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Need help updating my 1960's kitchen

We have all new appliances, so they will stay, but I am not in love with the cabinets. They are solid wood, and I would like to keep them, but I hate the hinges. I am open to paint ideas, countertop ideas, backsplash ideas...

Comments (18)

  • PRO
    14 years ago
    last modified: 14 years ago
    Heather,
    Many local cabinet shops can reface your current cabinets. It costs less and allows you to have "new" cabinets with a different look and updated feel without all the cost involved.
  • 14 years ago
    your cabinets are well organized and laid out so at least you've got that going for you! "refacing" is an option. You could also order new doors (necessitating new hardware, and patching holes left by old hardware) in whatever style you like. There are a number of places on the web that will make doors to order, you just provide the measurements. You would have the option of trying to match the new doors to the cabinet face (probably difficult) or painting them all a uniform color.
  • 14 years ago
    Hinges and hardware can be easily replaced. If you go shopping for hinges, be sure and take a door with you so you can compare how the hinges are fastened on the door. I was shocked to see how many different options there are, and if you don't want to fuss with how they fasten you want the same kind.

    I like the idea of refacing, you can get rid of those incised designs on the doors. Lighten up the countertops, find a pretty tile mural for over the stove in colors and image that speak to you and go from there with the backsplash design and colors.
  • 14 years ago
    I don't mind the exposed hinges and think the addition of cup pulls would give your cabinets a more vintage look to go with the pressed tin backsplash. I would recommend painting the cabinets white, as your kitchen photographs very dark, You might want to "fill in" the routed cabinet detail prior to painting and remove the scallop trim above the sink. You could paint your island a fun contrasting color to real liven up your space.
    Painted and Wood Kitchen · More Info
  • 14 years ago
    last modified: 14 years ago
    I too don't mind the look of exposed hinges. I think simply painting your cabinets and updating your hardware would do wonders for your kitchen. But just in case you really don't want to see the hinges and you also don't want to put the money into refacing your cabinets, it is possible to paint hinges. I know this sounds crazy, but here's a link to a kitchen renovation by a professional design and decorative painting studio that used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint on both kitchen doors and hinges (I didn't know you could do this until I read the article):
    http://www.methenyweir.com/
  • 14 years ago
    I had new cupboard doors made to match the other doors in my kitchen. I couldn't find a local company to do it but found one on the internet. Measuring everything was a challenge, since I did not understand the terminology. I missed a key measurement, so my new doors are bit thicker and fit into the new openings a bit differently, but fortunately they are on the back of a peninsula counter it isn't obvious. It would be easier if you could find a local cabinet maker to make new doors.
  • 14 years ago
    I like the idea of painting the cabinets, busting out the woop-di-do over the window too. I was thinking about using beadboard as a backsplash all around. Maybe painting the top cabinets white and the bottoms a green color that will look good with the adjacent living room.
  • 14 years ago
    I also like this look too, but i am afraid my space is too small for a med/darkish painted cabinet. But I do like the stained beadboard backsplash.
  • 14 years ago
    Def repainting the cabinets, and updating the hardware would make your kitchen look more up to date. I know you just purchased appliances but there is nothing better than crisp new stainless steel. Since you do have black appliances how about getting the island redone with a stainless steel top to match the back splash or even bring the same granite for the countertop over to the island to sorta let it tie together.
  • PRO
    14 years ago
    I would suggest just paint it .
  • 14 years ago
    Agree with Michigemammon. Remove the scalloped edge over the sink. Infill the carved detail on the cabinets, paint them in a light colour that sits well with the bench top. New hardware. Pick up the tin look with a similar metal island top and paint the island a colour that links and harmonises with the larger space (which is out of shot). Alternatively, depending on your style. You could mirror the tin splash back by hanging your metal pans on a country-style hanger over the island. Hate that idea? Well, hang a fabulous statement metal light fitting instead. Have fun, and let there be light!
  • 14 years ago
    Thanks everyone!
  • 13 years ago
    I have the same type of handles and hinges and lots of cabinets. (Actually similar kitchen :) Rustoleum makes a stainless glossy spray paint and I am redoing all mine that way. Trying to find something to cover the hinge areas was getting too difficult and expensive!!
    Vibrant Design - how is the best way to take off the scallops --- with mine they are actually tucked into the other woodwork.. any advice?
  • 13 years ago
    Install some new doors with hidden hardware, leaving some open with glass fronts for mixed look. Take a door to the cabinet store or even Home Depot and see what you can do.
  • 13 years ago
    What is your style? That would help help with ideas.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    Hi Heather,

    I think that painting the cabinets white or light grey and installing butcher block countertops would make your kitchen look gorgeous. Let me link you to an amazing set of before and after pictures: http://kleypas.blogspot.com/2011/04/kitchen.html

    I'm planning on doing this for my kitchen-to-be (which looks very similar to yours!) once we move into our new house.

    You might consider taking out the decorative wood piece over the sink and installing a white subway tile (or other easily wipeable) backsplash as well. That will maximize the light from your small kitchen window.

    Hope this helps!

    Cheers,
    Charlotte
  • 9 years ago

    We had our dark cabinets painted, but it never looks amazing unless you actually take the doors to a cabinet maker and have them refinish them. If you live near any Amish builders, they are always a good source. They will look better for resale also! You could also try Ikea. They have cabinet doors you could buy. Just be sure to take really good measurements.