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Design Dilemma
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Help me! Ideas for redoing kitchen.

13 years ago
I am attaching pictures of the kitchen I want to redo. I need some ideas for colors and finishes. I would like to keep the floors and cabinets. The cabinet color is not my favorite, but new cabinets would obviously drastically increase the pricetag. I am thinking I could get away with new countertops and backsplash and maybe adding a section of cabinet/counter with barstools jutting out from the left side toward the middle of the kitchen (if that makes sense). Also, I will be getting all new appliances. Any other ideas? Lighting maybe? Ideas for finishes/colors? Are the cabinets too ugly to keep? Sorry the pics aren't too great. Will try and get better ones. All ideas are welcome and appreciated! Thanks.
Featured Answer
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    last modified: 13 years ago
    Make a list of what you must have and what you can compromise on. There are some gorgeous counter choices out there right now. I really do not mind the finish on your cabinets, but i don't live there. I think a black counter with some gorgeous glass subway tile would go a long way to making the space look amazing. Some cool hardware like in the 2nd picture. A new light fixture lowered over the table. You could use a light sandpaper on the cabinets and stain them darker, but it is labor intensive.
    Crown Hill Remodel · More Info
    Traditional Raised Panel Beech Kitchen · More Info
    Kichler Lara Shadow Bronze 26 3/4" Wide 5-Light Chandelier · More Info
    Sagebrush 3" x 6" Glass Subway Tile · More Info

    Comments (22)

    • 13 years ago
      One more picture. Thanks again.
    • 13 years ago
      What is your budget, taste and skill level?

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    • 13 years ago
      Budget- $10,000-15,000 but I'd like to stay closer to 10,000.

      Taste- I'm not sure. I like a lot of different styles, which is why I am having a hard time getting started. I am not into anything too contemporary. The house is currently what I would describe as traditional.

      Skill level- nada. I will be hiring out everything.

      Thanks!
    • 13 years ago
      Add additional recessed can lights in ceiling and add undercabinet lighting.
    • 13 years ago
      What 'HAS' to go? I'm assuming you keep the fridge and stove/micro - they look good and new. The dishwasher needs to be replaced to match the stainless. Can't do granite counters because that blows most of your budget but you can get rid of that wood valance above the sink. Paint the cabinets or do the Rustoleum kit for a stain maybe? New cabinet hardware helps. See what I did with my log cabin kitchen below.
    • 13 years ago
      I am getting all new appliances because the seller is taking these. I am planning on stainless steel. The appliances are not included in my 10-15k budget. Do you really think granite would eat my whole budget? I was hoping that would be closer to $5,000. I may have to do more investigating on that.
    • 13 years ago
      I like your white painted cabinets. I might go that route on cabinets.
    • 13 years ago
      its actually a Valspar signature (Lowes) satin 'Cork top'. I would do a Benjamin Moore Advanced Waterborne interior Alkyd paint. They couldn't match the color we really liked so we settled for the Valspar.
    • 13 years ago
      New countertop, if money still available a backsplash, light fixture and window treatment, or replace flooring. This is if you plan to keep the cabinets. If you plan to get rid of them some day, then new flooring, drapes and light fixture.
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      Lindy,
      You should contact a few contractors in your area and feel them out for ideas and what they think the cost of your project will be.
      You can find a list of reputable contractors by contacting your local Home Builders Association (google) or the National Association of Home Builders www.nahb.org, specifically http://www.nahb.org/reference_list.aspx?sectionID=667
      A professional remodeler with a Certified Graduate Remodeler designation from the NAHB is a good bet.
      You can read about remodeling costs and budgets here http://rtlincoln.com/?page_id=836,
      Best wishes to you,
      rtlincoln
    • 13 years ago
      It's difficult to see the actual color of your cabinets. Whether you paint or not, I would add some nice hardware. To me, the absence of hardware makes cabinets look like they were bought from a big box store even if they weren't. If you can make do with a little less storage space, I would also get a cabinet-depth refrigerator. I have one and it makes the area flow much better. An undermount sink will also look more up-to-date.
    • 13 years ago
      There are a lot of nice cabinet choices at big box stores. : ) What I meant to say was that, without hardware, cabinets tend to look like the most basic, no-frills style. I agree with Kelly, especially with regards to a dark countertop and a new, lowered light fixture over the table.
    • 13 years ago
      I just had a kitchen re-do, and I saved money by getting a re-face rather than a complete gut. My refacing cost around $4000, so I was able to get a really high-end granite countertop and glass mosaic backsplash.
    • 13 years ago
      The above photo was taken before the new doors were installed, but the granite was in. I will post another photo of the finished kitchen later.
    • 13 years ago
      Just snapped a better photo...
    • 13 years ago
      As you can see, the cabinet doors were plain slab doors with no hardware--too modernistic for me--and I had them changed to raised panel doors with oil-rubbed bronze birdcage handles. I could have changed the finish on the cabinets because I had a complete re-face, but it would've been too dark , even with the added skylights.
    • 13 years ago
      last modified: 13 years ago
      I just thought of another idea... use rope lights on the top of the cabinets to increase light in your kitchen. You can just lay them on top of the cabs and leave them on all the time. They don't use that much electricity, and they make effective nightlights at night.
    • 13 years ago
      I don't think the cabinets are bad at all. It is just that the cabinets, the countertop and the backsplash are all the same looking. i would change to ta darker countertop. and get some hardware for the cabinets. It looks unfinished. It amazes me how many people on Houzz don't have handles and pulls. I would be afraid the cabinets would get grimy without them.
    • 13 years ago
      You have many possibilities, and I think you could definitely add the area you have described with barstools. I think the cabinets would look fantastic white, then add hardware. Choose a backsplash that adds a little color, but, is neutral enough that it allows you to swap out colorful accessories from time to time. You could paint the walls and ceiling to lighten it up as well. Here is a sample image.
    • 13 years ago
      Are those black hardware hinges on the cabinets? If so, that must go.
    • 13 years ago
      Such great ideas.

      Handymam- that's what I hate most- the counter, backsplash and cabinets are all the same color!

      Lkristine- how did you do that?

      Nancy Walton- I love your color combos! Thanks for the pictures.
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