Kitchen Reno - suggestions

13 years ago

Our kitchen is a U-shaped layout, with lots of cabinet space - problem is they are old, dated and the shelving inside do not allow for anything tall such as cereal boxes, or tall bottles/containers. We have decided replacing doors and counter top might not work. I would like to knock out the bulk head to open up the space and allow for taller cabinets. I am thinking possibly flat bamboo cabinets with "concrete" looking counters (not sure how expensive cesarstone is??). I love the look of concrete but have heard lots about it staining etc. Also, was considering doing 4 (2 sets) of upper cabinets as a feature with "shaker" style doors with frosted glass inserts. Sink (and appliances eventually) would be stainless. Questions are: 1.) what would you do with the damaged hardwood floor - it could possibly be resurfaced (but may not look good if we go with bamboo cabinets) or replaced with some kind of tiles. 2.) backsplash ideas? 3.) lighting ideas? 4.) other counter materials that would give the same look? Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Featured Answer

User

13 years ago

I love a u-shaped kitchen. Today I am stuck with an L shaped kitchen created by a massive island. It creates 2 narrow aisles. So stupid. But that's today's look! So enjoy your space. Having taller cabinets works only for holiday plates, rarely used wedding gifts, and the unusual gadget. If you have room elsewhere for these items, you don't need to invest in expensive cabinetry. Open space above the cabinets gets dusty, but it does make for pretty decorating and it certainly lightens the look of the space. I opted for that in my beloved ex-kitchen. I also loved Corian. Mine looked like honed Carrera marble, and despite what everyone said, it remained clean and beautiful. If a small discoloration occurred, I would just "sand" it down a bit with a scrubby sponge. Perfect.
I opted for lighting 3 ways: dimmable overhead pots, undercounter (for task lighting) and overcounter (for atmosphere and as a night light.) I never regretted any of it. The lighting was perfect. And I opted for porcelain tiles so when they chipped (and they did), you really couldn't tell because the color went all the way through. A little soap and water and they were totally clean.

Hope this helps.
BJB1
I

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

BluePrince Architectural
13 years ago
1) Given the opportunity, I'd definitely go with tile rather than the wood.
2) I'm not sure about the backsplash... Perhaps vertical rectangular tiles, mostly matte with the occasional glossy tile.
3) One advantage of the existing bulkhead is that the lighting seems fairly good... Is it possible to incorporate tall-box/bottle storage into your new cabinets without having to remove the bulkhead?
4) Have you considered metal countertops? They do not cost as much as stone; you might be able to get the look you want by using a non-shiny metal, perhaps with a few stone, glass, or bamboo inserts for cutting boards.
Related Professionals
Orlando Interior Designers & Decorators · Westminster Interior Designers & Decorators · St. Louis Interior Designers & Decorators · Lufkin Interior Designers & Decorators · Erie Interior Designers & Decorators · Port Saint Lucie Architects & Building Designers · Columbia Architects & Building Designers · Sioux Falls Architects & Building Designers · Augusta Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Portsmouth Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Newburyport Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Manchester Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Newport Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Watertown Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Gillette Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
Jen
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
IMO I think painted white or dark stained shaker cabinets would look great! Not sure what your budget is but I've looked at bamboo cabinets and there're spendy $$ If you like the sustainability and look of bamboo than I would go with that! Also completely agree that taking that soffit out and bringing the cabinets to the ceiling would look great and make the room more open
As far as the floors go, dark bamboo floors would look good with or without the bamboo cabinets! Bamboo makes a great floor, they last long, eco friendly, and very durable. I the floor can't be sanded and restained I would go with bamboo.
Backsplash idea's! It depends on what you do for cabinets and countertops.
Putting a wall mount range hood would look nice in your kitchen and taking your backsplash to the ceiling would make a great first impression and focal point!
Morag Johnston
13 years ago
I just installed a wooden floor in my kitchen so I'm biased. We wanted something softer underfoot than tile, and we have a small house so I wanted to match the flooring on the rest of the ground floor to help visually expand the space. Alternately, linoleum has the same effect underfoot. Can't comment on your other questions.
Jen
13 years ago
Here are some different idea's! Hope this helps!
Jen
13 years ago
You could also go with cork. Somewhat similar to bamboo, I've heard that both scratch easy but cork is a nice surface to stand to on and its eco friendly! Also lighting I would take out the ceiling fan put the recessed lighting instead!
addyg
Original Author
13 years ago
I could try to ensure the shelving in some cabinets be taller without removing the bulk head, but I also feel like it makes the kitchen dark and closed in. The window above the sink lets in limited light since it leads to a screened in back porch. Tile on the floor is an def an option since the kitchen leads to the eating area through a "door frame" you can see in the picture where we could transition. I can't really do another wood though, as the rest of the eating area, formal dining room and living area are all the same wood and it would be harder to match if not done in that door frame. Def getting rid of that fan too :-) !
addyg
Original Author
12 years ago
This is what it looked like a couple months ago... we're almost finished now. Will post soon!
wlkgbrz
12 years ago
exciting