How can I improve my kitchen?
I am not happy with how this looks, not sure if its the tile, knobs, stools, black fridge or what. Will SS frdge or new stools make a difference? Suggestions welcome.
Comments (56)
likestonehomes
2 years agoRelated Discussions
How can I improve my layout?
Comments (17)Thank you for your thoughts, buehl! I had considered moving the microwave to the desk area but it seems so far away. I liked the idea of having it next to the fridge since I often will microwave something out of the fridge or out of the pantry nearby. Making that upper cabinet deeper would also work well next to the fridge wall. But again, I don't have any real purpose for that desk corner- other than junk collection and occasional dessert serving at parties. Those cabinets mostly contain school papers for my kids and host of miscellaneous stuff. My vision regarding a hutch style was something like this- minus the glass cabinetry. We use the counter next to the fridge for drinks at parties. Obviously I could change things up and our entertaining isn't a weekly thing, but it has worked well like that in the past. Actually moving drinks over to the desk area may happen since I currently keep wine glasses and other specialty glasses next to the fridge where the microwave may go. As far as the ducting in the pantry, I was thinking that I would just have them put cabinetry butted up to the ducting and I would lose the dark corner. Not a big deal if I gain better storage configuration within a functioning cabinet. The other issue is that the ceiling of the pantry does not go as high as the ceiling in the kitchen, again due to duct work. I was going to ask the cabinet maker about making false fronts or more shallow cabinets so that I can have a nice built in consistent look in line with the other cabinetry above the fridge and microwave shelf. I'm thinking I need to cut away some drywall to have a sure idea of what is behind there before he comes on Tuesday. Buehl- the selves in my pantry now are 10" and yes, I have a lot of clutter on the floor. I do have some baskets in there, but admittedly, it isn't organized. I'm sure I could make better use of the space within the closet, but I'm also thinking cabinetry would just look nicer. My problem is my dream kitchen is much larger and much more grand with large lengths of countertops, lol. Something like this But what I have space for is more like this. Buehl- Many of my older relatives had kitchens with those little shelves next the sink! I actually just read a thread where you recommended a counter top level window and I LOVE Michelle16's windows on this thread. Counter height windows. Something like that would tie into the windows we have in our kitchen table area and the bit of extra space behind the sink would be awesome! We just built a beautiful pavilion with fireplace next to our pool last summer and a view out there would be nice!...See MoreCan i get advice on how to renovate and improve my kitchen?
Comments (24)When you listed the things that you don't like, none of them would require you do do big structural changes. things I do not like include: old, run down cabinets that are chipped and very worn inside, not having efficient and useful storage/cabinets, including two corner cupboards that are black holes; chipped flooring; 1990s countertops... I'd like something new and clean, with ample storage and more counterspace. If you change the way you use your rooms so that you only have one living area and one dining area, each can be a good size. Moving walls can add unexpectedly to your expenses because you need to re-do all the flooring and the ceilings too. If you can find a way to meet your needs within your existing footprint, you can use more of your budget for, for example, these very efficient storage units to make good use of your 2 corners. With the right units you can get a lot into those corners and make them fully functional. I lengthened the wall of your kitchen beside the refrigerator, which is a very inexpensive renovation, to give you more wall space and more counter space. I switched the refrigerator and the "new" counter space, to give you a nice long counter between the refrigerator and stove. But you could leave the refrigerator where it is and put a pantry to the right of it, or a second counter, if you feel that meets your needs better. I think you have room for a storage pantry in the dining area too, especially if you switch the "swing" of the door which is not a big structural change. Your current nook area could have a movable island like this to avoid issues with the low window, or a peninsula of some kind if you like. You haven't given us exact measurements so these are just ideas. Renos can run away with you cost-wise, and it's easy to get carried away and over-improve your home relative to others in your area. I think you can get the kitchen you want without structural changes....See MoreKitchen Reno - how can I improve my kitchen?
Comments (24)Here is a plan that could work. You could keep the same basic kitchen layout (the appliances work where they are, IMO), just remove some walls to open it up, essentially transforming it into a galley kitchen. Some of my measurements are off and the cabinetry could likely extend a little more to the left as you have it in your plan. On the right of the kitchen, bring in the peninsula and cabinetry so that they end at the wall (otherwise the passageway between the kitchen and pantry becomes too narrow). I would skip the overhang for benches, and fully use the space for storage and extra counter space. Remove the uppers above the peninsula. Remove the pantry around the fridge and add uppers and more counter space on that wall between the fridge and range. I would consider mounting a small TV in the kitchen somewhere, on a full motion/swivel wall mount so that you can push it against the wall when not in use. Or use a tablet computer, and get a stand/mount for it. Removing the hall in front of the bedrooms and bathroom, and the overhang for the peninsula, gives you enough space and clearance to add a pantry and more cabinetry, or just a wider pantry and no cabinetry. Alternatively, you could also place a desk, wine bar or message center against this wall. Moving the entrance closet by the front door provides separation, no more "walking into a big room" feeling, and improves the flow between the living room and kitchen. It also give you a wall for your tv, making it easier to lay out your living room. I would replace the wall unit and purchase one that is less substantial. Consider mounting the TV on the wall and having a unit underneath, and maybe shelves on each side. Do you currently use your living room or your family room more often? I would suggest making the larger one the family room, and the smaller one with the fireplace into the more formal living room or sitting room. Mounting the TV above the fireplace (or removing it altogether) also makes that room much easier to lay out. The master bedroom door is in a awkward location in terms of natural flow. Even in an open space, it would make more sense to have it accessible through the "hall" passing from the entrance between the kitchen and family room....See MoreHow can I improve my bedroom?
