Should I Paint My Kitchen Island a Different Color?
Last Updated: May 12, 2025
Painting your island a different color is one of the easiest ways to add contrast, personality, and value to your kitchen—see how it worked in this Boise home.
Not every kitchen upgrade requires a full remodel. Sometimes, one bold, well-executed change can make the biggest impact. That was the case with this recent kitchen island makeover, where our customer wanted one thing: to make their island the statement piece of the space.
They chose Dried Thyme by Sherwin-Williams—a soft, earthy green that brings both character and calm to a room. We used our cabinet painting process to deliver a durable, factory-grade finish that gave their island a whole new identity.
Here’s how it came together—and why cabinet painting is one of the smartest updates you can make in your kitchen.
Why the Island? Why Dried Thyme?
This homeowner wasn’t trying to overhaul their entire kitchen. Their layout worked well, the surrounding white cabinetry was in great shape, and their countertops already brought a clean, timeless look.
But the island felt flat. It blended in too much—and they wanted something with a little more presence.
Enter Dried Thyme (SW 6186). This sage-toned green shifts beautifully with the light throughout the day, creating a cozy yet elevated look. It paired perfectly with their existing white perimeter cabinets, quartz counters, and the updated matte black hardware.
Our Cabinet Refinishing Process: Built for Durability
At Spray ’n Coat Painting, we don’t treat cabinet painting like a standard paint job. Our cabinet refinishing system is designed to provide a smooth, long-lasting finish that can stand up to daily use.
Here’s how our process works:
- Prep the Area
We mask off surrounding counters, flooring, and cabinetry to create a controlled spray zone and keep the rest of the home clean. - Clean + Sand
Surfaces are thoroughly cleaned to remove grease and residue, then sanded to create ideal bonding conditions. - Prime with High-Adhesion Bonding Primer
This step is crucial for durability. We use a primer specifically designed for cabinets. - Spray On a Cabinet-Grade Finish
Our fine-finish sprayers apply smooth, even coats of a tough, furniture-grade paint formulated for cabinet surfaces.
The result is a finish that looks professionally manufactured—not hand-painted.
The Power of a Focal Point
Once the tape came off and the masking was cleared, the transformation was obvious. What was once a background element in the kitchen now looked like it was meant to be the centerpiece.
Color can do that. With the right preparation and materials, even a single change like this can redefine the entire feel of your kitchen.
And because this project focused only on the island, the turnaround was quick, clean, and minimally disruptive—especially compared to a full kitchen renovation.
Is Cabinet Painting Right for You?
If your kitchen cabinets are in decent shape but feel outdated or uninspired, cabinet painting is worth considering. We often work with homeowners who are happy with their layout but want:
- A more modern or personalized look
- Better contrast or color balance in their kitchen
- An upgrade without a full remodel
Cabinet painting is also a smart way to extend the life of your cabinetry while giving your space a fresh look. Compared to refacing or replacing cabinets, it’s typically faster, more cost-effective, and much less disruptive.
Schedule a Free Estimate
This kitchen island now feels like the heart of the home—and it didn’t take a massive renovation to get there. Whether you’re thinking about refreshing your entire kitchen or just creating one standout feature, we’re happy to help.
We’ve been painting and refinishing cabinets across Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and the surrounding Treasure Valley since 2009, and we’ll walk you through the process so you know exactly what to expect.
Fill out a request form at www.sprayncoat.com to schedule your free on-site estimate.
