Designing Around Existing Cherry Cabinets

10 years ago

We originally thought we would move our kitchen into an existing dining room, make our current kitchen a family/mud room, and make our current sun room a dining room. The more we investigated, the harder and more expensive that route looks.

So now we want to update our current kitchen by:
1. Replacing the island with a new island with micro drawer, but no sink and no ice maker, and add overhang for 3 small stools
2. Replace appliances (likely with SS)
3. Replace counter top with engineered stone
4. replace CARPET (who ever put carpet in a kitchen) with either wood or tile. We are leaning towards tile, and thinking we would do a nod to the history of our home (built 1927) by using hexagonal floor tiles.
5. Remove wall paper and paint walls and molding
6. Build a banquette in the breakfast nook (also looks to be 1920s appropriate
7. Add a subway tile back splash and re-tile existing decorative tile areas with a more 20s looking tile (yet to be determined)
8. Replace ceiling fan with new light fixture. Leave recessed can lights. Add under cabinet lights.
9. Change hardware

Here are some pics of the kitchen as it stands today:
View Of Kitchen from Butler's Pantry, nook at far end of picture

View From Breakfast nook

KITCHEN FROM BULTER'S PANTRY (pantry to stay, but get a face lift too)

So, are we crazy to keep these old cherry cabinets? They are all wood and in good shape but are probably 25 years old. Can we design something pretty around these?

Thanks!

Featured Answer

athomesewing

10 years ago

Wow! I wish I had that problem -- gorgeous cherry cabinets as a basis from which to begin! They are beautiful. You've got great ideas and they will make this kitchen into a showplace! Keep the photos coming as you move through the process.

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Comments (57)

debrak2008
10 years ago
What a cool kitchen! I would love to be able to work with a kitchen like that.

I have black appliances with cherry cabinets and like the look, so you have the option of black or SS.

Since you already have the plumbing in place, maybe have a sink and MW in the island.

What is under the carpet?

Love the crown moulding.

I actually love the butlers pantry as is.

Can you show photos of the rest of your house. It looks so interesting!

This post was edited by debrak2008 on Tue, Mar 11, 14 at 16:01
SJMI
Original Author
10 years ago
dcward89 - 1,700 lbs ...sounds like a LOT of cabinets! Enjoy!

Yes, the kitchen is poster child 80s, and we hope to make it into a more classic look with a nod to the 20s.

debrak2008- Thanks! it's so great to get a positive response to working with what we already have! We are lucky. In the Butler's Pantry we plan on simply changing the 80s lights to a chandelier, refinishing the butcher block counters (and making them a bit darker), touching up the cabinet paint, new hardware, and of course new floors with kitchen.

I am adding a few more pics of the house, it's a 1927 French inspired Tudor Revival, so it has a bit of an identity crisis. We love it because of its original woodwork, beams, plaster, wrought iron, and tile. We really want to make the kitchen look like it fits better with the rest of the details.
Foyer with Living Room on right

