Updating Kitchen - ideas/budget/things to consider
Mary Moon
6 years ago
Recently moved into a new home and bought knowing there would be several projects to complete. Trying to get an idea on scope/cost/etc for this so I can appropriately plan/budget and save :). Current kitchen has a Tuscan vibe and the house is a Craftsman so looking to move back to a style that would honor more of that style or at least not be in contrast. Thinking more farmhouse? Open to other ideas. Kitchen is 14x10 but flows into a dining that has a wall of matching cabinets to create a China/storage area. So that would also be a part of the cost. Currently has granite - thinking of switching to quartz for maintenance. I am keeping the exact configuration - except would probably switch that sink for a complete undermount and swap out for a lighter tile.
Is a two tone island/cabinet look still on trend? Any thoughts, considerations would be fantastic. Have no idea on what a mid range reno would come in in a medium COL so input on that would be welcome to save my pretty pennies. Thanks!
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (12)
chispa
6 years agoRelated Discussions
How to update this tiny kitchen on tiny budget
Comments (48)DO NOT mess with that refrig! It is not counter depth and making it white or some sort of faux stainless will make it appear larger than it already is. When you replace it, go counter depth in stainless. As to painting it or using contact paper...well I would not do that. Forty seven years ago, I bought a special kit to epoxy spray paint a refrig. It even had a 2nd can to give shadows. It was avacado green which went well in my kitchen. What refrig did I paint! A 1943 GE, rather small with a tiny freezer compartment inside that held two ice trays and two packages and of frozen veggies - it didn't stay cold enough for ice cream. My parents had bought it the summer before I was born and over the years, the enamel had worn off in places and it had a bit of rust in places. We had just bought our first hous in St Louis - $23,500 - and were broke. It turned out pretty well and I had nothing to lose as it was unsightly. It was a conversation piece as all would say "I didn't know they made colored refrigerators in those days!" My husband took it with him when he left me in 1975 - don't know what ever happened to that old thing but it did not go into the lovely home he and Wife#2 bought 3 months later! But I would never do this to your black refrig...leave it alone....See MoreBudget kitchen update
Comments (14)I have a wood kitchens idea book that has both newer and older, refreshed kitchens and most are warm tone woods. The second kitchen is mine and there are more pics in my "my pics" idea book. I have a creamy beige on my walls. Wood kitchens: https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75202366/list/wood-kitchens I have a friend making a couple of yearly updates to her similar kitchen. This year she added a new stainless range vent, under cabinet lighting and neutral light paint. Her kitchen already looks much fresher. Do not underestimate the effect of under cabinet lighting. It brightens the space and it is wonderful to have the extra light when cooking. I also added under cabint lighting and it is my most functional change - I love it. Your over the range microwave looks newer, but if it is not or you find it awkward to use, then consider replacing with a hood. If you think you might do that down the road, take the micro down when you tile the backsplash, tile that area and put the microwave back, or reserve enough tile to fill in the space. A hood would be pretty and function better - important in an open kitchen. Oak cabinets look best with simple backsplash, so consider a simple subway tile or similar - see if you can come close to one of the lighter colors in your countertop that also works with the cabinets. For my kitchen, this turned out to be a cream rather than a white - but that depends on your wood tone. Bead board is an option too. If you just want to try the bead board look out for a while, the textured, paintable bead board wallpaper is easy to apply and inexpensive (about $20 a roll at Lowes). I do not usually like faux products, but I have this in a few places in my home and people go up to touch it to believe it is not real. I also have real bead board, so it is not a matter of not appreciating the real thing. The wallpaper is certainly not as durable as the real thing, but in a backsplash situation, that isn't an issue. Beadboard Wallpaper: You might end up painting your window trim white, but you can try it with the wood. For my window, I replaced my valance with a faux roman shade. It is an easy sew project if you sew. I would not go gray with the island unless it is a blue or green with a gray undertone. Cool true grays and warm wood tones do not bring out the best in each other and can look drab together. If you consider painting the cabinets, do some research on how painted over previously finished cabinets hold up. Here is a blog post that shows some wear after three years. The person does not regret painting the cabinets, but it does show that they will need occasional touch ups. https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/painted-kitchen-cabinets-three-years-later/...See MoreNeed budget friendly ideas to update 80s staircase
Comments (8)Stairs should be within code if no more than 4 Inch apart The pine step could be stained to match railing or stained then paint railing. My husband grew up with stairs open and very steep and they all survived. They only had a a hand rail very rustic My father in law had RA severe deforming joints and used the stairs for 30 years. So check space between steps cause there are codes now and insurance issues if your renters get hurt. I would follow trend for your rental market what will get you more income So copy the neighbors :)...See Morewhat’s the one thing you’d do to update this kitchen?
