Asked on Jan 13, 2014

Need help on a DIY kitchen redo without replacing cabinets.

Anna Hanley
by Anna Hanley
We just closed on this great cottage in West Virginia. Need help on a DIY kitchen redo without replacing cabinets.The counter tops were recently replaced by the seller and are in great shape. Stove needs replacing to match frig and microwave. Definitely replacing light fixtures Looking for paint colors for cabinets,walls. Thoughts???
The photo was take before closing.
  84 answers
  • Diane Woods Diane Woods on Jan 13, 2014
    I haven't tried it yet, but I've seen a product by Rustoleum called Cabinet Restoration that I've read about and plan to use in a bathroom. It can be used on laminate, wood or other surfaces. You can fill in wood holes from handles in the middle of the cabinet doors you have now. Then you can leave the way they are, or put panels on the surface of each door with molding around to unify them. Use this product on everything so it has the same color and matches. Drill new holes and replace hardware, and the cabinets will look great!
    • See 1 previous
    • Loribeth Loribeth on Jan 18, 2014
      @Anna Hanley I've used the Rustoleum Cabinet Restoration, and I absolutely LOVE it. It saved so much time and effort, and it has held up extremely well. I used it on my upper cabinets three years ago, and they still look brand new. I used regular paint on my lower cabinets last November, and I already have to do some touch ups.
  • Shari Shari on Jan 13, 2014
    Aside from the things you mentioned, I see 4 things that really date the kitchen; 1. The placement of the door pulls in the middle of the doors. Before painting the cabinets, I would remove the hardware, putty the holes and plan for new hardware in the more traditional place at the edge of the door. 2. The (green?) trim on the cabinets. When you paint the cabinets, I would recommend painting them solid and NOT highlighting the trim as the previous owners did. 3. The wallpaper. I would remove all the wallpaper and even possibly the tile behind the stove and around the sink so another (consistent) back splash material could be used. 4. The scalloped wood bridge piece over the sink that connects the upper cabinets. You rarely see those bridge pieces over the sink in kitchens now so I would also take that down and hang a roman shade made out of either bamboo or a pretty fabric. As far as colors for cabinets and walls, that is a personal choice you will have to make depending on what you like but you are going to be somewhat limited by the green countertops. Can't see what type of floor that is, what condition it is in, or whether you even plan to replace it but its yellowish-orange appearance is also going to restrict some of your color choices. Congratulations on your new place! The kitchen looks like it has great bones and just needs a little TLC. Hope you will share pictures of your progress.
    • Anna Hanley Anna Hanley on Jan 13, 2014
      @Shari Thank u~ I was thinking the same thing in regards to the cabinet hardware and also removing wallpaper and back splash. You are so right it just need s some TLC. I just really need to pick paint colors to match the counter top. Thank again!
  • Sherry Sherry on Jan 13, 2014
    Yes I had hardware in the middle of mine and I took them off, filled the holes....looks much better. I also got new hardware on Amazone that was very inexpensive.
  • The green countertops may go very well a medium to dark grey, cabinet and may even try a light grey on the top cabinets. You could also think about antique white or a creamy color and try your hand at antique them for a more cottage look. { Are those handles ivy? If they are that is too funny because I have those handles in my garage on my cabinets. LOL} You can fill the holes with wood filler and lightly sand then prime and paint cabinets to update look. I think you should go with a very soft sage green on the walls to help tie in the green counter. For your backsplash, if you can tile the backsplash with either a glass tile (no color) or white subway tiles so you are not stuck with a look that will date the kitchen. You could also add some extra "bling" behind the stove with decorative tile. Depending upon budget you could get new handles or reuse them and spray paint them with hammered spray paint in the chrome color to go with the stainless. I personally do not like ceiling fans in kitchens and replacing that light with a larger prettier light to add more function. I would think about a track light to add light unless you are handy and can put in recessed lighting. For budget savvy you can always do something similar to what I did and use what I find in the bargain areas. check out my kitchen here on Hometalk for simple ideas.
  • Anna Hanley Anna Hanley on Jan 13, 2014
    I agreed the fan has to go! There are ceiling fans in every room. Lol Yes, the hardware is ivy. I will definitely remove the hardware. I am liking the sage green also the subway tile.Thank you
  • Lori J Lori J on Jan 13, 2014
    Replacing cabinet doors/drawer fronts might be a possibility.