Sun room

Library

Basement

Jack and Jill bathroom

Thanks!
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So many great suggestions. I'm not sure I have anything helpful to add except that I have a 1920s house. And a very small kitchen. When we updated, we did not change the floor-plan nor did we knock down walls. I actually like kitchens that are separate from the rest of the house. Our first house (also 1920s) had a kitchen with a *gasp* door that closed and I loved it. Our current kitchen is actually quite open to the house thanks to earlier renovations by previous owners. I actually tried to get my husband to let me close up a not original 'opening' to the back of our house. I digress. My point is that your home is charming and you can update and work with the space you've got. I am a big fan of painted cabinets and given that you only have one window, I would worry that the room might feel dark with stained cabinets. That said, I notice that your millwork elsewhere is not painted and stained cabinets would blend nicely with all that great wood trim! I could see a nice painted cabinet in a color with wood counters also looking great. And yes- I think adding some glass cabinets would open things up a lot. Also, put drawers everywhere you can. I made every lower cab except the sink base drawers and I do not regret it one iota. I can't wait to see how this project progresses.
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Thanks guys, I actually really like the warmer tones as much (or more) as I liked the blues/grays. I think I started down a road and ran with it without thinking about the bigger picture. As far as pulls, I was thinking maybe just cup pulls, although I do like the ones that badgergirl posted too. We are straddling that budget so we'll have to see what is available with no charge. The bars were an upcharge so it was nice to make a choice that was less expensive for a change. I am hoping that the quarter sawn oak isn't too much of an upcharge, I went to look at just factory finish cabinets at Lowes today and do like the look of the grain. It is warm, but quiet enough. Sent my request to the cabinet guy so fingers crossed that all will come in on budget. Another question is do I paint the island a lighter color to decrease the darkness in the middle of the room or just keep consistent throughout. I am leaning toward the latter actually. Badgergal, I stole the lights from you! I loved it so much in your pics. And I saw the price, so it will be a splurge for me as well. They will be likely be a 2013 item, with a cheapo $20/per pendent fill in until my savings account replenishes. But I can live with that knowing what is in the future. As far as lighting, we have been pricing/thinking of this. Due to the dark color of the cabinets, this was a big concern of mine, lighting is everything! We currently have some recessed (6 of them) and an overhead over the sink. We are pricing the pendants over the island and lights in the glass front upper cabinets (total of 6). We cut the under cabinet lights in the interest of budget and in talking to people who said that they rarely use them. Maybe I should reconsider? How hard is that to add in after the fact if we decide that we need them later? We do have a window over the sink and then the bump out of the eat in area is virtually surrounded on three sides pretty much floor to ceiling with windows/doors, so it does get some natural light. Anyway, updated pic and I think it looks pretty good (although I am now thinking that the curve/bow pulls may be a better option seeing it in place - maybe less surface so less shine). Walls will need to be decided on, but that is an easy fix. Cookies will be forthcoming when I have a new oven that doesn't take the temp setting as a mere suggestion!
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Thank you again all so very much! You are an incredible resource and I appreciate the ideas and input. I actually wish we could do them all, a banquette, the sink closer to the DR, a mudroom and eat in space. But alas we are not willing to really change the layout as it stands. We like many aspects of having a kitchen at the back of the house and enclosed. We love it for entertaining. I do know that this kitchen was initially designed as a utilitarian space for the house staff to work, and not an eat in kitchen by any stretch. Unfortunately, the staff is long gone! The back stairs off the nook lead to the "maid's quarters" upstairs and my guess is the nook was likely the original food pantry. We do want to honor the home, its lovely architecture and history, and at the same time gain just enough to make the kitchen eat in for quick breakfast/lunch. We will continue to eat family dinners in the DR, as it is the most beautiful room in the house and has plenty of space! I never posted the main layout of the house and I think it is valuable. The vast majority (upwards of 95% of traffic into the kitchen comes through the BP doorway. Only I come in the side door consistently. My husband can not fit his car through the driveway arch easily (another charming