Comments (68)I agree that granite makes it outdated. The cabinets are of a darker shade, so I would recommend you to pick a lighter and brighter looking countertop, like white or light gray marble -looking quartz or some of the white granites, like River White. That would create a very nice contrast and open up the space considerably. Also, I would get rid of the granite on the walls. White marble tile (like Carrara marble) backsplash would add a touch of glamour and lighten up the space even more. Staining or painting cabinets may be pricey, so I would invest in painting only the island. By changing the hardware you can give the cabinets a totally new vibe....See MoreMary Moon
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agochispa
6 years agoMary Moon
6 years agoThe kitchen is interior but the dining has windows although not noted. The opening to the family room has light coming through from a french door onto the deck. Bad cell photo from moving in prior to clutter. Also showing other view with hutch and windows. That light is gone :)
junco East Georgia zone 8a
6 years agoMary Moon
6 years agoThis is the view from the fridge looking toward dining and arch to living area. The area gets plenty of light and often don't need the lights on during the day.
mama goose_gw zn6OH
6 years agoJilly Belle
6 years agoUser
6 years agoMary Moon
6 years agoUser
6 years ago
Related Stories
BUDGET DECORATINGBudget Decorator: 15 Ways to Update Your Kitchen on a Dime
Give your kitchen a dashing revamp without putting a big hole in your wallet
Full Story
REMODELING GUIDES6 Things to Consider When Choosing a Kitchen Sink
Use this guide to help you think about sink size, bowl depth, location and other factors
Full Story
KITCHEN DESIGNKitchen Remodel Costs: 3 Budgets, 3 Kitchens
What you can expect from a kitchen remodel with a budget from $20,000 to $100,000
Full Story
KITCHEN OF THE WEEKKitchen of the Week: Refacing Refreshes a Family Kitchen on a Budget
Two-tone cabinets, vibrant fabric and a frosty backsplash brighten this eat-in kitchen
Full Story
KITCHEN DESIGNKitchen of the Week: A Cottage-Chic Kitchen on a Budget
See how a designer transformed her vacation cottage kitchen with salvage materials, vintage accents, paint and a couple of splurges
Full Story
FARMHOUSESKitchen of the Week: Modern Update for a Historic Farmhouse Kitchen
A renovation honors a 19th-century home’s history while giving farmhouse style a fresh twist
Full Story
KITCHEN DESIGNKitchen Layouts: Ideas for U-Shaped Kitchens
U-shaped kitchens are great for cooks and guests. Is this one for you?
Full Story
KITCHEN DESIGN3 Dark Kitchens, 6 Affordable Updates
Color advice: Three Houzzers get budget-friendly ideas to spruce up their kitchens with new paint, backsplashes and countertops
Full Story
KITCHEN DESIGNIdeas for Refreshing Your Kitchen Without Remodeling
These 8 updates don’t require a big financial investment — just some creativity and a little DIY know-how
Full Story
SMALL KITCHENS10 Things You Didn’t Think Would Fit in Your Little Kitchen
Don’t let a small cooking area cramp your style. Instead, consider these ideas to make the most of your kitchen
Full Story
herbflavor