  • Cynthia E Cynthia E on Jan 13, 2014
    So very sorry for this LONGGGGG post 1.) If you can't replace counter top immediately with new . with granite or other stone, ,concrete(--plenty of diy and about kits here) and since they are in good shape I would definitely check into granite film until you can (Rachel Ray endorses-- we are going to use this spring in craft room going to work on-- easy to install or remove, durable and inexpensive ) http://www.instant-granite.com/. 2.) To get appliances to match until or if you can replace they have stainless steel film for them , same as granite film and have different stainless steel finishes from brushed etc. http://fauxsteel.com/ or there are appliance paints out there. 3.) Remove wallpaper and paint. I would figure out counter top , and cabinet colors that would go well with flooring before choosing wall and back splash colors. 4.) Re-move back splash behind stove and make it fit into new decor (also can be painted if don't want to remove yet--use "air dry glass, air dry ceramic paints or metal paints--even craft paints will work if sealed right") 5.) install back splash on rest of counter top walls-- plenty of options here from paint subway (great tutorial on here) to peel and stick metal, glass, ceramic to reg. back splash installation.6.) Remove scalloped valance over window install roman shades and a nice light.7.) Remove ceiling fan and install new light (or if need ceiling fan re do blades to fit new decor "paint, stain etc" and paint metal (tape off holes inside so spray paint doesn't ruin motor ) to fit new finishes. 8.) I would remove over stove microwave (replace w/ counter model) and put in exhaust fan -- that you could easily build focal point of w/ faux hood (again plenty of diys here)-- either incorporating existing cabinets over stove or removing. 9.) Using plywood and matching new drawer fronts"however you finish existing out" extend cabinets to ceiling building new boxes and finishing doors and hardware to match existing cabinets that you redo. 10.) Re-doing door and drawer fronts again if can't replace with your dream one's immediately -- there are many options (a) you could strip and stain (b) re-paint with or with out antiquing to highlight carving. (c) replace hardware -remember if you can't find hardware you love in finish you want they can be painted (plenty of diy tutorials here) and moving hardware is very easy. (d) if you dislike carving on doors several options (d-1) doing 3d stencil design inside of carved area -- can use plaster or 3d stencil products and painting and antiquing over http://www.kitchendoorcabinets.com/blog/relief-impasto-stenciling-on-a-cabinet-doors (d2) using wood putty or sawdust mixed with wood glue (box-home Imp. stores will give you sawdust) -- google for ratio glue to sawdust -- fill in grooves and sand flush then paint. (d3) install flexible molding over carvings http://www.flexiblemoulding.com/ (d4) using plywood with iron on edge trim make new drawer or door front and use molding that coordinates with doors on left of picture ( note you can use a thin molding inside of frames to fancy or dress them up. (d5) cut out at carved areas and replace with-- a. glass- b. plexi-glass (clear or painted to look like stained glass) - c. decorative radiator metal panels- d.- corrugated roofing metal cut to fit-- e. chicken or other decorative wire f. metal flashing solid or do pierced metal design your choice. 11.) Install under cabinet and cabinet lights (even if the stick on push type). 12.) Re-finish or remake/replace island to fit into new decor. -- paint , stain add wood appliques, cover top w/ metal sheets. Before I did any changes I would live in it for a few weeks and decide on changes that were the most important to me and the colors style I was eventually wanting to end up with. Google and research kitchens in you favorite style, decide on look going for. Then tackle projects one at a time. 1. I would do counter tops first (unless you love), 2. then use the stainless steel products or appliance paint to coordinate appliances (as long as they work great can be last to replace.) 3. Doing cabinets top and bottom. 4. I would choose back splash ,wall colors , and hardware and island last. Your flooring looks to be a warm golden brown from what I could see in picture, that is a very neutral color so as long as you stay in the warm shades the sky is the limit.. Anywhere from neutral browns, golds, greens -- Tuscan reds gold etc.. Remember in the end all our advice is just.that ,our opinions on what we would do -- it is your home and you are the one that needs to be happy! Take your time and do what YOU want! GL and be sure and post pics. here as you go along so I don't miss.!
  • Kathleen M Kathleen M on Jan 14, 2014
    I replaced the kitchen cabinets and drawer fronts in my last house. It was very low cost compared to replacing the cabinets. I selected unfinished doors and painted them white. Since your cabinet boxes are already white, you could select a paint color to match the existing boxes and do the same. I found this door after a quick search on the web http://www.cabinetdoors.com/products/Aspen_Cabinet_Door-24-0.html
  • Kathleen M Kathleen M on Jan 14, 2014
    If you can't replace the counter tops right away, I would pain the walls a neutral that works with both the floor color and the counters. I'm not a fan of the cluttered look of a pot rack- having something so heavy looking hanging from the ceiling is not good design or Feng shui. I know lots of kitchens have them, but I'm just offering an opinion here- I hope it doesn't offend anyone.
  • 117135 117135 on Jan 14, 2014
    Not sure what is on the front of the island, but you can take that off and replace it with some nice bead-board, and paint it to match your cupboards(whatever color you decide) I agree with all the things that Shari stated. You could also use the little side wall on the floor cabinet and above the island to the left as a message center. Paint it with blackboard paint and build a frame to frame it in.
  • Anna Hanley Anna Hanley on Jan 14, 2014
    Wow!! Thank u!, I wont be starting for a few months but definitely will post photos.
  • Dana Dana on Jan 14, 2014
    There is a lot going on. I would remove the center pulls, wallpaper and repaint the cabinets a solid color without the detail painted on them. I'll be looking forward to your "after" pictures!