feature of an old home) to reach the side entrance. So he always comes in the front door. The kids do come in the side when they are driving with me sometimes. But I use the front at least 60% of the time, especially in winter when we don't always clear snow from the back! The back stairs are very rarely used (less than 5%) and the patio door is used seasonally, but again more traffic goes through the sun room door to the patio. So, the nook is not really a very trafficked path. I think we are going to stick with sink in nook. It gives us much more prep and eat in space and also gives us a nice out of the main path place for clean up. In this mock up, we've removed the small wall between the nook and kitchen along the new range wall and we are able to wrap some cabinets there to integrate the space. We will have to change the patio door to an out swinging door, but thats ok. That wall is also dry wall not plaster, so we know it was part of the 80s remodel and not original. The table in this image is not right, we love a table like the one benjesbride posted (simple, open, counter height). This will give us casual fast eating space and lots of prep room for when we are all cooking or baking together. We know island seating is not super comfy, but it will work for quick, we have comfy in the DR! And I really can't prep well at table height, Im tall. It can also be used as a buffet or bar at parties. We do not like how closed our current kitchen feels, that is our number one complaint really. So this adds much space to the kitchen. We are thinking of how design wise we want ti make sure that clean up space is beautiful (you can see it from the main hall) and also well integrated in the kitchen space. I know this was not a super popular idea, and I appreciate the concerns. We feel good that the main traffic will be much improved. Kids can quickly grab snacks, water at prep sink, wash hands, get to fridge and micro all without crossing the cooking or much of the prep space. I am already thinking a small assortment of glasses and dishes will be stored by the prep sink for easy snack access. As we prep, dirty dishes can be moved out of the way and not clutter. There are lots of up sides! And while I would love a mudroom we spend way more time cooking and in the kitchen that we do storing "stuff". And the kids have a space in the sunroom for all their homework, book bags etc. Oh, an we can eat at the table if we chose and not see the mess! Now, I am to the stage of figuring out what will go where and all that fun stuff. We will have more storage in the new space than we have now, and storage is not an issue for us with the large BP so at least thats not a sacrifice! Finally, we do want to keep with the history of the home, which will make for a reasonably utilitarian space. Shaker cabs to match original BP cabinetry, although full overlay not inset, white or whitish. Not sure on counters yet, thinking a bold tile floor (arabesque, or terra cotta, or black and white patterned tile like this one: I know the original floor was a linoleum black and white pattern. I think a vintage sink with glass cabinet uppers around it. Preferably one with an awesome drain board attached. Or maybe a stainless steel counter for the sink with drainboard? Airy counter height table like the one benjesbride shared, simple stools. We like many things about this kitchen: Any great tips on how to create a utilitarian space that is not boring or overdone or too sterile? Thanks again so VERY much. Really do appreciate your feedback!
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Since the Stages sinks have integrated cutting boards and prep accessories, I think it will be functional in the island, especially if you can make the island longer. It occurred to me that if you can move the entry as far to the right as possible, you could have a more direct route from back door to kitchen, and separate the clean-up and prep/cooking zones, while still having a secondary prep zone on the end of the island, convenient to water at the clean-up sink. This plan would also eliminate the blind corner, and leave room for the second oven. If you decide on the smart oven, it and a MW (or is it a combo?) could be located just inside the entry. (See alternate plan.) The drawback would be that the walk to the pantry is a little farther from the primary prep zone. Can you cut back or remove the jog at the end of the hallway wall? That would give you a more space for the range wall. Alternately, you could have a shared trash pull-out on the corner by the range, and have a MW drawer across from the fridge. If you don't opt for the second oven beside the entry, there will be room for an extra prep zone beside the clean-up sink.
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nosoccermom
10 years ago
I really love your pantry, the sink, the cabinets, the molding in your kitchen, the glass cabinets.
Are those tiles on the hood or wall paper?
And, no, I've never seen carpet in a kitchen! Maybe marmoleum or linoleum would be appropriate?
annkh_nd
10 years ago
Stunning! Thanks so much for sharing!

