Vetrazzo is beautiful.. but it is expensive so be prepared for that...

I think vetrazzo is the way to go. That kitchen is going to rock!!!!!

I said it above but have to stress that you are taking a top off of old cabinets. Your cabinets are not face frame cabinets that add strength to the boxes. Then add when and where they were made and I am going to guess particle board or mdf boxes.

Also make sure your drawers and doors operate as you want. Remember you are adding about $5k in top and another $2000 in backsplash. It is great to get all these ideas but to be a voice of reason I would call a top co to come take a look first.

Someone is going to drop off 2 guys with hammers to get the old one off. Expect damages to your existing cabinets.

I'm pro old cabinets but ANTI expensive top. This is a small, simple kitchen that will not look right with a high-end top.

wannabath has a point.

butcher block cabinets, glass tile back splash.. thats my vote!

btw, this a really cute space, and if you like it, then love it and keep the cabinets! simple paint will change them when you are ready.

http://www.eos-surfaces.com/geos/residential/geos-colorsamples/

Try this company that also does the recycled glass counters, for your colors and price considerations

http://icestoneusa.com/about-us/press-and-media/press-releases/293-icestone-launches-design-week-with-new-colors

Here is another competitor

http://m.granitetransformations.com/products/recycled-glass-countertops/colors/

Another competitor to compare

I agree somewhat with 'wannabath' above, in the idea that you should probably have someone come in and take a look first to ensure that the existing countertop and backsplash can be removed, without damage to the cabinetry. Again, though, I had a 15+ year old limestone tile countertop removed (kept the limestone backsplash). No damage was done to my cabinets, and no damage to the existing backsplash-- none at all-- not even a chip. I replaced the countertop with soapstone. This can be done, but I do think you have to find a good tile person who is willing to come in and take his/her time with the removal. This stuff comes up easier than you might think. My own tiler (who was the original tiler who put in the limestone in the first place)-- when removing it-- said, "You know-- back when I put this in-- because of the way I put it in-- I said, "I pity the person who ever has to come and remove this tile, because it's here to stay. " :) But he managed to do it, and do it with very little mess and zero damage.

I found the countertop I want for my kitchen. It is called Pompeii Quartz and I love it. I think a green/ Aqua subway time would be awesome. No real decision on cabinets yet...keep or toss. If I get new cabinets they will have to be white .

Hi! I hope you find these steps to remodel a kitchen helpful, as often times the determining factor of the scope of work is the ultimate use and creative motivation:

Some of the countertops you're looking at are modern materials and just aren't going to blend with those cabinets. Be cautious, wouldn't want to spend all that money to have products installed and then be so disappointed when it doesn't look right. Also, look at Home Depot for a simple kit to test and see if any of the paint contains lead, real chance that decorative paint was something never meant to be used in an eating area.

(I always try not to eat off the cupboards, myself)

The kitchen would look brighter if ceiling, soffits, walls were painted white, maybe an off white. Since the cabinets are already painted, you could paint over them, a nice cheerful color, or replace the cabinet doors with new ones. The tiles on countertops should definitely be replaced with a solid surface that would coordinate with the cabinets.

After all the research and advice, we have decided to get new cabinets. I will keep a few of the doors and have them mounted or frames for the kitchen wall. So I decided on an off white kitchen cabinets. I fell in love with this back splash tile and now need to find a counter top to go with it......obviously something simple. So can I ask all my designer friends for their suggestions

awe that is sweet! and I like your choices!

Awwww :( I was so pulling for the cabinets. Enjoy your new kitchen!!

Wow ooooh I'm glad to know you decided to go with new cabinets and use some of the old it will be very unique, make sure you are using it as a focal point...good luck:)

Going to get off white cabinets. Concerned the countertop might be too drab. Thoughts?

Best of luck with new cabinets.

Best of luck with new cabinets.

Best of luck with new cabinets.

Best of luck with new cabinets.

save all doors and have a china cabinet made with the doors. very cool

I love that idea. Doors as art? Weird. Doors as furniture? Beautiful, eclectic, interesting conversation piece.

That's a great repurposing idea to have a china cabinet built, utilizing those doors. Smart and a great conversation piece, and I think you'd feel good about having saved those, too.

MXC - Thank you for selecting your backsplash first. So many times we are guided to go the other way of picking the counter first and that invariably leads to trouble.

Kitchen renos are huge money sinks (no pun intended). Take your time and do not rush the process. You will be stuck with the choices you make for as long as you live in your home. Select timeless, neutral and the best quality you can reasonably afford without spending your kids college fund. Do not feel you need to be compelled by the kitchen gods to go with a stone or quartz countertop. Consider the resale of your home and the others in the area and don't outspend for the project.

Less expensive alternatives and beautiful surfaces are available for the counter with the higher end laminates, wood from Ikea and concrete. They will not detract from the kitchen as a whole. I recently did a kitchen with the Ikea wood counters and had a craftsman tool the edge into an ogee.

Carefully consider the layout of the new cabinets. Recessing the fridge to be counter depth will make the kitchen feel so much more tailored and larger. Possibly swapping the fridge to the end of the stove run and recessing it to that wall may even work to get you a small return (L) counter where the fridge is currently to use with a stool. Look at this article in reference to the fridge. http://stonehavenlife.com/recess-your-french-door-fridge-into-the-wall/

Use a free online program to plot your space such as http://home.by.me/en/

Given you have a wood floor in the kitchen, I would not use butcher block for the counters, I would go with a counter and backsplash that closely matches the white? of the cabinets, maybe with a bit of color from the paintings flecked in, not a true solid. You could consider putting a narrow band of color or mixed pastels glass in the backsplash. If you keep the cabinetry, you want it to be the focus, not the counters or the backsplash. If you ever redo the kitchen, keep your favorite doors and have incorporated into a built-in storage cabinet on your breakfast area wall. Given the kitchen has a retro feel, I think you might even find a good option in a formica countertop.

