Those cabinets do look like they're in very good shape.

Appliances that don't match will be a big turn-off for some buyers.

Changing the hardware to nickel or oil rubbed bronze to match your black appliances would be one inexpensive way to update the look. I've seen photos of some beautiful dark colored formica countertops. Obviously, you'll want to make sure that however much you spend to make your kitchen more attractive to buyers will be recouped when you sell.

I'm sorry to say that I don't like the color of that flooring at all. I think you should go with something much more neutral.

Wow, you get one response and the post gets moved to no man's land. I was hoping to get a few different opinions.

I do have new hardware for the cabinets/drawers which I will definitely use.
regarding the appliances, if and when we decided to sell, we would make sure that all the appliances were matching, if they are not already.

I really like the way this flooring looks, it's very complimentary to the wood flooring that the rest of the house has. anything will be better than the white-ish junk that's there now.

Kitchen Forum moves fast so sometimes posts drop out of sight.

If the flooring is complemetary to the dark floors in the rest of the house, I think it will work. It probably reads a bit less busy seen on the floor than up close like that.

In my opinion, you have one of the exceptions where all the appliances don't have to match. If you have all black appliances in a kitchen with dark floors and counters, that is a nice look. However, depending on where the refrigerator is, a black fridge in a kitchen with white cabinets can look hulking.

I did a job where the base cabinets were dark so all the counter height appliances were black. The upper cabinets and walls are off white, so the refrigerator, which is off to itself is white. I don't think anyone has noticed, let alone objected to the fact the appliances dont all match.

The cabinets do seem to be in good shape, or will be with a bit of touch up. I like the flooring, and I think it is a great way to bring in some earthy colors. A grey laminate counter that picks up one of the greys in the floor would look nice. I'd prefer a fairly solid color instead of a pattern, since a pattern would be competing with the floor. I think ORB hardware would be the best bet. As long as they are in good shape, I don't think appliances that don't match would be a huge detriment to buyers looking for a starter home.

If you are going to put new flooring in your kitchen, I'd go with real slate before I'd choose a slate laminate. Natural materials are a million times better looking than the fake version of them, and I don't care for laminate in a kitchen from a functional aspect. It's not water resistant enough, or if you do buy the grade that can be installed in a kitchen by glueing it together, it's more expensive than actual slate or tile would be and you often have people skimp on the glueing step, which is the whole method to make it OK for a kitchen.

If you want to add value to the kitchen, choose wood or slate or other natural materials for the flooring, and investigate an inexpensive granite for the countertop.

Have you considered the IKEA butcher block for the countertops? There are a lot of really lovely pics of that on these pages and it is very affordable. It requires some work to finish it, though...

I'm linking to one type (Pronomen), but you can also search for Bravad or Numerar - I am not sure of the advantages/disadvantages of each.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ikea butcher block

The cabinets look fine, Are they thermafoil?
This can be hard to paint you need a good primer first.
It would really make them look nice to get a fresh
coat of paint.

If you know you are going to sell plan on getting a
refrig that matches but you do not have to do this
today. You can wait until just before you list it.
The good news is that black is not more expensive.

Live wire oak has great advice.Use your money wisely for
good flooring that will add value to the property.

I love the idea of Butcher block counters. And Latimore is
right about Ikea being affordable.

I think the kitchen will look lovely with white cabs,
and the slate color flooring you picked. I think real
slate would be a better investment but if you prefer the
laminate for price reasons I understand.

Check out the finished kitchen blog, a few DIY sites
and even the local lirbary. You might find some great
ideas from magazines or books.

Best of luck
~boxerpups

Yes, I believe they are thermafoil...and I remember awhile back researching ways to successfully paint them, and there was a product recommended..I'll have to search for that again.

I would like to paint them, but I would probably only do it if I can do it myself, because the estimates I have received so far are in the $800 range. That kinda eats a good chunk of my budget. And I know it might take a while, but I can do it myself, with the right materials/brushes/primer etc.

I think the laminate flooring is an ok choice. It is just as durable as hardwood floors in the kitchen, and can be replaced easily if necessary, since its not glued down. Also, depending on where you live, you could spend more on higher end flooring than you will recoup when you sell. Unless you could put down real slate yourself to save $$. Laminate is certainly something you can DIY.

As far as the fridge goes - I'd get one to match and move the white one to the garage. I would never get by without an extra fridge.

If the laminate is less $$, I'd go with it. It's easy maintance and looks nice. I second IKEA BB. Latimor and I had the same thought. I personally don't think it's worth painting the cabs. Update the hardware, put in some nice lighting, find some appliances on craigslist or an outlet from a major chain, and either a BB countertop or laminate and you'll give your kitchen a fresh look.

I like very much the BB countertops from IKEA, will definitely look into that. The closest IKEA is in Atlanta but I love that store and would be completely ok with the 100 mile drive :)

The laminate was a good price, and I've already puchased it, so it will most likely be what I use. I found the DW on CL and it was only a year old, looks brand new. The Stove I purchased from my neighbor who's house was being forclosed, they had it only a few years and it's very nice.

The gal that cleans my house boyfriend is out of work and has experience with construction etc. He's agreed to do the floors, countertops and install the appliances for a very good rate.

I'll post some before and after pics when we get to that point. Thanks for all the input and suggestions thus far.

I also found a cabinet place that will cut the IKEA pieces, install the bolt etc needed to pull the corner pieces together for $80. I have no idea whether or not that is reasonable, it seems like it is...I will take the old counters to him as a template.

Hiya,

I just had to jump in here. I know lots have said to nix the fridge, but if you are creative, the trick is to make it look intentional. I couldn't help but remember this image of a French couple who hated their fridge (red) but used some old tea tins as inspriation and the used stickers to dress it up. No joke, it looks amazing (see attached link--it is about mid way through). Kinkos can make some up in quite a range (or you can find some on etsy or ebay). Just think creatively, you'll get there. :)

Here is a link that might be useful: harmonie-interieure