For a "softer" feel and a "natural" look. I would go with cork floors. That granite has a lot of movement, so I would be careful not to make the backsplash too "busy". Did they request any specific colors?

Darla, Santa Fe colors look great with your white counter / sink but it would not do well with Deborah's beautiful granite. She would do well

Perhaps this kitchen would be a start for the floor
https://www.houzz.com/photos/2-cook-kitchens-traditional-kitchen-phvw-vp~1296761

For the backsplash, I was considering gray, white and gold narrow tiles laid vertically to carry the line of the grain, emphasis verticality and reflect the line of the glass door with the "rain" pattern that goes up and down. Does that sound too busy?

This kitchen has a very similar counter top.

Yes I considered this chevron approach- maybe with a "luxury vinyl" that is light gray, with sort of a limed wood or limestone look. Thanks for all of your input!!

This kitchen has cabinetry in what appears to be a similar tone to the ones in your client's kitchen. I like how the contrast comes less from the color of the floors and more from the finish. The floor is matte compared to the glossier cabinetry.



IMO, the vertical backsplash might work, but only if the lines are more subtle. I picture a rich putty gray color for the backsplash without much fanfare.

Of course, the blinding white wallpaper has to go and the ceiling fan. Will they be replacing appliances? Will they allow you to replace hardware on the cabinets?
Lighting will be helpful/important too.

I'm sorry, but Ugh! You certainly have yourself quite the challenge here.

Nice choice of image! I collected a few in my idea book that are examples of the contrast in finish that you point out.
Yes, the wall paper is going and I'm considering a sage gray for the walls. Yes, I look forward to replacing the light fixture (they do have under cabinet lighting) and brought up the possibility of changing out the hardware to a brushed nickel to freshen it up.

Wow, that's a tall order. Personally, I might not do a backsplash with all that going on in the granite. I would not tie in the white because ( we hope) they might be able to change out those white appliances that stick out in those dark cabs. Maybe a subtle gray glass subway tile for instance. I love the idea of the cork floor. I hope you would be able to address the large scallop in the cab end in the desk area and cut that out to straight line.Some contemporary handles will help, of course.Is it possible to post pics of what they have in next room sometime?

heres the door way to next room

What product do you suggest for cabinets?
I'd like to see a tall,narrow display unit that either extends to ceiling or has plant on top.
I actually considered something that was painted maybe a grey green and had some glass to since there are so many wood finished surfaces.
They are in PA and don't use the fan much.
I like your ideas, especially for the backsplash... What would you suggest for flooring?

good eye to notice the little tile reliefs! Here's a close up.

There is this stuff called Restorz-It that is used to refresh the finishes of older cabinets and furniture. I think you can buy it at Home Depot.
I've never used it personally, though.
http://www.restorzit.com/Refinish-Kitchen-Cabinets-and-Furniture.aspx
I think sandstone is pretty. Would you put the new display unit where the old one is?
I think the floor should be a regular wood finish just a little lighter than the cabinets.
Wow, that little frame has a lot of detail, doesn't it?

I noticed the cabinets have "exposed" hinges - you can no longer get this type (only ones of poor quality) You mentioned a hardware color change. When updating the handles, I had to blend them to work with the original hinges. I updated with oil rubbed bronze HIGHLIGHT handles. Unfortunately, the beautiful oil rubbed was a too dark.

Ugh! their budget for materials is $10,000, I wish I could fit in new cabinetry for that! I hate this oaky stuff.
I'm really trying to focus on a backsplash with gray and golden tones, so that the present hardware might be okay.

The idea of a sandstone backsplash is nice with the Southwestern influence, however after going to the tile store, I really feel like this dreary space needs a material with some reflective quality to enliven it.

Here are some materials that I'm considering for the backsplash. I love these large format tiles with a rainwashed look combined with accents of the glass tiles in a vertical placement.

Here are some materials that I'm considering for the backsplash. I love these large format tiles with a rainwashed look combined with accents of the glass tiles in a vertical placement.

Here are some materials that I'm considering for the backsplash. I love these large format tiles with a rainwashed look combined with accents of the glass tiles in a vertical placement.

Would a hammered tin backsplash be too busy for you and your clients? Just thinking that the right tone would work with the greys in the granite.

It comes in I think 2' square tiles, various patterns.

Or what about simply painting the wall an appropriately toning colour, and affixing glass sheeting cut to fit over it?

Is the bulkhead solid, or cosmetic? Could it be replaced by a row of cabinets with mullioned glass doors and lighting inside, and finished with crown moulding?

I second the cork flooring, so long as they don't have heavy long-toed bouncy dogs.