  • DeAnne T DeAnne T on Jan 14, 2014
    I have done my kitchen with very little money. I used rolled roof flashing and did punched tin patterns, I then used a combination of Rustoleum spray paint (hammered copper & hammered aluminum) to put the desired finish I wanted on the metal. I used 1/4 by 2" cut to fit pieces of poplar with decorative screws to attach them to the original cabinet doors. I stained the wood and used 'Tung oil' for a finish. as for the counter top I used ready made laminate NEW counter tops, much cheaper than ANY other application.
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Jan 14, 2014
    Actually, I took down my fan in the kitchen and am now thinking about putting one back in since I am retired and doing more cooking. I'll let the person who buys this house once I am gone do as they please, but for now, I need a fan! Fans serve a purpose! (It can be painted white and not be so obvious.)
  • Down to Earth Holly Down to Earth Holly on Jan 14, 2014
    Anna - I would just like to say that you have a very fun project ahead of you. Your kitchen is going to be super cute when you are done. I love white cabinets and even removing cabinets fr open shelving can make the whole room feel bigger. Good luck and have so much fun!
  • Patty S Patty S on Jan 14, 2014
    Hi Sherry, I purchased my home 3 years ago, and the kitchen was still the old 1970's avocado green and the cabinets were dark and very old looking. I have my own chop saw and other tools and also can do my own tile work. I posted what I did to update and the final picture is the before picture. You cn go to my post from back a couple years and take a look. My post is "I am Proud of my kitchen". Also, If I were you, I would remove the counter that divides your kitchen from (I am assuming) you dinning area and just put a large central Island where the little cart now stands in the middle. Happy remodeling..
  • Vickey B. Vickey B. on Jan 14, 2014
    I'd do that kitchen in true cottage! White on white. I'd replace some of the cabinet fronts w/glass and cover up (or remove) that popcorn ceiling and replace w/bead board. White 4x4 tile back spash. Pewter tones for drawer and cabinet pulls. We can't see the entire room but if that one window over the sink is the only natural light if you go with a darker wall color the room is going to feel like a dungeon! The green counter tops are going to "suck" up what little light is in the room. In reality it looks as if you have very little prep space there so I'm sure that the little island is used for that but it also makes the room feel smaller. My kitchen has a "stove top" island which looks nice, but is a pain in the caboose because I'm constantly having to maneuver around it to get to the cabinets or counters to cook. Very cumbersome with a large pot of something hot. Good luck, I can't wait to see the "after" photos!
  • Wanda sinnema Wanda sinnema on Jan 14, 2014
    Sherry from Florida saw the same thing I did. This kitchen has a long list of projects to keep you busy. But is a gem in the rough. I pretty much agree regarding the dating and cabinets. I'd also think of maybe keep the fan-repaint to a silver-nickle, blades darker, and new globe covers..You may wish you had it for cooling later. I'd change out the corner pantry/closet (?) with the big strip of wallpaper,,somehow, it doesn't seem to fit. Shelves or office like corner-drop zone, even a wall mounted tv-handy but the way. I'd also have a maybe add vintage style glass (ones with a few bubbles or waves) to some of the upper cabinet doors and leave aa few with shelves only. AS for color, that may be trickier, maybe pick up a color from the counter, its hard to tell exactly, other than the massive dark green you see in the photo, subtle greenish-with some grey. Darker shades on the lower. The look of a section of white marble with green veining could also be tied in on the small cart. I do like the idea of the subway tiles. color repends on the rest of your choices...Other cabinet option would be a creamy ivory. great area to have some fun with..
  • Debbie Harris Debbie Harris on Jan 15, 2014
    Pull up a chair and look at it. Really look at it. Picture yourself in it. What do you like? What don't you like? Make lists of both. Get color swatch cards and tape them to the cabinets/walls etc. It will come to you.
  • Linda Quick Linda Quick on Jan 15, 2014
    Why would you want to change it? The only thing that needs to be changed is removing the pot rack, it hides the beauty of the kitchen. Remove clutter but play up the green with ivy vines & cluster of grapes, wine bottles & a wine rack, maybe a photo of an Italian scene on the wall where the pot rack is. I could have so much fun with this kitchen with just decorating it, merchandising what you have already. Good luck, hope you will post before & after pics.
  • Sue Hebert Sue Hebert on Jan 15, 2014
    There is a paint technique that experts use to texture over wall paper. My friend had her dining room done using it and it looks great. There is also another, relatively inexpensive technique called Miracle Method (google it) that would work like a charm on those counter tops. Miracle Method can on countertops, bathtubs, sinks, floors, etc. It holds up very well and there are many finish options. As for the cabinets, I would repaint them myself. You could remove doors on a few to make some open shelving, but I see that you have some nice space above your cabinets for displaying favorite items. Good luck on the kitchen remodel and congratulations on your new home. I'm sure you will love working in that very nice size kitchen!! I agree wholeheartedly with Jeanette on that ceiling fan. I have one in my kitchen and it is used a lot!
