I'm tired of my ugly kitchen!

7 years ago

I’m tired of my kitchen! When we bought the house, it seemed to be
okay, but now I’m just plain tired of it.
I need an update. The
kitchen and dining room are pretty much connected and go straight back in a
galley formation from the front of the house to the back. (Washer & dryer are tucked in near back
door.)

I know the answer is to probably gut it and do a whole
kitchen remodel, but that is not in the budget right now. I am looking for some less expensive fixes that
will hold me for 5 years or so until we are ready for a full remodel.

You can see in the bottom picture how the dining room and kitchen are connected from the front of the house to the back in a galley set-up. I love the big pine table (although the top needs to be re-finished...) and I also love the terracotta-like reddish tiles. The large spoon and fork is a family heirloom that is staying. We recently put in the recessed lights but haven't repainted the ceiling yet, and I also took down the curtains I had, but have not found anything yet to replace them with--I'm thinking of no curtains at all, but haven't gotten brave enough to take down the rods yet.

I DO NOT want to paint the cabinets because I don’t want the
upkeep of paint and scratches (too many kids and animals in my house).

I also think I am stuck with the countertops unless there is
an inexpensive fix.

The hinges on the cupboard doors are visible and are an
antique bronze color. I don’t like the
current knobs, but don’t know how to change that since the holes are already
there.

I would say my style is very Pottery-Barn-like with autumn
& earthy colors and slightly rustic (but not country) with industrial touches.
I want it to look warm and homey.
I also like the Tuscany or Spanish look (probably why I like the red
tile) but not the frilly and fancy look.

Suggestions are welcome!

Featured Answer

Steph

7 years ago

After you listed all the things you are not willing to change & do, there isn't much to suggest. Maybe you can list what you are willing to do to update your space. That might help others figure out what they can suggest.

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Comments (639)

weety
Original Author
7 years ago
everdebz
7 years ago
Bottom ones - esp. if they seem less dark ....
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weety
Original Author
7 years ago
They are all about the same darkness, except for #3 that has a little bit more variation in the color, making it a bit lighter overall.
Ann
7 years ago
I think the #3 knob is my favorite, but they're all pretty nice. I also like 5 and 6, so it's tough to vote, lol:)
weety thanked Ann
Kim
7 years ago
Which ones are your favorites? I'm leaning toward #4 (popular when you started this journey, but without the copper undertone) and #6 (similar to what you have now, but without the brassy accent). I actually like the rope detailing in the second one, but I like a more substantial "pedestal" for the knob...and you want something more modern, right?
weety thanked Kim
Sheila Rumsey
7 years ago
Formica is cheap. Replace it if you hate it. I love your floors! I am also going to suggest painting the cabinets. I hear your reasons not to. If you do a good job prepping them and use a high quality paint, chips will be minimal to non-existent, and you can buy yourself time to save up for an overhaul. Maybe look for some sort of backsplash tile and catch it on sale. It is a fair bit of work, but it can completely transform your space for under $500 for the counters and the paint supplies, etc. I think those things will breathe life into that space for you. Also, if you paint the cabinets, you can ditch the knobs and fill the holes. I would probably leave them and just get different knobs, myself. If you don't have neighbors, ditch the curtains. I don't have any, and I love it. If you just absolutely will not do any of that, you can try stripping and re-staining the cabinets- I like Danish oil because you can always just put more on of it gets scratched. Then paint the walls.
weety thanked Sheila Rumsey
Sheila Rumsey
7 years ago
The more I look at it, the more I'm thinking the cabinets are not too bad. I love your hutch! Change out the hardware if you hate it. Paint the walls and bring in some accents like plates, etc with the Reds, yellows, cobalt that will compliment your Tuscan/Spanish tiles. White isn't a bad idea, but you could consider yellows, too. The light fixture, if the chain is long enough, get one of those plant hangers and loop the chain through it to move the fixture over. You may need an anchor to hold the weight. I am still thinking you could replace those counters for cheap. I bet you could do it for under $300. They have so many choices these days, and something with more of a travertine look might blend a little better. I also like the idea of a narrow table or butcher block instead of the bench. That will give you some more elbow and prep room.
weety thanked Sheila Rumsey
weety
Original Author
7 years ago
Kim, my favorites are #2 and #3 and #4. I like the rope detail in #2 but you are right, it is more traditional. Is #3 too traditional, too? I'm going by Home Depot or Lowes today to pick something up for my classroom. I'm going to check if they have a knob similar to the one you found on Amazon. I like the shape of those.
everdebz
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Like simplicity of #4 and more balanced over the last one - from side someone said some are loppy/ big in the knob....
weety thanked everdebz
anniebird
7 years ago
Ah! I get it now:). Promise not to judge - they need a good cleaning, but they will spiff right up (as soon as those darn kids go back to school...)
weety thanked anniebird
Kim
7 years ago
weety, I think all of them might fall under traditional or transitional. I suppose they could be considered more contemporary in one of the silver finishes. To me, the one from Amazon is contemporary in the ORB but could pass for modern in chrome.