I am so glad you are getting new cabinets. I have some stone in splash back and am pleased it is just a strip as it is more porous than most splash back surfaces. Suggest you check that out to ensure it's not an issue for you.

awww...you are getting new cabinets? What is happening to the old painted ones? I'm going to miss seeing them.

I am going to miss the painted cabinets too but the reality is its time to make a change. I will find a way to use them somewhere in my home. I am thinking of keeping the flamingo wall but will have to see once things start rolling around here.

Omg yes! Start again!

Has anyone seen this type of tile used this produce in a kitchen backsplash. My husband loves i. It's stay is all u wants o fu

Charming old cabinets, I would replace the counter and backsplash with products from that era. I once had tile countertops and had a terrible time keeping them clean and pristine, I totally understand your need to change them out. I am thinking butcher block, soapstone or beadboard. You have ordered stainless appliances, so the hood should be stainless also. I agree both light fixtures need to be replaced, but again think about the original era, something "modern" would be too harsh. Good luck and remember to post the finished project!

Yes...

I looked at this dilemma because the photo caught my attention. Being in the finishing industry for so long, there have been so many trends, and so many things over done, and over 'faux-ed' My first thought when I saw this, was at the beginning when the homeowner posted, she said she Loved the cabinets. It surprised me that so many said gut the kitchen, start over, when she loved the cabinets to begin with. Yes maybe over done, outdated, but the kitchen was filled with positive energy, care and charm. Sometimes we get all focused on what the latest trend is, keeping up with style and design--And doing what we really Love, gets buried under all the updated options. I think keeping the doors, and making a screen of some sort, or a furniture pieces or something would be so wonderful. Yes, please do post when you are done renovating. Would love to see!!

I love those cabinets. They have lots of history. It's really wonderful that you are keeping them. Get some period knobs and pulls and dress the cabinets. I've found all of my kitchen cabinet hardware at thrift shops. I have a bunch of crystal knobs to use in my kitchen redo next year. Have fun!

I am glad you are keeping some painted doors. I would love your old kitchen but you live there so do what makes you happy.

I do like your counter choice.

Honestly, I'm a bit lost as to where you are in the process. I read most of the posts and perused the rest and one minute it was keeping the cabinets and the next not and vice versa - or so it seemed. So, if you AREN'T keeping them, I just want to say that I'm a bit sad because I think there is always a place for unique. If you are getting new cabinets and are looking into a standalone piece over that palm tree, it really would be a nice homage to use the old doors where you can on it. It might be 80s and not "real" art but it does have a nice vibe that really identifies your home as Floridian.

I'm not a huge fan of the backsplash - it's very heavy looking. The countertop is nice but make sure with it being light that the material won't stain. I'm not a big fan of beige but I make exceptions for countertops! If you want green, put it on the walls, a piece of furniture (like a cabinet on your long wall) or accessories. The right backsplash in green could also work but it would have to be just right. Again, you'll be living with it for a long time.

As a final note, don't switch to stainless steel just because you think it's trendy. SS has a lot of problems of it's own - it limits your style, looks poor after a short time, shows fingerprints, smudges and cleaning efforts, etc. The tide is turning on it and designers/manufacturers are actually going back to white & black. I've had white appliances ever since I got rid of my avocado ones (just aged myself!) and they always look just as good years later as when I purchase them, as well as helping to make my kitchen look bright and clean.

I loved the cabinets but congrats on your new kitchen! So exciting and so happy you are keeping some of the doors! You can definitley use them as art - they were so cuteee. Will you post before and after photos? dying to see!

Tried to read through, but may have missed it. Has anyone suggested you pull your favorite/best condition cabinet doors and incorporate them into a wall unit in the dining area? Something that has a buffet counter? I think pulling a few favorites and making a specialty piece with them would really be a good compromise and would allow you to enjoy the originals, without being overwhelmed. Along the lines of what sacapuntaslapioz posted. Also, good way to recycle!

If you decide to replace the cabinets with their original artwork, you might consider removing and selling the doors. Someone looking for unique one-of-a-kind cabinets might give you a good price for those. They are gorgeous, IMO.

I can't quite figure out why people think painted cabinets are "dirty." They're paint, probably with sealer over it. They can be scrubbed like any other kitchen cabinet. The gazillions of white kitchens on Houzz? That's white paint on those cabinets; people scrub it when it gets "dirty."

Yes do keep the cabinets if you love them and do a new counter top and backsplash

Please update us on your kitchen! I know I would love to see what you decided on and I am sure others would too. Lots of people gave thought and input into your project. I hope that you are very pleased with your choices.

BTW, I love flamingos! :)

Thanks!

Tile can be painted. What a budget help too! New countertop paints are nice. If budget is not a problem, there are endless options. What makes your heart soar or even beat faster? What do you respond to?

Did you go with your decision of February 7th to get new cabinets? Love to see pics when its all done if you don't mind?

I'm sorry to have to say this, but you need a total gut job, starting from scratch. I understand that you want to stay with the old Florida theme, and you can do that, but you need new cabinets,etc that reflect that. Your new/old looking kitchen will be beautiful. Good luck.

so what did you end up doing?