Q. I am a renter and plan to stay in my place for three to five years. I’d like to paint the outdated oak cupboards in my small kitchen. Any suggestions on colour?

A. Small kitchens tend to look their best when treated with a monochromatic colour scheme; meaning that all the finishes in the small space are similar in colour and tone.

If you are not investing in a new countertop or backsplash then find your inspiration for a paint colour from the existing elements that you will not be changing.

For instance, if you have a grey speckled countertop choose a grey paint colour and other grey elements for the kitchen. One of my favourites is Benjamin Moore’s Escarpment CC-518.

Paint everything in the kitchen the same colour; the cupboards will be painted in a gloss oil paint, the walls in a flat latex and the backsplash can be painted with a melamine paint for durability.

For a professional, smooth paint finish consider sending the cupboard doors and drawers out to be sprayed.