skip to main content

Help for my outdated kitchen

15 years ago

I'm moving to a house with an outdated kitchen. It's a rental so I can't do any major things but I would like some ideas to make it feel fresher. I hate the black grout with the white tiles but I don't think I can do anything about it... maybe I can just play that style with the rest of the kitchen? Don't know how... I would love some ideas... I'm posting some pictures.

Thank you so much!

Here is a link that might be useful: Photos of my old kitchen

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

stretchad
15 years ago
All that white screams out for color on the walls to me! I'd put something bold on the wall, and put a nice valance and blinds up on the window. Maybe add a couple of nice floor mats/rugs?
Will your landlord let you install cabinet knobs? That might add a nice finishing touch to it for little money.
flseadog
15 years ago
Yes, you need color. If you can't the paint the walls use rugs, accessories, maybe wood blinds that coordinate with the table and even getting your coffee pot, toaster or stand mixer out on the counter will help. I think you should insist that the landlord install knobs or am I missing some sort of drawer and door pull that is incorporated with your cabinets? But I'd ask the landlord to let you pick out the ones you want. I'm not good with styles of decorating but maybe you could pick hardware that will add to some sort of theme that you use throughout the kitchen that will give your kitchen a style that draws the eye away from all the white. HTH
Related Discussions
My new kitchen already outdated!!
Q
Comments (23)
I don't understand how additions can be out if the space is too small. I would rather buy a properly done house with addition for a beautiful kitchen than a redone small kitchen. I also don't think islands are and in/out thing. My island makes my kitchen function. Under counter fridges are great drinks, veggies draws ect but what about my big jug of milk and marinating roast? I love the look of a gas and the function of it. So in my design book it is in. I did chose quartz but I did consider some beautiful granites. If everyone had the same countertop than it would become a fad. I have nickel hardware because I like the look and it doesn't show fingerprints quite so easy. All my plumbing fixtures and door handles (with the exception of a few vintage brass) are all brushed nickel.
...See More
HELP! Outdated Kitchen Cupboards & Wall Paint Color problem!
Q
Comments (39)
Do not be embarrassed about your kitchen! You have chosen to stay home with the kids - more important than cabinets any day. Normally, I don't encourage cabinet painting, but your finish is worn and that is the time to consider it. I have white appliances and I love them - I will never do stainless. I have a friend with a newer white kitchen and she has white appliances. There is nothing wrong with white appliances. Turn off HGTV:) Just make sure if you go white, that it works with the appliances. One of the fun things about an older kitchen is you can get creative with it, especially if you are at all open to cottage style. You can have the center panel of one or more cabinets removed and replaced with glass or for a farmhouse touch, chicken wire with fabric shirred behind it. It is hard to make an older kitchen look modern, but if it is your style, it is easy to make it sweet and cozy. I would not do a countertop paint - they don't last and your present counter is fine - it is not bright orange or red so leave it alone:) I retrofitted a plate rail in one of my cabinets - if you want info just ask: from Pinterest If you have any sewing skills, you can make a faux roman shade for the window. I also have no problem with your signs on you soffit. I have plates on mine. Your kitchen should express your style and be unique to you: My faux roman shade, plates on my soffit and white appliances: https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~110720042 If you don't go with white, consider a soft green: Another thought since you have kids is white uppers and navy or royal blue or gray/blue lowers - might be easier to keep looking nice with kids. An inexpensive backsplash is the textured, paintable beadboard wallpaper. I don't generally like faux products, but this is good, inexpensive product ($20 Lowes), and very easy to do. Beadboard wallpaper backsplash: I used it in my basement kitchenette: https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~65270573
...See More
Kitchen Help - Advice on matching outdated countertops
Q
Comments (6)
The oak would work nicely with slate or slate-look porcelain flooring. or, even a porcelain limestone tile. I'd do a 24x24 or 18x18 (no 12x12 tiles!) Lowes has this porcelain tile that resembles slate in a rectangle tile. Ivetta is the name. you could do a Marmoleum. they can come in a sheet or tiles and all diff colors this is the 24x24 porcelain limestone looking tile (tilebar.com) or do a simple oak flooring the other things I'd recommend is finding some hardware for your cabinets for a finished look and removing the white curtain for something in a blind. Inset in the window for a cleaner look. Paint the ceiling a bright white and find some neutral colors you like for the walls. Pale Oak is nice
...See More
Do you think this look is outdated or will be outdated soon?
Q
Comments (31)
I love that shade! I would probably pair it with a pale blue or blue-green that has a slight similar undertone on the walls, along with the white counter. Here is a kitchen posted a few years ago that used a very similar color in the lowers. The walls are painted in Sherwin Williams Compatible Cream, the trim in Creamy... I wouldn't choose those paint colors myself though.
...See More
teacup_princess
15 years ago
Please, don't insist that your landlord install knobs- ask nicely but don't expect results. This IS a rental and it's pretty standard in rentals with box store cabinets for them not to have knobs. Knobs are not a necessity for opening the cabinets and knobs on rental cabinets tend to go missing and have to be replaced every few years, so most landlords aren't going to open to that. Not to mention the time and expense of installing them. You'd be amazed what some great colorful decorative accessories and throw rugs will do for a white kitchen. Yes, I have rental property and I'm always amazed at how each tenant spruces up a white apartment to make it their own.
debsan
15 years ago
If this were my kitchen, I'd pick a color I loved and go crazy with it. I can see this kitchen done in kitschy retro-red, cobalt blue or even crayon yellow.
You could also look for the removeable wall art decals to see if there is something that you might use to give that kitchen a look you'd enjoy.
jakkom
15 years ago
I agree - go with colorful accessories, even a washable kitchen rug in a bright color/pattern. All that white makes a great background for bold accessories.

