What would you do to this kitchen?
by
Marisa
+12
The kitchen is all original from the 60s. We slapped some paint on the cabinets and walls when we moved in. The main objectives to our remodel is to do most of it ourselves, acquire counter space, add a dishwasher, use environmentally friendly products as much as we can, and do it all on a shoestring budget. Open to your suggestions. Thanks!
B4: Looking left into the kitchen, door to garage is on the right not in picture.
B4: Looking straight into kitchen.
B4: Looking right into kitchen. The short and tall cabinet are free standing, added for extra storage and easy to remove.
After: This will hold me over until I am able to demolish this kitchen and redesign.
After: Back splash color-Behr Eastern Spice PMD-97
Bottom Cabinet color- Olympic Calvary D51-6
After: Wall color-Olympic Golden Mushroom B15-1
15 answers
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Question: Do you like the layout that you have, or are you looking to change it? Are you looking to change where the plumbing is located (ie move the sink)?
2ms2
on Feb 15, 2013
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I don't dislike the layout...but I am open to changing it if it means functionality. In order to fit a dishwasher in that is bigger than 18", we will need to move the sink and therefore change the plumbing.
Marisa
on Feb 15, 2013
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I would remove the wall ovens and replace the cook top with a regular oven. Move the fridge to the right of the window where the tall cabinet is. This would free up space for a dishwasher next to the sink (where your needed plumbing tie points are) Then if you need a bit more storage an island could be added. another option from the island would be to wrap the counter below the window to the where the fridge is going to be located, you could convert the wall vent to a toe kick vent.
KMS Woodworks
on Feb 15, 2013
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@KMS Woodworks, I like your ideas. I had to look up what a "toe kick vent" was, and I think that would work and give me more counter space. My only concern is the refrigerator. The door would open away from the kitchen. If I had a fridge that opened the opposite way, there is a wall which would prevent it from fully opening. I guess I would have to buy a double door fridge. Thanks again!
Marisa
on Feb 15, 2013
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I notice when I look at the pics that the appliances do not match. I realize that appliances are expensive and you said you were renovating on a budget. My husband and I own income property and were recently faced with mis-matched appliances. We found the appliances we needed to make them all match using Craigslist and shopping the slightly damaged market. You may wish to give that a try. Habitat for Humanity has Restores which may be a good place to look for countertops, cabinets, hardware, etc..
Kimberly Barney
on Feb 15, 2013
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@Kimberly Barney, thanks! Good idea to shop Craigslist and the discounted appliances for matching appliances. That also keeps me from spending all at once. I've been to ReStore once just to browse - I will visit it more often to hopefully come across something I can use.
Marisa
on Feb 15, 2013
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Just about every fridge I have seen has the ability to swap the "hinge side" from one side to the other. I have done a few of these conversions for my clients. With easy ones it takes about 15 minutes, hard ones about 30. Take a peak at the top of your door there should be little plastic buttons on the opposite side that match the screw locations for the hinge screws...If you have these your good to go.
KMS Woodworks
on Feb 15, 2013
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check out my kitchen. Agree with the regular oven, and an island would allow you to remove the free standing cabinets.
Donald Huneycutt
on Feb 15, 2013
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I bought both my stove and refrigerator for a great price at a local Sears "scratch and dent" store. Just make sure the scratches or dents are on the sides that don't show or aee very mininal. If you have young children chances are the good stuff will be scratched and dented eventually anyway lol :) may as well buy it already done!
Mary Insana
on Feb 15, 2013
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I would move the frig to the right of the window...past the vent...swap sides with the hinge. Then construct a work table at the left of the frig. You might be able to find an old desk (open for vent) which you can paint to match and use the drawers for utensils. It would be a great place to set a nice basket for breads, etc. Add a dishwasher where the frig was. Take out the wall oven and put in a drop in stove complete with oven. Repair wall board, put in new counter tops and back splash which does not have to be costly. I have had white Formica since 1984 and it is still pretty and white. Keep the white in cabinets if you like. I would soften the yellow or got to Ralph Lauren's Cottonwood...it is stunning with white!
Jeanette S
on Feb 16, 2013
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On a budget, forget moving or changing an appliance. Install an island with overhangs for bar stool chairs on one side. You gain space to do things, storage under, and a place to sit and eat. It can be long and narrow, or square and larger, All depends upon the size of the kitchen. And seeing your cabinets are pretty simple, they should be easy to construct and build if not obtain already done. Even a complete different style may make that area pop out from the rest. Install a nice top to use for both baking and cooking, perhaps a small simple granite slab to accent the rest and your done. If you design it right and you decide to move, you can take it with you as well.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Feb 16, 2013
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I think your kitchen is charming, but what stands out for me is the wall colour. It is too deep for your kitchen (just my opinion), personally, in a kitchen, I like to use more subtle colours- the yellow is good but something lighter and more greyish. The island is a great idea, too.
Brush by MacDonald Wlodarski
on Feb 16, 2013
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I agree with removing the wall oven & cooktop and replacing with a free standing range -- but this will equate to all new cabinets/tops for this area. Besides adding the toe kick vent for more cab/tops on the opposing wall -- the range wall will be your biggest net gain IMO. Sink wall works -- moving the ref doesnt offer as much bang for your buck. Colors... changes could make a dramatic difference!
Designs by BSB
on Feb 16, 2013
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@Lovedecor thanks for that link. The kitchen is very similar and I LOVE the updates done to it. I will definitely take a closer look!
Marisa
on Feb 17, 2013
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@Jeanette S and @Brush by MacDonald Wlodarski - I totally agree about the paint color! Thanks for the color recommendations.
Marisa
on Feb 17, 2013
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