How would you do a minor update to our small double-galley kitchen?

2 years ago

Twenty years ago we did a kitchen remodel, but now it ism way outdated. A major kitchen remodel isn't in the cards or budget, so we're thinking new countertop (definitely need to replace that late '90s Formica), sink, faucet and putting in a subway tile backsplash.

We recently painted, and I like the color. We thought about getting the cabinets painted, but, after reading several posts here, are leaning against it.

Thoughts on colors/styles that would go with our maple cabinets. Replace the floor? Removing the desk area at the end is definitely in the plan but how can we extend the counter without mismatching the cabinets?

These pics are just the window wall; on

the opposite wall is a pantry cabinet, stove, fridge, and two small cabinets.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

SashaDog
2 years ago
What is the floor?

And what were you thinking of for a budget?
Julie Ann McGovern thanked SashaDog
eld6161
2 years ago
I think new counter and a backsplash without a 4 inch one, would be a good upgrade.

But.....I am not sure about your wall color. It looks bluish purple on my monitor.

I prefer green with your wood. It can be a gray/ green, sage green etc.
Related Discussions
Does anyone have 'The Galley Sink'? How do you like it?
Q
Comments (177)
I have two Galley sinks and I am so diapointed with them. I would love to remove them, but I cannot without destroying my counters because of the way these sinks mount, which is different from most kitchen sinks. Just be aware, that when you purchas a Galley sink, it is permanent unless you want to redo your counters too. What I don't like about them is how messy they look. I have a busy household, so lots of dishes and every time the water is turned on, it spots the sink unless I hand dry it. This is impracticle for a busy home. Food sticks to the sides of the sink easily and the corners are very hard to clean. Also, the ledge where the boards rest, gets wet because of dish washing so the caulking breaks down easily and there is a moldy rim around the edge of the sink becuase of this design. (I had the caulking fixed within a year, but it happens in a matter of weeks) . I contacted the company and they sent me a product to clean it, but the product was like other products I can buy and the problem is the design and the materials. The company also comes acorss as uncaring and poorly skilled when dealing with customer disapointments. I had a stainless steel sink before and never experienced it looking like this, I actually liked that sink. Also, their bamboo boards broke down very easily. I had new boards made out of walnut and my new boards have lasted two years getting wet daily, with no extra drying from me and they look great. I think Galley sinks wants to be this fancy company but it's just cheap materials, cheap product, cheap customer service. Again, I wish I could remove them, but I cannot without destroying my counters and my counters are so expenisve that I am stuck with these horrible sinks. Good luck with your house remodel!
...See More
How would you update this 1997 kitchen?
Q
Comments (31)
I'm not sure how much additional money the property would go for in making changes...but sometimes, making changes even if it doesn't net additional money is worth it in the fact that it makes the property more desirable in a sea of others that are a similar price, so that has to be factored in. This house appears to be more in the lines of what a young-family would be looking to get, maybe first time home-buyers? If so, what they usually want is something that is move-in ready...something that they need to do very little with at the start to get into the house - they usually have just managed to get enough to get their downpayment and they often have a little one (or a 2nd little one) on the way...so, "heavy lifting" isn't high on their list. They usually have a high wish-list without a ton of money to back it. Understanding who the potential home buyer might be helps in making decisions on what to do. Removing the wallpaper is a no-brainer. It HAS to be done. While it's not a tough thing to do, people walk into a house and envision wallpaper removal as a gargantuan task and it terrifies them! :) Ideally, you replace the fluorescent with can lights. You mentioned that you can replace the door pulls for $1 ea - I think at that price, it's a good change out - looks like that would be $30-40. I would probably replace the countertops if it can be done relatively inexpensively. If you do granite though, you'll probably want to replace the sink as well to be an undermount. Some granite fabricators we talked with in our area included a "builder grade" stainless steel sink that you could pay to upgrade. And if you're replacing the sink, you'll probably want to replace the faucet...see where this is going? BUT, you can keep your eyes open for a good Craigslist/Ebay find for a nice faucet. For a backsplash, I'd probably stick with simple white subway tiles - they are, for the most part, a timeless classic that can help to update things a bit as well. Unless your parents need new appliances, I probably wouldn't worry about replacing those if they are functional. Many people *want* stainless appliances, but I'd consider putting in an appliance allowance with the house rather than changing them since a lot of people like to pick their own appliances anyway. Something else that I would consider doing and I don't think anyone else has mentioned so far is placing some inexpensive under cabinet lights. Lighting makes such a difference when people are looking at a house. Just having that extra light makes people feel all warm and fuzzy. And it can read as more expense than what it really is. You can get something inexpensive at one of the big box stores. I just purchased some LED strips from IKEA for my parents house - they work reasonably well for $70-ish (it's not what we're putting in our kitchen remodel, but for the price and ease of install, it was well worth it). They use an existing plug...there's a cord hanging down then since they aren't hardwired and there isn't a plug up high, but it makes a big difference in the overall look of a kitchen. Well-lit is always a big factor in how someone views a home. If your parents are planning on being there for 3-ish more years, it would be nice for them to do the upgrades now and enjoy a bit of their labors.
...See More
A very old and small NYC kitchen space: What would YOU do with it?
Q
Comments (27)
I find your apartment luxurious in the layout you now have and I updated your space without major construction, i.e. not moving the dishwasher or changing the downstairs bathroom. Living in NYC, we have welcomed guests and accommodate them as best as we can. Down the road you may want to consider enlarging the master bedroom bathroom to include a bathtub and laundry (!!!). This would enormously increase the resale of your property. I love the hot plates, but a small stove top and convection oven can do everything and more permanent, again increasing the property value. Don't spend the unnecessary expense of moving the sink or dishwasher, just to turn that corner and work with what you have. A decent size counter is a large workspace and dining area. I've had the biggest and best Thanksgivings in a teeny tiny NY kitchen!
...See More
How would you update this kitchen without a major renovation?
Q
Comments (29)
whats wrong with the floor.I thought it looked like the one feature to keep as its rather uncustomary and not that bold really....those are positives. Your space is so large the floor is a plus ......classic or eclectic pattern is an asset. Do you dislike it.....seems like youd be removing an interesting feature for what reason? unless the condition is poor. Just work on the island /lighting/stools/ middle of the space . If this were my space I'd go eclectic mixed with the bit of traditional you have using color/hardware/ accesories including stools and pendants backsplash. You could be surprised .
...See More
Kim Reiner
2 years ago
New countertops and backsplash is a great start. Buy a sofa table, credenza, narrow long dresser, a buffet, or an antique and paint it or keep as is for extra storage or a place to put drinks and food when entertaining. You could put the same countertop on the floating piece you decide on as well if you like. Maybe a nice runner in front of the cupboards could bring in some texture and colour, as well as switching out hardware really makes a big impact for different price points. Depending on your budget, new taps and lighting can dramatically change the atmosphere and update. Do as little or as much, every little bit will be a nice refresh. Your cupboards look to be in great shape, I think you made the right choice not to paint them. If I see another all white or grey kitchen I’m going to scream. While timeless, where is the individual personality in that? Good luck and have fun. It’s your home. Advice is good, but follow your gut.
Kim Reiner
2 years ago
I should have stated the freestanding piece can go where you take the desk out, ( if you didn’t understand me)
Julie Ann McGovern
Original Author
2 years ago
The floor is Pergo and is in pretty decent shape. There are original oak floors throughout the house except the kitchen, of course.