I'd like to see the wallpaper replaced with a paint that contrasts with the browns in the cabinets and the granite, too. Like a good blusher, the right colour would enhance the browns, vs dumbing them down. From their website, P&L "Maid of Orleans" might work, but I don't know it irl.

Yes, the glass tile has both the gray and sand colors in the granite! Will they let you paint the cabinets?

How about painted beadboard for the backsplash to take it a little more country than southwest--either a neutral color to blend with the white appliances--or a turquoise or robin's egg blue might give it a more southwestern look if that's what the client wants.

I like the herringbone limestone floors mentioned above.

Introduce color and pattern with the window treatment. Either a country floral print or oversized gingham check.

Country wouldn't be pleasing to this client that prefers an updated clean look. The rest of their home features Danish Modern design.

Any photos of hammered tin? The idea of sheet glass over a painted wall could work. What do you mean by a toning color?

Deborah, i like your backsplash choice! I think I used that same glass tile or a very similar in a house I was redoing a year or two ago. It looked great. Strange that you say they reside in PA and want a southwest look to match their furnishings.! I am from Delaware myself originally and you never see Southwest done in that region! Be careful.. they may be wanting that all changed next!
I think the cabs will be OK when polished up and with a great hardware.It is what it is. Perhaps you could sneak some of that budget into changing those white appliances.. or at least the stove and micro? You can purchase a stainless steel look magnetized front for dishwasher and fridge that i used on an old bldg redo that actually helped a lot. Not sure of the co. name but you can Google it.. there was only one at that time about 18 mos or so ago. Go to a scratch and dent dept of some of the big box and see what you can find! I would scrimp on the flooring for that , myself.

they insist on keeping the white appliance and natural oak finish. they dont intend to stay here for more than 5 years.

Deborah, any chance you can take them to some show homes. Maybe once they see what's out there they'll have a change of heart. Since there not planning to stay more than 5 years they'll get there kitchen reno dollars back a few times over by investing in this room. Keeping them will drive the selling price of there home down. Any potential buyer would factor a reduction in price on there home over this kitchen. Frankly, the cabinets are so 80's and anything mixed with it is from two different era's. I think there asking you to be a magician.

Deborah - you can find the hammered tin (excellent facsimile of, anyway) at Lowe's, HD, etc. It comes in 2' square sheets in various metallic colours, and it's a very simple peel-and-stick result.

For real hammered tin, you'd need to browse your local architectural reclamation places, and it may need some repair or refinishing.

A toning colour: that would be a colour that is pleasing with your clients' cabinets, rather than offensive.

Wait, does that mean you can't paint the cabinets? Because I would really want to paint those cabinets :). I'm not a pro, so maybe it's no surprise that I have no ideas for the floor (or the cabinets!). But I think travertine might looks nice for the backsplash, maybe? And if they like the southwest look, tiles like these (that I've been obsessed with lately) might look nice: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202101834/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=merola+lantern&storeId=10051. No idea whether they'd coordinate with all the other natural tones in there, though! And then if you just want to go nuts, there's those artisan concrete tiles that definitely have a southwest flair...Argente or Avanti or...somebody...makes beautiful ones. (Sorry. Just a lowly amateur here!) And then you could try to sell them on saltillo for the floor even though it's hard, too, and paint a cactus somewhere and JUST GO CRAZY.

gotta keep the oak finish.

Sand the finish from the units, oil and wax only. Black hinges and handles.
Black splash backs.
Clay tile floor, using the local clay. Carry on the same floor as far as you can for openness.
Earth pigment walls.
Concealed halogen lighting in kitchen, nice pendant over table.

They desire to replace the tile with "soft' flooring

I like the earthiness of this idea but wouldn't the white appliances stand out like a sore thumb in that scheme?

Clay is a lot softer than ceramic.
Leave some other small details in brilliant white, like door architraves, so they're not completely alone. Preferably the old appliances would be changed, but this could wait until the client is ready to replace them.

Maybe you can work on them a bit. Honestly, it just isn't worth putting 10 K into the kitchen and leaving items like the white appliances. This rug is used to soften the floors and add punch of color. Maybe you can find rugs that don't mind kitchen wear and tear, leave existing flooring and put that money towards some appliances.. inexpensive ones. If they plan to sell their home in 5 years the first thing potential people will see is the appliances that stand out so much and NOT the nice work you will have put in. I do think you can get the cabs to look OK with some cleaning and polishing but those bursts of white will never go away.

http://designinthewoods.blogspot.com/2011/09/what-to-do-with-oak-cabinets.html

Take a look at this site..It may offer some inspiration. In this one makeover they painted sections of the oak a deep gray green and installed a slate type flooring ( could be vinyl)

Personally, I would be unhappy to have taken on a designer who just blew the budget on off the shelf appliances.