  • Sue Hebert Sue Hebert on Jan 15, 2014
    I noticed something else, looking back at the pictures. It's hard to tell, but are the door handles placed in the center of the cabinet doors? I think that changing those out, filling the holes, and placing handles in the regular positions would make a world of difference.
  • Dawn Katzel Dawn Katzel on Jan 15, 2014
    I'm thinking rustic farmhouse kitchen style. Cut out the scalloped centers of the cabinets and replace them with either a cute fabric or chicken wire. Paint the walls a very soft, muted grey.
  • Kerry Morris Kerry Morris on Jan 15, 2014
    off white that is in the countertops for the cabinets. yes take the handles off the center any place bottom right corner. remove wallpaper and paint solid color. but you would have to look at swatches to have something go nicely with countertops. simple off white backsplash that goes all around kitchen and not just behind stove. I can only see one picture so that's all the thoughts I have. :). hope to see the end product. oh, maybe some antiquing on the cabinets would look nice too depending on the areas surrounding the kitchen.
  • Anna Hanley Anna Hanley on Jan 15, 2014
    OMG~Thank u for all the wonderful ideas. I am so excited. I will definitely post photos when I am done.
  • Liliana Wells Liliana Wells on Jan 15, 2014
    Have you thought about refacing? Home Depot can tell you how they can do it. We had a kitchen redone and were very pleased with the results. Strip the wallpaper and paint. If the wallpaper is in good shape, fill in any imperfections and paint over it. We have done that too about en years ago and you can't tell there is wallpaper underneath the paint. Good luck..
  • Tina Tina on Jan 15, 2014
    I agree on moving the cabinet handles and painting the doors white or using glass,chicken wire, etcā€¦ On the side of the tall pantry that is wallpapered and is near the pot rackā€¦ remove the wall paper and put an Up cycled frame turned into a chalk board or an upcycled frame turned bulletin board! If you have room for the pots in the bottom cabinets you could remove the pot rack and open the room up visually! Have fun!
  • Theresa Theresa on Jan 16, 2014
    I agree with a lot of the other comments. First things first is to remove the handles from the centre and splurge a bit on door pulls that will be placed in the bottom/top corners depending on your cabinet. Once you paint out the cupboards, they won't seem busy either. Right now the contrast of the black/white is visually jarring. I saw someone said an off-white for the cabinetry - this would work, but you could also try a heritage green-gray to tone done the green of the counter. It kind of reminds me of a bank. And yes, if you can, the wallpaper must go. It's such a small amount, I would cheat and paint it. Above the cabinets, you could add a fake panel and paint it the same as the cupboards so it looks like they extend to the ceiling. Good luck.
    • Anna Hanley Anna Hanley on Jan 17, 2014
      @Theresa Hi I was wondering who carries the heritage green-gray paint color? Is it Benjamin Moore? Thanks
  • Julie Rice Julie Rice on Jan 17, 2014
    You can replace the centers of the doors with punched tin? Just cut the center out. Don't know what look you are going for?
  • Theresa Theresa on Jan 17, 2014
    Hi Anna: Sorry, I suppose I should have mentioned that! Yep, it would be Benjamin Moore that has the historical color line. You could get it matched at Home Depot in the Behr Ultra Line, or I used one on the walls of my kitchen (I'd already painted the cabinets Benjamin Moore Mannequin Cream) by Behr called "Restful" (400F-4). Btw, if you're going to paint the cabinets, I'd recommend using a melamine paint. It's going to be a bit more of a pain with drying time b/c it's oil-based but the finish will last forever, and I think it's preferable to using a latex paint but then having to varnish on top. I know a lot of people on hometalk use chalk paint, but that's really surprisingly hard to find in Toronto, Canada where I am!
  • Shari Shari on Jan 17, 2014
    I just want to chime in again and say Restful (that @Theresa mentioned) is gorgeous sage green! I used it and Mountain Haze (which is a shade lighter) in my previous home. I wanted to use both colors in my current home but the lighting here is very different and I needed colors that were not quite so muted/grayed. I'm a bit skeptical how it would actually look with your green counter tops but I often recommend Restful and Mountain Haze to people who are looking for a sage green color.
  • Sabren Sabren on Jan 17, 2014
    I love the pot rack and it has lights in it I would put that over the island and put pin light over the bar. I like white kitchens and have redone my. painted the cabinets and just bought new doors that had a country look to them in white. good luck it is going to be wonderful.
  • Janet Smith Janet Smith on Jan 17, 2014
    I think getting rid of the wall paper, changing the door/drawer hardware and painting out the cabinets will make a huge difference. I you don't like the current countertops, it is relatively inexpensive to have the laminate removed and replaced with something more updated. I love the look of the new faux granite laminate. We had it put in our last home when we updated the kitchen and it was beautiful and very durable and the cost was about $600. I think I'd also replace the ceiling fan with a pretty fixture. Hope you will post pictures when you finish.
