Help!
by
Austin
+37
What can we do to make this kitchen come alive? It is small and boring. We were thinking of painting Martha Stuart"s Custard and Macadamia yellow. Paint cabinet fronts? Accent wall? The rest of the house is wood and neutral colors with lots of windows. I don't think we want anything too bright but we are definatley open to suggestions! Thanks!
36 answers
-
Assuming that you want to keep everythinas isand perform a cosmetic change, the I would suggest paint on the wall, new door knobs for your cabinets.
Yamini M
on Feb 08, 2011
-
Checkout some great ideas from the "Articles" link above. Here's one you may enjoy Choosing Interior Color Schemes.
James A
on Feb 08, 2011
-
And maybe a tile back splash there are sheets if tile in custom design you can buy.
Hudson Designs
on Feb 08, 2011
-
I think paint on the walls, painted cabinets, and the tile back splash under the cabinets would really make some things happen for you here!
Brent B
on Feb 08, 2011
-
Use contact paper with a pattern and put on the cupboards or on the drawers. Don't do both it would make it to busy. I used contact paper with a fruit design on my cupboard doors and it gave my kitchen pizzaz
Mclines
on Aug 14, 2013
-
I think you need to start with "what is your favorite color?" I painted a kitchen a color close to that for someone and it was overwhelming! I love color and since your accents canister set) is already a yellow/green color I would think about a bold color so make the kitchen come alive. Blues, reds, or greens~have fun with your favorite color since the rest of your house is neutral. I would leave the cabinets alone but add some really cool knobs and handles (if you have a Hobby Lobby near they usually have 1/2 off sales and they have some really cool vintage looking handles with beads, color, and even old cast iron). I would try and find some scroll type accents sold at Lowes and Home Depot to add and/or maybe even frame the doors which you could glue on the doors that can either be wood stained or even painted a contrasting or complimentary color. You could even frame some prints you find on the doors and really give a unique look to your kitchen. Just some more thoughts.
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on Aug 14, 2013
-
new door fronts? new counter tops?
Tina
on Aug 24, 2013
-
I'm not a fan of yellow kitchens. I would say paint the walls and white parts of cabinets, maybe in two versions of same color. But without knowing colors in rest of home, not sure what to suggest.
Marcia
on Aug 25, 2013
-
Color on the walls, yellow is fine or whatever else you think you might like, redo cabinets, or consider new door fronts, knobs and handles on doors and backsplash but don't get too matchy matchy with the wall color, maybe keep the backsplash something neutral. I have recently seen a light blue green, glass subway tile used often and I love it!
Charlene Hairston
on Sep 29, 2013
-
Not a fan of yellow with this type of cabinet either. A) you have laminate cabinets - painting is not practical B) since you have integrated cabinet pulls, do not install decorative hardware - it will be unsettling to the eye. Most economical updates -- paint the walls! A more saturated color like SW Fawn Brindle maybe. The contrast would be so pleasing yet still be neutral. Tile backsplash for pizzazz for sure! If you tile, you would definitely want to visit the cost of new counter tops now if you have wear and tear. Note - typically when people tile the backsplash between the wall and base cabinets they do not have a counter top splash like you have. With only 12-14" of space (as is) I would not try to create any too busy, otherwise its going to look very short/awkward. More focal? Bright colored canisters or counter tops decos -- a beautiful piece of art on the wall!. How about window panels on each side of the door? Perfect opportunity to add a print/color to this space.
Designs by BSB
on Sep 29, 2013
-
Painting is fine if you use Annie Sloan chalk paint! paints on anything no priming or sanding! you need to google a stockiest in your area to purchase some. Don't let the price scare you one can would do all your cabinets. Its amazing stuff. Then buy her clear wax. I would put two maybe three coats on. It will cure within 24hrs. The colors she has are fabulous and you could paint your walls a different color.Then add knobs to cabinet doors. I would stick to one of her more neutral colors for cabinets, like Old Ochre or versallies. Then pop of color in kitchen and dining room. tile backsplash and hang nice curtains by the sliding doors. long on both sides will soften the space. good luck,take pics.
Melissa Hill
on Oct 03, 2013
-
I know this might be out of your comfort zone but what about painting the wood part of the cabinet a cool color that would look good with the cream of the front and then change out the counter top to go with the new paint color. make it a flat counter (no backsplash). Then add a new backsplash so you get more visual bang for your buck. Something warm would be good since you have pretty wood floors. Look for the tile backsplash first and then pick paint color and counter top based on that.
