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miranda_lee1

Help me update this kitchen!

7 years ago
Looking for ideas on how to update this kitchen on a low budget, keeping the current countertop and ideally keeping the cabinets. I’d like it to be lighter, and more up to date. We’ll be changing the backsplash to something lighter/less busy, and I’m considering some open shelves in place of the upper cabinets, and switching out the hardware. Any ideas or suggestions would be very helpful!

Comments (19)

  • 7 years ago
    I agree. Only a lighter backsplash. It’s pretty!
  • PRO
    7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Looks pretty good as is. The only thing maybe change is to a lighter,less busy backsplash.

  • 7 years ago
    Agreed with the previous comments about a lighter backsplash.

    Also check out a bolder ceiling light over the table and kitchen. And maybe switch out the dark chairs at the table. If you soften the space with a bright towel at the stove that can change the look very cheaply.
  • 7 years ago

    Agree re backsplash; go with a simple, lighter tile and you can go in many directions with paint color and accessories. And ditto what Sarah said re chairs and lights.

  • 7 years ago

    Your kitchen is lovely though the tile could be more restful. I think the issue is that your dining room furniture is of a completely different style. I'd be looking to replace the country-pine table and nondescript chairs with something a bit sleeker. And I'd switch out your art for a more emphatic piece in colours that don't fight with your cabinetry.


    Additionally, consider painting your walls a colour. You cabinets feel heavy because they contrast so greatly with the walls. But if the walls were a mid-putty (like some of your current backspash tile) or even a soft sage (because I really prefer colour to neutrals, but that's me), the contrast would be less and the cabinets would feel lighter. Of course, you'd likely need to increase the lighting in your room a bit if you went in that direction.

  • 7 years ago

    Nice kitchen! I like the backsplash.

  • 7 years ago

    Have you tried Pledge Restoring Oil on the cabinets? It’s wonderful.

  • 7 years ago
    Your cabinets are beautiful I wouldn’t change them. A lighter, sleeker backsplash would lighten things up a lot. You could also try different cabinet pulls to change the look without great expense. Gold/matte brass might look nice. Depending how the under-cabinet lights are installed, if you change them from pucks to a bar, you’ll get more light. l think Jennifer is correct about the table and chairs in a different style would really change the look.
  • 7 years ago

    I would leave the kitchen be....the mosaic works and it's there, and in good shape. I would paint the dinette walls a beautiful light warm/golden beige and get a different table fixture. If you have the inclination, a new table and chairs could be of benefit. Working on the eating side of your space would give you a nice transformation.

  • 7 years ago
    New backsplash. New chairs. Done!
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Ok and maybe a more interesting pendant over the table, especially since you’ll be simplifying the backsplash.

  • 7 years ago
    I think simplifying the backsplash would help, something lighter and larger (not so busy), maybe upgrading the lighting and then if you still feel like it's too dark I would recommend painting the upper cabinets only with an antique white. Your kitchen is beautiful, but if you're not happy with it then that's all that matters. I would recommend trying the easy solutions like lighting and backsplash 1st.
  • 7 years ago
    Agree with backsplash replacement. but you can also update light. what would make big impact is replacing your kitchen table and chairs. Modern pedestal table would work with your light countertops.
  • 7 years ago

    New backsplash, new chairs, new light. Easy peesy!

  • 7 years ago

    Update it? It's a very modern kitchen.


    Chrome table and larger, modern, sleek light fixtures are what I would change.

  • 7 years ago
    Looks great to me. How about changing the wall outlets so they blend with the backsplash. New dining furniture and painting would be better. The painting is too pastel beachy for the style of the kitchen.
  • 7 years ago
    I think the biggest problem is so dark cabinets and floor against so stark white walls... Soften your walls in some warm off white or light beige or light taupe will do wonders. Second problem is your dining set, I will change table and chairs for others lighter and bringing color/pattern.
  • 7 years ago
    Sth like this set and wall color (or lighter), and pull the orange in upholstery to a beautiful art on your wall