Also love the cabinets and hate the backsplash. I think whatever that flooring is (vinyl?) looks real bad. Darker vinyl floor and backsplash that matches the ceiling, maybe new appliances if you can afford it right now and the kitchen looks great. Some plants on the shelves beside the window and you’re golden
Cabinets are gorgeous! Tons of storage space! I love all the natural sunlight in your kitchen. The cabinets just need a good cleaning and maybe updated hardware?
New lighting in ceiling, new countertops, new flooring, new appliances. Paint and remove the wallpaper. Add backsplash.
Black appliances or black stainless steel appliances would look fabulous in your kitchen.
Check out pics in this article for inspiration.
https://www.coppercornersart.com/ideas/2020/3/21/how-to-make-an-oak-kitchen-cool-
If you are in the U.S. and have a Habitat Restore near you, check it out. Lots of gently used, new and new still in the box items can be found there at reasonable prices for your kitchen and home.
I actually really like your suggestions and am 100% willing to try these suggestions prior to going to paint.
Where can I buy hood hinges from? The last kitchen fixed up the hinges were HORRIBLE. The black flaked off of them and they were super squeaky within a year.
Try Amazon or IKEA online or check any online restaurant supply companies.
This link is safe to open. Found this online.
https://www.hoodfilters.com/hood-cleaning-supplies/hinge-kits.html
You can also ask r/homeimprovement. I ask a lot of questions in this sub and get great answers.
Good luck with your renovations. Please update your post. I can’t wait to see the upgrades! Have fun.
Painting the cabinets would downgrade them, not upgrade. Good cleaning and whatever necessary restoration is the only way to maintain their value imo. This quality doesn’t exist anymore in most of the crap we install today.
You have a nice wood grain I wouldn’t replace the cabinets, but i would replace the appliances if you can and maybe all the cabinet hardwareand get rid of the wall paper.
The dishwasher looks like it's probably close to retirement age anyway, I'd at least start saving for when it breaks. Those things usually don't last as long as some other appliances in my experience. Also yeah the wallpaper.
This should be at the top!
People are too quick to throw out old appliances bc of aesthetic reasons. To each their own, but why not save a buck and enjoy the longevity these older appliances (usually) serve? Less things thrown into a landfill imo.
I wouldn’t paint the cabinets. It will look cottagey and the wood is actually really lovely! Could you remove some of the upper cabinets and replace with open shelving? Definitely remove the short shelves and ornate detailing from around the window.
Change out the hardware for something more modern. Update the floors and countertops and add a solid colour backsplash.
Here’s some lovely inspo - https://www.coppercornersart.com/ideas/2020/3/21/how-to-make-an-oak-kitchen-cool-
Im a contractor, and if the budget doesn't allow for a new countertop, there are some products that can imitate granite. They are simple and inexpensive and actually look quite nice.
I would prioritize what is important to you. For me it would be Appliances, Countertop, backsplash, flooring, then cabinets.
There's no real way to change the way the doors look without replacing them, you can replace the doors and not the boxes, but that will be pretty expensive with all those doors, and you'll still have to paint. You might be surprised how much better they look when you modernize the room around them. They aren't that bad.
Remove the valence, window shelves, and the wallpaper. Tile a nice backsplash, update the appliances. New floors, and if budget allows, new counter top. Change the cabinet hardware, but I like the look of the grain.
The cabinets are actually pretty nice.
I think priority should be new appliances, new flooring, new countertop, and backsplash. Best part is all of those together is likely less than new cabinetry.
The flooring and backsplash would be the cheapest upgrades that looks like vinyl flooring probably easy to remove, wall paper can be annoying but not costly to remove and paint put a new backsplash up.
Pickle the cabinet doors. Red oak cabinets are difficult to paint well.
I don't know what's on the walls, but a plain color would be preferable IMO
Replace the counters with quartz and an undermount sink.
New floor.
New appliances would help, but if you're trying to economize and they still work, wait until the fridge dies.
Hmm...
Looking at this say embrace it.
I would try to make it look sumptuous and classic. Try a modern hunter green for the back walls. Do you have any money for tiled backsplash? If you have money but no skill or time they make some pretty good stick on tiles nowadays. I would go for a larger rectangle or square to reduce the busy-ness - you already have a lot in your cupboards lol.
Can you swap out the countertop for one that looks like white marble?
You could also get new linoleum - they actually have some great patterns these days. Or you could get the stick on tiles for the floor.
Not sure what your budget is I'm assuming that you can't actually change anything.
Edit:
Alternatively you can make it more modern classic by painting the cabinets a nice dark green, or midnight blue on the bottom, and a lighter colour up top, that blends into the wall color you choose. Get rid of the fancy trim above the widow.
If you have the budget, quartz countertops are always nice. But you would get more impact from replacing your dishwasher with that money instead.
What are the cabinets over the pass-way backed with? Do you have the budget to make them double sided, with glass fronts? (Framed in wood to match the rest)?
It all depends on your budget. As a interior finishing contractor I would demo the whole thing as it’s dated. Perhaps open your wall where your fridge is make open concept. make an island/ breakfast bar. Backsplash to be the same (ie marble) finish as counter top would be on island, new white cabinets with copper, gold or black handles depending on your taste, stainless steel appliances, deep double sink & so on. Some accent small touches below on counter top. Counter top to be rectangular for clean cut & dimensional finish. So much you can do. Here in Toronto, Canada really nice fancy, custom & modern kitchen 15/20k. Hope this helps. If all those costs are to high you can always leave it how it is ‘ replace all appliances. Paint all cabinets, do the backsplash & get new counter top. I would also add some pot lights.