anniebird, your chair backs look very comfortable.
tgb1
7 years ago
No help here Weety - I kinda like them all....
weety thanked tgb1
weety
Original Author
7 years ago
I just saw your chair, Anniebird! Those do look comfy! And I like the no spindle look! How hard is it to keep the cushions clean?
everdebz
7 years ago
Like it, and might be nice somewhere in your house....
Saxon Wood Wall Shelf · More Info
anniebird
7 years ago
They're very easy to clean Tweety. Scrub seats with hot, soapy water once a week and wipe wood down with a dust rag periodically. The material is microfiber - it's held up well so far (chairs are a year old) but I know we'll eventually need to recover. That should be fairly easy - seats are screwed on. In fact, that's my only complaint about the chairs - we've had to have several seats reattached. With 6 kids we're hard on everything so your mileage may vary - they're from Room and Board - the "Afton" chair.
weety
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Kim! Look what they had at Home Depot! They don't have much copper on them--it looks more like the warm wood color showing through. What do you think? Do you think that little bit of copper is okay now that I de-brassified my hinges?
everdebz
7 years ago
Small thing maybe, but those have a chunky-carved-handmade look like fork / spoon..... no details is nice!!!!
Kim
7 years ago
I think the styling is great with the fork and spoon like everdebz said. You are the best judge of how noticeable the copper is and if it clashes with the orange tone in the cabinetry. I would put up a few of them to get a feel for how the room will look. Seems to work with the hinges from my vantage point. In your opinion, how do they compare with your other favorites. After all, you will be looking at them every day!
weety
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
The orangy tone is not noticeable right now, but I wonder if it will as the top finish wears off. I do think I like this one the best. I'm going to try a few of them to make sure I just didn't get one that is more brown. It was all wrapped up in the little bag, so you can't tell without opening it up.