I love the fireplace in the basement. What's the flooring there?

I can imagine the library full of books - though it doesn't seem like modern books would be quite appropriate in such a classic space. Do you happen to have a vast collection of old books? Oh, and that fireplace is gorgeous too!

The sun room - I could live in the sun room.

And of course the entry and living room - just beautiful. I see what you mean about the beams. And I'm guessing that the photos don't begin to do it justice!
User
10 years ago
I love a well done white kitchen. That said, I would vote to keep and work with your present cabinets. There is a rich glow to that wood tone that seems to suit your home. The butler's pantry is such a great space!
cawaps
10 years ago
Your house is awesome!
SJMI
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks so much! I really appreciate the feedback!

We do have lots of books, mostly modern though. Have picked up some older leather bound classics just cause the library needs them!

The basement floors are terrazzo, original and in good shape.

The way the materials hold up is what really inspires me to try and keep true to them, and rescue the kitchen from the 80s.

Had not thought of linoleum or marmoleum, Not sure how future buyers would respond to a material like that, historically appropriate, but not used much these days?

That said, my better half is really leaning towards "historical" tile for flooring. Not necessarily these colors/patterns, but general feel. He's really liking the borders of these types of tile. I am leaning towards wood, seems easier and safer. Thoughts?
Fluffeebiskits1
10 years ago
Cabinets are beautiful! I'd paint the walls and trim, add a nice tile, and get nice soapstone countertops. Or maybe marble on the island. That kitchen is begging for marble even if its not so practical. And definitely some period- inspired lighting and hardware like cup pulls. FWIW i like the black appliances too.
Valerie Noronha
10 years ago
Your house is stunning. In your situation, I'd be tempted to leave the lower cabinets as is and paint the upper cabinets white, the same shade as the soffets and crown moulding as right now it looks very choppy. Love the butler's pantry too and your idea for the banquette. I've seen the hex tiles more in vintage bathrooms than the kitchen. I agree with the recommendation to do marmoleum or hardwood.

I redid my kitchen about 6-years-ago and put in natural cherry cabinets, hardwood floors and SS appliances. While it's not the current fad, I don't think it's passe either. Cherry is a lovely wood and looks like your cabinets are well made, especially with all of the lower drawers, which is one of the reasons I think for replacing cabinets. Perhaps you could upgrade the drawer glides to blum?
Lake_Girl
10 years ago
My sister has natural cherry cabinets. She so wants to paint her kitchen, but what is a good paint color with cherry cabs? SJMI, what color are you thinking? Anybody got any paint color ideas with these cabs?
katy-lou
10 years ago
Cool house. I vote to keep the cabs as well and bet you have wood user all those layers of flooring. We did 4 layers down - got to the original oak floors in the house. Ours was built in 1920. We just also had custom floor to ceiling natural cherry cabs put in. The kitchen now feels like it always belonged. What a fun project you have.
CEFreeman
10 years ago
Something I can't understand is why someone would purchase such a beautiful, architecturally classified home, then worry about what was "in" or "trendy" in their kitchen?

You have a classical house. Why not simply do something beautiful vs. worrying about every fad that's going to whip by you. Those cabinets are fabulous. They are standing the test of time in their dignity and beauty. Your HOME is fabulous.

Something :not used much these days" HUH!? "I am leaning towards wood, seems easier and safer." What is safer? That what? Are you moving? Are you flipping your home? Why did you buy a historic home just to war with yourself about its value and beauty?

Getting rid of the cabs because something else is "in"? is nutzo IMHO. But opinions are like elbows...
Also going with SS appliances because they're "the trend." For goodness sake, either fix yourself a darned modern, trendy kitchen that will be out of fashion in 2 years (and you can start worrying about that again) and be done with it, or look hard at the gems you actually have and restore, revive, refresh, and remember why you bought the house.

Lake girl, what color are your sister's cherry cabs. There isn't just ONE color of cherry! I have dark red, almost gray, gorgeous natural, which is in between the two, browner cherry, etc.

SMJI, just what are you looking to hear? I think if you looked around your own home, you'd see that trends are detrimental to the tradition and style of your home.

I also think your cabinets, space, pantry, and whole home is something others would cut off their left ... arm for. I hope you actually see the value of maintaining -- and sure, improving -- your incredible home.

End rant.
Texas_Gem
10 years ago
I wouldn't TOUCH those cabinets, they are gorgeous and go so well with the rest of the house. If you were to change them, when you decided to sell someone would probably walk through the house and think the same thing you do right now about the kitchen not matching the rest of the house.

Some paint, flooring, new hardware, etc will turn that from a huh kitchen to a WOW kitchen IMHO.

