If you get new doors, you might also be able to get inset hinges, but agree that making hinges less noticeable somehow would go a long way.

Rug and towels to add color, warmth, and style.

New light fixture!

Actually, I am doing a fully custom kitchen to duplicate this doorstyle, which is the only way you can do it now.

Cute kitchen!
I agree with other posters...rug and color and maybe Roman shades on windows

I agree that getting new doors would go a long way in this kitchen. If there's no budget for that then I don't know if you can paint the hinges white to make them blend in more but that might help. It might look messy though, so find out if other people have done that with good results

If there is no budget for refacing the cabinets what about having them painted a very light grey and do the floors.

What about adding wood on the cabinet itself? Like the shaker cabinets? Like this article here where it was done on closet doors? You can also change the hardware to satin nickle.

Other DIY I have seen is adding quarter inch rounds to the cabinet in and add wainscoting. Or look at Ekina millwork for molding ideas.

https://crazylifewithlittles.com/update-bifold-doors/

I paid extra to have cabinet doors look like this in the mudroom of our 1914 Edwardian house; the cabinet maker had to rabbet the doors. Having said that, your cabinets are vey old. I'm not suggesting you should love them, but if it were my kitchen, I wouldn't invest any money into trying to improve them either. Focus on decor like new cabinet pulls, curtains, a runner etc.

Your kitchen has such a great retro look, it is very charming! i suggest that instead of trying to make it something it is not, embrace it.

A Marmoleum floor would look terrific, especially in a checkerboard pattern. add a cookie jar from the 50s, or if that is too kitchy, at least bring in some colorful towels and accessories.

You really arent that far off from having a warm and welcoming kitchen.

Good luck! Nicole

Budget suggestions: Match the hinges to your hardware - either all black or all brushed chrome. I'd opt for the chrome for less contrast. You need color! Add patterned roman blinds at the windows ... use a color from the blinds to add countertop accessories and a large rug. Red, yellow, and turquoise would look great in your room. Paint your walls a soft, warm, creamy color that goes well with your floor. Change the light for something larger, with more character. There are many farmhouse options that would look great in your kitchen!

I wouldn't put any money into cabinet changes until you're ready for a full remodel. I would just get a large colorful rug, and add recessed lighting for better function.

I think your kitchen is adorable! When you have funds, change the floor and backsplash before refacing (which is not cheap). Adding a rug and colorful items on the countertop will go a long way. Canisters, a cutting board, a pretty holder for your cooking utensils - all in bright colors (or just one) will do wonders. If the hardware bothers you, change the hinges to black to match the pulls and knobs. And look for a great fabric to make a Roman shade for the window. Is there a way to improve the lighting? I would look into that too.

The cheapest diy way to go is by using contact paper! For the cabinets, counters and even the floor

Lots of good budget friendly suggestions here. For the record, I love older homes, even simple and modest ones and even with the challenges and quirks they present, and I think your kitchen is cute and homey! If it were mine I would just add some color- a pretty light slightly greenish blue on walls and maybe some yellow accents would cheer it right up! A pretty fabric curtain on window or a pretty rug at sink. Investigate painting the hinges white to camouflage them- just take off one door and try it- won't take long or much $ to see if that might work. If you have a little more money in budget, a new floor- I second the marmoleum suggested above- in either a bold black and white check or a more subtle taupe and white check pattern. Even if your overall style isn't all that vintage or retro, those affordable changes will probably feel really right in your kitchen, more so than some more "modern" updates.

You can Buy white partial overlay hinges.

You’ve been given excellent suggestions. I would also consider a window treatment you like to bring in a little colour and softness.

Try internet searching for the same hinge in black or chrome. we have some older lip frame doors and i cleaned the outside old hinges and kept them and the original handles as they were stainless... more shiney than what you see now. I think yours might be a base metal. maybe not original. find black or chrome and the outside style can actually be fine and in keeping. id get floor runners or mats / probably a cafe curtain at window and leave it be. save money for later date and doing more. its medium to large space and will cost you. you have a cohesive kitchen right now.

Embrace the style-it’s authentic. So many people are drawn to older houses for the charm, then proceed to tear out the original features. They then spend lots and lots and lots of money to add back charm with new materials.

I see you have McKenzie & Child’s black & white checkerboard canisters. You could try painting your floor checkerboard. Your tiles are the perfect size. If the black & white is too bold for your taste, a more subtle soft grey & white checkerboard would look great. Or you could also stencil your floor. There are hundreds of stencil patterns available to buy & you would just get one that fits the size of your tiles. It’s time consuming but quite inexpensive and I’ve seen many results on Instagram that are fabulous. Here’s a quick video to give you an idea but as I said there are tons of different patterns to chose from. https://youtu.be/GzriNwhn6II

Some of these would make a great floor design https://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/tile-stencils-cement-tile-stencil-designs-floor-tiles.html

New lighting, paint, accessories.… if you have the budget for it a black / white checkerboard floor would look fabulous in this kitchen.

