My "new" kitchen was renovated in the 1970s (the house was built in the 20s) and I don't think the counters had been oiled in years (decades?). There were so many cut marks and deep black rotted parts around the sink; the island was bare and dry looking; and the perimeter counters were covered in a yellowed varnish. They looked destined to be replaced.

BEFORE:

THEN: I had the counters sanded to remove the gouges, years of grime, and varnish. I oiled them with mineral oil, and TA DA! While they don't look *brand* new, they look fresh and smooth and clean. I think there is still a bit of work to be done (if anyone has advice on how to remove the black lines between the sections of wood -- I have read bleach but am afraid to try?) but it was such a major transformation that I wanted to share.

AFTER

Of course, now the cabinets and sink look terrible -- there's always another project!!

If they were mine, I wouldn't worry too much about the black lines. It's an older butcher block and to me that's patina.

If you really don't like it, bleach it. Use a sponge. You'll have to reoil, but so what, right? At least that's not a toughie.

How are you sealing the edge of the sink so water doesn't get under there again? Recaulking?

As far as the sink, I need to replace the one that is there, so I'm hoping to find one a bit wider to cover some of the worst damage (especially at the left edge of the old sink) and then we will make sure to seal it well! I can't remember what my contractor said he'd use to seal it, but he has mentioned several times that it will need to be sealed.

I'm with mermanmike on the navy blue paint for your cabs. BM Hale Navy. (Apologies for the unsolicited advice.) Your Mexican tile is so beautiful! The blue would really set off the tile, esp now that your counters have their mellow yellow back.

detroit_burb: I think it is maple, and I agree that it certainly will outlive me! We are definitely keeping the cabinets, but will likely paint, as their color clashes with the counters (the cabs are sort of peachy/rose which just looks odd with the counters).

mermanmike and shanghaimom: Good idea! Others have suggested a bright blue (in person, the blue in the tile is pretty bright), but I like navy better, at least on the island. That Hale Navy is gorgeous!!! (I think I'll do the perimeter cabinets in a lighter cream/off-white color.) I have also considered lighter blue-gray or greenish gray for the cabs. My contractor wants me to look into colored stain (like a navy stain) so the grain will show through, but I think -- and others have pointed out -- that there is already a LOT of texture in this kitchen, so losing the wood grain might not be a bad thing.

Looking forward to seeing those navy cabinets.