I need help updating kitchen.
6 years ago
Hi! So long story short, I hate my kitchen. We have only recently moved in so there is no big budget. I am not changing the countertop and at best can paint the units. I can change tiling, paint walls, change accessories etc. Ideas greatly appreciated!!
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6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoRelated Discussions
Kitchen layout help! Just moved and need to update kitchen.
Comments (2)You'll have better luck in the kitchens forum as opposed to the remodeling forum...See MoreKitchen Help- How to update??? Need serious help:}
Comments (50)Save your money until you can do a total renovation. I had a similar situation with a dark kitchen (cherry cabinets and only one window), a barrier island, and outdated laminate counter tops and sheet vinyl flooring. I thought of doing a small reno--changing the hardware, counter tops, etc. but in the end I waited and did a total gut job. It was a very good decision--the electrical, structural and plumbing problems that I was not aware of were taken care of. In addition I added more windows, replaced all the cabinets (donated the cherry cabinets to a relative), countertops, replaced the island with a peninsula with seating, and added all new appliances to replace the ones that were failing. New wood flooring, lighting totally changed the way I use the kitchen. Sometimes the things you DON'T do are the best!...See MoreHelp! I need to update my kitchen on a budget...
Comments (5)On a budget I would lighten up this kitchen with lighter counter and backsplash - as long as you don't get the integrated 4" splash as part of the countertop. If you do that, just paint the backsplash area. The wood cabinets have movement due to the grain so keep the backsplash simple or the look will be too busy. Either paint the wall over a 4" splash, or subway tile or beadboard. Beadboard is the one thing that could go above a 4" splash and not look bad. Bead board and subway tile have both been around a long time, so won't look out of place with the older cabinets. I would also put in a hood for the stove and put a small countertop microwave over in the corner area - get it out of the stovetop area and it will open up your cooking space a bit. For paint colors, I would go with cream, light creamy beige or sage green. Those colors look well with warm wood tones. If you want to play up the retro aspect of your kitchen, here is a fun site that might give you some ideas: https://retrorenovation.com/...See MoreNeed help/input for updating honey oak country kitchen!
Comments (14)Jhmarie; yes, the kitchen is very functional, and a part of this is almost like therapeutic processing for what to do with this house!Thank you for the heads up about the book. I will have a look for that. Aprilneverends; well thank you. I am really trying to not get caught up in fads, but I think the state of the place made me focus on the yellowness of the oak. And the oakiness of the oak everywhere in that part of the house! I always really enjoyed this blue, to be honest. ha!! It contrasted nicely and I got to cackle in my husband's direction every time someone told me they loved it, too. That's the thing I guess, you never can tell. I am a bit leery of how much the kitchen will change with all of the white and off white in regards to the contrast, and had to kind of giggle at the thought of painting the walls white and the wainscoting blue. Like a role reversal. :D Fidlfreek; I appreciate you bringing me back down from the clouds with some of your suggestions. Some of your sentiments I had thought of and was considering - all white miracle method, subway tile, lighting updates. Now is the time to pull that big beast down I think - we are planning to paint the ceilings throughout the home. Curious of your thought process- the lighting fixture you linked from ikea, is that to coordinate with the current colored cabinets? Or the shape in general? Staining the cabinets darker is of course an option, I just don't want this area to feel any more boxed in, I guess. This vantage point is actually the only way in and out of the kitchen - there is also peninsula seating already to the left, FYI. I actually picked the flooring you circled in the event that I wanted to go lighter or darker with the cabinets, now or later, that there would be flexibility in the flooring color to do so. It's also more of the classic wood look than some of the on trend colors I am seeing out there. The more I think about it, the more I would like to NOT spend a lot of time painting everything white, but I definitely think I need some adjustments in here. I find it interesting that none of you have mentioned the appliances or their color - apart from the microwave, which is usually the least of the appliance worries. ;D I so appreciate your feedback and input....See More
6 years agoI like it too - even the tiles. It looks very modern to me & the colors appear very serene in the photo.
I think the only things I would change would be the window coverings, lose the wine text graphic, and replace the stools w/ some that could be tucked under that counter when not in use. Perhaps some wood, bamboo or other woodsy/natural blinds?
I like this color combo, which looks similar to what is shown in the photos you posted:
What about finding a pale shade of the cabinet color for the walls?
Vicki B thanked carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b- 6 years agolast modified: 6 years ago
Maybe a chalkboard could be placed where the graphic is now? And you could write the text on the chalkboard, if desired...
Vicki B thanked carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b - 6 years ago
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