I'd start by removing the wallpaper and painting the walls. Add some cabinet hardware, perhaps in a brushed stainless to coordinate with the refrigerator. New faucet, also brushed stainless, probably a higher arch and single lever to look more contemporary. Replace the light over the sink, and replace the ceiling fan with 2 pendants over the island.

I'd start with those things and save replacing the flooring and counters until you do the big renovation. Depending on your choices, lighting and a new faucet can burn up $1000 pretty fast... but you can reuse the faucet and lighting when you renovate, and most or all of the new cabinet hardware depending on how much you change your cabinet configuration.

The beadboard island is Very country. Can it be removed?

Or covered with another more modern siding?

Loretta

PS - Here is a great example of a completely transformed kitchen on a $1400 budget. She has some neat touches, like the corbels under the cabinet, wire inserts, and beadboard backsplash.

Here is a link that might be useful: Enigmaquandary's Kitchen Makeover

Remove wallpaper
Restain or paint the cabinetry
Add hardware to cabinetry
Tile flooring
Add crown moulding to the top of cabinetry
Investigate how I could build in the stove with cabinetry from over the counter to right, in front of the refrigerator (if that's possible).
change lighting
buy accessories

The link supplied by chicagoans is definitely worth your time! Wow!

There is A LOT that can be done with paint, IMO. The only thing I would say is to not burden yourself with trying to remove the wallpaper. Been there, done that, pure torture! Seal it with a good coat of oil-based Zinsser, have a margarita while it dries, then texture, have another margarita while that dries, and then paint with a quality paint. Done. Have another margarita to celebrate.

^^^^ LMAO!! I like your style!!

The part that shrieks COUNTRY at me is the wallpaper.

Get the wallpaper off, and put some more definite color on the walls. Paint the island to match the walls. Add good lighting.

Then pause and evaluate it.

Paint the cabinets satin black and add modern hardware (check EBay for sources)

Strip the walls and simply paint fresh white.

THEN stand back and see if you can live with the counters!

Check your local Craigs List for hardwood-looking laminate flooring and installers. Thats exactly what we did! LOL!

Check in local home centers for a drop pendant light for over the sink. And track lighting. Check out Lowes Portfolio collection.

Add stainless steel shelving by the stove -- the kind of shelving that looks like store display units.

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

Here is a link that might be useful: Target -- example of shelving

Paint the cabinets a warm white and add some nickel hardware.

Red has the right idea about the wall paper. Just find a nice color for the walls...maybe your gray/blue that you liked in some of your living room inspiration pictures.

You have very little countertop. I'd seriously think about a new countertop and maybe a new sink and faucet. So far, you're only buying paint and hardware (maybe $100) so you should be able to afford this. As a backsplash, maybe paint and a stencil (something traditional) and go cheap on the floor.

You can get nice quality peel and stick tiles for very little. They're not as good as real tile or wood, but if you're ripping everything out in a few years, you'll have to redo the floors, anyway. You can also do this in stages and do the flooring, after you've saved up a little more money, but I'd do tiles, even if it's only for a year or two...then do something nicer. It's makes a big difference!

The fan (can't really tell from picture) but you might want to change this out with a simpler light. Easy to do, just make sure the power is turned off. Do this before you do the wallpaper...and the margaritas :)

Here's a picture with the wall color I like (on the ceiling LOL) but you get the idea. A simple, inexpensive laminate in black, with a new sink and faucet (Lowe's has some nice, inexpensive ones) will make a big difference. If you like this combination, when you remodel, you can upgrade to soapstone or granite.

{{gwi:1870452}}

Do things slowly so you spend the least if it is a short term thing. First, remove the wallpaper. Wagner Steamer #282018 is inexpensive, moves along slowly but is the best thing I found for removing wallpaper. I removed a ton of it in my home, best results with this little goody.

Repaint your kitchen.

Replace cabinet hardware and faucet.

