Help with kitchen update

8 years ago

Hi guys, I’m on a strict budget and looking for affordable ways to spruce up my kitchen. I have already ordered a stainless steel kitchen suite to replace the blacks.

It has a good amount of natural light and I’m trying to get a modern, airy look. I’m thinking of painting it a cool grey color with very white trims, changing the countertops to a cheap but durable stone (preferably in white or light gray) and putting it some recess lights. Unfortunately I can’t afford new cabinets so they’ll have to stay that way, but thinking of painting them.

What do you guys think of my plan? Any suggestions on how to update without breaking bank? Any color ideas? I’m a real newbie at this. Look forward to responses :)

Featured Answer

caligirl5

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I agree: appliances and wall color will make a huge difference. May want to try a visualization with the cool gray you're considering, like this tool with Benjamin Moore

I personally like stained cabinets, and I think they look good in your space with the floor and natural light. I'd save money and skip the countertops unless the existing ones are in especially bad shape.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (16)

damiarain
8 years ago
Painting the walls sounds like a good set to start with (plus changing out the appliances). I assume your current counters are laminate? If not, removing the 4” backsplash would also help.

But start wth painting and also adding more light (under cabs too). Then see how it looks.
Related Professionals
Myrtle Beach Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Lufkin Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Parkersburg Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Houma Kitchen Remodelers · Lake Charles Kitchen Remodelers · Columbia Kitchen Remodelers · Wilmington Kitchen Remodelers · Coldwater Kitchen Remodelers · Rochester Kitchen Remodelers · Kennewick Kitchen Remodelers · Ottawa Kitchen Remodelers · Kissimmee Custom Countertops · Pensacola Custom Countertops · Lawrenceburg Custom Countertops · McAllen Custom Countertops
Mid America Mom
8 years ago
HI! Painting cabs is a big deal if you want to do it right in cost. I assume the floor stays. Are you prepared to paint the living area next to it also the gray you are interested in? If not I would skip for now as that appears to be beige. If yes please know that gray has an undertone according to Maria Killam (the go to woman on color). They are green, blue, or purple. Blue feels colder. Green is warmer and great for transitioning people out of beige. I personally would paint the walls to see if that works as that burgundy is so strong and influences.
Elle
8 years ago
I think you already have a really great start. Changing the wall color and lighting will make a huge difference. I would hold off on counters and painting cabinets until then.
When you change your lighting also make sure to upgrade to led lights with a warmth rating of 3000-3500K. This is closer to a bright white daylight color.
For bright white trim try BM Chantilly Lace. For a silvery wall color try BM titanium, or American White (probably needs to be darkened by 25%).
Elle
8 years ago
I just noticed the creamy tan wall color adjacent to the kitchen. Would you paint the whole downstairs? If not you probably need to go with a warmer gray that is noticeably darker than the cream. Maybe edgecomb gray or cement gray.
nosoccermom
8 years ago
Sounds like a great plan!

I'd also consider getting a new faucet --- Costco has very nice ones, frequently on sale --- and crown molding on the top of the cabinets.
Esther Peare
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks everyone for the responses! So happy to have a color expert in this thread because whew!! Who knew picking the right shade of grey could be this complicated lol.

Yes I will be painting the adjacent living room the same shade of grey. However, I’m not painting the stairway area that leads to the living room so I need a gray that transitions well into that current color (see more pics below). Any ideas? I’ve been looking at SW Repose gray and BM revere pewter. Not quite sure what will go with my floors. What do you guys think?

Ps - these are pics from the listing so ignore all the furniture.
Esther Peare
Original Author
8 years ago
Also considering taking out the top cabinets and doing open shelving like this. I know there is a general bias against open shelving around these parts, but my kitchen is thoroughly cleaned everyday so there’s almost no chance of dust accumulation (no kids or pets either).

The only thing I worry about with this is, this is a townhome that will possibly become a rental in about 2 years. Not sure how well a tenant will keep or appreciate open shelves. Thoughts?
nosoccermom
8 years ago
Hard to predict, but I wouldn't assume that the average tenant will keep the place as clean as you do.

I'd keep the uppers or at least the ones on the range wall. You could replace some of the doors with glass inserts to open up the space.
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
8 years ago
With that lovely crown moulding I would consider a dark gray to set off the cabinets.
NJ Mom
8 years ago
Your cabinets and floors are lovely, you need better a wall color and hardware to complement them. If you can afford to, change out your counter top and add a nice backsplash.
Esther Peare
Original Author
8 years ago
Ooh I love that color Beverly! Now I’m thinking of a darker grey for the kitchen hmmm
nosoccermom
8 years ago
Here's another consideration if this might be converted to a rental: Wood cabinets will be easier to fix/maintain than painted cabinets.

Check out this link with lots of pictures and instructions:

https://www.remodelaholic.com/ideas-to-update-oak-kitchen-cabinets/
Mid America Mom
8 years ago
Love the extra crown on the above pics if you like traditional! If this is going to be a rental I would keep the costs down. If you rent are you trying to have a tenant that will expect and pay for trendy or higher end finishes? If no - I would evaluate the condition of the kitchen items. If the counter is peeling - replace etc. Simple cosmetic like handles and paint are a good bet! Oh and you might want to check out a site called Mr. Landlord. Good luck!
Elle
8 years ago
I personally feel like your kitchen has a lot of potential to be bright and light, but the dark red (or a dark grey) sucks all the light out of it. A lighter color would be better imo.
Elle
8 years ago
Just saw your other post. Repose gray would be a great choice. I think it would transition better than Revere pewter.