Help! Budget minded kitchen facelift ideas needed
by
Kacey C
+39
My kitchen is ready for a facelift! It shares the great room area with our living space so I want to tie into the colors there. Accent colors of the living space are deep Chinese red, olive green, and a sort of seafoam blue/green. And the tile had a lot of the similar colors. I'm thinking about pulling the border, making the big wall an accent color, and trashing the blinds.
As a fan of this site and all of your great DIY ideas, what would you suggest?
Thank you!
Kacey
As a fan of this site and all of your great DIY ideas, what would you suggest?
Thank you!
Kacey
From the living room.
View from the front hall.
35 answers
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I would make the windows more of a focal point. Keep the blinds for light control, but invest in some good drapes that make a statement. You don't really have a good wall for a focal wall because the windows are dominant in that room, but a taupe or tan would warm up the room. Maybe the darkest color in the faux wall your have your cross on, or one shade darker. I would get rid of the border, as you say, to make it a bit more updated. If you want to add some color, what about painting your dining set? That pattern would look awesome painted red with a dark glaze over it. Then add your other colors in one large art piece for the wall in the dining room, for a big statement. The biggest expense would be the drapes, but if you could make your own, you would save some. The rest is paint, and paint's pretty cheap! (LOVE paint!)
Cori Warner
on Feb 26, 2014
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What a wonderful space!! I would use the pleated blinds from JCP (they go up or down without cords, easy to install and economical) so you can have the open window look or privacy/sun block. I think I would go clean crisp white and use accents to tie colors in and add some planking on the walls of the corner offset (where the door is..a closet?) I agree on taking off the boarder to raise the line of sight. if you want more color than just white (cabinets and all), maybe base cabinets a light sage green (Martha Stewart has a really nice one out to go with the picket fence white from home depot) some updated cabinet hardware and some snazzy chairs from target (they have some fabulous parson chairs with awesome designs) I replaced my wood kitchen chairs with some chevron pattern ones and they really updated the space!!! (just be sure to scotch guard). Some open shelving would look great and try to rearrange to clear the tops a bid. Whatever you do, good luck!
Moxie
on Feb 27, 2014
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It appears you have two different decor styles going on. If you want to stay with the paint effects of the walls in the other room, (love!) then I would continue something similar in that tone in the kitchen. You could aim for an Italian or French country kitchen feel. Remove that border and choose a paint color in one of the painted effects, maybe a lighter color since the kitchen is smaller. You could paint the cabinets white or leave them and just change out the knobs and pulls. You could do something interesting with the backsplash behind the stove top.
Michele Eures
on Feb 27, 2014
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I agree with Michele -- I would take down the border and the swag on the larger window and repaint the kitchen, pulling in a mid-tone color from the living room wall paint treatment. I would also choose a backsplash that is a natural stone mixed with some metal pieces.
Carolyn Rush
on Feb 27, 2014
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Hi there! I completely agree with Carolyn here...especially her suggestions for a backsplash. For the larger wall in the dining area, I would add a pattern like a painted stencil one for added interest. Nothing too overwhelming. You can paint your kitchen a warm color (red and orange hues evoke energy, community, appetite) and then over layer with a lighter or darker hues. Here's an example. There's lots to choose from too. http://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/Wall-stencil-ivy.html Good luck!
Angie Decorilla.com
on Feb 27, 2014
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Your kitchen looks in excellent shape, and the floor is beautiful! I would take down the border and remove the curtains. Instead of putting curtains back up, I would put some cushions and pillows under the window and make a nook for reading. I would then paint the walls a warmer color, perhaps a medium or light color from the accent wall in the living room (I love Ralph Lauren's "Cottonwood"). The greenery above the cabinets dates the room...remove that. I would then take all the crosses and the accent piece above the door and make an arrangement with them on the wall to the right of the refrigerator!
Jeanette S
on Feb 27, 2014
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I'm a huge fan of painted cabinets and with Plaster Paint you don't have to prep your surfaces. Just wipe them down, but no sanding, stripping or priming is needed. Quick and easy...and gorgeous! Give me a holler if you want more information about the paint and the process!
Sweet Peas Charm
on Feb 27, 2014
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Thanks to everyone and please keep the suggestions coming! The border will definitely come down. I would never have thought to paint the kitchen table and chairs, and may do that at a later date when the husband is convinced that would be good- same with painting the cabinets. But I will definitely paint the cookbook bookcase that is at the end of the island and could definitely do the red that @Cori from The Flying C suggested. Also - I forgot to say that I have 2 cats, so any seat cushions in the window seat become fur collectors, but thank you for the reminder, @Jeanette S :). I used to have pillows in the corner of the window for the accent, so I could definitely revisit that idea.