Also, if you decide you don't want that house any more, I'll gladly take it off your hands, I'm in love!!
romy718
10 years ago
When I was scrolling through the pictures of your home (the rooms look huge), I thought for sure it was going to say "Ballroom" under the basement picture. Beautiful home.
texasgal47
10 years ago
I think you have one of the most beautiful homes I've seen on GW. And agree with the others that those cherry cabs do not look dated but like fabulous classics. This idea would probably not work out functionally, but what about removing the cabinets on either side of the sink, and replace with windows, to bring more natural light into your kitchen? I would install the same type of steel casements that are in the pantry. Absolutely cannot wait to see the After pictures for this update.
CEFreeman
10 years ago
If you do as suggested above, which would be lovely and in keeping with your home, PLEASE don't discard any cabinets you take down! They're so perfect with your woodwork and home it would be horribly sad not to find another place in your home to use them. Even if it's the garage.

Which should be a 1 car, with a drive that has to tire track concrete paths into it. Actually, with the 1920s gem you have, might even be attached and ready for 2 cars.

OK. Just saw two things after I sat still. Definitely get rid of that awful ceiling fan. Please, please don't paint that molding? Unless it doesn't match the other woodwork in the home.

Really, do you realize what an amazing home you have?
And what type of photography/er are you using? They all look so perfect, the pictures look like computer renderings.
feisty68
10 years ago
What a stunning home! And so much to love in your kitchen.

Flooring choice will be pretty critical. What about traditional linoleum (Marmoleum) black and white checkered? It would look great with the black appliances and allow the cherry wood to be the colour in the room.

Or a tile pattern like this:

I wouldn't do wood floors - I see wood fighting with your cabinets. Though I love the hex tile inspiration photo you posted, they are strongly associated with bathrooms in my mind.

So cool to honour what you have. And so cool that someone installed something worth honouring - they go together.

Here is a link that might be useful: More 1920s Kitchens
Cindy103d
10 years ago
Your home is absolutely beautiful. I love the richness of the wood in your kitchen and would not touch those cabinets with a paint brush. They are far too beautiful to hide under a coat of paint.

Love the look of traditional linoleum in the kitchen. I think you'd have too much wood fighting each other if you went with a wood floor.
dcward89
10 years ago
WOW...your home is like the perfect rendition of my dream home. I love every room you posted. That library almost brings tears to my eyes and I can just see myself wandering in to choose a book and then spending a long, quiet day reading in that sunroom. It's really beautiful and classic and I would definitely NOT change out those cherry cabinets. I agree with others who said that changing out the flooring and counters, removing wallpaper and painting will make a huge difference. I hope you enjoy every moment that you have the privilege of living in this beautiful home!
Lake_Girl
10 years ago
I think the OP could benefit from more specific ideas (not that I have any good ones right now). She needs paint color names (I mean I need paint color names:). I think everyone agrees that's it's beautiful and she should keep the cabinets:)
CEF - my sister's cherry cabs are very similar to these. I would say they are a warm color, but I can't come up with a paint color for the walls for the life of me, except maybe sage.
schicksal
10 years ago
The pictures look great - it looks like it's really high quality construction. It reminds me of Jesse's parents place on Breaking Bad.

Tile would probably go pretty well in the kitchen, especially something with an older look and nice border like this
SJMI
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you!

CEFreeman, thanks for the "rant." We agree with you that the original beauty of the house needs to be restored. We fell in love with our house because of these elements, and passed up many newer, more modern homes. We are not house flippers, but it's very possible we will live here a decade (until the kiddos fly the coop) and then move. Our goal is to preserve the beauty of the home while creating a classic kitchen that we enjoy and that stands the test of time. Hopefully we will avoid the mistakes of the day, thanks in part to the helpful feedback here.

Fesity68- I like the black and white checkerboard flooring idea. I do see that wood might compete. Also, the Butler's pantry is attached to the foyer and the dining room that both have original wood floors that I do not think we could match perfectly. I do still like the vintage tile, but hear the concerns that it looks more bathroom than kitchen. Will really have to look at linoleum, have not done that.

As far as paint colors, we are far from having that figured out. I am imaging at this point light counters. The room is a bit dark, so think lighter is better.

I love the idea of marble on the island, but know we would have to accept its limitations and patina.

