That's almost a sand-scrubbed look. Like old Europe. Although sand wasn't necessarily used, many homes had raw wood floors scrubbed to a satiny smooth matte surface.. That tile could be a great start on a Scandinavian look, for instance. Waiting to see the "marble-esque" tile Lavender and assistant like, though. You know, I intended to do a deep golden background to set rich colors against in our bedroom, but I took one glance at my tobacco-brown going on our sloping attic ceiling and ran, not walked, to grab a couple gallons of an inoffensive pale taupe. Nothing like your own conditions. I imagine I over-reacted, but in mine the tobacco looked like a day-glow enhancement of a baby's first diaper, and summers in this climate require all windows be open and an overhead fan blowing all night. So the room is cream, pale taupe, white, brown, and green instead of, as planned, jewel tones (Lavender's fairy tale) with garnet, emerald, topaz.

joanie b, thanks for the link to the kitchen like ours. It really did look nice. After reading people's thoughts (THANK YOU SO MUCH), thinking about the work to be done (while taking care of mom,) and money to be saved for the *real* remodel, we think we will probably refinish the cabinets. I think striping them (Thanks for the info on soygel, mom2lilenj) will be easiest in some ways. It will be a bit of a challenge to find handles since the existing ones are 3 1/2 ctc. We tried to do it years ago before the internet but could only find 3" centers. I figure we can even get anything with holes 3 inches apart as long as it projects far enough to cover the hole. Didn't think of that years ago. If we remove the hinges and put on hidden ones, I guess we will just have to use wood filler as close as possible to the color. The exposed hinges in the link from joanie b looked good though, so maybe we will do that. Less holes to fill too. Anyone have a better idea? Does anyone have a non-toxic top coat to suggest? We will do a test door to see about the color change, but I am hoping to not have to strip the cabinet boxes in the house, if possible. They are in pretty good shape. Less work and time, unless there is too noticeable a difference. We aren't sure about the counter yet. It is in decent condition and I think I could stand it for another 2 years. I can't wait to take down the wallpaper border to update the room, but I will miss what it says...'In everything, give thanks.' I hadn't thought about getting rid of the rack for the dishes and cookbooks, but I will try. There is a heating register behind it, so I can't block it with a hutch. That may have to wait, but I can neaten up the rack a bit if it stays. The reason I got it was to make my cabinets more usable since I am just under 5' tall. I had to get a stool every time I needed baking things from the SECOND shelf. What my kitchen really needs is built in step stools... LOL. What really needs to go is the sink, so maybe we will put in an inexpensive ss one to try out a large single bowl. I've always had a double, so that way I would now which I like better. I want a silgranite when the time comes. Thanks again for your help! Terri

Thanks, cpartist and lisadlu16, for your guidance. I have started a new discussion that I think includes your suggested items. If you have a moment, I’d love your input. Thanks for taking the time to tell me how to help people help me :)

the cabinets have plywood backs yes. Blocking may not be needed but it will make it easier and not all of my cabinets land on a stud so blocking is necessary. I wouldn't remove it becuase I just installed it. lol In my area, at least, you do not need nail plates when the wiring is centered in the stuff.