Thank you!

Hi, a few ideas to update this kitchen would be : paint the walls a fresh new color. Something on a neutral shade to brighten up your kitchen. Change the knobs and handles to a brushed nickel hardware. If it fits in your budget, changing the countertop to a granite slab and refinishing your cabinets would change up the space and give you a different kitchen altogether. Good luck!

Hi Laura,
I think ASV Interiors had a good idea about stainless steel behind the cooktop. Even just a square of stainless behind the actual cooktop (like maybe 30 X 36), would make the area look fresher. I like the brick, I don't think you should cover it completely. Removing the wallpaper would help a lot. And like the others said, if you are feeling ambitious, you could paint the cabinets.

I think you should make a few small changes too that could help a lot. Take the pictures off your fridge, buy a cool pendant to hang over the island, get a fun rug to go under the table, and take the tablecloth off. (A simple plant with a nice pot would look great in the center of the table.)

I don't think I would spend the money on granite until a whole kitchen remodel was in order.

Hope this helps!

Christine

I almost forgot, a sheet metal fabricator can cut you a piece of stainless steel for very little money.....like under $50. You can just stick it on with construction adhesive.

All brilliant ideas above (changing the knobs makes a bigger difference than you would imagine in a kitchen). Changing the countertops would be ideal and would add value to your house overall, granite or caesarstone.
Consider painting or treating the brick. Its adds a bit of modernity to a space while keeping it classic. (White brick and white countertops with wood cabinets
Also, updating the lighting (cooler toned LED's) will make a big difference.

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What is the decor flavor of your home? I can see this kitchen going a few different directions depending on your decor preferences. Regardless of whether you have a plentiful budget or not I would start with the flooring. There are many options for inexpensive flooring these days that look fantastic if purchasing authentic materials isn't an option for the budget. They even make linoleum that looks like hardwood now and tons of very cool ceramic tile choices that will knock your socks off. Depending on your floor choice of a tile pattern, stone or wood and the colors you choose I would consider embracing the brick. Some of the most stunning kitchens I have seen in France have worn brick walls mixed with pale grey, pale green or weathered blue cabinetry all paired with Calacatta marble slab counters, a farm sink and brass fittings. But again, without knowing what your connecting family room is it's hard to suggest an overall look for you. Either way, there are tons and tons of options on a modest budget. So don't loose spirit.. This should be fun for you!

PS ... I would loose the matching center island and choose a flea market farm table or have your handyman make one for you out of older materials that fits the space and your needs better. Perhaps with a shelf for farm baskets under the table to store bushels of apples, potatoes, etc.. I'm loving this kitchen!

As for your counters... Meet with several slab yard managers to find out about their best offers. Often they have one or two beautiful slabs left out of inventory that they can't get again and will offer those slabs at a 1/3 the price to designers. Then mix that with something else like a complimenting limestone or stainless steel, copper or even a wood counter surface. You'd be surprised how far you can spread it all out without compromising the integrity of the look.

The rest is easy cosmetics, paint and lighting. Look up Shades of Light online for some great inexpensive pendants and chandeliers or even your local Craigslist for vintage finds which I feel give a home a more authentic feel rather than trendy.

It depends on how limited your budget is (and how much you feel like tackling). I'd start with fresh paint and removing the wallpaper, and then I'd add new cabinet knobs or pulls. That alone will make a big difference. I think I'd also be tempted to change out the sink faucet for something new in a finish that matched the hardware.

Good luck! You've got a great space to work with.

I second (third, fourth..) the removal of all the striped wall paper and repaint it instead. Also I would add a light color to the back of your beautiful glass cabinets in the dining area. If you hesitate to paint the backs, just cut foam core to fit and paint that. It would immediately brighten up that area. Maybe a nice window treatment in the dining space to cammo the blinds, use a runner instead of a full table cloth, and a cheerful rug under the table. A updated light fixture over the island, without the hanging pots, would help there too. These are all inexpensive changes...save your money for the big redo when the countertops, floor, small island and appliances go.

Thanks so much for all the great suggestions! Our style is more traditional/elegant. We're open to changing anything in these spaces, lighting, flooring, curtains, paint colors, etc. I'll post some more pictures to show the surrounding areas off the kitchen.

We never really figured out the furniture placement in the living room or what to do with the monstrous fireplace. I'd love to paint the wood paneling in the living room, it makes the room so dark even in the middle of the day. Any ideas would be great.

Here's some more pictures. The light wall colors and white trim is much more our style than the dark trim.

Wow Laura, you have a great space to work with! I can visualize this home lighter and brighter with paint. All the natural brick is wonderful! I'd embrace it, leave it as is unless you would like to weather and fade it out more which is easy to do. Then paint all your walls a very light airy color (or bright white) that speaks to each other (I like the pale butter yellow you already have). Then paint all your interior wood trim, paneling and doors a super high gloss white for the exception of your hutch.. I'd love to see that particular item painted a bold color as a stand alone feature in the room. Painting alone will completely transform your living style and everything else will soon fall into place. Enjoy!