I have some pictures here of the next keep or not question. They are of the tile that is on the range hood and on the wall opposite the range. Not sure what the tiled area was designed for, but the tiles are pretty, but we cover them up now with a make shift bulletin board (excuse the mess) When we renovate we will move the bulletin board area...So, thoughts on keeping these tiles?

These pics are cell phone, so not as good as the professional real estate pics we've been using, my apologies!

Thanks!
CEFreeman
10 years ago
Have you considered looking to see if those are historical?
I know nothing about that type of art, but tile art is quite collectable.
I think it is a nice touch in the kitchen, but for my own tastes, it's a bit too country. Funny.
Doesn't seem to go with the rest of the pictures to me.

If you're so concerned about creating a classic kitchen -- which you already have, why are you so concerned about "in" or "trendy" or "safe." I repeat, what the heck is "safe"?

I heard something funny (ignorant, considering the source) on one of the DIY shows. The host was emphasizing to the home owners that they were "installing Natural linoleum." huh?
Fluffeebiskits1
10 years ago
Do those tiles fit with your overall vision for the room? If not maybe you coud replace them with something more appropriate and keep the concept going. Its a period home, so subway tiles, chrome and porcelain seem appropriate. How about silestone for countertops. The Lyra pattern looks like marble but is more durable. On the big orange website, if you look at the color choices they show it with simar colored cabinets and smokey blue walls... Very attractive.

@Lake_girl...what types of colors are you looking for? Seems like sage, blue, griege, or tan could work depending on thr shade, but i guess you never know until you see it in your own light. Have you looked at BM's bistorical colors or SW's HGTV palettes in traditional twist or liveable luxe. Those might be good starting points.
rwiegand
10 years ago
Well, compared to vinyl flooring linoleum is extremely "natural", being pretty much polymerized linseed oil and sawdust. It would also be a very appropriate flooring choice for a 1920's kitchen, especially if done with an inlaid pattern. There's much to be said for it.

Definitely keep the cherry cabinets, they will still be classy after the next 10 generations of kitchen fads come and go. We jut bought beautiful cherry cabinets from someone with more money than sense who was replacing them with a sterile and ugly (but fashionable) white kitchen. I was able to make the few odd pieces we needed to make everything fit perfectly.
nosoccermom
10 years ago
Are all the herb names in French on the tiles?
SJMI
Original Author
10 years ago
Fluffeebisklits, we will check silestone and we will have to consider the reality of a well used kitchen with kids and marble. Thanks for pointing me to an example picture! Definitely will be using subway tiles.

Nosoccermom, the herb names are all in French. The house does have some French elements, in particular the exterior. Not sure if that had to do with the tile choice or not.

CEFreeman, not sure about historical, I am guessing they were part of the 80s renovations, but they do look painted and they are beautiful, if not our taste/vision. To me safe just means not doing something SO out of the realm of what is expected that it is off-putting. Thanks for your feedback on this, definitely has helped me to clarify what we want to do.
Iowacommute
10 years ago
I am in love with your butlers pantry. Those cabinets with the paisley wallaper is amazing. Your whole house is amazing and you are lucky to find it.
Fluffeebiskits1
10 years ago
I just saw a bathroom on Houzz with cherry cabs and the walls were painter SW Enigma. It looked stunning together.
feisty68
10 years ago
I recommend doing what I am doing in my own kitchen:

1. change flooring
2. change counters
3. pick wall colour

Flooring and counters are huge, costly commitments. I would pick paint colour *last* to work with whatever you end up with. I would definitely recommend looking at Farrow and Ball's colours. They are limited in number and historically derived. Even if you don't use their formulation, which is expensive, you can still match their colour.

I have wonderful associations with black and white checkered linoleum tiles in the kitchen. A family friend had a wonderful Victorian home when I was growing up and her kitchen had that type of flooring. Linoleum is very practical - we have it in high traffic areas in our common room in our housing complex. You just get it waxed and buffed once a year. It also feels soft and warm underfoot.
feisty68
10 years ago
My counters will be River White granite. It could never be mistaken for marble, but it is faintly reminiscent of it:

I also think soapstone would be a good choice, though dark.
feisty68
10 years ago
Black and white flooring + cherry inspiration - I don't love everything about these photos, but I think the two elements look great together!

