Help!!best way to update kitchen

Question

I just purchased my first home and the fist project I would like to tackle is the kitchen. I would like to remodel without changing layout and getting new cabinets. I have thought about refacing cabinets and have considered painting them. I would also like to make the island bigger, paint and get new floors, however i have no idea where to start or what colors will look best. Help please!!

Anna Carillo · Answer

I would paint all the cabinets a dark grey, take out the center panel from the uppers and put glass in. Then I would get a large butcher block or solid marble slab to put on top of the old island.adding two feet all the way around. Then I would do the floors in a wide planked wood, stained a washed light grey.. You must change why wall paper too. Maybe a raised pattern painted a contrasting color.

Linda Johnson · Answer

i think home depot has a virtual kitchen where you can change colors on your cabinaates you should be able to acess it from your computer good luck

Lori J · Answer

This room has amazing bones and I am wowed by all the cabinet space. I would paint (I love white, but that is me) and sink your money into countertops and flooring. Is that wood under the linoleum? Refinished wood with light cabinets and new counters...this room will be beautiful.

Jennifer Baldesare Wilburn · Answer

Paint the cabinets, change lighting and hardware but leave all the beautiful wood on and around counters as your backsplash- it's unique. If you budget allows for more, a pretty tile on the floor. If budget does not allow a new floor at first, then throw an area run down where you table will go. That's a great kitchen you have there!

Pam Kelly · Answer

I would paint the cabinets white (use gloss or marine deck paint), change the knobs and put up a back splash. Live with it for awhile and then decide if you want new cabinet doors and drawer covers. If you put down a new floor be sure it's neutral enough to go with any changes you make later. And remove the island before doing the floor! For the island, I'd get a larger piece laminate, like formica, to cover it and it will give you an idea how big you want the island. Also you can buy that right off the floor, fairly inexpensively, at Home Depot or Lowe's. Also get rid of that hideous light fixture over the island. Some pendant lights would look nice. I hope this helps you. Good luck and fun!

The Garden Frog with C Renee · Answer

Nice big kitchen! The island could easily be added onto from the back with more cabinets_ and putting in more drawers that are deep was the best thing I did (for potatoes, hide the toaster and hide other things I did not want out. You have to know what code is before making the island larger~some county codes state 36' space all around the island. So please check this before adding on to the island. Having the dishwasher in the island is a great thing! I designed my kitchen with the dishwasher in the island and find it much easier to load and unload dishes. Depending upon your budget, you need to list what you want and start from there. Do not jump in without a plan because kitchen remodels, renovations, and projects can be very expensive and you must plan for unexpected expenses. From experience I can tell you that without a plant and a list to check off, it is harder to stay on task and marking off what you accomplished makes the job go better. 
 The wood and ceiling fixtures date your room. The floor looks like it is in good condition, and if it is, then you will save some money. You can always change floor later when money is not a problem. I would start with wall color and cabinet color. Are your appliances going to be white? If so, then go with a medium to dark gray on the bottom and a light gray on top cabinets break up the room since you have so many cabinets. Gray is a grey neutral color and will go with so many accent and wall colors. Plus the white appliances will look good with it. The trim, the crown, and the wainscoting could be painted a pale gray to blend into the cabinetry. As for the wall color, choose something that will bring the room alive. When you choose wall colors for your home, you must think about how the house will flow from room to room--you want your eye to roam from space to space not jump around because it is so busy with colors. I love color but a little bit can go a long way. With gray you could go with many wall colors. I see wallpaper. It is best to take down wallpaper before painting. Yes, there are many people who paint over wallpaper but if the paper is loose or peeling and has any flaws, they will show up when you paint and sometimes the moisture from the paint will make the wallpaper peel. there are many tricks to peeling wallpaper and it involves lots of warm water in a spray bottle and liquid softner for your clothes. 
 Now, you have lots of windows and light and a warm white or creamy color for the cabinets would look sharp too and bring that color throughout all the wood trim and wainscoting. Painting will take you some time with all those cabinets but if you start with the bottom, removing all doors and hardware, cleaning everything, and using chalk paint (well worth the money if you are a newby because many will tell you that is adheres so much better). Take a section at a time when you paint-it does not become so overwhelming. Since you have to live in the home while renovating, start where you can make a difference and keep you motivated. If that means finding new light fixtures and painting the wainscoting and trim (get a good primer Zinsser and paint) and that way you have started. Then work on cabinets-like I stated bottom first then top or vice versa. do not do them all at once or you will have an overwhelming task. Do the island last after you find some more cabinets and even look at making the island with an eat in area. 
 To save money on handles/knobs, you can spray paint them to update them until you find the ones you love or can afford. Spray paint can be your best friend! 
 Do the walls last if you are unsure what color. You want your house to flow and be a wow factor like in the magazine and posted here on Hometalk or on other sites. Window coverings are last because they are accessories (unless you find ones you love and work around them). I always check out the clearance areas and the mistint paints and I have painted and renovated my home with my clearance finds. Good luck and I hope this helps you get started.