  • Beth Beth on Jan 17, 2014
    Hello, Have you thought of using something like the CeCe Caldwells NaturalChalk and Clay Paint. They have a great line of country colors and an endurance finish that a lot of people have used to redo cabinets.. Sooooo easy to use. You could give it an antique look or a more finished look... It all cleans up with water! Just google the paint, or look on YouTube
  • Janis Hill Janis Hill on Jan 17, 2014
    Anna, first things first. :-) If it were my kitchen I would start by removing the wall paper. This alone will make a huge difference. And there is no way I would paint over it. It takes too much time to have to redo it again in a few months because of not doing the prep work right to start with. Then I would remove the popcorn ceiling and replace the light fixture. Paint the cabinets a creamy white. And here is where the problem comes in. Your floor and counter top clash, so you need a color that will marry them. I would do a couple of things to help minimize that fact. I would put a large rug on the kitchen floor to cover most of it up (think indoor/outdoor) or I would paint the counters (even though they are new.) I realize others are going to tell you they don't clash, but he floor has warm undertones and the counters have cool undertones, so no matter what color you paint with it will never look 'right'. If you paint the cabinets a creamy white it may help them to work together better though. Then paint the wooden island a great fun color. That little wall right next to the island or bar (with the pot rack above it) would be a great message board. You could add corkboard to the upper half and paint the lower half with chalkboard paint.
  • Nora Nora on Jan 18, 2014
    One more suggestion, Anna: You can easily and affordably re-do the popcorn ceiling with these glue-up ceiling tiles They have everything from paintable Styrofoam to faux tin, and a cool array of designs. You won't believe the transformation. The link is at the top of my DIY Kitchen website page: http://www.stepbysteppresentations.com/diy-kitchen-makeover-presentations.html
  • Haleigh S Haleigh S on Jan 18, 2014
    Putting in a new backsplash and removing the wallpaper are both easy DIY solutions with a big punch. As far as the countertops go, there's no need to replace the laminate. Just use Rustoleum's Countertop Transformations to resurface and update your current countertops. http://countertops.rustoleumtransformations.com/ They also have a kit for resurfacing your cabinets if you want to do that.
  • Barbara Barbara on Jan 18, 2014
    remove some of the cupboard doors and have that open shelf look!
  • Lisa B Lisa B on Jan 18, 2014
    Don't try to work around those bright green countertops. Replace them, you won't regret it and it doesn't cost that much. Get something that works with the floor if you are keeping the floor. Then, goodbye wallpaper and hello painted cupboards and tile backsplash.
  • Sally Roesner Fuhr Sally Roesner Fuhr on Jan 18, 2014
    The countertops, the accents on the cabinet doors, and the pot rack hanging nowhere near the stove, and the wallpaper are all visual barricades. That wasted space above the cupboards has always confounded me. Cupboards should go clear to the ceiling, for an unbroken look and to store seldom used things.
  • Lynn Jordan Lynn Jordan on Jan 18, 2014
    maybe try these colors,,, this is what I did. change your green countertops! use that space above cabinets to add fun colors,, you can see above mine a little in this photo. good luck
  • Loribeth Loribeth on Jan 18, 2014
    It looks like the previous owners painted the details on the cabinets the same green as the countertops. I'm sure they did this in an attempt to make the green countertops work. Unfortuantely, the green in the countertops is so bossy, there's really no way to make it "work" by adding colors from it. It needs to be accepted for what it is, and find colors that look great with it, but that don't try to blend. Right now I'm specifying Pale Bloom as white for my clients. It's a white that reads fairly true, but it has a slight gray undertone that softens it. I would use that color in the entire room, including the walls. But if you have to have a color, I'd go with gray instead of sage. If you try to bring any green into the room, it's going to look like you're trying to make the countertops work. You don't want it to "look" like you're trying. Remove the wallpaper, and replace it with beadboard wall paper, especially on the sides of the cabinets. It will add texture, which I think the sides of the cabinets need in order to make them look more expensive. Of course, remove the cabinet hardware, fill the holes, and replace with hardware you love and put them where they make sense on the cabinets. Here are the colors I would specify for your room.
  • Cynthia E Cynthia E on Jan 18, 2014
    You can easily and quickly change counter tops with out painting I posted a link in previous remark above to the Granite counter top films Rachel Ray endorses--very inexpensive and easy (we are planning on using in craft rooming making) They would give you time to decide if you wanted to replace completely and with what. But I agree with previous remarks-- even though the green counter tops and fairly new and in good condition if you don't love them and know you will be eventually change them out don't try to redo and decorate around the green (especially say green backsplash or green tones in it )
  • Janis Hill Janis Hill on Jan 18, 2014
    Cynthia E...the granite film looks great. Very much like contact paper. The problem I have with it is if you sit down something hot it will melt and if you cut something on your counter top out of habit then you will slice right through the film. The cost is not worth it. For about the same price you can paint it and not be concerned about melting it or cutting it. imo
  • Cynthia E Cynthia E on Jan 18, 2014
    It says it is heat tolerant 122Ā°F. And yes if you cut on it most likely would cut through it, but wouldn't cutting on a painted counter scratch it? I'm not sure as haven't tried the painted countertops.
