Where do i start with a face lift to my outdated kitchen ..

It can be super overwhelming to get started! I think the best strategy for an involved DIY project is too choose something relatively simple but that will really change the look as a starting point. The logic being that if you start to see results (meaning, a nicer kitchen) you'll be motivated to continue. A few thoughts:

• do you need to replace the cupboards? Or can you just chalk paint them, which is relatively easy with not too much prep, and can really refresh the look
• Re: a backsplash, you can try peel and stick tiles. I know that it sounds lazy, but you can get some REALLY nice ones on Amazon, and you can reinforce with silicon.

Make an appointment with a decorator in the kitchen department at a big box store. Then take pictures of your present kitchen with you. Have in mind the feel that you want, but listen to their ideas of what will update it and still fit in your budget. If you hire them to do the job, they might even come to your house to talk over plans after the initial in-store appointment. If it's a DIY, they'll still likely walk around the store and recommend such things "this floor will look good with this countertop and this backsplash, and each will cost $.... Having professional input will give you confidence to get started.

We just completed a kitchen overhaul. I was completely overwhelmed before our appointment with the gal at Lowe's. We ended up not going with everything she recommended, but once we were into it, we had more confidence to make our own decisions. In fact, we immediately nixed her recommendation that we white wash our knotty pine cabinets because we aren't fond of the white-washed look. We ended up white-washing the cabinets and we chose different flooring than she recommended,and that we had initially agreed upon. We were going to change the dated hardware, and she said, "Oh no, I wouldn't. It goes well with the old house and the knotty pine." That saved valuable money and gave us the confidence that it was ok--even on an update. -We love our new kitchen. It was a long process but I'm so glad we did it.

Since you are not sure where to start or actually what you want. I love getting ideas from Houzz.com . Put in the style you want and you will see thousands completed and beautiful kitchens. When you decide (and this is the hardest Part) you can then get started.. I also recommend Faucetsdirect.com for sinks and fixtures at the best prices and great delivery. Pulls and knobs are the next hardest things to get a grip on. There are several web sites for discount pulls that offer tons of choices. Back plates can add snap. The hardware in the kitchen is what makes all your hard work jump out. Do look at different kitchens on Houzz though, even if you know the style you want it will help with your list, Things like slide in ranges or ones with backs make a difference. Talking to refrigerator repairman the new friges with double doors on top may not be your best choice. It seems that the ones with the icemaker on the doors seem to break down pretty often, so you might just want an icemaker in the bottom freezer. If you are moving sinks and ranges just check with your plumber what this will involve.. If you live in city limits be sure to check with the city for permits. They enjoy telling someone who just spent 10000.00 to rip it out, its not permitted. So check,

thanks for your reply.. such great ideas.. very much appreciated ps i have looked at houzz.com :) now im really confused!!!! lol