Our budget is about $4K, and I have gotten a couple of quotes for the countertop, including fabrication and install, for about $2200 (it's only 30 sq ft). Thoughts about color for countertop and tile backsplash?

Also the walls are actually lighter than the pictures indicate. It's a light gray-blue.
Julie Ann McGovern
Original Author
2 years ago
I also like the idea of a runner to bring in some color.
arcy_gw
2 years ago
Can you take more pictures...where is the 'fridge/stove etc. To pop that counter top off and have another put in with new sink is pretty easy. I would go light, not gray--sooo over done and will date you quickly. Find a neutral white that will allow you full options for paint and accessories. I might rethink the subway tile. It's difficult to tell but getting too much going on will only date you again. Your budget is more than adequate as your quote taught you. 20 yrs for a kitchen isn't much. They used to stand for 50+.
pds290
2 years ago
I agree with your decision not to paint the cabinets. They do look like they’re in good shape. A new counter, new sink (perhaps under-mount), new faucets, and an updated light over the sink would go a long way with this kitchen. Can you post more photos that include a better view of the desk area, as well as the opposite wall? One thing to consider - where will you stop the backsplash? That’s a tricky corner with the upper cabinets not aligned with the lower ones and the corner where the wall jogs back. There are a lot of panicked last minute posts on Houzz when homeowners suddenly realize they need to make this decision the night before the tiler arrives in the morning!
SashaDog
2 years ago
My suggestion is a warm white counter and backsplash.

The existing wall color is pretty, just not the greatest with the cabinets since the blue-gray is cool and the natural wood is warm.

The floors dont look bad in the pictures, so if they’re in good shape I’d leave them
Julie Ann McGovern
Original Author
2 years ago
Here are some additional pics. I know the fridge doesn’t match, but we cannot replace it right now. Note: We are in the midst of decluttering 😎
Brittany Brady
last year
How did things turn out Julie!? We are starting a similar ‘face lift’!

How would you do a minor update to our small double-galley kitchen?

Comments (11)

SashaDog

eld6161

Related Discussions

Kim Reiner

Kim Reiner

Julie Ann McGovern
Original Author

Julie Ann McGovern
Original Author

arcy_gw

pds290

SashaDog

Julie Ann McGovern
Original Author

Brittany Brady

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

How would you do a minor update to our small double-galley kitchen?

Comments (11)

Related Discussions

Julie Ann McGovernOriginal Author

Julie Ann McGovernOriginal Author

Julie Ann McGovernOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Julie Ann McGovern
Original Author

Julie Ann McGovern
Original Author

Julie Ann McGovern
Original Author