Comments (4)Do you need a mirror in the bedroom? Can you duplicate the boxes you already have? I'd upgrade the light in that sconce to be less yellow and more like natural light. A 3500-4000K LED would do the trick. How about a family portrait above on the chest of drawers. With all the digital ways of telling time, I don't think a clock would be helpful to me. My German friends were a cosleeping family of five and they had two queen mattresses on the floor, but the kids were small at that time. You might need more sleeping surface as they grow....See More
PROMDLN
2 years agoSurprisingly comfortable, available in counter and bar height. Have a rustic modern look.
likestonehomes thanked MDLNlikestonehomes
2 years agolast modified: 2 years ago
decoenthusiaste
2 years agoThis stool comes in many finishes. I like that if can be tilted and rolled away for cleaning instead of scraping feet on the floor. Has a nice farmhouse feeling, Probably not too comfortable for long term sitting, but maybe you don't need that.
Kosas Kendall 24" Counter Stool · More Infolikestonehomes thanked decoenthusiastelikestonehomes
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoWow, I’m overwhelmed with all of your ideas and suggestions. Thank you for taking the time and having the interest in helping me resolve my decorating problem. The backsplash is cloe white, I thought I made a grave error on this. The wall paint is cedar key, recommend by Kylie M. herself. She said it would go well with the cabs.
Just to note, the dining furniture is only temporary, below is what I am thinking of purchasing.
I will try to address each one of your ideas individually.
@Sherry Brighton Unfortunately, I can’t paint the walls. We just had the entire area painted during the kitchen remodel. It is totally open concept. But glad to hear SS fridge will make a difference.
@Patricia Colwell Consulting, stools are temporary, bought at restore as was dining table for 200.00 lol All to be replaced. Sink is prep only.
@lucky998877lno need to be sorry, good advice.
@Rachel Stark is the big issue, unfortunately, I agree about upholstery on the stools, just trying to figure what colour.
@Sherry Brighton, thank your for paint suggestions.
@Victory Home Remodeling is a new kitchen remodel, kitchen is very large and bright. 16x20 with 17’ high ceilings and DH hates white cabinets. Didn’t want natural wood as I have had this in numerous past kitchens.
@Anne Duke Accessories might be the answer, but I hate clutter. Any suggestions?
@MDLN Amazing photoshop, love the accessories too. Do you think white stools will be too stark against white counter? Is it possible for you to photoshop SS fridge if you get the chance? thank you
@cheri127, thank you for the compliment. This is a total remodel and transformation. I give credit Folks on Houzz for this layout. I have another thread on this. I’ll see about island outlet.
@Belahnl What colour pulls do you think would go well? I tried silver and chrome but they just didn’t look any better.
@decoenthusiaste I do like that stool, but I prefer a back. Definitely something to consider though.
@Debbi Washburn As noted above dining table etc is temporary. Yes, colour is needed for sure, I love red. Unfortunately, I can’t add a pendant, wish I would have done it earlier. DSIL is our electrician and he is tapped out, under cab lights still are not done (18 months later) So tweaking is all that can be done at this point. I am relieved to hear that is all that is needed, especially coming from your expert and pro opinion (:
Here are ideas of the dining table I am thinking about getting. The legs will be pedestal, however.
@cheri127 here are before photos. This was diy 18 months in the process lol
likestonehomes
2 years agolikestonehomes
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agolikestonehomes
2 years agolast modified: 2 years ago
PROBeverlyFLADeziner
2 years agolast modified: 2 years ago
Boy those dark cabinets swallow all the light in the room.
likestonehomes thanked BeverlyFLADezinerlikestonehomes
2 years agolikestonehomes
2 years agolast modified: 2 years ago@BeverlyFLADeziner I love your photoshop, was thinking of putting somthing abkve the cabs. The kitchen is large, open concept. The entire area is 1,000sq ft. (kitchkitchen/dining/great room. Large Windows, S, N, and W.
Dining set will be replaced with lighter set.
By the way, where did you fund the picture and vases. can you share the site.
likestonehomes
2 years agolast modified: 2 years ago@everdebz Thank you for your help. I am away so I cannot give you exact measurements. But to give you an idea here is a pic taken during renos. Also, are examples of table ( solid wood, custom made) I am considering, have not chosen chairs yet. Table legs will be metal and pedestal style, so not quite the same as pictured.
Just saw your previous questions, cabs seem darker in photo. They are cherry wirh java stain.
LEGS
likestonehomes
2 years agolikestonehomes
2 years agolast modified: 2 years ago- PRO
likestonehomes
2 years agolikestonehomes
2 years agoThank you everyone, new stools are making a difference. Wish there was a way to add pendants, however, there is no electrical above the island. .
PROFocal Point Hardware
2 years ago
MDLN