Decorative light and artwork

How much can he spend on the update? If possible, I'd change out the backsplash to something simpler that matches the counters and flooring a bit better, and then take it up the wall behind the sink and on the stove wall, too. Then, add artwork and a nice light. The wall color above the cabinets is fine.

I’m trying to convince him to tear down the backsplash And replace the countertop but he’s not sold. The countertop 4” splash is part of the countertop not 2 pieces. Could I still remove Just the 4 inch splash part? I think the build in splash looks outdated. But if he won’t change it, could I simply paint over the mosaic tile and continue the same wall color all the way up?

Is it his idea to update or yours? Why does it need to updated? If it is for resale, it will be a waste of money and time. The buyers will just rip it out to implement their “updated” ideas.

no you can't remove it. (it's laminate, yes?)

No, please do not paint the tile.

You asked for opinion so what I stated above is how it's usually done. However, if your dad likes it, then what are ya gonna do?? lol

is he up for a new countertop and subway tiles that would look better?

they have pre-fab granite countertops already sized and usually cost a lot less than buying a slab.

What he has looks fine as is. Let your dad keep what he likes and replace only what HE wants to (and can afford to) replace. Remember .. .he may not want you to know it would be a hardship for him to spend as much as you might want to spend. Or, it may be he just doesn't like/want change. Respect his wishes for his home.

I prefer a window over a sink but if you cannot have one, then another idea is to create a faux window. If the wires hanging down are for a light over the sink space, you could even create one that serves as a light. The faux window could become the focal point rather than any tile/backsplash.

If you want to create your own faux window, Habitat for Humanity Restore Store often sells used window frames at a bargain. Simply find one that fits, paint the wood white and hang it on the wall over HIS favorite poster of a view that is appealing to him.

https://www.pinterest.com/dllawless/faux-window/

You might also ask him about putting an accent color between the overhead cabinets and ceiling or, perhaps, a peel/stick wall paper trim in HIS favorite design.

He is open to the update- we may rent the space or possibly sell depending on my dads health. He was diagnosed w lung cancer last year and had a stroke this past October. He is fully recovered from the minor stroke and cancer is stable. During his stroke recovery we had to move my mother to a Dementia unit. We are updating because he wants it to look a little better since we are trying to get her back home. There will be many care givers in the home and he wants to create a nice space. However, if his health declines, we may rent or sell.

I think this project is keeping his mind occupied:)

wow. you have your hands full. I can't even imagine.

If he's willing to update, decide then if you're going to rent or sell in the future. if selling, you'd want to do something a bit nicer (if the market supports it) rather than if renting (which you'll want something that is more durable. )

granite is good for both. regular subway tiles are also good for both.

If you do decide to rent, you could always right off the kitchen redo on your taxes. (talk to your tax man)

in the interim, doing a quartz countertop with a nice splash would look very nice. Decide if you can do a new counter and wait until that's installed before picking a splash. Keep in mind you have a busy floor tile, so you'll want a countertop that is rather calm.

I think if you did a honed black granite and white tile, it would be perfect w/the flooring

Jet Mist or Virginia Mist black granite is very similar looking to soapstone.

you could even do a beadboard backsplash instead of tile. (if you're on a budget)

I love that! Thank you for the pictures, your time and expertise!

My first question is what is your budget.With what is going on in your life a redo of a kitchen does not seem to be the right thing now. I would work on the lighting before anything else , one center light is not adequate for a kitchen and as your parents age they will require much better lighting. Unless you have the budget to do the counters I would just remove the backsplash tile and patch and paint that space. Hang a fun piece of art above the sink and be done for right now. Maybe post a couple more pics so we see the whole space .

I think you feel there is something missing as it feels like a space where a vent for cooker would be or a window would be- don’t go up to the ceiling but do fill the area above the sink with the same tile up to the cabinet top- then it will be fine; I would suggest adding a dish rack above the sink ( between the cabinets).

Budget is about 1,000

tricia, remove the backsplash and do the beadboard splash, if you like. cost is about $50-100. Tutorials all over Pinterest. You could see about getting a new countertop (they make a laminate one in that black like the stone one, above) without the 4" piece. maybe you could then do a white subway tile (they're like .19 per tile) yourself. again, lots of tutorials.

the real culprit in this kitchen is the flooring. It doesn't work w/the gray wall paint, the white cabs or the gray countertop. I'd get a large sisal rug to cover most of it (if it doesn't cause problems for your dad).

what goes w/those floors is the wood. that's it.

So, you'll have to decide what you want to live with. If you put the house on the market, buyers will notice the two don't work well. If you rent it, I don't think it matters.

If your dad likes it, then it's fine.

I think painting the glass door frames white will help more too - it will match with the cabinets and the closet at least and put linen on table to lighten it up too. As regards to the floor not much you can do but there should be small rugs under sink area and cooker to catch water or oil etc and prevent falls.

Difficult situation. Sympathy extended. Let us know how your project goes.

What do u think about a shiplap backsplash?

Tricia, I have such empathy for what you are going through. I cared for my FIL who had dementia and lived in a dementia unit, though at times in our home too. My strong advice is to not dive too deeply into this project. Finding, managing, keeping, and training good caregivers is something I have spent years doing. If I were dealing with even the slightest home improvement project in the midst of it all it would have been a complete debacle. I love that your dad finds this a good distraction and he probably needs one.

Between your budget and the intensity of your life, I would make the most simple cosmetic changes. Honestly, your current kitchen state is not going to make or break a sale or a rental. I would put up open shelving above the sink painted the same color as the cabinets. Then have your dad choose what he would like to put on it - decorative pieces from around the house? This will keep you both busy enough without a major disruption to the kitchen.

Also, caregivers really do not care about what your kitchen looks like. They want a clean space and nice people to work for who are good at communication. That your dad is even thinking about their needs shows he is a caring person and that is what will build the best relationship with your caregivers so they can provide for your mom's needs.