First home needs a more updated kitchen on a budget, suggestions?

Diana Trayer
by Diana Trayer
We bought our first home and the kitchen is stuck in the 70's. It is small and hard to find anything, not to user friendly or functional. I;m in need of suggestions, we're on a budget and I can't see past all the yellow!
  22 answers
  • Swan Road Designs Swan Road Designs on Mar 07, 2015
    Ouch! I feel your pain. The first thing that came to my mind is to paint the cabinets another color, perhaps a calm almond, then replace the hardware with something more current and/or colorful. It might be necessary to fill the holes for the old hardware in order for newer hardware to be installed. You probably have Lowe's or The Home Depot near you or you might want to investigate Internet sources. Another place, at least in my area, that has some awesome knobs and pulls is Hobby Lobby and Michael's and they frequently have these things on 50% off sales. I suggested on another thread here, that application of beadboard wallpaper and paint on cabinets would make a dramatic change. Adding decorative molding around the wallpaper would give dimension and further change the look. You may not be happy with how your kitchen looks now, but you have a blank slate upon which to create something beautiful and more up-to-date.
  • Swan Road Designs Swan Road Designs on Mar 07, 2015
    I just looked at the photos again and another thing that you should consider is changing and/or removing the window valance above the sink. It's way too deep and covers much more of the window than necessary. I'd say do without the current one for a while. You may not even want to put another one back up. I used to always recommend to my clients that they should live with something for a little while to see how they would like a certain change before spending money or doing something that might be permanent.
  • Roseann Marsett Roseann Marsett on Mar 07, 2015
    I would remove the window valence, then paint all the cabinets an almond or off white. Add new hardware. This kitchen looks an awful lot like my first home too. As a stop gap until you can afford to upgrade the tile I would buy more of the tile squares in a more current style. I've seen some that look like slate or other stone. Lay them down to replace(or just cover if possible) the yellow tiles. Until you can redo the flooring this would add a huge change to the feel and look of the room. It can be pretty and appealing while you wait. You should enjoy it in the interim.
  • Suzanne Ferguson Suzanne Ferguson on Mar 07, 2015
    I agree about the valance being a bit overwhelming for the space. I suggest maybe taking some of the cabinet doors off and letting the space be just shelving with a few larger objects such as mixing bowls. I also note that there are some really nice peal and stick type tiles out there nice that could be used to add interest as a backsplash.
  • Moxie Moxie on Mar 07, 2015
    Congrats on your new home! I think being on a budget sometimes can spur creativity and after all the elbow grease you really want to take care of it and finished projects make you smile daily! For my low budge projects...paint is seriously your friend. If this was my kitchen..I would paint about everything, cabinets, floor (and stencil), add crown mold (find a seconds outlet for cheap trim) and I concur the valance dates the kitchen as much as the cabinet hardware and floor pattern. I redid my kitchen and painted the lowers a nice dark grey and uppers white with white tile backsplash and I luv luv luv it..we have similar fridge = ) I would also trade in the ceiling light for a ceiling hugger fan/light unit (you can get small cheap ones) - maybe ditch the cabinet doors above the sink all together, paint the insides and use as display cubbies or you might want to loose all the cabinets on the window wall and opt for open shelving but it is hard to get a true feel for the scale of the space in pictures. You can always hand pots/pans/utensils within reason on the wall for decoration/storage combo to. Whatever you do, enjoy the journey of making it yours!
  • Lori Lori on Mar 07, 2015
    Diana, you do have nice appliances and thats a big part. Your kitchen is very dark, at least it seems to be. Here is what I might do. Get better lighting, maybe stainless modern track lighting and some under the cupboard lights. They are both very inexpensive these days. If the curtains are yours and you like them, I would get rid of the shears and cut the valence in half, crosswise and sew the two pieces together so it's twice as full and only 6 to 8 inches long. If you need privacy in that window at night, buy a cheap mini blind that pulls up completely out of sight behind your little valance. "Budget" is relative so it's hard to suggest ideas blindly, but to me it means as cheaply but nicely as we can for now. So, paint the cupboards an off white, creamy colour and change hardware as everyone else suggests. If you can afford it, change the floor, there are so many options for budgets now that you can do yourself. If the floor is staying I would paint the whole kitchen a very light colour, all the walls. Watch in Lowes and Home Depot for in store sales of backsplash tiles. There are always some marked way down and they are pretty easy to install. Your backsplash area is quite small to cover so shouldn't cost much. I have 3 hanging pendant lights over my sink and find they work really well. As for shortage of storage, look on line in Hometalk or Pinterest and you will be amazed at the great tips and space saving ideas.. Hope some of this is helpful, I'm just getting up the gumption to paint my cupboards, so we can do it together. 🚪🔨🍷
  • Tracy Tracy on Mar 07, 2015
    My motto is start with the things that bug you the most and you can do yourself. 1. Paint the yellow cabinet doors a white the match the cabinet boxes. 2. Take down all window dressings and see how you like it just bare. If you need some privacy I would suggest a reverse roll roller shade. Super easy to do and cheap. 3. Buy an indoor/outdoor rug to cover the floor within 6-8 inches of the cabinets. 4. For a backsplash I would paint it a cheery bold color that I picked from the rug with a high gloss paint. This is easy to wipe clean and would add some depth to your room. I would try the same handles back on the cupboards. They appear to be brushed nickle in color and not that dated- I would not spend money on those. I like several of the above ideas by others - definitely DARE to do it and make it your own.