With black and white flooring, I would probably stick with white walls.
feisty68
10 years ago
I would keep the tiles if you love them, otherwise I don't think you have any obligation to keep them. It's your home to enjoy.

edited to add: the tiles would probably look cute with white walls so you may want to wait to figure out whether you want to keep them?

This post was edited by feisty68 on Thu, Mar 13, 14 at 1:32
feisty68
10 years ago
I would get some custom panelling to handle the area between the upper cabinets and the crown molding - as described in the article below:

Here is a link that might be useful: Can't Rip Out Your Kitchen's Furr Downs? Do This
feisty68
10 years ago
Another flooring idea that is less dramatic than black and white, adds light, and complements cherry (IMO). I would use marble-look porcelain tiles or something practical -

edited to add: I would not do marble or granite counters if I did a floor like this.

This post was edited by feisty68 on Thu, Mar 13, 14 at 2:07
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Whitelacey
10 years ago
I agree with most everyone else-your cabinets are beautiful and they fit the look of your house. I would change the flooring, wall color and moldings to up-date the look.
feisty68
10 years ago
White sheer curtains would be a very nice addition to the window.
lam702
10 years ago
I love your cherry cabinets. I would not paint them, cherry is a classic look and it seems to me that I am seeing a lot of cherry kitchens these days. Your house has so much character, I agree with everyone about keeping that, not trying to change to a more modern look. I think the ideas posted for a black and white tile floor would look great. However, I do agree that linoleum, although completely fitting with a 1920's kitchen, is not something a prospective buyer would want. And I think linoleum requires waxing, and stripping the wax, etc. If it were me, I would look at ceramic or stone tiles in a black and white pattern, its the best of both worlds. After all, in a true 1920's kitchen the counters were also linoleum back then, weren't they? But I am sure you don't want linoleum counters today. Kitchens back in the day were made to be functional only, nothing fancy because dining was done in the formal dining room. But today kitchens are for so much more than just cooking, often, its the social center of a home. So, you are trying to blend the original style with the convenience and beauty of today's kitchen. I am not expert, far from it, most of my decorating remodeling ideas come from here, or Houzz, so many great ideas. But I would leave the cabinets, maybe give them a coat of poly if they need it. Change the floors, and counters (soapstone is another great idea as someone suggested, but a light counter would brighten it up quite a bit too) I'd paint the blue moldings a light color, paint the walls a light color and maybe get some great retro looking lighting, I think that would make it look amazing.
SJMI
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks! Such great ideas and pictures, really appreciate.

Fesity68, that link to dealing with the soffits is really helpful, had not considered that at all! I know they chop things up, but I also know ours contain some electrical and some plumbing. Not something we want to mess with, but the unified look as if part of the cabinets is very appealing.

I am feeling like the floors will be the most difficult part. While striking, the black and white would also have to continue through the Butler's Pantry, and if we want to keep it's current look with the paisley and painted original cabinets the floor would probably be too much. I am leaning towards something lighter, like the marble look tiles.

A goal of mine is making the space lighter and brighter. I think a lighter feel will go a long way to making the room seem bigger and less secluded. It won't change the location of the kitchen, but quite honestly we have grown to like the kitchen as more of a utilitarian spot than central entertaining zone, We have other spots we enjoy to eat larger dinners and entertain. At least we are not wasting our formal dining room!
Fluffeebiskits1
10 years ago
Maybe the checkerboard doesnt have to be black and white. This is Mohawk Cardenas Crema and Bianco. You cant really tell from this pic, but the cabinets are cherry.
feisty68
10 years ago
Yes, I think that cladding the soffits with cherry paneling to match the cabinets would make a huge difference in improving the kitchen. Then I would probably paint the moldings white at that point, if you're doing white walls.
feisty68
10 years ago
Like Fluffee, I think you could give a nod to the past without the checkers being so dramatic:

