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lindsey711

KItchen updating

7 years ago
Hello! I am interested in updating our kitchen. It’s incredibly narrow, however, and I’m not sure what to do. I want to paint the cabinets but I’m not sure what color. Any thoughts??

Comments (15)

  • 7 years ago

    You might want to change out your light bulbs before you pick any colors. Right now, your bulbs have a yellow cast that is throwing all the existing colors off. Try for bulbs, that are more the daylight type bulb. It is a narrow room, but, it looks very functional. White cabinets will probably look the best in that room, along with a lighter brighter wall paint. No muddy toned paints. New countertops would be a big plus. If you do decide on countertops and go for the laminate again, make sure you get the ones without the 4 inch backsplash at the back. Those 4 inch backsplashes make your regular backsplash look off.

  • 7 years ago

    I agree with getting a counter-depth fridge, although if yours is new, I would understand not wanting to replace it.

  • 7 years ago

    White cabinets are probably best in that small space.

  • 7 years ago

    I don’t know what your budget is, but I would consider replacing the counters, getting a counter depth fridge, having a new backsplash that is lighter in color and a runner for the floor if the current tile is staying. The dark elements and the large fridge may be making the kitchen feel even smaller. I would keep the white cabinets but perhaps change out the knobs.

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    I think your cabinets would look good painted the color of your kettle. Don’t worry about it making your kitchen look small—it is small!

  • 7 years ago
    Is that our front door back there? I agree you definitely need a counter depth fridge to clear the way, it would make the kitchen seem much more open. New countertops and backsplash would pull the space together, everything is choppy and unmatched.
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    It's a sweet little kitchen and you have plenty of drawer space...I agree about the fridge...and white is less expensive than stainless, so maybe consider selling yours and putting the money toward a smaller white one.

    I think white cabinets is the way to go, here, but that doesn't mean you can't have an amazing backsplash...They're easy to do yourself. Also I think a butcher block counter is lovely (Ikea has them) and they last well with the proper finish applied.







  • 7 years ago
    Thank you!!!
  • 7 years ago
    I als have no idea what you are referring to with the four inch backsplash and such. Could you please explain further ?
  • 7 years ago

    Lindsey, the 4 inch backsplash that is part of your countertops now. When you get new counter tops, whatever material they are, make sure not to get that 4 inch piece that is like what you have now. Get your countertops flat in back, so a new backsplash, goes all the way to the countertop. The 4 inch piece is actually a backsplash, and doesnt look good when a tile backsplash is put on top of it. The tile should go all the way to the flat part of your countertop. :-))

  • 7 years ago

    There's a lot you can do here, and there's much to be admired about a smaller kitchen...this would actually be a fun project for me as it's not overwhelming and you can really indulge whatever you fancy.

    Are you up for any diy? Counters and backsplash are super easy (especially since you have no miter cuts to make on the counter...my first tiling job was a backsplash many years ago, but I now see peel and stick tiles...if you've not seen them, it's so worth a look, even for curiosity's sake....they would fool most people...honest.

    Paint is super easy...

    I'm wondering about your stove...is there some kind of vent? Did you install the microwave shelf or did it come with the oven? We might need to change that arrangement up a bit so that you're safe and your cooking is easier/cleaner. But I don't see it as being much of a challenge :)


  • 7 years ago
    YES TO THE DIY I LOVE DIY. So any diy tips would be appreciated !
  • 7 years ago
    The 4 inch backsplash is the piece of counter material that is on the side and along the back of your counter. If you get new counters and want to do a tile backsplash, do NOT purchase this additional 4” piece of counter material - your new counters will end at the wall, tile butts up against the counter
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Well, let's get cracking!

    First of all, as I mentioned, your countertop would be an easy diy to do...because no miter cuts.

    Good places to look are craigslist (someone on my craigslist was giving away granite...), Habitat for Humanity, or Ikea. Now, I just installed a small laminate counter from Ikea. Very reasonable and comes with extra end laminate to glue on...however, I really like their butcher block tops. Search "Ikeahackers butcher block" for some pics and tips. They know how to seal the wood as it's next to the sink...which I would keep and reuse if I was in your place my. It looks decent, is stainless, and is a drop-in, which makes it very easy to install.

    First, I would get rid of your existing backsplash. The easiest way to do this is to get rid of the drywall, too. Honestly. Just yank the whole thing out. Hammer, chisel, whatever it takes. Just use caution and don't start it anywhere round the outlets...(better to flip the power off if you can)

    How do you feel about some shelves across your window? If you have a good view, then you might not want to, but it's an underused storage space that looks like you need...I really like the look for dishes...wash dry pop them up there...

    Obviously, you can only go from cabinet to cabinet...but you have room for 2...I would forgo the light that you have in favor of extra storage space...

    Think on these ideas for a bit...