How can I upgrade my 80s kitchen with an Asian (Japanese) flair?

Hello Sthatch; Based on your photo, I am guessing that on the ceiling are lights? Those squares are an excellent focal point for making something look Asian!!

If this were my kitchen, I would start there. I would paint the wood on the ceiling with black paint. I would then paint the cabinets black.

You can add something stunning to the cabinets to make them truly shine. If you live close to an Asian store, they have all types of things which you would be able to use on the cabinets, I am so sure.

I would paint the tile white, and I would use all red for my accent pieces.

Furthermore, if you are unable to locate anything that you like or wish to use for an accent on your cabinets, You could use red paint and could make your own designs!!

I hope that this is of some help to you!! Good Luck with your Makeover!!

I'm sorry. What, specifically , was your question ? Does it have to do with decor or the resurfacing technique? I want to be sure before I go on about black lacquer cabinets with beautiful red trim if you have a different question :-)

persoanlly id add cherry blossom or orchid decals to the cabinets after painting them:)

What if you painted your cabinets in white and painted the tile black and decorate with red accents? I painted my cabinets last spring: https://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/furniture/painting-kitchen-cabinets--19730473

As to Painting your tile: I would clean really good then sand them down to roughen up a little for the paint to grab onto. Pick up a good primer and have them tint it as dark as you can. Follow up with Black Chalk paint and top it with Interior Polyurethane. Hope this helps.

Here are some design inspirations from HGTV: http://www.hgtv.com/remodel/kitchen-remodel/asian-style-kitchens-pictures

For resurfacing your countertops, consider Giani Granite (gianigranite.com). it works just fine over properly prepared tile tops.

For painting the cabinets, Nuvo cabinet paint

If replacing the appliances is out of the question, update them with their liquid stainless steel paint

For the backsplash, consider using the liquid stainless steel or stick on tiles, like Smart Tiles.

Here's a couple of pictures of what someone did with tile countertops much like yours:

:

What an awesome kitchen with a wonderful view. I'd suggest painting the cabinets a midnight black in a satin or gloss finish. I'd paint the tiles a light soft gray, then add pops of bright red with linens and other accessories. I'd also paint the frame on the ceiling black. Best of luck.

Since painting a kitchen is a huge undertaking, and a lot of Asian-style kitchens are no longer black, you could paint the ceiling grid black, and an island or other focal-point cabinet/pantry only. I can't really see your hardware, but you could spray paint it.

Budget-permitting you could put in a black laminate counter top, and add touches of black and red in your accessories and art, like square red plates with black trim. I bought a set a long time ago, similar to this set: http://www.kmart.com/gibson-soho-lounge-square-16-piece-dinnerware-set/p-02434561000P?plpSellerId=Kmart&prdNo=47&blockNo=47&blockType=G47

You talk about resurfacing your counter. There is a product called Granite Transformations that goes over an existing counter. I had them come out years ago, and the product seemed interesting. I didn't buy it, because I decided to change the layout. http://www.granitetransformations.com/locations/

Here are some pictures of modern Asian Kitchens. Many of them have wood like your cabinets, and add touches like Asian looking stools:

http://photos.hgtv.com/rooms/kitchen/asian/p/2/p/1

http://photos.hgtv.com/rooms/viewer/asian_inspired-black-coffee-bar-with-open-shelves

http://www.decoist.com/2013-01-14/asian-kitchen-designs/

if you are going for Japanese feel or a Chinese feel those are to diferente things. I don't know much about Chinese Decore but I do know somethinga about Japanes. Japanese decore is all about simple, natural and peaceful . The colors i have noticed most in Japanese decore are white, tans and browns with minimal dark brown or black accents. Also like I said natural so a lot of times a lot of wood. So from the look of your picture I would leave the lights alone they already have a Japanese feel to them with the light and dark. The cabinets I would take the doors off sand everything getting rid of the dark stain, except the edges of the door where it looks like there is trim or a curves design(?), and go back and stain them a lighter color leaning more towards the lighter pine, birch and maple colors or any other white wood color. And then buy some bamboo accessories and some minor Asian decor but remember keep it simple and minimal that is at the heart of much of Japanese decor and culture.

Oriental colors often are reds an yellows.

youre welcome!! I have an Asian inspired dining room, and I used two night stands and made a long side cabinet out of them with a beautiful top and painted cherry blossoms in it! It's gorgeous and I'm so proud of my work:) and not tacky at all;)

You are most Welcome Sthatch; I wished to mention to you that I have been to Japan. If you are able to locate any fabrics that have an Asian flair to them, you could use them for Window coverings. Cherry Blossom viewing is a huge, wonderful and a very pleasurable time in Japan. I have seen several Cherry Blossom lights online, at numerous stores. You might wish to consider getting one, for your counter and using it as a night type light!!!

I wish that I could help you with your project!!! Take Care!!!

Sthatch; You are so very Welcome!!

Please consider visiting Japan in the Spring, (March/April) so that you will have a chance to see some of the Cherry Blossoms. It is a Wonderful place to visit.

Japan, is my absolute Favorite!!! Take Care!!

I a big fan of oriental, great choice!! I would paint cabinets white, add oriental handles. Add new counter tops and extend the one side to add 2-stools. Paint all the walls red with no back splash. For the window add pleaded Roman shade in a oriental fabric. Add an oriental rug under the kitchen table I wasn't sure if the room could hold one, I found pictures to tie in all my thoughts. Note the window is the style and then next picture would be perfect in that fabric.

First off, I would do some extensive research on Japanese styles and select the projects that would most help you reach your goal.

Your welcome⛩

wow good luck!