Related Stories

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Thoughtful Updates to an Outdated 1900s Home

By Danielle Sykes

Handmade art and DIY touches bring a modern touch to a classic Boston-area home

KITCHEN DESIGN Key Measurements to Help You Design Your Kitchen

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Get the ideal kitchen setup by understanding spatial relationships, building dimensions and work zones

SELLING YOUR HOUSE 10 Tricks to Help Your Bathroom Sell Your House

By Mink Home Staging

As with the kitchen, the bathroom is always a high priority for home buyers. Here’s how to showcase your bathroom so it looks its best

SELLING YOUR HOUSE 10 Low-Cost Tweaks to Help Your Home Sell

By Lurdes Abruscato

Put these inexpensive but invaluable fixes on your to-do list before you put your home on the market

SELLING YOUR HOUSE Help for Selling Your Home Faster — and Maybe for More

By Laura Gaskill

Prep your home properly before you put it on the market. Learn what tasks are worth the money and the best pros for the jobs

DECLUTTERING Downsizing Help: How to Get Rid of Your Extra Stuff

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Sell, consign, donate? We walk you through the options so you can sail through scaling down

ORGANIZING 7 Habits to Help a Tidy Closet Stay That Way

By Jennifer Phelps: Organize. Design. Reinvent!

Cut the closet clutter for a lifetime — and save money too — by learning how to bring home only clothes you love and need

KITCHEN DESIGN Modernize Your Old Kitchen Without Remodeling

By The Decor Fix

Keep the charm but lose the outdated feel, and gain functionality, with these tricks for helping your older kitchen fit modern times

KITCHEN DESIGN Here's Help for Your Next Appliance Shopping Trip

By Vanessa Brunner

It may be time to think about your appliances in a new way. These guides can help you set up your kitchen for how you like to cook

MOST POPULAR 7 Ways to Design Your Kitchen to Help You Lose Weight

By Mitchell Parker

In his new book, Slim by Design, eating-behavior expert Brian Wansink shows us how to get our kitchens working better

Sponsored

Dream Baths by Kitchen Kraft

12 Reviews

Your Custom Bath Designers & Remodelers in Columbus I 10X Best Houzz

More Discussions

I’m already over it. This kitchen trend is everywhere and overdone.

107

poggenpohl Replacment wheel for pull out

0

Looking for recommendations to spruce up my kitchen

2

Shiloh rift sawn white oak cabinets in Straw

1

kitchen cabinet hardware

2