishing touches have!
Budget-Friendly Brilliance: Our DIY Kitchen Refresh Cost
One of the most satisfying aspects of this kitchen refresh is its affordability. To date, including the backsplash, paint for both upper and lower cabinets, and the new hardware, our total investment stands at approximately $340. This figure is truly amazing, especially when considering that hiring a professional to paint cabinets alone could easily cost well over $1,000.
Our experience proves that a significant visual overhaul doesn’t require breaking the bank. With strategic choices, a bit of elbow grease, and a willingness to DIY, you can achieve a high-impact transformation for a fraction of the cost of a full renovation. This approach empowers homeowners to create beautiful, personalized spaces without compromising their financial goals.
Our Kitchen Refresh To-Do List: What’s Next?
This refresh is an ongoing journey, and we’re diligently working through our to-do list. Here’s a quick overview of what we’ve accomplished and what’s still on the horizon:
- Cover existing backsplash with pressed ceiling tiles – COMPLETED!
Paint kitchen cabinets Sherwin Williams Billiard Green and Benjamin Moore Simply White– COMPLETED!Paint walls Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee– COMPLETED!Add new knobs and pulls– COMPLETED (mostly)!- Add mini pendant light over sink
- Take down cluttered shelf and add command center wall – COMPLETED!
- Swap old track light for new aged brass light
Remove shamrock cut-outs from built-in shelf– COMPLETED!- Refresh floor grout
- Hang wall art around coffee bar
- Add accent rug
Your Guide to a Green Kitchen Makeover
If you’re feeling inspired to embark on your own kitchen cabinet painting project, especially with a bold color like Sherwin Williams Billiard Green, remember these key tips:
- Test, Test, Test: Always paint swatches on your cabinets and observe them in different lighting conditions throughout the day before committing to a color.
- Patience is Key: Cabinet painting is a multi-step process that requires patience for drying times and meticulous preparation. Rushing can lead to a less-than-perfect finish.
- Invest in Quality Paint: As we discovered, using a high-quality paint like Benjamin Moore Advance makes a significant difference in durability and finish.
- Don’t Underestimate Hardware: New hardware is the finishing touch that can truly elevate the look of your cabinets and the entire kitchen.
For a more in-depth look at our cabinet painting methods, you can check out my quick video tutorial in my Instagram Stories highlights. Stay tuned for even more updates as we continue to transform this space, bringing you along for every exciting step! Eep!