I painted my mismatched cabinets with mistint paint for $5. I have fun finding deals and using what I find. Check out my kitchen on here. Your counter tops and backsplash look in great shape so if you have a limited budget I would leave them since they still look great.

White Oak Studio Designs · Answer

Oh my, what I would give for all that cupboard storage!! What is going to be your primary color throughout your home? Whites? light blues? greens? grays? Make that decision first. Then plan around that. I personally like it when colors coordinate throughout a home; paint and flooring. Even if you leave the wood cupboards wood toned, I'd take off the kitchen wall paper, paint the lower paneling white and replace the flooring. I personally like a flooring that goes throughout the entire home so make your decision with that in mind. In my home I have light white washed/golden oak toned linoleum flooring that looks just like wood (we have large dogs and live in the country on a sand plain and I needed a floor that would hold up to all the above.) I've left my maple cupboards maple wood for warmth (we live in snowy Michigan and all white house with 6 months of snow would leave me cold) so I have color in my home and lots of warm wood but not too much. Go to http://smallhouseunderabigsky.wordpress.com to see.

DLynne · Answer

Move the dishwasher to the side of the sink to save you many steps in the future, even if it means losing a set of lower cabinets, Add open shelves to fill any remaining space maybe, or use it as a good tall space for storing trays. Since you already have water access to the island install a prep sink there to also save you steps. With so many wonderful cabinets I would not go with a dark shade, but rather a creamy white to brighten the space. In fact I would do lowers in a different shade, perhaps a darker shade here, and do uppers in a lighter shade. You might consider removing all the doors from the top level of upper cabinets and use them for open display. I'd do a NEW larger island in an even darker shade perhaps even black, cobalt blue or an antiqued red, and make it look like a stand alone piece of furniture--or perhaps a tall farmhouse style table, or perhaps a combination island and farmhouse table. Do not feel constrained to paint wainscot paneling on the walls the same color as cabinets. If the paneling is in good shape consider keeping it. It's obvious the wallpaper and vinyl flooring need to go. It is possible to just paint over wallpaper if it's still attached well. There are products especially made to help with that. Choose a flooring material that takes a lot of abuse but is easy to clean and care for. I think people will regret putting real wood in kitchens in the future, and laminates are risky in kitchens due to exposure to water. If you can afford tile I'd go with that since there's so many options to choose from. I'd use the backsplash area to add some nice mosaic tile, but I don't like the horizontal look here. I'd choose the small squares to coordinate with your squarish cabinets rather than choose something so contrasting. Or, if the existing horizontal laminate is in good shape, prime it and paint it for a practical and less expensive option. You could really use some can lighting in the ceiling for task lighting, and I'd put some over the island too, along with a different hanging fixture, or perhaps hanging pendants. I've never been a fan of ceiling fans over dining tables, but they're a must for me in the kitchen. If you need a fan put it in the kitchen in the area in the corner between cabinets and island (but with no light kit) where it can do you some good in the kitchen, then hang something pretty over the dining table. I'm not a fan of microwaves over the stovetop either. I'd go with a regular range hood and install the microwave in the island, or perhaps remove the doors from the cabinets nearest the fridge and put the microwave in there, or just use a countertop version (less expensive too) on the counter near the fridge. If you do choose to paint the wainscot paneling I'd paint the crown molding a lighter shade to visually 'raise' the height of the ceiling. Don't be afraid to remove the popcorn ceiling material (if that's what is there) and that will give you the option of painting the ceiling in a nice color too. Best wishes and have fun whatever you choose!!