Is this knob too traditional? Tell me the reasons why or why not it doesn't work in my kitchen. Remember, I know next to nothing about design. It seems that you all like the simple, plain ones over the knobs with any design, but I'm wondering why. Sorry for more questions--it's how I roll! LOL
Ann
7 years ago
This one you just pictured is my favorite. I don't think it's too traditional at all.
weety thanked Ann
Kim
7 years ago
I agree with Ann that is isn't too traditional and that many design elements can fall into more than one category. My input has been based on things you have said here and there, so I have tried to follow that to keep some focus. By all means, if you like something, you should listen to your gut and not worry about labels. Take a look at some examples at hardwareresources.com to give you some insight into what the industry considers traditional, contemporary or modern. Click "knobs" under "Product Type" then open the "Style" tab on the left to choose traditional or contemporary. You will see some of the same ones in both, but something like the one that you are asking about will usually be found under traditional. But that's not a bad thing! I just thought you were interested in going in a different direction.
weety thanked Kim
User
7 years ago
My favorite, although they are very similar. How do they feel? You'll be using them, not just looking at them. Congrats on moving forward with the table top. Look forward to pics. Your cupboards look awesome.
weety thanked User
weety
Original Author
7 years ago
Oh my goodness, I have been so busy setting up my classroom this last week. School starts today, and I'm already so exhausted! I'll get back on this home project in a few weeks after the craziness dies down a bit at school. Teaching is a killer for the first couple weeks of a new year! Here's a few pictures of my classroom :)
abbyjean
7 years ago
What a friendly and welcoming classroom! I remember those days of setting it all up after such a fast summer. I loved it when our daughter was around and she would help. She had it all down and knew what to do without even being told. Putzing around the house was something that I enjoyed outside of the classroom as it was relaxing and de-stressing for me.
Ann
7 years ago
The classroom looks great and very welcoming!
libradesigneye
7 years ago
All teachers should go to heaven . . . I remain ever so grateful for my children's teachers. Such a positive, civilizing force . . to provide eager minds opportunities for discovery. Thanks Weezy . .and all other teachers :-)
weety
Original Author
7 years ago
abbyjean, I didn't know you were a teacher as well! :)
abbyjean
7 years ago
Took early retirement, weety, as we had an enticing package. Hubby is also retired from the classroom and we can do the subbing gigs when we choose. Oldest son went the education route, too. LOVED being a teacher and find you just never turn it off.
Kim
7 years ago
My husband is a teacher!
weety
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
In case you all haven't figured it out by now, we are veeerrry slow about getting things done...!!! The table is in the garage and the top finally sanded. Part of the reason is my husband and neighbor only have one day/week that they are both available together to work on it. I think my neighbor (and my husband) enjoy the companionship more than the work! My neighbor is suggesting a "bartop" finish to keep the pine from being damaged. I'm not exactly sure what that is. Is it shiny? I think a less shiny top would look better. I want durability, but not high shine! I need some advice on what to tell him I want. Is there such a thing as a satin bartop finish?
Kim
7 years ago
I did a quick internet search. From what I gathered, it is an epoxy that is poured over the surface and hardened with a blow torch. Tricky for novices and can ruin the surface if not done correctly. Everything I saw looked glossy.
weety thanked Kim
weety
Original Author
7 years ago
Hmmm...he seemed to know what and how to use it. I just asked him about the finish and he said it doesn't have to be high gloss, but it is very hard. He seemed to think a satin finish would be better. He says it is by Minwax and not difficult. I wonder if Minwax has a shortcut finish that is similar but not a real bartop coating like you found. He said no special supplies needed so I'm assuming that means no blow torch!
Kim
7 years ago
LOL. Obviously, he knows what he's talking about. Durability is a plus.
weety
Original Author
7 years ago
I just looked up minwax bartop finish and I found this. This must be it.

Here's a table done in the semi-gloss finish from the site. A little darker than mine, but you get the idea.
Ann
7 years ago
I'd go for as little gloss as possible.
weety thanked Ann
Kim
7 years ago
That is a lovely satin finish. I would check reviews on the different products and best way to finish a dining room table. That product might be better for outdoor projects (some have said it is more pliable to withstand changing temperatures). Minwax has a wipe on polyurethane that some have recommended for dining tables. Do you think your neighbor suggested a bar top finish to be kid-durable?
weety
Original Author
7 years ago
I think it is for both indoor and outdoor. The website says: "Ideal for use on doors, windows, trim, bathroom cabinets, bar tops, kitchen countertops, outdoor furniture"

Yes, Kim, I'm pretty sure he recommended it because of the kids--I'm sure he took one look at the top and knew we needed kid-proof!
User
7 years ago
I would ask about specific products that are meant for tabletops and food.
weety thanked User
User
7 years ago
How's the table progressing, weety?
weety thanked User
weety
Original Author
7 years ago
It looks great, but is still drying/curing in the garage. I should have it back in the kitchen by the weekend, hopefully. :)
User
7 years ago
Hope to see pics.
Ann
7 years ago
That's wonderful Weety!
weety
Original Author
7 years ago
Here's the table! :)
tgb1
7 years ago
It looks great!
Ann
7 years ago
It does look great! I bet you are super pleased.
abbyjean
7 years ago
I went alllllll the way back to the top to look at your table again and then this last pic and wow! What a difference! So very nice!!!!! You must love it! Hope school is going well and a routine is starting to be established for all of you.
User
7 years ago
He did a great job! Very warm tones emphasized.
Kim
7 years ago
Love a great transformation. Stunning!
User
7 years ago
I know some of these 3D software don't do justice but I tried recreating your kitchen here are the pics from different angles.
User
7 years ago
The rest
weety thanked User