Kitchen Refresh Suggestions?

11 years ago

My husband and I are planning a refresh to our new condo's kitchen before we move in and more extensive work down the road. We're debating between what to do now vs. later. It's 18x12 and don't mind the light maple (but are not opposed to changing it). We also think the footprint is fine, and don't plan on re-configuring the space. Although we feel like it's a diamond in the rough, we don't particularly like the eyebrow arch uppers, the molding on the uppers, the hardware, or the opaque glass fronts. The boxes are mdf and the doors are wood. The entire condo has a fairly modern feel, with 10' ceilings. We like clean lines and contemporary finishes. The different sizes of the uppers also seems odd to me, but I'm not sure if it's the traditional look that bothers me, or all the variation up there.

Here's the list of things we plan to do:

Immediately: change hardware, fixtures, paint

Eventually: change out uppers (not sure to what extent), add back splash, counter tops and appliances

We are debating refinishing the floors before we move in, since it's such a pain to do when your place is filled with furniture. Assuming we leave the cabinet color alone, can you advise me on recommended paint colors and floor colors? Any other advice on things we can do modernize the kitchen fairly easily without a huge financial investment? Also, any advice on kitchen refreshes/renovation in general would be greatly appreciated.

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PRO

Hunt Studio Design

11 years ago

I've just done plans for a similar kitchen for a client. I agree with you regarding the upper cabinets. If you change them out you'll have the option of taking them to the ceiling creating more storage space.

You can also extend the glass cabs ( beside the peninsula) down to the counter for interest and additional space.

If your going to paint the cabs change out the peninsula high cabs for counter height to create a one level surface. If there is a name on the cabinets or you can find out where they came from (check with the builder) and put end panels on the end of the peninsula.

Exchange places with your fridge and stove. it will make that inside corner a little less congested.

If you don't need the ceiling fan take it out and replace with a light fixture ( on a dimmer) with 3-4 bulb or install pot lights. Pot lights are the more expensive option but the better choice. It will increase the quality of the space and worth every penny.

Change out your bar stools to backless padded stools. Comfy and easier to manage.

Put one larger piece of art directly above the peninsula counter.

Floors- its really difficult to advise on specific colors without seeing the rest of the house and these honey oak cabs are difficult to work with. I will advise however not to go dark as they show everything, a real pain in the kitchen. Stay mid tone and as cool as you can. Depending on labor costs where you live installing new floors may well be less expensive.

Change your counters to a solid surface. Choose floor and counter together.

When you change the upper bring the cab over the fridge out as far as possible for easier access.

Glass cabs above the sink- replace with open shelving.

Of course all this advice depends on your budget. If you do not wish to hire a designer to help enlist the help of a couple of friends with good taste and an eye for color.

Good luck.

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Comments (7)

AN
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for your feedback, I really appreciate it! You have laid out some really good options and ideas. I really like the idea of switching the stove and the fridge. I would love to extend the cabinets to the ceiling.

Just an FYI, this is not my stuff, it is previous owner's art/furniture. I am not a big fan of stuff on top of kitchen cabinets.
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miacometlady
11 years ago
I'm really excited about this! Change out arched panels in uppers with glass! If floors need to be refinished, go with a slightly darker stain. The kitchen I posted, I believe, is the perfect design for a condo. Unique surfaces. Clean, sleek cabinets and hardware. Kitchen condos are small, so you can afford to use higher end applications and have a bit of fun!
User
11 years ago
Are you keeping the appliances?
Lila
11 years ago
Someone on a different post suggested moving upper cupboards to the ceiling and installing open shelving underneath. I thought that was a great idea.
AN
Original Author
11 years ago
@miacometlady - that's a really good idea! and pretty easy to do. I like that color of flooring you posted too.
@mrsstem - yes, keeping them for now.
AN
Original Author
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Update - since we've moved in we painted a nice BM tan color which contrasts the cabinets well. We also refinished the hardwood floors (see pic). We ordered transitional hardware to replace the existing hardware (see pics). We noticed the lights over the peninsula were too low so we raised them, but are planning to replace them and the ceiling fan as well. We're hoping these changes will shift the look of the kitchen to more transitional vs. traditional.

We met with a contractor to do the following:

- leveling out the bar side of the peninsula and replacing the cabinets so it's all one level

- install a real hood vent above the stove

- replacing the counter tops, appliances and sink

- adding back splash

We didn't ask about switching positions for stove and fridge because we don't know who the cabinet maker is so I'm afraid it would be too cost prohibitive to replace cabinets for that switch. We are also planning on replacing the frosted glass with something else - either clear or a patterned glass. We don't want to outspend the value of the property, and this kitchen is huge for it's location so the current footprint will have to remain.

One question for you all (if you're still reading) - because we don't know who the cabinet maker is, the bar side of the peninsula will have to be replaced with new cabinets. Any suggestions for colors or styles that will contrast well with the existing cabinets? I was thinking something darker or even gray/beige but I'm not sure.