Jeanette S · Answer

Lots of work but a wonderful kitchen to redo! Post results as you go along! Good luck! My only advice is DO NOT SKIP ON PREP WORK! Clean them good and use a good primer! Take doors off and take them outside or to a basement to spray paint (wear a mask)! Be sure you number the doors. Sketch out a layout of your numbering system. Someone has to be in charge of this to keep things straight!

Connie · Answer

I am in love with this site!! Thank you all so much for your ideas!!! I was overwhelmed at first now Im excited!

Miriam Illions · Answer

Hi Connie, just want to say that I absolutely LOVE your kitchen and I can't wait to see what you do with it!

Laurie S · Answer

Why not use a gel stain on the cabinets rather than painting them? (Much easier to do, besides).Then you could go as dark as you like or just a hint of dark to go with the gray you want. Also, you could do a two tone with the gel.....(I just hate the thought of painting beautiful wood cabinets)
Change out your cabinet knobs definitely.....then do a butcher block top on the island (and yes, check code for size allowance) and granite for the counters.
I would also re-do the back splash....if you like an 'old time' look, use the new 'antique ceiling panels' as your back splash (they are SO easy to install), or if you're going for a more contemporary look, then small tiles in a pattern are the way to go. 
I would pull up the linoleum and simply re-do the wood floors beneath (I did mine...wasn't too hard to DIY)
Then paint one wall in your kitchen that turquoise color you mentioned for that pop of color.....accent with turquoise/gray/white (or even teal ?) decor....Whatever you decide I'm sure it will be beautiful!!! Love your kitchen...it's to die for!!! Good Luck and looking forward to seeing what you decide to do!!! Don't forget pictures!!

Judy H · Answer

It goes without saying that you need new light fixtures, a floor (perhaps the click in place resilient vinyl I'm seeing at Lowes and Home Depot) and new countertops (best you can afford). Now, to the cupboards: IF they are sturdy (meaning NOT particle board in a flaking condition inside), I'd do several things: (1) move the dishwasher into the base cabinets and out of the island (2) Buy two legs at IKEA and make the top of your island 2x as large, but keep the box/base the same (3) remove all the doors. When replacing them, make 1 door high, instead of two. Use modern pulls.

Years ago we made solid wood doors for our kitchen using 4- and 6-inch tongue-in-groove siding and used a clear finish on them. THAT is a bit rustic but might work great for the age/style of your house. I could see the same wood but pickled or whitewashed to go with the theme I see (see below)..... OR hire a company to make new doors.

Colors: whatever you like. IF you are putting in a backsplash, by all means coordinate the floor color, the cupboards, the countertops and the backsplash along with the walls. The new hot color combo I'm liking is a grey driftwood floor showing a lot of texture. I'd pair it with white cabinets and a solid surface countertop with grey veins, butcher block, solid grey or black. OR, paint the cabinets Navy on the bottom and sky blue/ocean water colors on top, use white countertops and the driftwood grey floors. Walls might be palest blue. These days I'm also liking a very pale blue ceiling.

Make your light fixtures either platinum and sleek or more rustic like lanterns or even industrial with metal shades. Buy up to four stools or higher chairs for the bigger island. Platinum brushed aluminum chairs or stools would go well. So would a colorful wood chair/stool or something with a fabric seat in a pattern. IF you use Navy in the base cabinets the fabric could be nautical (anchors, wide stripes), cottage or seaside. It could also be floral, although I'd be sure to pick a 2-D mod pattern reminiscent of the 60s. (Not chintz).

Use 3-inch wide white wood blinds and no curtains. Use a colorful rug to define the eating area. 
Lastly, let me launch into why stainless appliances will NOT work in THIS color scheme... because they won't. Use white (and pocket the savings).

Korin · Answer

I would change the counter top,, splash broad under cabin,,, open two cabin change them into a shelf for decoration,, change the lighting over the island,, change the island to another design or color,, pull the floor up,,, paint the wall with a soft color... Good Luck!!!

Wanda.ll · Answer

Why not make the island much much bigger and move the sink their with dishwasher. The you could have one long counter right behind you for pre work and the a bar at the sink. Or like someone said move dishwasher and make one very big island.I wouldn't paint due to the fact these are beautiful cabinet. I would get new lights and new floor. Turq. will look good with the wood tones stuff to by the way. Maybe change blcak splash with something with a little turq. in it. Like the new glass tiles.Don't know about the grey. It is kind of depressing sometimes.

