I would actually leave the cabinets. You can’t change the shape and wood is back in style. The counter and backsplash are fine too. Replace the hardware maybe and see about taking down the decorative piece above the sink but focus on removing the wallpaper and painting the walls. New flooring would go a long way too but if that‘s not in budget, just get a nice big, affordable rug.

Lauren,
Thanks for the suggestion! We do plan to put in new flooring. What would you suggest for the color scheme of the flooring and walls considering the color of the cabinets? I was thinking about white walls with gray/beige flooring. But not sure about a cool or warm tone. The space in Al the rooms is small. Kitchen is the biggest room!
Thanks again!

Go to Pinterest to look at "vintage kitchen wood cabinets" for ideas. Your idea for painting the walls is a good one. Below is a link of white wall paint that is warm enough to harmonize with your really great cabinets.

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/11-terrific-paint-color-matches-for-wood-details-stsetivw-vs~9025200

You don't need to tone down the cabinets. You're on the right track:

--Paint knotty pine walls warm white

--Remove dropped ceiling

--Change out floor to a sharp checkerboard. Black and white; wood and white.

--Look for vintage dining set in thrift shops in red or turquoise.

This kitchen is painted a lovely creamy white--not too stark.

If you need to replace any appliances, GE has a vintage line.

Fun project! Marmoleum could be an option - it wear well and they have lots of colors

I like the checkerboard suggestion, but I know that look isn’t for everyone. For a small space, I would use the same flooring material throughout. In my own kitchen I have old, medium wood cabinets with slightly darker wood floors and colorful rugs.

For the walls, I would try a warm white. I have SW snowbound throughout my house, including the kitchen, and love it against our cabinets.

FYI I’m not a pro, just a Houzz enthusiast. Here’s my current kitchen, which is similar to what you’re working with. Please excuse the toddler clutter and crazy child proofing.

I updated it for a few hundred dollars until we’re ready for a full reno, with some suggestions I received here. I think you can see the original if you look through my post history. We weren’t lucky enough to be working with white, so the temporary backsplash and countertop you see here is removable wallpaper, but I like what you have better. Ours was hunter green…

Housegal200,
Great ideas. Especially paint suggestions! Thank you!

Oh I just remembered a cool trick I came across when I was looking for affordable updates. Check the back of your cabinet doors. If they’re flat and and you’re handy (or know someone who is), you might be able to flip them so the flat side faces out!

Lauren,
Thanks for the paint color idea. I will check it out! Ps. Your kitchen looks great! You understand what in mean by sprucing it up! So glad I found this site. Most sites focus on only total makeovers!

Great tip! Not so lucky mine are not flat!😟

@torie4

i sm not very good at this stuff, and can understand wanting to update, but there are some great ideas on here so far. What a great kitchen to freshen up but not have to rebuild.

You should see my kitchen! i think architectural colleges use it as an example of what NOT to do in kitchen design because it incorporated every bad idea ever made about kitchens, and adopted stupid ideas with gusto.

You are fortunate; you have a lot to work with. Good for you as well as being open to some great advice. What a win, win, win situation.

Plans for my kitchen?

It needs such a gut job its not ”right down to the studs” it is going past the studs. It is so overwhelming. I am glad you can affordably refresh.

(Not whining on my end, i knew what i was buying and did so by my own free will)

I would draw attention to the hardware on the cupboards and drawers in housegal200’s pic… a little bit of metal brings a some interest.

IMO the floor is the best thing in that kitchen.

1. You asked about toning down cabinets without painting; are you interested in stripping and re-staining? If not, just embrace when making updates.

2. Regarding flooring, what is, or will be laid in the adjoining rooms? If not important, there are endless choices style/colors and suggest marmoleum or linoleum.

3. Decide on everything else before choosing paint color. It’s really about the feel you want, but you can’t go wrong with white and paint the ceiling and hood as well for a fresher feel.