Reposhture Studio - Kim
on Oct 03, 2013
-
I noticed you have mostly black appliances, so how about painting the cream door and drawer fronts a flat black as well. This will update the contemporary style of your home. Tile the backsplash areas with glass tile sheets of monochromatic colors in a horizontal pattern or using earthy tones to pick up the color of the wood or look for a stone tile with black veining. Or for an ultra modern look use the stainless tile sheets that have the "subway tile" pattern they can be found at most home improvement stores. Paint the base of the center island a flat black as well. Use stainless hardware for the doors and drawers that look like simple cylindrical steel rods. Paint the walls a taupe or earthy neutral tone that compliments the wood tone of the cabinets. If your budget allows, update the countertops as well.
Jackie Peruchi
on Oct 03, 2013
-
We did this same kitchen for a client back in 91'.....matching counters and everything! He had us paint it Robins Egg Blue. Now I wouldn't recommend that, but I do like the idea of changing out the door & drawer fronts. The boxes look to be a good light oak. Laminate counters are vary reasonable now because everyone is going for the hard surfaces. A ceramic back-splash and some colored walls and it will be like a new space.
Houseworks Unlimited, Inc.
on Oct 07, 2013
-
I love your countertops, I know they are 70s / 80s, but they look in good condition. Paint the cabinets, for sure, not yellow, but all white. The bottom of the island in black, drawers on the island in white. There are panels you can buy for the front of your refrigerator, they are magnetic to blend in better with your other black appliances (I see that it's a cream color). Now you can do the pale yellow on the walls, on the backsplash...make sure it is very PALE! Just a valance over the window wall and sink window will keep the light coming in. Good luck!
Barbara R
on Oct 26, 2013
-
The cupboards are the main problem. Some very neat door knobs would be great and some warm color as well... The kitchen in general is missing that cozy touch.
Darlenegreen
on Nov 04, 2013
-
I think the faux butcher block countertops are very dated. You can have them replaced with one of the new granite look laminates. We did that in our last house and it was surprisingly inexpensive. I'd reface the cabinet cases and add new doors. Paint the cabinets a pretty neutral color that blends with your new countertops and use a coordinating color for the walls. You could do your island in a darker color too. I've seen that done in a lot of new homes. Post pics of your "new" kitchen!!
Janet Smith
on Nov 04, 2013
-
If your looking to be cost affective, I would just paint the walls a pale yellow for some color. It should go well with all of the oak colored wood in the room without being overwhelming.
D. Edward Design
on Nov 13, 2013
-
inexpensive way to change the doors remove the wood handle, cover door with inexpensive vinyl staple onto inside of doors or add cork tile sheets You can pick a vinyl with any pattern you like, it is easily changed and makes it look soo different. you can add molding around the whole door, Paint the counter with the new paints available. go bold if you like bold
Patti
on Nov 13, 2013
-
You can use fabric on walls like wallpaper use fabric softener to hold to wall easy to change. brighten the room coordinate with dishes etc
Patti
on Nov 13, 2013
-
First your kitchen is nice, neat, and clean. I wouldn't touch those counter tops. Maybe add trim to your cabinets and paint them white, Then add the yellow you like to the walls. Put curtains up and maybe add a picture or two to the main wall. Above your cabinets add a few more items like a rooster, baskets, a touch of green. Just don't over it. The sliding glass doors would look great with drapes, however I would leave the half open at all time. Please take the TV off of the fridge... Maybe go to thrift store and pick up inexpensive chest of drawers and paint it another color that you love and put the TV on it and it can serve dual duty (storage & TV). Hope this helps. Good luck and take your time, keep looking on this web-site, everyone is so helpful and I have learned a lot. Just remember it is your home, do what you like.
Pat Cobb
on Feb 27, 2014
-
Kitchen should be decorated with light colorfloral wallpaper so that when you keep anything in your kitchen that thinglooks beautifully enhance.
Jay Taylor
on Feb 28, 2014
-
Your kitchen has a nice feel to it. I love all of the natural light. I think I would paint the walls in the same blue that is on the carpet in front of the sink instead of yellow. I don't know if the color showing on my screen is different but the cabinets & floors appear to be on the yellow side. I think more yellow would make it fade away, but a cool/contrast color would make it pop out more. I would also paint the base of the island blue. Blue would also bring the outside in and make it calming.If blue is not for you, I would also consider green or teal.
Opal
on Feb 28, 2014
-
The cabinets are the first thing I see. Trim them with molding, then paint. They are crying out for hardware, but if you trim them, you may not need new hardware. The beige walls are fine, but I'd go with another color for the cabinets, probably a taupe.