  • Janis Hill Janis Hill on Jan 18, 2014
    I don't know about the painted countertops either... :-)
  • Funnygirl Funnygirl on Jan 23, 2014
    mint cabinets with the green countertops would be really striking!
  • Carolyn Hoxton Carolyn Hoxton on Jan 26, 2014
    I don't mind the green countertops, but whatever you do, do for yourself. The wallpaper, is bold, I would strip it off, but a color of paint or wallpaper I liked, maybe paint the cupboards, but don't listen to anyone, except yourself, what do you like? I once had a kitchen with red countertops, and everyone thought I was nuts, until they saw my kitchen, then they knew, it was me.
  • Wanda.ll Wanda.ll on Jan 26, 2014
    Ok my thoughts. Just put a new molding around doors( can't tell if have molding or if flat) A close up of cabinets would help.You can take put an extra piece of wood in the center. Cover that color on doors up, take wallpaper down .Put up some greenery on the tops of cabinets with some bright color items like plates, ceramic animals,bowls,anything bright with a little green. Even mexican plates would work.
  • Terra Gazelle Terra Gazelle on Jan 28, 2014
    There is too much going on. The wall paper is busy, then there is the checkerboard appliance covers, the hanging pots the designs on the front of the cabinets..its so much for the eyes to take in. What color do you like..? what is in your kitchen that you really love...work around it. Have a theme..take some doors off you cabinets and have fun.
    • Johngulyas Johngulyas on Jan 29, 2014
      @Terra Gazelle I agree with Terra - try to blend things in to make the kitchen flow.
  • Robin H Robin H on Jan 28, 2014
    Popcorn ceilings come off pretty easy if you wet the popcorn/paint down and scrape it off. Let the sheetrock completely dry before repainting it. We bought some old cabinets from a business that went in and installed new in an apartment complex. We cleaned them with some TSP, roughed them up a bit (they were veneered) and painted them with sponge rollers and they came out AWESOME! We're thinking of doing the rest of our cabinets with a home made "whitewash" to weather them to a grey tone to go with the grey paint (hydrated lime, salt and water) or even milk paint to do same.
  • Nathene Caldwell Nathene Caldwell on Jan 28, 2014
    I would add crown at top of cabinets, fill in the notched out cabinet doors or remove and replace cutout with glass in a couple of the upper doors and paint a nice creamy color with black hardware. I don't care for the counters but understand that that me be a later change. Remove wallpaper and any change millwork over sink to something plainer. But pick something you enjoy and coordinates with what looks like an open room.
  • Tegma Tegma on Jan 28, 2014
    What is your color choice for the cabinets? If it's white, you wouldn't have too much work repainting them, but I'd definitely get rid of the hardware they have, and update the look of the cabs with some handles of your choice, & where most handles go, not in the center of the door. (Fill those holes in with wood filler, then sand, and paint.) Remove the wallpaper, and THEN see how the counters look before you decide to do anything with them. If you have the money, I'd suggest closing in the area over the cabinets (for more storage) and a more finished look & height, while adding some tile behind the counters. I'd not pick a tile with any dark green in it, but something which is light and co-ordinates with the counter. Also, the back of that island counter needs painted white (or whatever you decide on) to match the rest of the cupboards. Once that is all done, that may be all you need for now. That much could be done very inexpensively. We're talking mostly just paint for the cabinets and walls, with a little framing in for over the cabinets. As for tile, your local Lowes has some very attractive tiles which are inexpensive.
  • Betty Betty on Jan 28, 2014
    you can paint the counter tops instead of replacing them. I would go with all white cabinets. Walls maybe a burlap. Accent with colorful rugs
  • Robin James Robin James on Jan 29, 2014
    don't know what your design style is. Over all the kitchen is crowded esp with the huge light fixture. I would replace that first. The island is not working in there, so I would remove it too. I like the idea of painting the cabinets a light color on top, and darker on the bottom. Remove all wall paper, and put up some nice tile back splash, and update the knobs.
  • Robin James Robin James on Jan 29, 2014
    I see that the hardware was put in the middle of the cabinets. Remove them, fill in the holes. That look went out in the 60's and if you still like them, put them where they should be located. LOL
  • D Lawless Hardware D Lawless Hardware on Jan 29, 2014
    Painting the cabinet and adding new hardware always makes big difference. Getting rid of the design on the cabinet and putting the pulls or knobs in the corner instead of the middle would look much better in my opinion.
  • C C on Jan 29, 2014
    create a shaker style cabinet front, if it doesn't cover the grooved design, then add a beadboard inset ;)
  • Pat Dollar Pat Dollar on Jan 29, 2014
    I would suggest a taupe or light ash for the cabinets and if you choose to use a green elsewhere select from a color wheel in the paint department that will compliment the entire room. Start with viewing the color of green closest to your counters and then find a wall color that works best. Use the area above the cabinets to add some silk greenery and/or other objects to display there. And I agree with everyone else, lose the wallpaper.