Pam Perkins Zirbel · Answer

Connie...I LOVE YOUR HOUSE!!!! LOVE IT!!! I love the carpet on the stairs so yas dont slip on the way down in heels or socks, maybe change to burber [sp] and obviously change the kitchen floor, concrete brown stain...not dark. I LOVE the kitchen cabinets!!! Change the hardware to silver bars, paint the top antiqued cream/yellow tone and leave the bottoms. Yeah!! That 'chandelier....' Really? LOL...I am wanting to move to TN and I HOPE there are no lights like that there!! But all in all....LOVE the house!!!! Congratulations!!30 results are available, use up and down arrow keys to navigate.

Mary · Answer

Would it be out of your budget to build in a pantry, next to the refrigerator, for easier access to large appliances, platters, etc.? This would involve removing a few cabinets, but it would be a great addition while you're remodeling. I agree with adding a prep sink at the enlarged island and moving the dishwasher next to the sink. Definitely drawers for the island. Browse through IKEA or kitchen stores to get some of the newest ideas for cabinets. Lucky you to have so much space! Very jealous ....

Pam Perkins Zirbel · Answer

Oh yea...teehee...I am not done!! A bigger corian countertop on that island..something fun!!! Not predictable!! corian white/creams for the counter. To buy that expensive countertop that everyone loves,,,[which I dont!!] is ridiculous!!! Good luck and I LOVE your house!!

Kathleen Bell · Answer

@Connie What a huge kitchen. I would take the small cabinets over the sink down. Definitely get a new light fixture over the island. What about glass in those upper cabinet doors? Lots of paint, paint, paint. Most definitely a new backsplash. It's got great potential. Definitely want to see 'after' photos.

Connie · Answer

Thank you all so much. You have made me excited about this kitchen and given me so many ideas. I definitely know I will be changing the lighting..that thing is hideous I know..lol..i will be taking the ceiling fan down and replacing it with something nice. I will be pulling up the linoleum and definitely make the island bigger..so many things to think about. Thanks!!!!!!

Cheryl @ Artzzle · Answer

Hi Connie: First, thanks for your military service. You're so fortunate to own a house while in the military. We always rented when we were in. Your place looks wonderful. 
 That's a HUGE area. Your budget probably isn't as big, and you won't want to do everything all at once. Take your time, fight your battles one at a time according to your skills, budget and time. 
 
 Here are some quick suggestions to research. I'm all about easy affordable projects, but they have to hold up over time. 
 
 1. The most economical flooring is, of course sheet vinyl, but it isn't an easy to DIY. Take accurate measurements, then research your local stores, big and small. The smaller flooring dealers are hurting for business, so they may deal with you too. Do a lot of research. Ask about thickness, durability and installation prices. 
 
 2. Cabinets: If painting, research RUSTOLEUM products, i.e. their Cabinet Transformation Kits. I've used them, and know they are great. Easy AND affordable and tons of choices for colors and/or stains. You can do it yourself. 
 For less of a wood look, later on you could remove some of the mid-panels of the upper cabinets and install glass. Or you could remove some of the top doors all together and paint insides and/or add mirror sections to the backs. This is great for display. 
 
 3. Backsplash and countertops: there are tons of ideas here on Hometalk or Pinterest. And many are very easy DIY's just make sure they will stand the test of time. Contact me for more ideas. 
 
 4. Island: one choice would be to remove the small extension shelf (save the corbels -wooden pieces under the shelf) Your lumber yard can cut one large piece of cabinet grade plywood or MDF. Make the new board big enough to extend over the edge, to give you the extra seating area, all from one clean piece. The corbels can support it. You could just paint or stain the top & sides then urethane the heck out of it. That would last a while till your next step is affordable. 
 
 I'm on HOMETALK or at www.Artzzle.com if you need any more help. Good luck.