Island can be changed by sanding, filling in the beadboard and painting.

I would changed out the light fixtures if budget allowed. I wouldn't go crazy with painint your cabinets if this is a short term thing. That can be very time consuming and they really do not look like they are in bad shape. If you get rid fo the wallpaper and paint, add some new hardware, it's all going to look 100% different.

Liek I said, I'd go a step at a time, and stop when I foudn something I could live with for the next 5 years. We can't afford to do our kitchen. I painted and am living with it. It's not my dream kitchen, but oh well.

I agree with what has already been said.

Remove wallpaper
Add cabinet hardware
New faucet
Paint walls
Maybe paint the island black or stain it the same color as the cabs.
Lighting too- We did this in our last home- it made a WORLD of a difference!

Much the same here.

Remove wallpaper
Add cabinet hardware
Change lights/remove fan - replace with something you'll like long term
Paint door whatever color you decide on for walls
Paint island black - although the island looks odd to me (maybe it's the camera angle?) so I'd be tempted to remove it. Put a table there if you need the surface.

Just did this same kind of thing... though I'm not planning a total gut...

Removed the wallpaper (not gutting so wanted to keep the walls in good shape), primed and painted.
Freshly painted trim and doors.
Took a stain pen to every single scratch in my cabs.
(Those three things had the most impact.)
Replaced two lights, manipulated one (which eventually will be replaced).
Replaced all door hardware (there are 4 doors in my kitchen).
Changed window treatments.

Still need to do:

Replace Sink
Replace Faucet
Replace Countertops/backsplash
Gel stain cabs a darker color
Add cab hardware
Add a large round seagrass rug under the table (to hide some of my dark green floor tile)

I'm not replacing the cabs, they are in good shape and are appropriate for my kitchen's style.

If you're going to remodel regardless, do the cheapest stuff first, maybe you'll get to remodel before you get to the expensive stuff ;-)

great budget ideas

Greenthumb has just done this

I would add - giving the cabs,and flooring a deep down cleaning will help as well.

I would hold off on painting/staining cabs until I tackled the wallpaper - removal - fresh paint, hardware, 2 new lights, Like the ss shelving idea, new window treatments then step back & see if you feel differently

Replacing the wallpaper with paint will make a huge difference visually.

The island countertop doesn’t fit properly. Cut it down and paint the cabinet.

I can’t tell if there are cabinets around the stove, and if not, someone’s suggestion of metal Metro shelving would add storage and counter space, and can be reused in another place like the basement or garage, or sold on CL when you remodel. Or get some inexpensive RTA cabinets that you can paint if you are painting the others. I wouldn’t paint the countertops as I don't think that would last very long. Replace them if they really bother you. New laminate is not that expensive.

Figure $5.00 - $10.00 each for most hardware, unless you find a deal somewhere.

There is really cool track lighting available that can be installed in the place of your current fixture, and could work with your new layout when you remodel.

For a $1000.00 budget don't bother with re-doing the floor until you’re ready to do the whole thing. It might not be so noticeable once the blue country décor is gone.

Love the suggestions...cheering you on!!

I'd add some window treatments to tone down the country style door. A nice roman shade will be good. Definitely change the light fixtures and that wall paper.

I'd recommend peel & stick tiles. I put them in our old house and with 5 kids and a dog they held up well until we put in new sheet vinyl, about 5 years later.

Do the easy stuff first: paint, WT and lighting. Do you have an Ikea nearby? You can go real cheap there and fit in your budget while bringing the kitchen into the 21st century.

Thanks for all the feedback guys!

It's hard because, for me, every time I think of something to do... I think of something else I should do on top of that. And when I add those things up, I realize that I am practically doing an entire remodel anyway.