  • Angela Angela on Jan 29, 2014
    I presume from your comments you are keeping the counter tops? If so because they are such a statement in the room you have to work with them. You should keep the cabinets white, but remove hardware and fill holes and sand down, then put new, nickel hardware on. You must remove the old fashioned detail above the windows, it's a very dated look! I would go with white on the walls also as the countertops are so busy you don't want too much more colour. The only colour I would add would be a dark green roman blind, similar colour to counters, for a more modern feel, and I would add a patterned, green and white wall paper between the floor cabinets and upper cabinets, unless you can afford to tile the area, then I would go for white with randomly placed dark green tiles. A new light fixture, nickel to match new hardware, get rid of the small appliance covers, very dated, and you will have a bright and lovely kitchen. But you have to stick with mainly white and some green accents due to the very busy and noticeable countertops :) Good luck x
  • Patty Patty on Jan 29, 2014
    What colors do you like? Get paint chips and cut off the white edge and attach them to the area to be painted. Leave them for a while or change them as needed. Don't be in a big hurry to change everything as you might like parts as you get use to them. Be sure and use oil base paint on cupboards. If you do not want to use wood or paint a design on the cupboard doors detailing tape used on autos works well. Take your time and make it your own.
  • Linda Stroney Linda Stroney on Jan 29, 2014
    Yes absolutely, I'm with Pat Dollar, choose a color that would be a good accent to the green countertops. Change the hardware, maybe something dramatic, and get rid of or recover the wallpaper. with paint.
  • John J John J on Jan 30, 2014
    'French Country Chic' makeover would fit in well with what has been suggested and fit in with what you already have.
  • Mary Lou Nelson Mary Lou Nelson on Jan 30, 2014
    Get rid of the wallpaper first !!!! All the above comments are good ideas! Please post after re-model...................
  • Sue Bruns Sue Bruns on Jan 30, 2014
    When we remodeled our kitchen a few years ago, we planned to put in all new cabinets, but the sizes were custom and it was going to be very spendy. Buying new cabinet doors, however, was not bad, and it completely changed the look of the kitchen. For odd sized cabinets, you might consider leaving one or two open as shelves for cookbooks or dishes. It breaks up the monotony of the doors.
  • Anna Hanley Anna Hanley on Jan 31, 2014
    Hi, I plan to first do something with the popcorn ceiling and replace the fan. Second remove the hardware and repair holes. Third to remove wallpaper. That's how I will start not sure about colors yet. Love all the great ideas ~ Thank you so much. I will definitely post pics when I am done!
  • Denice H Denice H on Jan 31, 2014
    I purchased the Rustoleum cabinet refinishing to do my cabinets. I went from a light oak to a dark expresso and I love it. Easy to use and makes them look professional finished. You can fill in the holes from the handles first and you will be surprised that a mere $80.00 can make it look like you spent 1000's on new cabinets.
  • Denice H Denice H on Jan 31, 2014
    I have attached some before and after for you.
  • Glenda Harder Glenda Harder on Feb 01, 2014
    You must be in Texas with a ceiling fan in the kitchen. If you can live without it I suggest moving the lighted pot hanger to where the ceiling fan/light is and getting a less obtrusive light over the counter. Of course, the wallpaper HAS to go. I like the suggestion of adding trim to make the cabinet doors Shaker style like the doors to the left of the counter. I like Denice H's dark painted cabinets. That would make the dark green countertops fade into the background. Some pretties on the of the cabinets would draw the eye up and give the illusion of higher ceilings. Be sure to share your after photos.
  • KathrynElizabeth Etier KathrynElizabeth Etier on Feb 01, 2014
    Paint the cabinets and move the hardware; lose the wallpaper; replace that light near the sink with something that matches your hardware (either the hardware you have or replacement hardware); replace the valance with a collection of small baskets hanging from a rod, teacups, or whatever appeals to you; and if it's in the budget, replace that tile behind the stove with something that coordinates with the colors you choose for your cabinets. BTW, I love that hardware.
  • Melissa Blair Melissa Blair on Feb 01, 2014
    Looks like your cabinets have grooves in them that create the design in the center. Mine are similar. Fill in the grooves with some sort of filler and sand it after it dries so the cabinets look flat. After that you can add decorative moldings on the perimeter to make the fronts look shaker style, or whatever you style you like, or leave flat. Paint a color of your choosing keeping it light due to the size of your kitchen. Get some beautiful new hardware. Remove the wallpaper. Consider switching out the ceiling fan or updating it. Depending on your budget that would be a great start until you can do more. The kitchen has great potential! Good luck!