The hinges could be painted to match the cabinets, but it’s a time-consuming job. If the flooring is in good condition, I would leave it for now. The thing that would quickly brighten the kitchen is the element of color. I like to have at least a multi-color patterned fabric valance over the upper part of the kitchen window. If you can sew, you could get a yard or two of pretty fabric and do it yourself. It could include a bit of the color of the flooring and the creamy white of the cabinets. If your window faces another house, you could add mini-blinds for privacy if needed. Once you have the valance, you could select a soft green or blue or other color from the fabric and paint the soffit to match. Add a big colored ceramic pot to hold your large cooking utensils and two sets of kitchen towels and potholders in the same or similar color, and a washable rug in front of the sink cabinet. Refreshed without lots of money.

It's a charming retro kitchen.

Forget new hinges; embrace what you have. You definitely need some color in the kitchen. To me, the most jarring thing of all is the floor, and it doesn't add to the overall vibe of the kitchen.

I agree with some other commenters - If it wouldn't create a trip hazard, a rug, perhaps a 6' round in a accent color that goes with something in the adjacent room.

You have a large open space, you could put a small round table with 2 chairs in the space, say a bistro size, if it won't interfere with workflow. With or without a rug it would diminish the dominance of the flooring, which looks to be in good condition. As for table styles, don't forget to look at small patio tables, they come in a wide variety of styles and many are only 2' diameter. One with a glass top and black crisscross legs would go well with your appliances and the door hardware.

If replacing the light over the sink is not in the budget (light, electrician, drywall patch and paint), consider adding 2 hanging planters, centered in the windows. Or, if plants aren't your preference, small hanging artwork, such as stained glass, would provide color without becoming counter clutter.

Personally, I'd keep the hinges as they are. They may be the visual focal point right now simply because there is no other. Adding a 3rd color would diminish their dominance.

Agree with Kathleen ^^ to leave the hinges alone and work on more color in the room. And a small table if it will be useful to your family. Is this an old house?

I don't mind the exposed hinges so much. It kind of gives your kitchen a bit of modern farmhouse look. I would suggest adding glass to some of your upper cabinets. Nothing opens up a bank of flat faced cabinets more than adding glass to some of the doors. If you can afford to replace the flooring I certainly would. Would also suggest a new light fixture. New downlight might be a good addition. They would provide good lighting and could be used to highlight some of the upper cabinet doors. Good luck!

The hinges aren't an issue. As others have said, it's a retro kitchen. It's a look that suits the cabinets. What stood out to me: the floor doesn't jibe, the knobs aren't proportionate to the bin pulls and there's a lack of decor and colour. Stencilling the floor is a good idea (I'd also go with a checkerboard) but isn't a quick easy fix. Decor (art, window treatment, a runner that isn't a tripping hazard, colourful appliances, etc.) might be easier to implement.

I like your cabinets and the counter. The floor is dated and could use an upgrade. You might also consider a new range that doesn’t have the raised back. I don’t know if that’s in your budget but it would make a difference in the overall look.

I'd either go the accessory route suggested above, or I'd focus on bringing some color and whimsey to the backsplash with a patterned tile. A much more constrained project than either cabinets or floors but could add a lot of pizzaz.

Erizo Pattern · More Info

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A solid tile in a bright color could do the job too -- really transform the space! Good luck, have fun.

Just wanted to say that all the ideas suggested can be "mocked up" for free or little expense (e.g. poster board for backsplash, a sheet to cover the floor, a colourful scarf or t-sheet over the toaster, new art borrowed from another room, etc.) to help you visualize changes and see which ones offer the biggest bang for your buck. Want to try bigger knobs on the cabinet? Buy one or two inexpensive ones at Home Depot to see the scale impact. No need to commit to any option without testing if it's the right one for you. Take pictures of your "trials" to better help you evaluate the room as a whole. Focus on how the whole room feels to you rather than any one element.

I did the same thing to my cabinets I painted them white put new hinges and knobs and put a square piece of wood on them to make them look different

To MY eyes, I see a "battle" going on in this kitchen...LOL..your cabinet hinges and drawer pulls and light fixture are all screaming "true farmhouse", while your color scheme of white cabinets, black counter tops, and stainless appliances all scream "modern".....If you want the "retro / farmhouse" look, you've GOT it...just add COLOR ( preferably red ) in cannisters, flowers, "oriental" style rug and red & white check valances on the windows...budget friendly and easy to do.....If you are TRYING to "update" and have a more "modern" look, then I would try using "piano hinges" on the cabinet doors so they are not seen, definitely change out the door & drawer hardware to more modern "bars", update the light fixture to a larger MODERN style, use a rug on the floor with a "contemporary" design, and perhaps use Roman shades on the window in a colorful pattern....again, all easy, not too expensive "fixes"...just depends on the "look / style" you want to end up with....your kitchen has great "bones"....decide on the style you want it to be, and good luck !!

The contrast between the white cabinets and the hardware is what I notice immediately. The pulls, handles and hinges need to blend with the white by using a brushed silver to work with the stainless steel appliances. And, yes, you do need some color.