AK Complete Home Renovations · Answer

Your kitchen is FULL of potential!!! Please feel free to contact us directly for some more personal recommendations but we have A LOT of resources on our website about kitchen remodeling, kitchen facelifts, etc. Your cabinets would do great being painted! New countertops and a backsplash would then be great (and dramatic) additions. An AK Kitchen Facelift: - http://www.akatlanta.com/Marietta-Kitchen-Facelift Info About Painting Cabinets: - http://www.akatlanta.com/Painting-Cabinets-Tips-From-A-Professional Kitchen Color Trends: - http://www.akatlanta.com/The-Latest-Kitchen-Remodeling-Color-Trends

Liliana Wells · Answer

Your kitchen has lots of potential. Don't rush into anything. Go through magazines, HomeTalk posts and browse through Home Depot. Make a folder with pictures, paint and fabric samples. It takes about a year to feel comfortable enough to say 'this is what I want to do'. Best wishes on your new house.

D Lawless Hardware · Answer

Lots of potential, take your time deciding like Liliana just said. I personally like white cabinets because of how much it helps keep the room lit up.

Maureen O'Donovan · Answer

You have beautiful cabinets Connie! Personally, I like dark wood. There are so many options out there for you. Check out my post on my cabinets that I painted. It is very easy to do, but very time consuming. If I had to do it all over again, I would. It is worth every minute I spent. The best part is, it only cost me a total of $60 and I got a completely different look.

Lori J · Answer

Do you have a pinterest account? I have been pinning inspirational photos for quite a long time now (by pinterest standards) and find the image banks very, very helpful as I take on projects in my old house. I would build a strong bank of things you love in the images you find and start fitting it all together in your mind. Don't rush it.

Down to Earth Holly · Answer

That is an amazing kitchen! So much storage and the cabinet door style is very pretty. If you aren't in a hurry to do the painting on them, etc. I would consider the floors first. Pick something you absolutely love - tile, wood. Can you remove your island and put the flooring underneath so if you choose to have a freestanding island in the future - the floor will be under it? There are so many colors of paint to chose from for your cabinets but flooring has more limits as far as price, feel, color. Decide floors first is my opinion. :) Good luck - it's a wonderful space.

Deb @ NomadicDecorator.com · Answer

Congratulations Connie! Lots of room to work with there! This advice reflects my personal preference, as my current house has a range in the island, I discovered I now much prefer cooking on the range/stove in the island. Not with my back to everything as it would be if the range were in the counter against the wall. Especially if you have family and guests hanging out around the kitchen - if your stovetop is in the island you can be right there facing everyone while cooking. I'd put a double wall oven/microwave unit where that open space is with the microwave. Then definitely build a much bigger island - you have so much space! Then you'd have prep area on the island, next to a stovetop. Very convenient for cooking.

Maybe move the dishwasher next to the sink, which makes more sense. I don't understand the dishwasher being across from the sink because wouldn't water drop all over from rinsed dishes as you put them in the dishwasher? Also dirty dishes tend to collect around the sink, and you'd be moving dishes back and forth across that space. Maybe instead, looks like there's room to the right or left of the sink to move the dishwasher. 
I have oak cabinets like this too and don't like the color or the look of oak, but they are high quality and it's a waste to rip good cabinets out. So many people have tutorials online about painting oak cabinets, it's absolutely possible to get a durable nice finish as a DIY. Just with paint, people have made gorgeous kitchens!
Color is such a personal preference, I wouldn't know what to suggest for that. Overall #1 make sure the 'workflow' of how you use your kitchen works for you. It's worth it to move a few things around while you can.
Also for the island, build it to include food prep as well as space for people to sit and eat and chat - people gather there like bees to a hive!! I don't think it has to cost a fortune to make a big island - Pinterest is full of innovative ideas to make an affordable big island.

Peggy · Answer

After seeing other pictures of your home, I think your kitchen should reflect the character of your house. I like the idea of painting the cabinets gray. I would paint all of them the same color except for the island. I would add more cabinets to make the island a big square, put bead board on the sides to cover the seams and then paint the island black. You could install butcher block counters in keeping with the wood in your home and then maybe a light granite for the island. I would definitely take the cabinets down above the sink. Finish it up with wood floors. I would leave the wood on the walls, take the wallpaper down and paint, Good Luck in whatever you decide and post pictures please!

Michelle · Answer

What a great space. I am a bit jealous. What ever you do please post pictures.

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Help!!best way to update kitchen

Tips to Style Your Kitchen

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