KathrynElizabeth Etier
on Mar 01, 2014
-
I have those same exact cabinets. I painted the cabinets and replaced the doors. A nice tile backsplash would add some color as well.
Lisa Schneider
on Mar 01, 2014
-
My advice add some small strips of wood about 2inches toward the inside around the doors and then add a top to the cabinets and paint all white. Leave those countertops they are beautiful. Paint the wall in a soft green color. Post pictures so we can see what you came up with.
Loretta
on Mar 01, 2014
-
I think the cabinets would look good painted all one color, even if you don't add strips for character. Have your accent wall color match the base of the island. Put up a couple of shelves on the accent wall using the same color as the cabinets. I also like the suggestion about a small dresser to put the tv onto. Maybe a valance with the accent color in it. We have the laminate granite-look countertops and when I get the chance, I plan to buy real butcherblock countertops from IKEA. My best advice is to go with colors that make you feel good. What you're proposing is a lot of work, so do it in a color that will make you smile. Have fun!
Lisa
on Mar 01, 2014
-
I think the room is crying out for color. Like a cayenne pepper red!
Michele Eures
on Mar 01, 2014
-
that is wonderful. I think I may take it further either staple vinyl that I machine embroider the italian or french chef's on it and paint the wood cabinet to match or contrast to the vinyl.... then if i hate the design I can rip it off easily but its cheaper to cover the doors like this
Patti
on Mar 02, 2014
-
I bet folks do not Know about Whitehall NY being the first home of the US Navy...
Patti
on Mar 02, 2014
-
do a pretty backsplash to bring out your colors
Darlene Clonts
on Apr 13, 2014
-
I'd take off the cabinet doors.
Kc
on Apr 13, 2014
- See 2 previous
-
I would paint the walls a bright, light blue, paint the lower cupboards a medium gray, and the upper cabinets a high gloss ultra white. Adding some nice hardware would finish off the look for the cupboard doors. Some artwork for the big wall by the sliding glass door that will really pop that big space. Perhaps a bench with some storage?
Kim Campbell
on Apr 13, 2014
-
How about painting your walls something similar to your canister color? Then choose something contrasting and paint the cabinet door parts that are currently white. Depending on your boldness, you could do something in the muted red family or a darkish teal.
Louise
on Apr 13, 2014
-
Thanks for asking for input. This is what I would do if I were unsure of how to approach an issue, rather than just posting before/after pics. My first impression is that you need more colour. I really like your lime green "accessories". Would add an additional colour or two like turquoise, orange - whatever you like - to provide more pops of colour and would place on top of the cabinets. I'd put a fake vine bunched up (no climbing up to water, silk ones look real) in an interesting container to soften the horizontal line of the cabinets. Like most of us, you probably have lots of other things you could add. Try them on, even if they don't look kitcheny - in groupings with various heights, shapes, textures - and shuffle them around until you get what pleases your eye. In one of my groupings, I have one of those old Chia Pets with a green head and terra cotta body (chia dead and departed!), a dark multi-coloured leather-coated bottle, and a brass item. Just have to watch that it doesn't go from interesting to cluttered. (I lay waxed paper on top of my cupboards. Easy clean. Just take off when greasy and relay new.) I'd go slow - maybe do one thing, live with it for a bit, etc. I'd paint the inside piece of the wood insert above the micro the same colour as the cabinets to make it look like a drawer. Think you need some wall colour and would start with a feature wall - either paint or wallpaper that maybe has a pattern with your accessory colours in it. Maybe add pictures, big clock, etc. Wouldn't mess with the cabinets, countertops or do a backsplash at all - at least until you see how you like the smaller changes as these are time consuming and expensive. I, personally, like them the way they are. Would not cover the patio doors. Could put a tropical that grows more vertical than horizontal by the patio doors to add pattern, interest, softness to lines. To add interest to the view outside the kitchen, you could take the inside, out. What about a piece of wall art in your accessory colours for that diagonal wood wall near your BBQ? Again you probably have lots of stuff you could repurpose - an old hubcap spray painted with colours of your inside accessories? Hanging planter? Weatherproofed framed picture? Combo? l love accessories for making spaces individual and interesting. The most expensive cabinetry, countertops, etc. "do not a space make" - it's the little details! Thanks for reading!
Marion Nesbitt
on Apr 26, 2014
-
I would personally wallpaper or do some artwork on the plain white wall. It is a canvas just begging for attention! Then accent the rest of the room to highlight the new focal point! By the way, GREAT KITCHEN!!!
Cathy W
on Apr 26, 2014
Sign Up to Answer