Since you plan a renovation in the future, I would focus on making easy and inexpensive changes as others have suggested. Painting the cabinets is time consuming and tedious if you diy and expensive if you hire someone. Will you keep the same floor plan when you renovate the kitchen? Add color with a rug on the floor, valence or Roman shade at the window. Change the cabinet pulls to a stainless loook metal. Add recessed lighting and change the overhead fixture. ?o

i would paint the hinges and put silvery colored handles, maybe change the backsplash. Add some color with some accessories and floor mat near the sink. Put some glass in some cabinets to showcase some colorful items or dishes.

Your kitchen is lovely, only needs to be accessorized. I'm showing with pictures some of the suggestions given above that I liked. I think a bit of wood & terracotta would blend nicely in your decor as shown in some of the pictures. The rug is by Ruggable (ruggable.com), it can be washed and dried in your home washer & dryer.

Your kitchen layout is just like mine and I wanted to update. I got new door fronts (not just overlays) and drawer fronts but kept the same drawer glides. I also got new hidden hinges. Those things really updated the kitchen. It was far less than new cabinets. You have a lot of white going on. Choose a new paint color and you will have a whole new base to add a few accessories.

I love your old cabinets! The two things my eye is drawn to (not in a good way) are the floor and the backsplash. That particular floor tile had its moment, but it doesn't go with the style of the kitchen and looks dingy in contrast to all the white. If you don't want to spend money on new flooring, a rug would certainly help. The backsplash is too fussy for the kitchen style and very, very white. A fun tile with a bit of color would be great (maybe a penny tile, since the round tiles would break up all the squares and rectangles of the cabinetry), but you could also add some storage rails either mounted on the backsplash or on the bottoms of the cabinets, and then use them to display a pretty dish towel, spice rack, knives, or colorful utensils.

Greystone Kitchen · More Info

I like molldoll2 suggestion of replacing the cabinet doors. I did this with my laundry room cabinets and modernized them very cost efficiently and everyone thinks they are new. The floor detracts from the look and you can replace with something neutral like wood or another tile buying extra to store for renovation in the future. Your kitchen might then look updated enough that you may not feel the need to do a major renovation.

IF you love the layout, your house is a perfect candidate for a refacing job. Older cabinets are made of hardwoods and are often better than new. But, having worked for the first refacing company years ago and refaced two of my own kitchens, it’s not cheap. New doors, drawers, hinges, hardware, etc. can add up. I’d leave the kitchen for now, add color through accessories and save your money for the more substantial renovation later on.

Glue on a 3 inch trim around all 4 edges of the doors. It will thicken them up so you can use the European hinges that don’t show. Probably about $10.00 per door. Well worth it to get rid of those ugly hinges.

DO NOT!! paint hinges...big no-no!!

I know, terrible picture but it helps make a point. I have a similar layout kitchen and do not know what I would do without my 24” x 40” island. I am a Breadbaker and the surface is lower than the counters. The island houses cookbooks, bowls, liquor, and cereal. Makes my kitchen work. Also functions as a knife rack, in case you wonder about that. Towels hang on the opposite short side. The island has felt pads in corners and it is enough to shove into position desired.

Buonasera. Io primo non capischo neduna parola in inglese ? E non lo so se voi cosa fate? Aredamentio per la casa ? O che cosa ? Se fate aredamentio per la casa fateci vedere quantio costano ? E non sollo fate vedere le chucine come sono ? Midispiace ma davero non lo so che publicita fate ? Grazie.

Change the pulls, get a window covering that will still let light in but that has a hint of colour or pattern, get a rug, perhaps re-grout your backsplash with a darker grout so the pattern pops. Accessorize your counter tops with a nice pot and plant. ὄCἿC

@Alex Kendall - which of these ideas appeal to you the most?

@mdln @RedRyder OP here. I tried to respond this morning, but it looks like I might have accidentally deleted it.

Thank you everyone for the suggestions. The ones I think I can make happen and have the largest impact are:

1. New floors (would like to do hardwood, but it may not match the rest of the house's hardwood, additional ideas attached).

2. Accessories, including a window treatment. I'm thinking sea foam blue.

3. New lighting -- something with multiple lights.

4. Potentially adding trim to the cabinets. Just need to think about whether this will make the kitchen look disjointed.

What color is your hardwood floor? Most good flooring people can stain the same wood to match pretty well. I also think the adorable black and white themes would look great in your kitchen.

If you don’t want to spend too much the best option is to change your cabinet hardware style and finish.

We recommend you go with chrome or something with a small touch of black to match your countertop and cabinet color.

Like the picture that I’ve attached

I like your kitchen..just needs a little pizzaz.

I ditto the island..I had a rolling cabinet and put butcher block on the top..we use it ALL the time! I'd change the back plash too But that is a real messy job.

Also I'd change your fridge hinges to the other side. So the door opens in towards your kitchen. It's easy to do..most all fridges have holes on the top to do it.

Maybe do something creative with the soffit above the cabinets? Drill a hole see if there is wiring up there. If not you could do something with that space.?

For sure flooring change..unless that is cork? VCT vinyl composition tile..those 12" squares like yours are very inexpensive! Maybe a little over $1 a square( my info might be out dated) They take a special liquid wax application occasionally ..not to heavy application .cuz you will have to remove it eventually! But will last a life time! You can do it yourself too..if you have any DIY skills.