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How do I update this kitchen?

last year

Hi, we’re purchasing a home and we wanted suggestions on how to update the kitchen. It looks very boring being all white, the door knobs dont make sense (the cabinets are original but there was some remodeling done already by the previous owners), the hood looks kind of odd?


What would be the most cost effective way to make the cabinetry more modern while adding a bit more color?


Thanks!


Comments (16)

  • last year

    You could change the hardware if you don't like it, or swap out the hood (which actually looks pretty modern to me).


    If there is not a backsplash, you could add one, which could add color. You could also paint the walls.


    Or you could add colorful accessories. A red Kitchen Aid mixer sitting on the counter would add a lot. Or a colorful tea kettle on the stove, or even a colorful toaster. Even the rug in front of the sink could be more colorful.


    You have been given a clean palette. It's not my personal taste, but there are many here who love the white-on-white look and can give you advice.

  • last year

    What is your budget?

    There are a lot of companies that can re-face your cabinets if you want a more attractive door profile, but you appear to have only one small lower cabinet with drawers. Does that bother you?

    Also, are you stuck with that soffit because there is plumbing and other important things up there, or can you stack cabinetry there?

  • last year

    I would get larger more patterned runner or mats/ add window valance or shade and probably look into changing the backsplash. the cabinetry with the simple raised panel in ALL white is a blank slate but you have some glass doors so I'd play up colorful things and the window is nice and wide .....a valance would be nice. the kitchen has some nice features.

  • last year

    Dishtowels, curtains, rug, bowl of fruit, flowers, plants, colorful appliances and accessories, cookbooks, tablerunner, wood cutting board . . . you get the idea. Enjoy your new kitchen!

  • PRO
    last year
    last modified: last year

    You have several options depending on your style and taste. I'm giving you one to warm-up the space with natural fibre items (pendants, woven shade, mat), bringing in wood in the counter stools and accessories, pottery, plants & fresh flowers, etc. You can replace your knobs and pulls with brass along with the faucet.



    Kato Avicenna thanked lisedv
  • last year

    Oh my god, thank you for putting in this effort; that looks quite nice actually and suddenly it doesntly look so oppressively white!

  • last year

    Would the cabinets have to be reconstructed or refaced to get them looking like youve suggested in your edit? Or can one just but new doors from homedepot and DIY the handles? sorry totally new to all this!

  • last year

    Eam44, hmm there being only one drawer cabinet, that indeed could be an issue. Previously in our home we had broader drawer cabinets that worked well for us. Didn’t think about this before and probably would only understand how well it works out for us after we move in.


    Sorry i also don’t know what a soffit is. Are you somehow referring to the hood? I actually would love that hood to be hidden with nice cabinetry but maybe I would hate it when I actually see it done.


    How expensive is refacing?

  • last year

    kempek01 and lisedv correct. Switch out thing like hardware. Looks stark but by adding wood/brown elements that functional bring in warmth. Blinds, wood chopping board, change hardware. Pop of color decor or items. I leave my robin egg cuisinart mixer, soft green utencil holder and wooden tray holds cooking oil and salt pepper grinders. Paint the walls since they easiest to change than painting cabinets. Plants that handle heat always helps but think about if your sun is killer during Texas summer live and learn. Had plants (cactus and herbs) died from the sun too hot.

  • last year

    You’ll have to get quotes to know for sure, about cabinet refacing. In the process they may be able to replace some of those boxes with drawers. What are your counters made of?

    A soffit is this thing in red, and it’s the reason your glass cabinets look a little off.

    My guess is there was a soffit here made of drywall at one point that the previous owners covered in wood and put crown molding on. In most kitchens you have plumbing, electrical electrical, and hvac in one of those from the floor above. You won’t know till you look which of those can come down and be replaced with cabinets, and which will be replaced with a cabinet front, but getting rid of the soffit will definitely improve the space.


    If you know what your budget is, we can recommend changes you can actually perform. If it’s just paint and a few cabinet doors, that’s fine.

  • last year

    What is the lower face to the right of the range? Is it a pullout or a door?


    It is a nice kitchen. Personally, I’d add color and personality with accessories as discussed already, and live with it awhile, then decide what and how to remodel.


    During that decision process, I’d get a quote for installing pullouts behind the doors (to get the functionality of drawers).


  • last year

    eam44, i see. Actually i know that rhe previous owners just added this soffit for aesthetic purposes. Previously the cabinets simply ended (and there was no plumbing) where the soffits are now.


    We don’t view this as an immediately necessary change so we likely won’t want to spend over 25k, at most 30k.


    There’s also the left wall which has a fridge that is an older style left half freezer design which we find less convenient than the new less deeper and wider refrigerators. That may require more work on the cabinets surrounding the fridge to fit a wider fridge and would be another expense.

  • last year

    John, that’s a good question to which I’ll only get the answer next month when we move in!

  • PRO
    last year

    Kato Avicenna, I didn't change anything on the cabinets in the photo section, I simply showed below white cabinets with brass hardware for the style of hardware. If you plan on replacing all doors, you'll need to go to a kitchen cabinet store in your area to look at their models and have them come in to give you a quote. Doesn't sound like money is a problem so perhaps look into adding additional low cupboards above the existing one to fill in instead of the soffit. They could be glass or simply solid, I have them in my kitchen and they're solid.



  • PRO
    last year

    Hi Kato,


    Congratulations on your new home purchase! To add color and modernize your kitchen in a cost-effective way, consider incorporating a beautiful mosaic backsplash. Here are a few ideas:

    1. Vibrant Backsplash: A custom mosaic backsplash can bring in color and personality. Whether you prefer bold patterns or subtle designs, mosaics can transform the look of your kitchen.
    2. Feature Wall: If you have a particular wall in the kitchen that feels too plain, a mosaic feature wall can add a unique focal point and elevate the overall aesthetic.
    3. Accents: Consider using mosaic accents around your existing backsplash or as borders to add a touch of elegance and charm.

    Our mosaic art is handcrafted and can be customized to match your style and preferences. Feel free to check out our profile for inspiration and ideas.

    Best of luck with your kitchen update!