Kacey C
on Feb 27, 2014
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Limestone isn't that expensive -- check it out! A contrast paint color would also work. Maybe go with a deeper color of the one you choose for your walls, but use a semi-gloss.
Carolyn Rush
on Feb 27, 2014
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I like your idea for a backsplash in a different paint color, Kacey. You could also do a stencil design there.
Michele Eures
on Feb 27, 2014
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I agree with many of the others who have commented. You have to decide what you want to be the focal point in your kitchen. As it is now, the focal point of your kitchen is the oak cabinets.The windows in the kitchen would be a lovely focal point as others have mentioned. Painting the cabinets a neutral color would definitely solve this problem (though I have read that oak is harder to paint due to the grain). Because there is no actual separation (wall) between the two areas the transition needs to be made with design elements to bring the two together. Some ideas would be painting the walls in the kitchen with a color that complements the color in the living room and removing the border paper in the kitchen. And you could use similar accessories (paintings, shelves, etc...) to lead the eye through the rooms. The black appliances draw the eyes attention to them first. There are magnetic fronts you can get for dishwashers to work with that. Good luck.
Ene19230
on Feb 27, 2014
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Lots of great ideas to choose from! But as for a backsplash, I used a stone look wallpaper (sort of yellowish/beige Tuscany look) for mine. Just make sure it's wipe-able. It created a totally different look and has lasted for nearly 10 years now.
Lynne Sedgewick Lyon
on Feb 28, 2014
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Paint the cabinets! Cheap, and easy, and replace the blinds perhaps with a roman shade. You have a beautiful house, but the cabinets don't really look like they belong. And you had a good idea about taking down the border, it draws the eye up and to a dead end.
Amy Ogden-Paparone
on Feb 28, 2014
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Kacey, you have a lovely home! As the others have already suggested, removing the border is a good idea. My thought would be to paint the kitchen a burnt red (almost a rust but not too orange). It would accent the warm tones from the living room walls. I would be concerned about painting the kitchen walls any shade of golds or browns due to the amount of those colors already in there in the cabinets and flooring. I could see some pretty Roman Shades on the windows as well and maybe just paint the chairs and table legs black. You might want to look into the cost of inexpensive tiles at Home Depot for a back splash. It doesn't take much and the impact would be awesome! My son did his for only $200. Best of luck!
Decorating Den Interiors
on Feb 28, 2014
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I definitely would remove the border and paint the walls a solid color with no sponging affect. (Looks like there is sponging in the adjacent room). I would also suggest painting the cabinets and getting new hardware/knobs, BUT if you are not up for that then once the walls are painted I suggest painting the kitchen table white to pop against the new color on the walls, and change out your swag curtains and blinds with seagrass blinds, or keep the wood blinds and add a cornice box with no curtain. This will add some architectural interest and weight to this side of the room to balance it out. Right now all the weight is on the other side with the cabinets so to bring your eye back over to the eating area, I suggest painting the table white and adding the cornice box....unless of course you are up for seagrass blinds. They will add texture and color that will tie in nicely with your existing flooring.
Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos
on Feb 28, 2014
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A cheap makeover I think. Get rid of the border. I would suggest the soft green color in the sofa for the color of the walls. Leave the cabinets as they are. Get rid of the blinds and go with the roman shades. Get some same color green placemats then find some material with browns and green and make some napkins get some napkin rings, then cover some pillows with the same material for the window sill. A green throw rug and you are all set. Post a picture with your changes so we can see what you came up with.
Loretta
on Feb 28, 2014
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Your home is quite lovely. The kitchen flooring is stunning. Removing the boarder and painting is probably the most bang for your dollar. I would use the shelf space under the dining room window like a buffet to put a garden, maybe your cook books using more of the iron work you have around, the green glass and other mixed accessories (plate rack, bird cage, candles) rather than on top of the cabinets. Also I think I would look for something larger on the wall over the table where the blue? shelf is. I don't know if it's the angle of the picture but the scale looks smaller. I can't wait to see the end product.
Opal
on Mar 01, 2014
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I love the big window and would get some new curtains for it. I recently redid my kitchen and painted my wood cabinets white. It really brightens everything up and doesn't get as dirty as you would think. I agree with taking the border down. A pretty backslash can also do wonders for a kitchen. The floor looks awesome already I would leave that for sure. Going back to the big window make that a focal point maybe add bar stools to make a little breakfast nook? Tons of options good luck!!