FYI, a lot of my decorating ideas are going to be on a super tight budget for a while. We just moved into this place and three days (THREE DAYS!) after we closed, the septic system collapsed in the yard. The inspectors here only need to check the tank, and the tank is fine... it's everything else that failed. It's going to cost us $5000 to fix it. That's almost our entire lets-fix-up-the-house-when-we-get-in budget. I could cry, but I choose to laugh it off instead because I know the important thing is that we have this beautiful house, regardless, and we're both healthy and happy to be here.

Anyways, the kitchen is tough for me because I HATE, HATE, HATE the layout. You are right in that there are no counter tops on the other side of the stove. With a microwave that won't fit on the "half counter" they put in on the opposite side, the only place it can fit is to the right of the sink. So, all my utensils go on the left, along with the dish drying rack because there is no dishwasher. That means, the only food prep space I have is the island.

In a perfect world, I would rip out the cabinet in the corner and put in a corner cabinet, and wrap it all around the stove. But, the cabinet would cost me $200 (I have stared longingly at them on Lowes.com for a while) and I figured that my countertops will probably cost me at least another $250. And I would have to paint all the cabinets if I was going to make that corner cabinet match with everything else. The issue with that, however, is that the POs REFACED the cabinets on the top... and they did a very poor job. It looks great from far away, but I keep catching my hands on sharp/jagged edges of wood-looking laminate.

Please notice, also, that we have no light or vent over the stove. At night, cooking supper, I can't see half of what I am cooking. And the only way to ventilate the kitchen is to open both windows and throw the ceiling fan into high gear... where I then freeze my little tootsies off because it's getting very cold here in the NE.

So now I am up to at least $750, and I haven't even touched the paint or the lighting. The flooring, while ugly, is in good shape, so if I could fix most of my other issues, I would be willing to live with the floor for 5 years. Oh, and it's already peel and stick tile, so I am pretty sure I would need to remove that before putting down prettier peel-and-stick, right?

Part of me feels like if I go through all this work, I might as well just save for a total remodel. Which would be great... if I wasn't already missing $5000 to a hole in the front yard.

Sorry if I sound like I am complaining. I don't mean to, I am just frustrated. I had all these plans for this house and I pretty much watched them vanish before my very eyes. At least for a while.

Thanks for all the advice. I am going to have to sit and think about which upgrades are the most important.

Oh, and I do like the metal shelving idea. I don't use that last door on the cabinet anyway and maybe I could stick my microwave on there?

Make it

Wow, You have every right to complain - that just seems illegal to me! I'd be looking at every possible loop hole to get the PO to own up to their responsibility

Once you get the "hole in the yard" done, you may look at things a little differently. I understand the overwhelming feelings you are experiencing. Taking small steps would be the way to go in your position.

Based on what you have said about the condition of the cabs painting would not be worth the effort. Every shard, imperfection would show up. Start with a really good cleaning.

Find some fabric or ready made curtains to inspire color - then remove wp & paint - I think that would make a world of difference.

BTW I would move the fridge as far left as u can to get more door swing.

It appears you have nothing on either side of the range. I'm wondering if you could cut the island and put 1/2 on each side... that would free up space in the middle of kit & give you counter where u need.

Best to you

makeithome, do you have a Habitat for Humanity Restore Store close to you? You may be lucky and find the 'corner cabinet' that you are looking for there. Our Restore has great deals on kitchen cabinets, faucets,hardware, shelving, paint etc. Good luck.

ML

Okay, there's pretty and there's functional. It sounds like pretty can wait, but functional should be what you're concentrating on.

Is there anyway you can install a microwave/vent/light combo, over your existing stove area? This would solve (at least temporarily) MANY of your problems.

I would slide the stove as far to the left as possible, and install the microwave above it. If there's no room for the upper cabinets...put a higher shelf, but make sure the microwave is well supported. You don't want it falling down, while you're cooking. You should be able to do this for less than $500....maybe a lot less, depending on sales, etc.

To the right of the stove, I'd put in a rolling cart or just metal shelves on wheels (it doesn't have to be fancy) with some kind of work top. You just want something that can roll out of the way, if you need to access the lower cabinets, to the left of the sink.

