Lipstick on a Pig

Hi, Christine,

It's me - again!  (check out Carol's previous post here.)  Just a new dilemma.  We have white builder's grade Merrilat cabinetry (in good shape) throughout our condo.  I would like to update the look in the bathrooms.  Right now there are bisque cultured marble counters and sinks, as well as the bisque-colored garden tub and deck which sits between the two master vanities.  Would it be worth painting the bathroom cabinets and replacing the counters with granite, or is that like putting lipstick on a pig? (thanks, Sarah!)  There are no windows in either bath.  Still not committed to staying here long though we may end up doing just that.  (You may remember the mottled green ceramic floor tile - it's in the bathrooms, too, and up the wall behind the tub with an accent row.

Thanks for any suggestions,

Carol

Hi Carol,

Unless it is real wood, painting cabinets does not usually go well.  To get a good finish- you need to be able to lightly sand your surface. 

Granite?  Granite is a very formal look- and a very "kitcheny" look. Try to keep the formality of your cabinets consistent with the formality of the counter surface.  In a bathroom, you don't need the stain resistance and durability of granite.  Go with marble, travertine or sandstone. Consider honed instead of polished for a more casual feel.  So as to not over-invest, consider using 4 x 4's or 12 x 12's or mosaic instead of a slab.

Would I go through the expense of putting any of those on your cabinetry? (or is this all just lipstick on a pig?) You did say they were in good shape- although you sent no picture- so I can't make the call- I say only if you really like the cabinets.  Keep your counters neutral- like the travertine counters below.

 

If you decide to stay- you might consider a furniture look to replace your stock cabinets- like the Restoration Hardware piece below. (If you have some tile to make the flooring work).  I have made my own combinations for clients-  (or- perhaps I should give the credit to the contractors that make it all happen.)

Best wishes with your bathroom!

bath photo from Decor Pad