Rachael
on Mar 02, 2014
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Border and blinds gone! Seriously, I put that boarder in homes in the 90s. Paint the living room and kitchen all the same color...a soft neutral. Only use an accent color on the pony wall. Do a java gel stain treatment (super simple!)on the lower cabinets and island and paint the tops a soft white...I would suggest the color SW Swiss Coffee (or it might be Valspar...can't remember) Remove hardware on cabinets....Paint your interior doors black...TRUST ME! Change out the globes on the pendant lights to something more oblong...either square or round...but whitish. Wall decor on dining room wall is too small...go with a trio of tallish pictures/canvas. Add color by adding pillows in the bay seating. Paint the chairs and table...bright colors are okay there too if everything else is kept relatively neutral. Get rid of the decor on top of the cabinets and start fresh. Also declutter counter top. When redoing a room, I suggest emptying it completely out and starting with a fresh eye. Too hard to "decorate around" existing stuff...empty, then design! I'm at beckwithstreasures.com Cruise around and you will see some of these suggestions in action. And there are links to other blog sites that have all kinds of ideas!!
Beckwith Campbell
on Mar 02, 2014
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an inexpensive solution for the back splash is the metal ceiling tiles that you can now buy for drop-ceilings. They come in white or silver, but can be painted, and the embossed designs would be pretty if you decide to go with the french-country look someone mentioned.
Cori Warner
on Mar 04, 2014
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Your home has "good bones!" I agree with most that the wallpaper border and greenery are very dated as are the wood cabinets. If you can afford to, do paint your cabinets. White is always good, but you could go bold and use the green or even the red on some of them, perhaps the island? A new darker countertop would also be nice. Granite is not nearly as expensive as it used to be and there are some laminate tops that look very much like granite that are very reasonable. Some new updated window treatments and some cushions on your window seat. Do post pictures when you finish so we can see what you've done!
Janet Smith
on Mar 04, 2014
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Your cabinets look like the perfect style for updating with GF gel stain and new hardware (no sanding involved). Here's a photo of mine before and after. Not too expensive either. About $300 and I added the crown molding and light rail on the bottom. The kitchen was a terrible mess for about 2 weeks, but it was worth it!
Julie
on Mar 04, 2014
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Shoot I posted the wrong after photo. This one is better.
Julie
on Mar 04, 2014
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I just redid my cabinets, put bead board in the cabinet door inserts and painted them white. added a bead board back splash
Peggy Stansbury
on Mar 05, 2014
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yes painted cabinets can bring wonderful change and impact.
Darreleen Wiles
on Mar 05, 2014
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My girlfriend "Weathered or Not " blog redid her kitchen cabinets with paint and the bead board type wall paper....and then did her own counters.....I would take down the border, do the cabinets and yes, paint the walls a neutral color in both rooms....I can't wait to see what you do......oh, and change your window treatments......Have Fun !!!! Toni
Toni S
on Mar 05, 2014
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Dorothy, I used General Finishes gel stain (3 parts Candlelight mixed with one part Java) From what people say on Pinterest, it's very important to use that brand rather than Minwax or others. It's available on Amazon and at woodworking stores. Lots of great tutorials online if you Google 'java gel stain.' The most important thing I learned in the process is to clean the edges really well where there may be invisible fingerprints or other oils...that's the only thing that keeps the stain from sticking. Then I just roughed them up slightly with a green Scotch Bright scrubber and brushed on the stain. The first coat is scary...looks like a complete failure...lol. Mine took three coats but the finish is amazing and fool-proof. I used plastic drink cups to elevate the doors while each coat dried...it's best to give each side 24 hours to dry between coats, so it takes a while. Lots more time waiting for it to dry than working, though. Another secret that I haven't seen online is to use General Finishes FLAT poly as a top coat, and use a brush to apply it. All of the other topcoats just looked too shiny to me and the flat was a perfect finish in my opinion. It still has a slight sheen to it. Hope this helps...I also did my bathroom vanity and it turned out well. I'm on a mission to get rid of all honey oak in my house. Haha...I'm sure it will be back in style about the time I get finished.
Julie
on Mar 05, 2014
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Oops...one more important hint...be sure to number the doors when you take them off so they go back in the same spot and you know which is top and bottom.
