We’ve all done it — scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest when we come across a photo of a home so beautiful that we start imagining it in our own homes. Maybe it’s the wall color, the cabinets, the hardware, or just the way the light hits the room. Whatever it is, that photo gets saved, and somewhere along the way, it becomes a reality. That was the case for this homeowner in Scarsdale, NY — and it was our job to bring her vision to life through professional kitchen cabinet painting.
Project Details
| Service | Kitchen Cabinet Painting |
|---|---|
| Location | Scarsdale, NY |
| Original Color | Brown |
| New Color | Inky Blue & Accolade |
| Timeline | About 2 weeks |
| Investment | ~$10,000 |
What We Were Working With
Before starting the cabinet painting project, our estimator, Hunter, completed a walkthrough with the homeowner to assess the condition of her existing kitchen cabinets. Upon arrival, the house was clearly under renovation, and the kitchen cabinets were still covered and protected. They were new and factory-painted, but despite being relatively new, they weren’t in the best condition — multiple scratches and imperfections stood out, and the homeowner wasn’t happy with the inconsistent factory finish. While there was no grease buildup or moisture damage, careful surface preparation would be crucial to achieving a high-quality result. This walkthrough allowed our team to determine the right prep work and ensure the cabinets were properly prepared for a smooth, durable finish.
The homeowner had also done her own research and provided our team with an inspiration photo that captured the exact look she wanted for her kitchen. Having a clear vision from the start helped our team understand her goals and map out how the cabinet painting process could bring that vision to life.
The Homeowner’s Goal
The homeowner was already in the process of remodeling her beautiful Scarsdale home, and this cabinet painting project was just one more step toward achieving her overall vision. She wanted her kitchen to feel brand new rather than simply touched up — and since the rest of the home was under renovation, she wanted the kitchen to have a cohesive look that matched the rest of the house. Painting the cabinets gave her a way to transform the space without the cost or hassle of replacing the cabinets entirely.
One detail that stood out on this project was the color choice. Rather than choosing a single color, the homeowner selected an Accolade shade for the back cabinets and Inky Blue for the rest. This two-tone approach gave each area of the kitchen its own distinct look while still feeling cohesive with the rest of the home.
Choosing the Right Cabinet Color
While the homeowner had a reference photo in mind, she struggled to find the exact color that would suit her kitchen. Using her inspiration picture, Hunter was able to narrow down the color selection and apply five color samples directly onto the cabinets — including one shade that’s been especially popular among homeowners lately — so she could see how each color would actually look in her kitchen’s lighting. Testing the colors in the real space gave her the confidence to make a final decision.
The Cabinet Painting Process, Step by Step
Here’s a closer look at how we approached this Scarsdale kitchen cabinet painting project, from start to finish.
Phase 1: Painting the Cabinet Doors and Drawers
- All kitchen cabinet doors and drawers are labeled, removed, and taken to our shop.
- All surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and lightly sanded before painting.
- One coat of primer is applied, followed by two coats of paint.
Phase 2: Hardware
- New cabinet hardware is provided by the homeowner.
- Additional holes are drilled as needed for the new hardware.
- Any hardware holes that won’t be reused are filled, sanded smooth, spot-primed, and painted to match the surrounding cabinets.
Phase 3: Finishing Touches
- Surrounding furniture is protected with plastic, and floors are protected with drop cloths.
- A durable, water-based topcoat is applied to increase durability in high-traffic areas.
- Cabinet doors and drawers are reinstalled once painting is complete.
The Biggest Challenge: Attention to Detail
The biggest challenge on this project was making sure no detail on the cabinets was overlooked. Because the cabinets had intricate detailing, the preparation and painting process required extra patience and precision. It was important to protect those decorative details throughout the process — the amount of care that goes into painting each piece makes a major difference in the final result.
What She Had to Say
The homeowner was thrilled with her new cabinets and didn’t hold back — she texted our team directly to share her excitement, and also left us a thoughtful review. Here’s what she had to say:
Text to Hunter, our estimator:
“The doors look incredible!! Last night my husband said, ‘This is the first time a contractor has ever exceeded my expectations.’ We’re really pleased!!”
Text to our owner:
“Wow!!! We never knew painted cabinets could look so smooth and beautiful. They did a GREAT job!!” 🙌
Google Review — Kindra Dalach (★★★★★)
“Wow wow wow! I never would have thought that painting our kitchen cabinets could make them look so smooth and beautiful. The team did an outstanding job. I think this is the only company we have ever worked with that exceeded our expectations.”
— Kindra Dalach, Local Guide · Google Review
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Cabinet Painting
Do you have to remove the cabinet doors and drawers? For the best possible finish, cabinet doors and drawers are typically removed and painted separately. This allows better access to every surface and creates a smoother, more consistent finish.
Can I change my cabinet color completely? Yes. Cabinet painting gives homeowners a wide range of color options. That said, the existing cabinet color and the new color should both be factored in when choosing the right primer and coating system for consistent coverage.
How much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets? Cost varies based on factors like the size of the kitchen, the number of doors and drawers, cabinet condition, prep work required, and the finish selected. A professional estimate is the best way to get an accurate cost for your specific project.
You can also see our kitchen cabinet painting cost guide for more detail. This Scarsdale project cost approximately $10,000.
Is cabinet painting a good option if I’m remodeling my kitchen? It can be. If your existing cabinets are in good condition and the layout still works for your kitchen, painting them can complement other renovations while giving the space an entirely new look.
How do you maintain painted kitchen cabinets? Painted cabinets should be cleaned regularly with a soft cloth and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive sponges, and excessive moisture, as these can damage the finish over time.
Ready to make your vision come to life? Schedule a free kitchen cabinet painting estimate.