  • Kathy Heimann Kathy Heimann on Nov 22, 2014
    I just read a blog where the hardware was removed from the middle of the doors leaving two holes. The homeowner drilled more holes and made a diamond pattern (or whatever you like) and it looked very intentional. She then painted the cabinets white and put brushed nickel hardware on the corners. Looked very clean, crisp and updated. I am afraid if you try to fill in the holes they will still show.
  • Terra Gazelle Terra Gazelle on Nov 23, 2014
    That gold design in the cabinet doors? if they can be removed..remove and fill in with wood putty, the handle holes also. Smooth out and sand after dry. Then paint the cabinets. I agree the Rustolem Counter top Transformation would do wonders. I am into open shelves, so I would take the doors off of some of the cabinets and paint the inside a pop of color. Yes..get rid of that wall paper... I live in the south so yes, you might need that fan. But if you can do without it..remove it. Remove that pot hanger also..its too big for the room. Put in small pendents over the peninsula and a matching flush mounted light in the place of the fan. I am putting a bar across a wall over one of my counters and hanging my every day used pots there with S hooks. I have a small Kitchen with low ceilings..a pot hanger would be wonderful, but not feasible. Please post pictures of your kitchen when you finish, I am sure it will be wonderful.
  • Kayo Frazier Kayo Frazier on Jan 06, 2015
    I don't know what style you are going for but the 1st thing that has got to go...Wallpaper! Then I would paint a medium forest green to match the counters until you replace them. If you want to change the face of the cabinet doors. You can purchase either paint-able wallpaper or ceiling tins, frame it out w/ wood and then paint it whatever color you want. I suggest white because despite the window it's still dark in there. I would get rid of the butcher block tiny island, it is going mess w/ the flow of the kitchen when cooking & the kitchen is already small enough. The wooden decorative piece above the sink needs to go. So do the curtains. I would do a roman shade 2-3 shades lighter than the counter tops to tie the whole room together. I would keep the rack w/ the pans right where it is it's out of the way & nobody will hit their head on them. If you need the fan keep it, if you can do w/o I would get a normal kitchen light w/ a frosted globe over it. When you get to the point of being able to replace the counters then I would get a back splash. Hope this helps.
  • Vicki Piper Vicki Piper on Jan 13, 2015
    I have wood floors and I want to redo my cabinets. So I decided to go with a two tone gray. Light on the top with a shade or two darker on the bottom. Even the darker gray is not very dark!!! They are neutral colors though so accents are limitless!!! That is my idea, I just wanted to share!!
  • Sundback Builders Sundback Builders on Apr 07, 2015
    You can read my blog - http://sundbackbuilders.com/category/blog/. I think that will help you with good ideas.
  • Saniabaker425 Saniabaker425 on Jun 20, 2016
    When it comes to styling your kitchen, ideas are galore. Here are Tips to Style Your Kitchen http://www.hometalk.com/diy/tips-to-style-your-kitchen-17555818
  • Jcraw Jcraw on Oct 31, 2016
    The pot rack kills your sight line. Repurpose it in garage to hang rakes or porch for plants or laundry room for hangars. Get IKEA wall-hung pot racks. After painting the wallpaper wall over counter, make a kitchen "art installation" with wall-hung pots. Lampsplus.com and others have great selection of flush-mount fans with dimmable lights. Paint the wood/iron cabinet facing photo the same white as cabinets. I'd love to have pulls white and moved to horizontal close to bottom of "decorative panel". Take off a door and have your paint store match you a quart of white to at least paint in the horizontal black lines on cabinets. If you can't eliminate over-window, make a line and use saws-all to make it a straight line. Eliminate the curtain. And please exchange location of microwave and gingham pieces. They're all I see when I look at photo.
    • Jcraw Jcraw on Oct 31, 2016
      Addendum: looks like you have height for 2 wall hung racks
  • Shirley Shirley on Oct 31, 2016
    Not sure about the "island". Makes the area look very crowded along with the pot rack.
  • Patt Patt on Nov 09, 2016
    A) the wallpaper needs to go away. B) the cabinets could be done a dark gray or a darker shade of brown. The paints that have the glaze topping are nice to work with....
  • Sag53667129 Sag53667129 on Nov 11, 2021

    I recently had my cabinets refaced by a local business. It was a much more affordable option than a complete remodel and totally updated the look of my kitchen. Good luck!

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Apr 30, 2022

    paint the bottoms a dark or bright color if you are that bold. Change out all the pulls. Hobby Lobby has hundreds. Take off the trim over the sink and if you need light, hang an exciting looking one.

  • Beni Beni on Mar 13, 2023

    Redoing your kitchen can be so much fun! The last time my girlfriend and I updated our kitchen we had such a fun time. It's actually such a great experience to do it with friends or loved one. We wanted to give a fresh look to our kitchen without spending so much money, and insted of buying new cabinets, we decided to repaint them. Giving a fresh layer of paint can make such a difference! You can try as well to repaint your cabinets, or other DIY kitchen updates, they are such a fun project when you're doing it with someone you can have fun at the same time.