  • Colleen Colleen on Mar 07, 2015
    First thing I would look at is brightening the space up. Paint the cupboard doors white to match the bases. Then remove the window coverings to bring in more natural light. If you feel you need something at the window for privacy at times, or even just interest, look at putting up a clean lined Roman style shade. If you have basic sewing skills, they are dead easy to construct. There are also tutorials out there that show how to convert your aluminum mini blinds into fabric Roman shades. Look at doing track lighting for better lighting, or even update from the flush mount to a pendant. In the kitchen of our first house, we attached rope lights under the cabinets for inexpensive under cabinet lighting. Beyond that, you could update the cupboard hardware...you should be able to find inexpensively if you look carefully. Knobs instead of the handles would look less busy. You could even just change out some, not all. Spray paint can make them all match if you do that. Space-wise, it looks like you don't have much room to get creative regarding organization, but Pinterest is a great place to look for kitchen organizing tips. I'm sure you'll find great ideas on how to organize what you have in those cupboards.
  • Valerie Valerie on Mar 08, 2015
    You have received such excellent suggestions. I was going to suggest replacing the cupboard doors, but painting is definitely a cheaper option. I would also remove the valance as it takes away too much light. Maybe you could put some glass shelves in the window and add a few herbs - but only if privacy is not an issue. Changing cabinet hardware is also another option for an instance uplift. I would also paint the ceiling white.
  • Bonnie Paterson Bonnie Paterson on Mar 08, 2015
    you may not be fond of the yellow, but it is a cute kitchen! I would embrace the retro feel of it! When you don't have $$ to rip it all out, then play it up as it is! Definitely the fabric valance needs to go. Paint out the cupboards white if you don't dare another more daring colour! If you can't take the plunge with so much colour on the cupboards at least add it in the accessories. New door handles for sure, Look at Pinterest for retro kitchens before you do anything. Too bad the fridge is so big; this is a common problem in North America; bigger is better!? (it really means we end up throwing out more food cause we stuff them full and let the food spoil) Can you trade it out for one less monstrous and not stainless? It will make the room much less cramped. The other obvious thing is that the brown in the dining area is sucking all life out of the room. It needs to go! Same with those funny pictures on the bulkhead in the adjoin space. They look weirdly out of place.... You have a cute house, get some style happening!
  • Dima Dima on Mar 08, 2015
    What a sweet little kitchen! It reminds me of my first home. I agree with the other posters' suggestion that you remove the window treatment over the sink. You definitely want to paint over the yellow. My suggestion would be a pure white (satin finish). While you're painting, re-paint the ceiling with a flat white ceiling paint. Right now it looks glossy and causes the ceiling to appear low. The flat white will make the ceiling less noticeable. Then replace all of the hardware. Having so many handles makes the room appear busy and smaller than it is. Handles are appropriate for the drawers, but on the cabinets, fill in one hole and replace with knobs. Lighting can have a big impact also. Consider installing some inexpensive under-cabinet lights. This way you can lower the wattage on the overhead light with is casting too many dark shadows which make the space look cramped. Adding light to the countertops will expand the room. Maybe install a reflective backsplash like tin or stainless to tie in with your fridge. Right now it looks out of place. Other little things: cut off the scalloped trim over the sink or cover it with some molding. If you're feeling ambitious, cut out a window on the front of the doors to the left of the window. Add some glass or plexi, trim out with molding on the front and add some lighting and pretty glassware and you'll have a focal point for little $. Then, remove all of the papers/calendars from the end of the cabinet and side of the fridge and consider finding a less obtrusive spot for the trash can. I love your space and wish I had a project like this to do! Oh yeah, don't worry about the floor...it's fine :)
  • Mke1066551 Mke1066551 on Mar 08, 2015
    When you say "on a budget" that could mean many different things. Your budget may be $500 when this very same kitchen for my someone else might mean$5000. Could you give us an idea of what you are thinking.
