I also would like to know more, especially about why the facelift? I'd spend the $$ getting a new refrigerator that doesn't overlap the doorframe, and making it look "bult-in" by installing a cabinet above it and side board on the tv side. Also, add colorful artwork instead of the mirror, and change out the rug - texture and color would be nice.

Start with removing all items unrelated to cooking. Refrigerator is fine where it is as long as doorway has enough opening for a fireman with equipment to get through ( my go-to egress solution). I understand why you would want something over the sink, but that mirror does nothing for the entire space. Try a colorful patterned tile backsplash for interest.

in response to comments so far…

Reason for the facelift: mainly just to look better and more updated. The counters are a cheap white vinyl and we’d like a smaller undermount sink.

How we use the space: primarily when we entertain. We also used as our primary kitchen when we were remodeling our upstairs kitchen and we use it for family pizza/movie nights - oven for frozen pizza and microwave for popcorn. But it doesn’t get a ton of kitchen use - more of a bar and buffet area for food and drinks when entertaining.

Additional notes: fridge is brand new and we won’t be replacing. It’s the smallest full-size option. We were planning to replace the floors throughout - including the tile in the kitchen - with an updated LVP but not sure we want to spend $10k on the basement floor that is OK as is…and thinking a minor kitchen facelift would be money better spent.

Current cabinets match the warmer tone of your current kitchen floor. The white trim and gray paint appear a bit cool for the cabinets, kitchen floor and basement flooring. You could probably find a lighter granite that has a bit of cream, white and gray (perhaps a Santa Cecilia). If you decide to change the flooring, then that will change the other choices for hard surfaces. Concur with Valinta to remove the extraneous decor items between the range and sink.

Look at Formica for a new counter. This doesn't seem like an area you would want to spend a lot of money on. There are a lot of different patterns - maybe you'll find something that will inspire you.

If you are replacing the cabinets, I'd consider moving the DW to the left of the sink so you can get some space between your range and refrigerator (e.g. two 12" cabinets, one of which could be vertical storage for baking sheets / pizza pans, and one that could be a pullout for cleaning supplies.)

Check area stone yards for countertop remnants. You don’t have a large counter area and might find something interesting that could drive your entire color scheme for your kitchen.

Hmmm...I would be tempted to get knew IKEA cabinets (and maybe even do a butcher block counter--although that wouldn't work with an undermount sink) that way you could remove the dishwasher (unless you really need it?) and then move your stove and fridge over to fit in the space (and frame your fridge in). It wouldn't be that many cabinets -- so maybe still in budget?

It looks like you have a bar cart next to the kitchenette and a table in the area. Please post photos of all.

Paint the cabinets the same color as the walls. It is a small area that looks choppy with so many different colors and lines of trim running through. Get another white counter you like, or a wood top. Or paint the cabinets the same color as the wood trim.

I think I’d change the hardware to chrome or gold.

I also think I’d match the crown molding to match with the cabinet color. To give it less of a builder grade feel.

New stove…?

Spend the rest on flooring.
What’s the budget?
You can find cheap sheet vinyl in Home Depot or Lowe’s.
You can do a tile
Or a wood look tile
Or lvp… options are endless…

Inspiration

If you're looking into doing an update we think you might look at updating your hardware and the stove first, then if you want to update the countertops and backsplash you could. Those two things seem to be the most important at the time though.

Richmond Beach Remodel · More Info

Richmond Beach Remodel · More Info