You're right about the white appliance problem, perhaps compromise also with titanium white splash backs.

Sometimes designers need to educate. Some clients may not understand the need for changes they could not envision or imagine necessary but it the designer's job to let them know if they feel they are making mistakes. Likely, you already have tried to do so., I'm sure. You need to make the client happy. I hate to spend money when I know it is not well spent. Who knows.. sometimes, there is a little more in the budget after all.. If not, I would have a hard time spending money on an area that accommodates something I know will be redone very soon, by the client or the next owner.If not, compromise, of course, but I would not myself work in more white in a permanent surface to accommodate white appliances.Just go with it the best you can.That is my own opinion. It is a hard place to be in... a real balancing act. Best of luck!

all of your advice has been tremendously helpful!!

I think that the materials you show you are considering for the back splash look really nice.
One thing. On one hand, I understand that the cabinet style is far from state of the art. However, at least their design is pretty linear, and not big diamond or or some other geometric pattern cut into the cabinet doors. Are these cabinets all wood, or do they just have the doors and front made of real wood, and the shelves, side and back made of particle board, or MDF, or some other composite? If they are all wood, doesn't that give them some intrinsic value? How much would it cost to put in completely wooden cabinets nowadays? They would probably have to be custom made, wouldn't they?
Deborah, this obviously isn't the ideal situation, but I think you have some great ideas. Since the clients have already said they only plan to stay in the house for about five years, then it seems that makes sense that they wouldn't want to put a lot of money into it. Five years from now, who knows what the "in" kind of appliance finish will be? Perhaps then they will decide to spring for some new appliances, but right now they are satisfied with what they have.
I am sure that you will provide them with a stylish, comfy kitchen that will translate very easily into an even more updated one if the current owners decide they will stick around longer than they now think they will, or new owners who will make the kitchen into their own vision. Who knows? The next owners might like the vintage cabinets. My son is a "twenty something," and I just read an article that said many "young folks" like the retro, mid century look, and the seventies probably will be added to that category in a few years.
Speaking of trends. I found these two articles about the current state of white appliances. One is a Houzz article.
https://www.houzz.com/magazine/white-appliances-find-the-limelight-stsetivw-vs~1494317

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/will-whirlpools-ice-white-kill-the-stainless-steel-trend-174907

Also, this photo of these "state of the art" white appliances in a very contemporary kitchen with dark cabinets.
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnfull/20120716/DE40421

House Beautiful's Kitchen of the Year with the same appliances.
http://www.housebeautiful.com/kitchens/dream/mick-de-giulio-kitchen-of-the-year-2012#slide-4
This is just an "off the top of my head" observation, but in these articles-and photos-it seems that there is starting to be a marriage of sorts of these things. You have whites mixed in with darker woods, and white and stainless surfaces on the appliances-or black and stainless, too. Perhaps in this kitchen, you could do some stainless finishes, like cabinet handles, or the lighting?

Hmmmn - simplify, simplify, simplify in the first instance. The positives are modern sink, faucet, coffee machine and microwave/benchoven? .... Begin with a good 'rationalisation' of the items displayed on top of the benchtop (and removing the black metal unit initially perhaps?) I agree with Lucindalane's re lighting, handles, colours...

Keep the bottom cabinets oak, paint the top ones in white which will let them visually 'float' into the bulkhead, then add sleek modern (stainless) handles and simple lighting. These changes should help disguise the white appliances, update the look and be in keeping with Danish design.

Your pictured backsplash choices would tie in nicely with the modern handles and lighting (and reduce the impact of the swirly granite), with a darker grey floor in something soft and warm underfoot.

Then perhaps painting the top of the dining table black to match the base and chairs, and replacing the 'rain' glass with a modern frosted version (or try a frosting window film) .... how far can $10K go?

Wow this is a difficult request. I just can't fathom the oak cabinets, appliances and counter top working in a remodel. I love your material for the back splash. I can't wait to see your design.

No matter how much you and I may dislike the cabinets, I have a saying you can not see it from my house, and this is their house, With that said, I would just go a little softer as they asked. I like the cork floors and then I would clean it up. Where the cabinets do not meet, I would replace with an old piece if furniture to move the eye, like one shown above, tne rest I would do refrigerator white walls.

Behr Polar Bear I just this week used the color and you need sunglasses it is great. I also used white river rock pattern with white non sanded grout awesome. and bright. If you wanted to use stone on line there is stone shop only sells stones so you may get bags of many colors as you may want. Brown, black, creme, amber'et.
Would get rid of the dining set and get the pancake table and chairs from Knoll, there are lots of alternatives. Also, I would remove all that stuff that is around and give them boxes one small one keep 1 large one things that leave. and help them slim down.

