Many kitchens in the Baton Rouge area have been left with only their upper cabinets and tile floors after the devastation of the flood. For homeowners looking for a fresh start, Adele Merchant of Acadian House Kitchen & Bath Design has some advice to share.

“While matching your custom cabinets seems like a design challenge, we see it as an opportunity to bring contrast to the space and add another element of design,” Merchant says. “Whether you are planning a facelift to your kitchen or are faced with working with what’s left, you can create a cohesive style without being matchy-matchy.”

One option is to pair painted finishes with a natural finish for a transitional look.

“Cabinetry finish techniques change over time, so your uppers may be difficult to match exactly,” she says. “Instead, choose painted lower cabinets in a versatile shade similar to Sherwin William’s ‘Alabaster,’ or make a statement with dramatic color like ‘Peppercorn.'”

Or try choosing a complementary door style.

“For shaker-style or glass-front cabinets, look for simple door styles with minimal detail,” Merchant says. “For more intricate arched-style upper cabinets, you may consider replacing the doors to match the lowers. You can still create contrast by painting the upper cabinets a different shade than below.”

And then, she says, tie it all together with new hardware.

“Ornate brass pulls can date original cabinets, but a quick change to something fresh like champagne or a classic polished nickel can bring it all together.”

For more information on Merchant and Acadian House, visit acadianhousekitchenbath.com.