Software
Houzz Logo Print
googapa

Help me refresh my kitchen

10 years ago
I am attempting to refresh my kitchen. My home is 12 years old and already looking a little dated. My cabinets are maple with a honey colored paneled look. I am planning to paint them a fresh white/off white with a slight sheen. I have installed new vintage iron pulls that look great. The problem is that my granite countertops on surround and island are tropical brown. They have a nice edge and are in great shape. Just ugly and tired. My husband will not let me even think about replacing them. So, with ugly, tired countertops I would like to find a backsplash that will make this all look fresher, updated and more NOW. Currently my countertops have a 4" surround that goes up into the backsplash area. We will hopefully be able to pull this out and proceed with a backsplash that will be great. Any ideas for my backsplash? And any other thoughts about my kitchen? I know I need new light fixtures, too. Any thoughts are really appreciated. I want fresh and new, but I gotta stay married :)

Comments (23)

  • 10 years ago
    Thanks for the feedback
  • 10 years ago
    I would do a glass oversized subway tile that pulls a color from your granite. Stack it instead of installing in a traditional running bond. That's what I did and everyone remarks that it looks very modern.
  • 10 years ago
    Your cabinets look to be in great shape. I would not mess with them. It will cost you a lot of money to have them professionally painted.New pendants and new backsplash will look great.
  • 10 years ago

    Your granite is not bad. Right now, backsplash are going more simpler - perhaps because they are often paired with quartz or granite with "movement". If the countertop has movement, the backsplash needs to be more subtle to prevent a busy look. I would wait till your cabinets are painted before deciding on a backsplash because you will need to see the cabinets in the new color to visualize the whole. I like your lights fixtures, but they must not be your style.

    You will like your kitchen more if you stop watching HGTV:) It will tell you things are outdated which are not - it is a marketing tool.

    Please have the cabinets professionally painted unless you are a patient and accomplished DIY person. It is a difficult task.

  • 10 years ago
    Before you paint all your cabinets, would you consider painting only the island in creamy white? Add the Roman shades in a pretty fabric of your choice along with your new backsplash. This may be all you need for an updated look. I love the double windows over the sink.
  • 10 years ago
    Pretty much the same advice you were given last year for the same question. Is there a reason you didn't update the lighting and backsplash then?
  • 10 years ago

    Lol. The marriage is top priority. I like your granite and I like Connie's idea,,paint island a lighter colour, install new backsplash and change other minor details and see how you feel with that. If later you still feel the need, you can paint all cabinets. Or,,, Would your husband go for just changing the island counter top to a lighter one and keep perimeter with new backsplash. Hmmm.

  • 10 years ago
    I agree - don't paint the cabinets. I'd paint the island only.
  • 10 years ago

    Your kitchen is beautiful the way it is...

    Maybe a new rug?

  • 10 years ago
    I agree that your kitchen is beautiful and in my opinion not dated at all:) I would rather have nice wood cabinets than a diy paint job that will never look or wear as well as new. I think a olive green glass or ceramic tile or even a Calcutta gold marble backsplash would look lovely in your space. P.S. Have you ever considered replacing all your upper cabinets besides above your oven and fridge with the same glass doors as your corner cabinet...I think it would be a stunning detail!
  • 10 years ago
    Thanks for most of the comments. Lots of great thoughts and ideas. Having trouble deciding what to do that will make enough of a change to satisfy me. The knobs have already been a great little change. I'm not sure why I am so set on lightening the cabinets. I think I just want change.
  • 10 years ago
    I don't think it's dated, I love your kitchen!!! I love beautiful stained wood cabinets!!
  • 10 years ago
    Thanks. Just looking for a fresh change!
  • 10 years ago
    Start with a new rug and new stools
  • 10 years ago
    A different color island is in vogue right now. Painting just the island the creamy off-white that sandy suggested would make a huge impact. After painting the island, take a look at kitchen and then decide if you want to do any more.
  • 10 years ago

    paint island, change window covering, new stools, new rug, new fixtures. new backsplash, but take that 4 inch of granite off too

  • 10 years ago
    Adobe Brick Veneer Home - Coronado Thin Brick Veneer · More Info
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    I would agree with those who suggest painting only the island. I really feel you need more color & texture. So, definitely a new window treatment, and new rug with color would be great.

    Good Luck!

  • 10 years ago

    I would try first new light fixture, new rug, new chairs and new handles to start. That might be enough.


  • 10 years ago
    Any idea on how to modernize this look? I just painted the cabinets Oxford white. I am going to put large modern handles on them. The fireplace is an issue. Thoughts
  • 10 years ago
    Most people would love to have your beautiful kitchen.
  • PRO
    10 years ago

    Here is an idea from our portfolio. Take note of the backsplash, curtains, and lighting.

    Custom New Build · More Info

Sponsored
Mary Shipley Interiors
Average rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars34 Reviews
Columbus OH Premier Interior Designer 10x Best of Houzz