Kitchen Help- going from dark to light without changing cabinets

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

13 years ago when we built this house I loved this kitchen. It's definitely time for an update, and the only two things that are off the table are changing the cabinets and the floors (we just redid the floors with a rubio stain in a light finish which is what threw the whole kitchen off for me)

I am contemplating this: new, lighter countertops in a white tone, new backsplash behind the stove, painting the whole thing in a much lighter color and changing the lighting fixtures.

I would love more thoughts, opinions and ideas.

Thanks in advance!

Edited to add another picture with the can lights turned on. It's daylight here - but snowing, and we live in Cleveland, so it will be grey for the next 4 months...

Featured Answer

grapefruit1_ar

8 years ago

Your kitchen is beautiful. I think that your ideas are all great, especially the countertops. Lighting with white or clear shades seem like an excellent idea. Personally, I use only white appliances. I realize that most people prefer the stainless.

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Comments (9)

apple_pie_order
8 years ago
Change the lighting first. Do you have a central ceiling fixture? If so, try uploading another photo with all the lights on during daylight.
Laura Zoldesy thanked apple_pie_order
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Laurie Hutch
8 years ago
I would say all of your ideas are pretty good. I would definitely address the lighting. Maybe some retrofit recessed on LED that aren't on the same switch as the pendants.
Laura Zoldesy thanked Laurie Hutch
User
8 years ago
Changing the island top, bar stools and light fixtures would be a transformation. I suggest you build an idea book from Houzz kitchen photos to settle on the "look" you like.
Laura Zoldesy thanked User
sushipup1
8 years ago
Try the Kitchens forum. This one is dedicated to garages and workshops.
Laura Zoldesy thanked sushipup1
PRO
Sabrina Alfin Interiors
8 years ago
My advice would be to repaint the kitchen in a lighter color, maybe a warm white, before you do anything else. I think the reason this is feeling a little blah is because there isn't much contrast between the cabinets, the tile, and the walls. It's all too monotone. Once that's done, I bet you anything you'll feel much better about how it looks.
Laura Zoldesy thanked Sabrina Alfin Interiors
jhmarie
8 years ago
Your cabinets are nicer than mine but I made similar changes - new counters, backsplash and short apron farm sink:

My older kitchen:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~93784356
Laura Zoldesy thanked jhmarie
PRO
JAN MOYER
8 years ago
The floor is fine, the counters are fine. I am for the thing that is "off the table" along with wall color change. Sorry, nothing will brighten as much as a cabinet color change.: )
Laura Zoldesy thanked JAN MOYER
MrsFig
8 years ago
I'm from Cleveland too so I know the struggle. I think if you lighten the paint color and change the light fixtures it will make a difference.
Laura Zoldesy thanked MrsFig