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kjb011

Need help deciding how to "update" this kitchen. Please!

13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
I just bought this condo and want to do a bit of remodeling. Due to the conditions of the floor, they are getting re-done and I can choose I new stain (if I want). I am generally not a fan of the lighter cabinets, but maybe just new hardware will help? Or should I also do something to the cupboards? I am not very design savy and I am lost. Any insight will be more than appreciated!!

I would also love any recommendations for design professionals in Chicago.

Comments (7)

  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Congratulations on your new home! A darker floor stain would give the space a lift but the cabinet color will then stand out even more. You could consider quoting to stain the cabinets as well but it is usually quite costly. Perhaps you should go with a floor stain that is slightly darker but more in the brown tones to get a bit of contrast without making a drastic change.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Re-staining the floors a richer brown will create a more updated look but don't go too dark. The dark chocolate stains and ebony will show every speck of dust and dirt and could also become dated. You also want to have enough contrast between the floor color and the furniture that is resting on it. Assuming the cabinets are in good condition you could either re-face them in a richer wood or you could paint them. You could paint them white for a fresh, classic look that matches your trim or you could choose a medium to dark gray that will reduce the contrast between the counter tops and the cabinets. Gray would also work well with your existing color scheme. Hardware will also help update the look of your kitchen. The style of the hardware will play a strong role in overall style of the kitchen. You could go very modern and simple which would work well with your furniture. You can add a pop of color ans add some softness with a fabric valance or cornice above your kitchen window. Choose a fabric that you can repeat in the living room as pillows either in the exact same pattern or in a different pattern but same colorway. Good luck and enjoy your new home!
  • 13 years ago
    I love your new home! I would say a darker stain..
  • 13 years ago
    all your furniture looks more contempory,so if you can afford it i would put new kitchencabinetsdoors
    without the oldfashioned pattern in the wood!!or a white kitchen...
  • 13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    I agree with @Carole. New cabinet doors are the way to go to update your kitchen. Staining it may help a little, but it won't update them much. The design on the cabinets lends itself to a mass produced kitchen cabinet style, so doors with a flat front or cleaner lines would certainly update it. I would also be careful not to stain your floors darker as well as your kitchen cabinets darker. But then again, I'm a fan of lighter wood.
  • 10 years ago

    Your place is beautiful. I quite like the way the floor looks with the cupboards. You certainly could update the kitchen cupboards by adding stainless steel handles - something long and slim. I would replace the mini blinds. They look too yellow, but it could be just the picture. I would add a white/gray/black patterned roman blind and add cushions in the same fabric in the livingroom.

    Love your place and wouldn't stress to much over how it looks. It's lovely!!