Julie
on Mar 05, 2014
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I have used the General Finish Gel stain process on four bathrooms and a kitchen...AMAZING! And yes, DO NOT use anything but General Finish...I get mine on Amazon. I have it featured on my blog.... beckwithstreasures.com. Just search "bathroom." I have used other gel stains...don't bother. There are cabinet paint tutorials ALL over the internet...google. But heed the warning...it is a long and messy process and you have to set up a "kitchen" somewhere else in your house to use during the remodel. Don't stress yourself or rush the process by trying to work "around" it. Again, I can not stress enough how important it is to remove EVERYTHING from the two rooms and start with a blank slate...you will be surprised how much you can live without when it is gone! I would first remove everything from the kitchen and dining, then paint the living room and dining room. Before you paint, buy at least 2-3 sample pots and paint huge spots on several walls...then mull it over for 2-3 days! Put up huge tarps to block off the other rooms while you work on the kitchen...even though most processes don't produce a lot of dust, every project produces some...don't stress yourself. Besides, the gel stain and paint processes can take days...and trust me, you don't want to "see it" while it is drying. Work on pillows and window seat during dry times...make three large "picture canveses" for the dining wall...again, google and Pinterest will give you simple DIY tutorials on that little project! I could go on and on...but you get the picture...make a written plan...step by step...then follow it. YOU CAN DO IT!!!!
Beckwith Campbell
on Mar 06, 2014
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Folks - many thanks for all these ideas! I'm very grateful and appreciate your ideas! The border is disappearing this weekend (someone said they hadn't seen a border like that since the 90's... guess what year the house was built!?) . The blind in the big window is going to be replaced with a single blind or roman shade that is going to eliminate the choppy appearance. It will stay neutral in color because that's the way I roll but I'll add some thin curtain panels on either side to give some pop and frame it. The swag is already down. I don't have the budget to redo the counters right now (they will be granite next time), so any backsplash is going to be a cute bandaid of sorts until the counters get swapped. Someone suggested the backsplash be of stone with metal or glass - YES, love love love that! That's my goal in the next counter life. :) For the suggestion of Italian or French Country, I am going towards an Italian style, as that's what I have in the living room already. I have three canvas pictures I found at a resale store that are my color inspiration, so I'm excited to put them up on the wall by the kitchen table. The greenery on top of the cabinets is already in the garage and the top of the cabinet will be much less cluttered. The cabinets. Sigh. So many fantastic ideas but I'm a classic style sort of girl, so I don't make overwhelming changes to things that take a lot of effort to change, only to have it go out of style a few years later. (ie, borders and ragged walls are nothing compared to painting cabinets). My cabinets are like the classic navy blazer that never goes out of style, and paint is like the blouses that do rotate in and out of fashion. Okay maybe honey oak is somewhat out of style but still, you get my drift. When the counters get changed, I'll likely do the gel stain to tie into the new counter and backsplash. With that said, that cheap bookcase holding cookbooks is definitely getting treated to some color. I may get brave enough to paint the table and chairs and even the island. In a year or so, we will replace the carpet in the living room with wood floors, but until then, the ragged-off wall treatment will remain because I will only move the very large entertainment center and all associated wiring configurations once. When the carpet goes, the neutral paint goes on! Again, thank you-thank you-thank you all! Pictures will follow when this project is done.
Kacey C
on Mar 06, 2014
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Please don't forget to post a picture when finished! I can't wait to see what you come up with.
Loretta
on Mar 06, 2014
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Yes, most prefab cabinets have veneer sides...I used it on the veneers in a kitchen I redid and it worked beautifully. Heed the warning above though...the first, and even second coat, will make you think it is HORRIBLE...but by the third coat it will look beautiful! Just follow the tutorial I linked here http://beckwithstreasures.com/journal/2013/3/14/bathroom-makeover-on-the-cheap to a T...do not deviate. I say that only because I did as directed and it turned out beautiful. I have beautiful cherry stained maple cabinets and I was really afraid of how they would turn out...gorgeous. And the oak is even prettier because oak has a grain that shows through! I think I mentioned to...I have used other gel finishes without success...use the General Finishes!
Beckwith Campbell
on Mar 07, 2014
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You could put new laminate sheets on top of the old counters. I was pleased with my results.
WilliamShreve
on Mar 07, 2014
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I figured out how to add a picture:)
WilliamShreve
on Mar 07, 2014
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I would consider painting the cabinets. Another option would be to paint the walls a neutral color from your kitchen flooring that pairs well with your other accent colors.
Spiral Design C
on Mar 07, 2014
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