  • Lee Cunningham Green Lee Cunningham Green on Mar 08, 2015
    I have spent my life on a shoestring budget, I have discovered that paint, new door handles and updated trim can completely change a kitchen. The great thing about changing a room is that it is never forever, It becomes your own with time, and augments to suit your needs. I actually have inspirational paintings I use to inspire a space. Sounds silly but it's not, find an image you really love, long term love and pick from those tones and colors and textures to put your room together. It can be a kitchen or a Den, the idea is the same. In my first kitchen I was obsessed with Apples, In my second kitchen I got very into milk glass, In my third kitchen I was drawn to Norman Rockwell , in my fourth kitchen It was Shabby Chic and now I am again creating a kitchen. White on white with red accents.. and the apples have returned. Have fun!
  • Sandyc Sandyc on Mar 09, 2015
    Being on a budget can be a real blessing when you first buy a home, especially if you filter the advice and keep yourself focused. Definitely paint the cabinets, definitely take down the window treatment (and that scallop across the window (if it's easy to do). You definitely need better lighting but see how the kitchen looks without the window treatment and if you need more, I wouldn't spend big bucks now, The door handles look fine and probably will look even better with a new cabinet paint color. Later' you'll want matching appliances but not now. Not sure how you feel about the floor but if you don't like it when you've painted the cabinets, find some nice vinyl tile for the time being - not too expensive but a fresh look. Mostly, be creative and have fun. Check Hometalk and other sites for kitchen updates on a budget. And then post pix so we can see the results.
  • Julie Pearson Julie Pearson on Mar 09, 2015
    I agree that paint is needed and a cheaper way to go. In my kitchen which is also small I am going to paint the cabinets a nice light gray. It is considered a neutral and goes very well with stainless, black or white appliances and does not show dirt like white would. Your hardware would look nice too and that would be expensive to replace you can also spray paint your hardware since there is a lot of different paints for this. I would take down the valance and put up a glass or wooden shelf attached to the cabinets on either side then you could put plants or nicknacks to give you some privacy if needed and a more homey feel. Good luck with your remodel.
  • OnBlissStreet OnBlissStreet on Mar 09, 2015
    Hi there, I'm going to share my blog with you- It's all about upgrading your home on a teeny tiny budget. So far I've done the kitchen and I've shared all of my projects and tutorials. I will be sharing my entire kitchen in the next couple posts that cost me under $1000 to change completely! OnBlissStreet.blogspot.com I hope you come visit and find some inspiration!
  • Lisa Kaplan Gordon Lisa Kaplan Gordon on Mar 09, 2015
    What's your budget? You can give your kitchen an inexpensive facelift by painting cabinets and replacing pulls. You can pull up that vinyl and replace with something more current. There are loads to pick from. Here are more good ideas. http://www.houselogic.com/photos/kitchens/10-tips-give-your-kitchen-low-cost-facelift/slide/the-hook-up/?pred_search_link_clicked=10+Tips+for+a+Low-Cost+Kitchen+Facelift?eo_sm_sa_lkg
  • Deirdre Sullivan Deirdre Sullivan on Mar 09, 2015
    Hello Diana, I feel your pain. My kitchen is also lost in time : ) Here are a few inexpensive kitchen DIY ideas: http://goo.gl/lYylQP I also agree that you should take down the window treatment and paint the cabinets. If you want to keep the cabinet doors, you can also freshen them up by changing the hardware.
  • Jason Hall Jason Hall on Mar 09, 2015
    Can lighting can be pretty easily installed, if you buy the remodel versions. This would brighten up a lot of the space, you can even buy small stick on lights to install under the cabinets. I would definitely remove the window to let in more light, as well. You could also replace the linoleum with brighter flooring, or tile pretty inexpensively. The handles could easily be replaced on the cabinets and drawers, you could put a coat of white paint on them, as well. I bet that would brighten up the kitchen.
  • Teresa C Teresa C on Mar 09, 2015
    I agree about painting the cabinets, however you might want to take off some doors and have open cabinets. I would also take a jig saw and redo the the bottom of the top cabinet over the window and get rid of the pointy parts. Light color on the walls, take off dark curtain over the winder and just have a mini-blind or go to Lowe's and get a faux Florida blind for the window. And you might want to hunt through re-purpose stores for flooring. And you might be able to find cabinet fronts or refashion with bead board and trim. Good Luck and have fun!!
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Mar 09, 2015
    Like the kitchen. The placement of the appliances and sink is very functional and step-saving. The only thing that bothers me is that there is no counterspace on one side of the stove top. Could you sell the stove top/ovens and replace them with a traditional stove. This would provide much needed counter space and a good sized lower cabinet - it would also give a more open look to the kitchen. Agree about either removing the valence over the window or making it straight. I'd also take down the curtains (as cute as they are) and just use the mini-slat blind you have. Am not a fan of open shelves in a kitchen which leaves things open to grease accumulation. Don't know how much some trim would cost but would give your cabs a new style. I'd paint them a creamy white to go with your countertop to expand the space, and go with your flooring. I'd also reposition some of the hardware that is placed in an unusual way on some of the cab doors. For the small areas that could be painted, I'd continue the colour from the eating area for flow.