So, now you have functional space around the stove, a light overhead, a vent (even if it's not perfect...it is a vent) and the microwave off the counter, to the right of the sink.

If the cabinets are really bad, sand them down well and repaint them. This is time consuming, but not expensive.

As for hardware, I've found hardware for $1.99 each, at Lowe's or Fred Meyer, on sale...even on clearance. Again, think something you can live with...for now.

As for the septic system, trust me, it's better to get that fixed now, before it snows. I have a septic and well and it's always something...so I know it's a hard hit on your decorating budget, but far better to deal with it now, than in February.

I have horses...who eat a LOT of hay...so I'm always having to come up with "creative" decorating ideas! Think of this as a challenge and have some fun. It's not going to be exactly what you want, but just concentrate on making it functional and painting some walls.

Trust me, you'll do a MUCH better remodeling job, if you take the time to really get to know your house, before you start making major changes.

Now, go enjoy your weekend and maybe do a little shopping. Think clearance...and Lowe's usually has an area where perfectly good appliances are reduced, just because they're not in their original box. During a delivery, someone changes their mind and they return it...we got a brand new washer and saved almost $100 this way :)

Can you give some dimensions on the stove area and see if we can come up with some less expensive ideas for you there and more counterspace.

So sorry to hear about the septic.

Ouch! Been there, done that.
Our house never did turn out the way we had planned. Life just gets in the way sometimes! You have my sympathy.

Can you post a photo of each wall? I wish I knew what was beside the door opposite the stove, and I don't quite get how much space is beside the stove.

Maybe some measurements? Perhaps the island (which I don't like where it is) could be repurposed beside the stove for additional counter space?

I would strip or paint over the wallpaper, paint the cabinets white, paint the island a bluish gray color to coordinate with the counters, and then install some inexpensive brushed nickel hardware.

It will look great until you can afford a total remodel. This is from someone who has been living with the bathrooms that I insisted "had to be gutted immediately" when we bought the house 10 years ago! They're still on the list but it doesn't bother me as much now.

Juddgirl

I really like your color suggestions. I am picturing it in my head and I could see something like that working really well for now. I was trying to figure out what color to paint things, and that sounds really nice.

What color would you do the walls? I was thinking a soft gray, but wasn't sure if that would make things feel too "cool". I thought the gray might make the "fake grout" design of the stick on tiles look more gray and less blue, since I really don't like the blue in the tile.

Also, thanks for the metal shelf idea. I loved it until my hubby pointed out that other than the industrial outlet for the stove, there are no outlets on that side of the room. Not a one. So, the microwave can't even be plugged in over there... and that's the biggest thing that I need to get off the counter.

I will try to take pictures tomorrow of what our kitchen looks like, especially now with our stuff in it. The counter space looks much better when the room is empty, lol.

I really appreciate everyone's input. I know that sometimes life throws curveballs, and I also know that over time, the seemingly big things might not seem so big. That being said.... I would really love to have a kitchen I enjoy working in.

Lavender-

Just wanted to tell you that I totally agree it's better to take care of septic issues now. I also realize that things that may seem like a big deal now, may not be such a big deal later. I do, however, KNOW that I at least need some more counter space, somehow.

Making tuna casserole tonight was a little tricky, lol.

Is there an outlet on the other side of the kitchen, where the other blue counter is? That might be another possible location for the microwave...and give you more room by the sink.

Also, if your fridge and microwave are plugged into the same outlet...they'll probably flip a breaker, at least once in a while. My mom had that in her old kitchen and she had to end up moving the microwave.

I like the idea of painting the cabinets white and the island to match the countertops! I think a nice, soft gray (with maybe just a hint of the blue) would look very nice on the walls. The nickel hardware would go well with the stainless steel appliances, too.