Change the door pulls and maybe stain the doors'a'wee. bit darker.

Glass tile 6 Inch a by 20 inch white in the back with lighting make it pop or a grey white brown pattern sounds busy, simpler brown two shade light and dark to go with counter, just try to clean it up. It is a good bit of money and no place to go with the cabinets.
If you can convenience them to put some glass doors in, and maybe take out two cabinets and put shelves. They would help you. Good luck

You can also use Tremclad to change the colour of the appliances very inexpensively; you can even change them to look like the colour du jour, stainless steel.

I am back to pester further. It's Avente tile I was thinking of. For example: http://www.aventetile.com/products/1941.cfm. Or http://www.aventetile.com/products/1959.cfm, or maybe http://www.aventetile.com/products/1828.cfm. I still think Saltillo would be nice for the floor (yes, I know it's hard. They could have cork floor mats, though!), but I can see cork as a logical (if not aesthetically sensible) choice if what they most want is "soft." And I know the cabinets have to stay oak, but what about cerused oak ( http://p2.la-img.com/1177/28091/10735703_1_x.jpg)? It's a traditional finish. I believe it was originally achieved by applying lead to the oak, but I am sure there is a less-toxic modern way to do this - maybe even an inexpensive faux way to imitate the finish. It would still be their real wood cabinets, but not the "shiny, shiny oak" look that is so hard to love, and I actually think the more rustic finish would go with the detailing on the cabinets. And create more of a contrast with the brass hardware, making it look a bit more deliberate. (Did you say you couldn't change the hardware finish? What about painting it all matte black?) And then paint the soffits a light color somewhere in the "clay" spectrum (gray, tan, terra cotta)...

OK, NOW I am done pestering.

Cork floors, glass tile backsplash (mostly tans with a few light grays), paint in a light color that goes with the oak (not contrasting), sleek modern satin/antique brass drawer pulls http://www.bellacor.com/productdetail/alno-inc-a573-aem-eclectic-antique-english-matte-5-inch-contemporary-pull-495919.htm . New light fixture, of course, but make sure it is bright and uses warm tone light bulbs. Window treatments could be a Roman blind over the sink and matching valence or small cornice over the miniblinds in the dining room. They'll get the most bang per buck from the backsplash. An alternative backsplash would be light colored subway tiles in colors that are picked up from the granite. http://kitchen-furniture-info.blogspot.com/2010/08/ikea-tidaholm-kitchen.html

New display cabinet could be a simple glass door cabinet from Ikea or a more upscale shop (Plummers in the West) that will go with their Danish Modern furniture. The finish does not have to be oak.

They want to keep the white appliances, fine. When they sell, they can replace the appliances if stainless steel is still fashionable then. Not every real estate market expects stainless appliances, by any means. The Southwest decorative accents should be small and portable, like that tissue box on the desk, not permanently installed if they are moving in five years. I suggest that the Southwest pink clay paint in the rest of the house might be replaced with something lighter and more fashionable when they sell, too.

A couple of suggestions to throw back into the mix... Cork floors are warm, reduce noise and possible crockery breakages, but it needs an experienced 'layer' and there's plenty of vinyl options.

Could 3 or 4 of the wall units (depending on whether one is a corner unit) from the sink wall be moved to the opposite wall and used as floor units on a plinth with a benchtop added? 3 units should take up less floor space than the metal storage stand. This would provide more extra bench space, visually lighten/free up the sink wall and help to unite/balance the kitchen on the fridge wall.

I'm with Catriona on querying the bulkhead's purpose - it is deeper than the wall units, although it is placed above the units only, and not continuous around the room for plumbing or structural support....

This suggestion disregards the fact that the only somewhat redeeming feature in the room is the granite counter top.
It also strikes me that this would reduce the work space significantly. It feels awkward to move more of the cabinetry across the main path of egress from the garage to the main part of the home.
I appreciate the goal of doing away with this overbearing bulkhead. But wouldn't it be odd to add a different style of cabinet above- as the present style is clearly obsolete?

Wow! As cliche'd and overused as stainless steel in today's appliances, I just have to say "ding, ding, we have a winner!"

Sharleeg's link to her blog illustrates how effectively middle-aged cabinets in a middle-aged kitchen can be updated with ease and charm, without breaking the bank.

The slate tile flooring set across the diagonal (Armstrong now make great vinyl tiles that look just like slate, without shattering anything dropped on it - think of separating them with the wood-look "grout" strips they have), painting just a small grouping of a couple of cabinets, the brick-like backsplash in a muted but complementary colour, and a little bit of open shelves. What a wonderful job, Sharleeg!

That and a couple of cans of Trem-Clad ss-coloured paint, and you're all set, Deborah!