No idea where to start--wwyd with this kitchen? P-link

SCBride2007

Ok, we are under contract for a house right now, and we are set to close on May 4th. The house has fantastic bones, but needs some updating. The first room we are going to tackle is the kitchen. Let me preface by saying that we are NOT going to be doing any major renovations just yet. 

Also, H LOVES these cabinets, so we have to keep them.

So... any suggestions of what to do? I'm thinking a backsplash, but I've got nothing else!

 http://flic.kr/p/bHMySR

Edit: can't get the PIP to work  

050 by jlburnell, on Flickr

Go_Dawgs

Definitely paint the cabinets.  It will completely transform the room.  I'd paint the cabinets, install a different backsplash, and do new flooring.  If you don't want to spend much money on new flooring, you can get inexpensive peel and stick vinyl that looks pretty good.  That flooring is extremely dated, so you can update it with something inexpensive and it will look much better.

SCBride2007

Go_Dawgs:

Definitely paint the cabinets.  It will completely transform the room.  I'd paint the cabinets, install a different backsplash, and do new flooring.  If you don't want to spend much money on new flooring, you can get inexpensive peel and stick vinyl that looks pretty good.  That flooring is extremely dated, so you can update it with something inexpensive and it will look much better.

.            Painting the cabinets is a really good idea-- we'll probably do that. The flooring is pretty bad-- it's marble in a pretty icky color. We'll probably do that part next year. Thanks! 

Mrs.G123

Painting the walls a color that doesn't lend with the cabs, painting/staining the cabs and adding new hardware will be huge. GL!

hereonceagain

I would paint the cabinets, get new flooring, add colorful flowers or accents, and remove the island. And I'd change out the ceiling fan for a updated fixture.

Mrs.G123

I would also take down the wavy board above the sink and swap out the light fixture.

~NB~

I'd replace the appliances. I'd get black or stainless and definitely a smaller fridge so it will fit in that space.

apugglesmom

Before I jumped in to painting the cabinets, I would change out the hardware, change the paint on the walls and take down the microwave (there isn't enough space between the cooktop and the bottom of the microwave). In addition, I would take down the detail molding above the sink. I would live with those changes for a little bit to see if the cabinets still need to be painted.

Then I would consider a new countertop with an undermount sink and new fixtures and/or a backsplash. I think what bothers me about the sink is that it's a bright white and the countertops are black. 

nursecramer

apugglesmom:

Before I jumped in to painting the cabinets, I would change out the hardware, change the paint on the walls and take down the microwave (there isn't enough space between the cooktop and the bottom of the microwave). In addition, I would take down the detail molding above the sink. I would live with those changes for a little bit to see if the cabinets still need to be painted.

Then I would consider a new countertop with an undermount sink and new fixtures and/or a backsplash. I think what bothers me about the sink is that it's a bright white and the countertops are black. 

I agree with this, but I am extremely biased for wooden cabinets. Especially if your H likes the cabinets-- I'm guessing a large part of that is the natural wood look.

I think part of the problem (for me) with the kitchen is that it is so neutral. White appliances, black counter, wood cupboards... If you could bring in pops of color and/or texture in the fixtures, backsplash, floor, or hardware, you might end up loving the cabinets as is. Another thing to try would be to replace one of the cabinet doors with a glass front and display some of your favorite dishes to bring some personality into the space.

emjacobs13

It looks like they trimmed all the way to the ceiling, doesn't look like a soffit, so I would look to see if that is easily removable and add crown molding right at the top of the cabinets. 

Check to see if the paneling has drywall behind it, you can paint it but it it has drywall behind it you could pull it down.  

Change the hardware on the cabinets. 

Get rid of the scrolly pieces above the window and on the shelves at the desk. 

If you want to add a backsplash, try to remove the little 4" piece of countertop so the backsplash goes all the way down. 

apugglesmom

nursecramer:

apugglesmom:

Before I jumped in to painting the cabinets, I would change out the hardware, change the paint on the walls and take down the microwave (there isn't enough space between the cooktop and the bottom of the microwave). In addition, I would take down the detail molding above the sink. I would live with those changes for a little bit to see if the cabinets still need to be painted.

Then I would consider a new countertop with an undermount sink and new fixtures and/or a backsplash. I think what bothers me about the sink is that it's a bright white and the countertops are black. 

I agree with this, but I am extremely biased for wooden cabinets. Especially if your H likes the cabinets-- I'm guessing a large part of that is the natural wood look.

Me too! That's why I suggest trying all the other changes before painting the cabinets. Just a simple change of hardware will make the cabinets look totally different. And once you put paint on those cabinets, getting them back to the wood will be a huge project.

emoflamingo

The cabinets aren't awful, especially if you update the hardware (think modern, sleek, NOT GOLD/BRONZE). We did that to our cabinets and it changed the look of the cabinets a lot. (I'll look for some pictures.)

The wood soffit above it, however, should die a slow painful death. I'd definitely paint that to match the walls.

What is the backsplash? Is it wood too?? Your kitchen might have been where wood went to die.

brianabrad

Mrs.G123:

Painting the walls a color that doesn't lend with the cabs, painting/staining the cabs and adding new hardware will be huge. GL!

Exactly what I was going to suggest. If you don't want to tackle painting or staining the cabs, then do the flooring and some new hardware only. I bet it will give you a completely different look. Adding a back splash will also really help the look as well. Overall though, looks like a nice kitchen. 

SoftSpot

I'll pretty much ditto what all the PP said but here is my list: (in the order I'd do it)

Change hardware

Remove trim from above window

Remove microwave (maybe try to remove upper cabinets & re-install micro in their place)

Do something with the backsplash (I like the idea a PP gave about removing the 4" of countertop that's there)

See what's going on above the cabinets & remove if possible

Floor (not lino or vinyl)

Appliances

Paint cabs 

JoeLies

I agree with PP about painting the cabinets.  A bright backsplash and new pulls would do wonders too.

HeyJune

The bright white appliances kind of clash with the dark toned cabinets. I'd update the appliances, which will make the cabinets, whether you decide to paint them or not, look 1000x better. I think adding some more counter space would be a good idea. The kitchen looks like it will be great, but you'll definitely want more counter space since there is not a large space of counter (each large stretch of counter is broken up by appliances or a sink). I'd add either a large island or even build a connecting piece onto the right hand side of the kitchen cabinets to create an island/eat in bar area. I can't tell if there is a door to the right of the photo, but I think creating a kitchen with more of a U shaped work area will make it much more functional for cooking an entertaining.

To see what I mean, check out this link to how the Bowers did this to their kitchen in their first house.

http://www.bowerpowerblog.com/house-tour/our-first-house/ 

Another photo is here:

http://www.younghouselove.com/2009/05/house-crashing-and-table-setting/

This one has a similar shape/style to what I'm talking about, too:

http://www.younghouselove.com/2010/10/house-crashing-inspired-inexpensive/ 

Good luck and congratulations on your new home!

SCBride2007

These are all great suggestions! Like I said, we love the bones of te house, but the updating we will do over the next few years should add some equity for sure! 

 

And Hahahahhahaahahhah to the poster who said that this kitchen is where wood went to die! Soooo true! Everything is wood!