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ingrid_centurion

Help in the Kitchen

8 years ago
Trying to upgrade this kitchen. Recently finished a backsplash that has a modern look. Now I need light fixtures and ideas to improve this traditional kitchen built in 1985. Advice and recommendations welcome.

Comments (20)

  • 8 years ago

    1980's track lighting, 1980's double oven, 1980's JenAir downdraft stove & overabundance of wood trim on windows and doors date the kitchen. I don't know if you would have a size problem with the granite countertop if you were to try to replace the stove; the slab was cut for the old stove and integral downdraft. The biggest sore thumb are the lights, the Frig and cabinets look good.

  • 8 years ago
    What look lighting do you recommmend.
  • 8 years ago
    Smooth out the ceiling. Recessed led lights. Stainless appliances. Lighter paint.
  • 8 years ago
    Actually, paint color is fine.
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I like the cabinets (assuming they're in good condition; that can be hard to discern from photographs). I like the new backsplash. I don't like them together. They're mismatched. I suggest painting the cabinets white or cream. It'd look good with your new backsplash, and it'd give you a fresh new look without a huge amount of work.

    Yes, changing those lights would make a huge difference -- probably more difference than anything else. I'd go with pendant lighting -- pendant lighting that'd bring in some color.


    I think the granite is ho-hum -- not bad, but also not doing much for your kitchen. If you're willing to spend big money, change it. If not, it's not the worst.

    I'd like to see a bright curtain and dishtowels bring in some color.

    I don't know what those three things on top of the cabinets are, but
    they aren't doing anything for your kitchen. Since your cabinets don't
    go to the ceiling, I'd like to see something "planned" up there. A
    collection of something perhaps? Not plants -- that's too 80s.

  • 8 years ago
    I think your kitchen looks fantastic... especially if it was built in the 80s! I would focus of replacing the appliances to stainless and like the other poster mentioned replacing the track lighting with pendant lighting. If it’s in the budget, recessed lighting would be great! Like I said, your current kitchen looks great... these are just suggestions.
  • 8 years ago
    This is a pendant light that would look great above your island... maybe two centered. This one is from pottery barn, but Allen Roth makes an identical one you can pick up at Lowe’s.
  • 8 years ago
    If I painted the cabinets cream what do I do about the wood around the windows
  • 8 years ago
    Don’t paint those cabinets. They are in great shape. Definitely fix the lighting first.
  • 8 years ago
    I don’t think you should paint the cabinets either. If your floor is vinyl, change it to hardwood or tile.
  • 8 years ago

    I like your cabinets please do not paint them. I would change the lighting and the back splash. IMO it does not go well with the counter tops. I would also change the flooring to a nice tile or wood.

  • 8 years ago
    New light, like the wood look flooring
  • 8 years ago
    Do you have a good budget for the lighting? I like to have multiple (maybe eight in your kitchen) recessed lights for general lighting and attractive pendants over the island for task lighting and looks. The recessed lights would be on one switch, the pendants on another. The height of the ceiling and size and layout of the kitchen will be needed when making those lighting decisions. Go to an actual lighting store, rather than a big box store, for assistance on lighting decisions.
  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Here are some kitchen remodel ideas to get you inspired: https://www.gialluisihomes.com/2018/01/11/kitchen-renovation-ideas-2018/ 

  • 8 years ago
    The floor is a small beige tile. Thanks for all the feedback, this really helped.
  • 8 years ago
    I am also going to get rid of that table too much wood. Any recommendations.
  • 8 years ago
    I like the recommendations for lighting over the island but what do I place over the small kitchen table by the windows. Current lamp is to large and does not match and it's a small area.
  • 8 years ago
    I like the recommendations for lighting over the island but what do I place over the small kitchen table by the windows. Current lamp is to large and does not match and it's a small area.
  • 8 years ago
    I wouldn’t paint the cabinets either, but I probably would consider taking the upper cabinets down around the window over the sink. Maybe open shelving?