Software
Houzz Logo Print
mbolouri

Kitchen/Den Refresh: initial directions?

7 years ago
We want to update our open kitchen/family room which is all original from when it was built in 2004 save for a red accent wall the previous owners did. Based on feedback from my last post we have decided to refinish the honey oak floors something darker, paint the walls and cabinets, change the countertops and backsplash, and change the mantle and surrounding slate tile. I know the cabinets are in nice shape but I don’t like the cherry wood or the honey oak floors after living with it for over a year.

I would love to hear any initial ideas from the community. The direction we are going is muted blues, ivory, grays, and beiges. Also, do we need a designer to coordinate this project? If so, how much should we plan to spend on a designer’s services? Our budget is $25k. We don’t want to do any remodeling and are willing to live with the suboptimal shape of the fireplace “area”.

Comments (14)

  • 7 years ago

    Re: fireplace..leave the handmade looking mantle and slate and have an artisan application of stucco or something done to the larger chimney section. Paint the dark red wall something lighter and more upbeat....before undertaking changing every surface in your space I would assemble an inspiration board for myself. This would be my requirement: what do I wish to do , to spend like that, and Why, What is the goal....and what are the quality, functioning aspects of this space that could be left, and worked around,and still meet my goals?? The dark red painted wall, would be easy to paint right away...I would do that.

  • 7 years ago
    I have not read your other thread, but I am weighing in here...Your planned palette sounds lovely and I think it will give you almost limitless decor options. For whatever it is worth, I actually like the slate fireplace and mantle, and think the slate might complement your planned colours, but perhaps it is just not your style? What colour are you planning to paint your cabinets? I immediately pictured the cabinets in ivory and the island in a blue or grey? Some pics for inspiration....
  • 7 years ago
    Some tile/counter options.....
  • 7 years ago
    Colour & pattern ideas.....
  • 7 years ago
    Don't know what your style is, but some furniture and fabric options....
  • 7 years ago
    Rugs, pillows, curtain ideas....
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    What type of wood flooring do you have, and what color stain do you want? In my part of the country, a prefinished wood floor is more labor intensive to refinish.

  • 7 years ago
    Is everything in good condition? I would not change the floors or cabinets. I would change the red accent wall (it looks horrible with the cabinets), change the fireplace and mantel and just paint or change the wood around the hood. I would then think about replacing the countertops to something mostly white with less movement and the backsplash.
  • 7 years ago

    "loves to decorate," thank you so much for the inspiration photos. That is exactly the kind of assistance I am looking for!


    The cabinets are in great condition. I just cannot stand the cherry color (I tried - I have lived with them for over a year now). The floors are showing their age and would benefit from refinishing either way. I would like them to be a darker and less "warm" color, a medium to dark brown.


    Thanks all for the help.

  • 7 years ago
    @MB, you are most welcome! I am not fond of cherry colour cabinets either, so I completely understand the desire to paint them. You are fortunate that the cabinets are in great shape and that the kitchen has good 'bones'; no doubt it will look beautiful when you are done. The palette you have chosen is lovely; classic, calming and very easy to live with. I think you will find one of your biggest challenges will be narrowing down your choices, as there are SO many options available to you in that palette. If you aren't planning on using a designer, then I would suggest starting an idea board. Assembling a collection of paint, fabric and tile (etc.) samples will be invaluable when trying to visualize and coordinate a design. I wish you the best of luck!
  • 7 years ago
    A few more.....
  • 7 years ago
    I would at least look into getting a quote from a designer. Since I am assuming you want a refresh vs a complete remodel they might have some great ideas of how to incorporate some if your existing items into an updated look.

    I ended up hiring a KD for new interior layout for our whole house and thought it would be way more expensive than it was. It was a very small part of our budget and we live in a HCOL. Shop around and get a few quotes.
Sponsored
Kuhns Contracting, Inc.
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars26 Reviews
Central Ohio's Trusted Home Remodeler Specializing in Kitchens & Baths