Painted wood floor, as above, is another option to consider.
Lake_Girl
10 years ago
SJMI - Do you ever see Sayde's kitchen on gardenweb? It was a tudor style period home that was just beautiful. I'm not sure the cabinets were cherry, but a similar color. She had marble countertops and checkered floors. I know if you google Sayde gardenweb, you'll be able to find it. Check it out and let me know what you think.
NHBabs z4b-5a NH
10 years ago
Stunning house! I am very glad you decided not to replace or paint the cabinets! (I might stain or paint the library, however.) It looks like the overall layout of the kitchen is great, and I like the butler's pantry as well. It should look impressive after the touch-ups you mentioned. Have you considered having your white cabinets in the butler's pantry?

I wouldn't keep the wall tile you currently have since it, along with the teal crown molding look dated rather than classic like the rest of the house. I think I would plan to paint the ceiling, the crown molding and the small wall space above the cabinets the same color. The stunning cabinets and the high ceilings will let that area just be background. The other thing that jumped out at me as needing replacing was the can lighting in the nook.

Here's our black and white tile kitchen floor, though our cabinets aren't cherry. It suits our 1860 farmhouse, and the 12" slightly textured ceramic tiles are practical since this room is the daily main entry. I think it would work if you were willing to reconsider keeping the paisley in the butler's pantry, but it also might work even with the paisley. If you decide not on this type of tile, I might well go with a single color of square or rectanglar tile or a slightly larger hexagonal than pictured above or basket weave tile. I think keeping the floor clean will be easier with larger tiles, however.

We have been pleased with old-style linoleum in our upstairs bath, where it mostly gets barefoot traffic, but I am not sure that it would hold up to kitchen use well. If someone had gravel stuck in shoe treads or a knife was dropped, I am not sure that the nicks and dents would be as easy to keep clean.
feisty68
10 years ago
nhbabs, wonderful floor! so practical too!
lam702
10 years ago
Wow, such great photos! I love all the different variations on the checkerboard floor look. By the way, I absolutely love that Butler's pantry! How great to have that! As for those wall tiles, for my personal taste, I think I would take them out. Not sure what you could put in their place but I am sure others here have some great ideas.
feisty68
10 years ago
I think this might be Sayde's kitchen:

Nice!

In the OP's kitchen I would do larger tiles and narrower grout lines.
SJMI
Original Author
10 years ago
I really like the subtle checkerboard and imagine it could be done in a variety of materials. Painted wood is one I have never seen, but it looks really good!

nhbabs- your floor/cabinet combination is really beautiful! Funny, re the library, when we first looked at the house we were all about staining it, but like the paisley butler's pantry walls, somehow the green has grown on us. We had thought about painting butler's pantry cabinets white. Somehow the whole look of the pantry has grown on us, minus the 80s lighting.

Lake_Girl thanks for suggesting Sayde's kitchen and feisty68 thanks for the direct picture. WOW, that is a really well done space! I love the floor, the pulls, the island, it's just gorgeous. I have never had a kitchen floor that is tile, but several bathrooms here are original and the grout is NOT easy to keep clean. Larger tile might also give an appearance of a larger room?

Think it's time to take a trip to the tile stores...
feisty68
10 years ago
Honestly, my former kitchen tile was pretty easy to maintain. They did a great job of installing it. The grout was dark grey (AKA dirt coloured) and properly sealed, so staining was never an issue. I didn't often have to scrub the grout lines because they didn't seem to hold residues much. Installation is quite a factor in cleanability IMO. Larger tile would be easier to keep clean and it would also suit the scale of the space.

I also love the butler pantry and library as they are :) . Painted wood is very traditional and pretty.
CEFreeman
10 years ago
This may seem totally obvious, but I'm throwing this out:

Grout should not be white. Floor Grout.
I have a color called 'Mocha' in my MBR and it worked for my mudroom, too. I don't even see it's there.

Another way to avoid dirty grout lines is to have tiles applied exactly next to each other. Something in my head says those wouldn't be as strong, without the grout hold all around them. I might be over thinking that, though.