4. Searching for ideas will help you decide on a look. A backsplash will have a big impact and coordinate with flooring, and complement cabinets and counter to create a cohesive look.

5. Consider redoing your table/chairs and add a nice light above.

6. Accessorizing is important and address window (if possible, remove scalloped trim).

Honestly for the odd overnight visit I would just clean and clean again and unless the floors are in bad shape I would not bother. I assume you stay when cattle are birthing or there is some emrgency so save the money for something else. I think if the floors need doing look for a vinyl loose lay floor and be done.Pine is a real pain to paint and so be prepared for 2 coats of really good primer and then probably 2 coats of a color you choose for me a lot of work for a few overnigh stays Get a good bed and mattress .

Housegal200,
Thanks for the suggestion for gone open shelving above the stove! I would have never thought of that!

Travis,
I agree! I have received many great ideas! I wish you well with your rebuild!

La_la girl,
I will check the cabinet nobs! Thanks!

Kazzh,
I will!

Maureen,
Great ideas and pictures! Very helpful. As far as the flooring we will probably change the flooring and keep it all the same as all the other rooms have 30 year old carpet!

Patricia,
You hit the mail on the head about when and why we will stay here! You must be have some history with cattle! I appreciate all your suggestions and clean, clean clean is definitely a must. Although the house is in excellent condition!

@torie4

I wish you the best.

I grew up on a farm and have a farm myself, and while I am retiring from it now, I know how challenging it can be. The farming side of it notwithstanding, (I am from back east so its farming here and not ranching) just having multiple houses to maintain can be a struggle. I got (4) houses altogether and swear somedays I got (3) too many. On really bad days that rises to (4) and wonder why I just don't sell them all of them and buy a condo and watch the grass grow... and someone else mow it.

Then I hold a newborn set of twin lambs and marvel at the full circle of life.

It is a wonderful life…. And I appreciate the appeal of a condo.

Here is the adjacent room. Because we’re staying there in frequently and eventually want to build out at the farm not spending money we don’t need to so I’m leaving the paneling dark. Any suggestions for floor coloring to make it look, lighter, brighter, and bigger? The room is 18 x 12.

Here is the picture

Embrace the retro vibe if you can't afford to fully remodel. Think about injecting color for the appliances which look like they need replacing anyway. I like a Fiestaware look for these sorts of kitchens:

Vacation Home · More Info

Creative colorful kitchen in Monterey · More Info

Highland · More Info

Note how in the first photo they have open shelving and did artful displays of colorful dishware. That could be an option for you if you remove the doors to the upper cabinets.

Sabrina,
Thank you! Make lemonade our is a lemon. Also can you see the living room pick with the dark paneling. I am not painting or replacing it, but wondering what color flooring to make it look lighter and brighter?

I'd probably remove the wall paneling in the adjacent room, repair the drywall underneath and paint. As for flooring, it should be consistent between the kitchen and this room. I'd consider porcelain tile that looks like charcoal slate. Inexpensive and will be a nice contrast to the cabinetry.

For a farm or ranch, the most practical floor color is the same color as the dirt outside. Scoop a couple tablespoons of dirt from the yard into a baggie and take it to the flooring shop. There will be several choices that have some of the same colors as the dirt, so the flooring will not show dust nearly as fast as much darker or much lighter colors.

Thanks everyone. There is. Drywall behind the paneling. 😞

There is no drywall behind the paneling.

Four of the six surface in the room are dark panelling. It will be possible to brighten it up with white or near white ceiling and flooring, but the most effective way to brighten it up is to paint the panelling white or near white. Getting brand new wallboard would also allow you to get new insulation on the room's outside walls which could improve comfort levels in the house.

Thank you!

I have a similar wood paneled room that was built as a game room (now storage). I put LVP Coretec Norwegian Maple flooring throughout that house level. If you are looking to economize with Marmoleum (sp?) or such, then maybe a wood color floor with a bit of pattern (subtle) to it. It would help to know the material(s) you want for your flooring.