I think your countertops will look much better, with the white cabinets. You have good light in the space, and since you like gray/blue (right?) then I don't think it will feel too cold. The nickel and stainless steel will bounce around some light, too.

It would be great to see more pictures! Isn't the dining room yellow? Are you keeping it that color, or painting it? You could always tie the two rooms together, maybe a blue accent in the dining room...and whatever color you decide on for the dining room, could be your accent color in the kitchen :)

I only have a single suggestion for you that remove the wallpaper and go for some bright paint colors. I am sure it will give some extra beauty to your kitchen.

Here is a link that might be useful: EPDM Coatings

Hi guys,

So, thanks to some suggestions (Lavender, I believe you were the one who inspired me) DH and I made a very important kitchen purchase... we bought a new microwave. Since the microwave was taking up so much space near the stove, and we couldn't fit it on the half counter (and it didn't go with any of our other appliances)... we bought a compact stainless microwave that WOULD fit on the half counter, freeing up a considerable amount of counter space by the stove. Honestly, it has already made quite a difference in opening up the space. Since the other microwave is still perfectly functional, I am hoping to sell it on CL to make back some of the money we spent.

We also looked at some shelving options for next to the stove, but were unsuccessful in finding something that would fit in that space and have wheels to move it out easily. I will continue my search online. The shelf would have to be only 20" wide or less, and about 36" tall to be at a nice, functional height.

I got a number of requests for more pictures of our kitchen to better illustrate the layout. Yesterday (before buying the microwave), I basically rotated myself counter-clockwise around the room to give you a 360* (or almost) view of the room.

Also, to answer the question... our dining room is yellow, but I don't want it to stay that way, lol. For a while, I have been envisioning a "greige" in there, with picture frame moldings and chair rail painted in white.

***
I have tried multiple times to post my pics on here. They have been resized but for some reason, they still look HUGE. So, I have just attached the link to my photo bucket album, which has pictures of our kitchen (before and after microwave), our big septic system project which was completed yesterday (my poor yard!) and what our house looks like with our furniture in it. Sorry I couldn't post more direct pictures. Oh, and I think my dog is in there too.

Here is a link that might be useful: my kitchen pictures

I love the new microwave! Very nice :)

As for the rolling cart, have you tried the hardware section, in stores like Lowe's? Sometimes, they can have some cool things (meant for the garage) that work great in the kitchen.

This is the perfect time to experiment with color. All it's going to cost you is a gallon of paint and a little time. I would paint the kitchen and dining room any color you want to try. If you love it...great! But, if it's too cold or you want to change it, all you have to do is repaint. Better to find out now, before investing in new cabinets, countertops, etc.

You have such a cute house and I know you're going to make it your own, but for now, have fun and enjoy the process :)

I would concentrate on making it more functional. I agree about an island kitchen cart on wheels to fit in-between the sink counter and the stove. I would also remove the wallpaper, then paint the walls and island. I would install under-mount task lighting above the stove; you can run the electrical through your full-length cabinetry if you have access from your basement. I would replace the light shade in your ceiling fan to something that's more your taste as well as the shade on the fixture above the sink. Add accessories to make the kitchen your own and spend the next 5-10 dreaming of the possibilities. I would only recommend you replace outdated cabinet hardware if yours were an eyesore which yours is not. Where you don't have hardware why waste your time and money adding something that's not necessary. Your kitchen is not so bad. It's clean and bright. There's access to your yard and you have windows to look out while you prepare food. Your appliances look new and the rest of your house is really nice. It's completely livable and charming. I currently live in a house without a dishwasher. I retired to our lake house which we never planned to live in full time, but here we are. I'm finding I don't miss the dishwasher as I like the mindless task of washing dishes by hand. I find that my dishes keep their just-like-new appearance forever. For drying, I just let them sit on a dish rack and I put the pans on the stove to dry--works for me.

Ikea has a couple of kitchen carts that are less than 20" wide.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ikea kitchen carts