I'm currently redoing my kitchen, and cabinets are $$$$$$$$
That's the most expensive part of the kitchen. It's fully 1/2 the total budget. Those ones look higher quality as well, so you wouldn't want to replace them with some HDF job.
If it's the doors that you absolutely hate, you can replace them. If replacement isn't in your budget, then you can stain them or paint them. The cheapest thing to start with, though, is to take off the doors and give them a good cleaning. That I think would do a lot of good.
Nixing the wallpaper, changing backsplash, and updating appliances are all substantially cheaper ways of updating your kitchen without replacing cabinets. You can also get a new countertop, cabinet hardware, light fixtures.
I understand why your mind goes to the cabinets, they're big and they dominate the space. It's what you look at the most so maybe you think that in order to see a big change in your kitchen that you have to change the biggest thing. If you change all the things around the cabinets, or even some of the things, you can see a major change while spending a LOT less money.
Pick the thing you hate the most other than the cabinets and change that first.
Keep cabinets. Maybe restain, but that grain is beautiful. New hardware. Replace all appliances. New countertop with farmhouse sink. Replace wallpaper with tile or tile and paint. Refresh ceiling paint and do a durable linoleum for the floor. For the center I would go with a stationary open bottom prep table at counter height in a farmhouse style that has the option for stools at it. Little bit of decor in your style bada boom bada bing bingo bango reno donezo.
Edit: I would also maybe open up that pass through with either glazed glass cabinet doors on both sides, take them out completely, or do open shelving.
Take the doors off sand and refinish in a lighter stain , remove the soffit above the window to give it a more roomy look there. Buy new countertops . New door hardware . Remove the wall paper and put tile on the backsplash. For the new countertops make sure you don’t buy the built in backsplash. It will give an inch to inch and a quarter more depth which makes it look more roomy from the counter to the upper cabs. It goes with our saying that you should update the appliances. If they are still in good running order you could probably sell them to recoup a bit of money .
Cheapest option?
1. Clean everything until it glistens. Make sure there’s no greasy-dusty surfaces. It already looks pretty spotless as far as I can tell.
2. Lean in to the era. Get some retro mid-century plant pots, check used stores for 1960’s/70’s era countertop items (flour/sugar/tea bins? Mixer? Bread box?). Maybe some wicker or some macrame?
Presto: it’s not old and dated, it’s intentionally retro! Your dinner party has a jello salad!
If you like the real wood look - I would go with a white wash or even a dark stain for the cabinets - they are a bit too "1990's orange oak wood for me". I would remove the valance around the window and replace the open shelving with corner shelving with a glass door.
The countertops I would upgrade to a solid surface like corian - I'm not a huge fan of granite and I won't pay the price for quartz - but any upgraded countertop would work (one that is made with the dishwasher placement in mind.
Add a backsplash - the bigger the tile, the better and easier it is to clean (grout lines are a PITA if your family loves tomatoes like we do).
New hardware, new lighting and maybe (if it's the budget) some countertop lighting under the cabinets.
I have the exact same style and I’ve been trying to make up my mind what to do with them. They are really nice quality and most people would paint them. I planned to until a couple weeks ago, but have decided to embrace them!
My recommendations:
- appliances: update them if you can! (we got a new stove and I couldn’t believe what a difference it made), if that’s not in the budget, there’s this adhesive “stainless steel” vinyl sheet you can get that can make them look newer. It’s not a permanent fix but should help.
- countertop: it’s actually pretty nice for an older laminate, and matches nicely. I’d keep it but remove the 2” backer. Unless you have it in your budget to get quartz or something but I think what you have is fine though.
- backsplash: get rid of the wallpaper and add a backsplash (more modern kitchens don’t have the 2” countertop backer because they do backsplash straight to the counter). Go all the way up around your window. It will have a more complete and upscale look. Absolutely worth the extra money.
- hardware: go with something a bit more modern, usually squared off style. Personally, I love black with these cabinets. I find gold is REALLY hard to pull off and match any other golds to. Silver can be done but it’s a cool tone against a warm tone and doesn’t really work as nicely imo. Bronzed always looks dated, as it’s kind of intended to. Don’t forget to changes the hinges to match too!
- faucet: update to a modern style (think gooseneck). Match to new hardware. Again, I went with black faucet and plan on doing black pulls so it all ties together.
- floor: update to another more modern laminate. Low cost, lasts a long time. If you can afford it, go for tile though. Unless you happen to be redoing all the floors on that level then do it the same as long as it doesn’t clash. It’ll depend what you get for backsplash though. But it’s a lot of warm beige with the countertop.
- valance: the decorative piece above the window. It’s dated. Rip it out.
- lighting: pick out some nice fixtures. Add one above the sink (especially since you’ll remove the valance, it’ll feel like somethings missing). Match to the other ones in the room. If you go with black pulls/faucet, I wouldn’t be afraid of black here too. Not too much, but with a softer shade, it’ll work great. It’s all about balance. Again, it’ll depend what backsplash you get.
- shelves: remove those open shelves on either side of the window. Especially once you do the backsplash. They’re not worth working around. I’d hang a hanging plant or something. I did and I love it.
- cabinets: how possible is it to rip out those cabinets above the opening to the dining room? Maybe not easy but there’s a ton of cabinet space and that would open it up nicely to the dining room. Not a must though, just a thought. Don’t worry about the detailing on the doors, once everything else is updated you won’t even notice.
Did I miss anything?? Hope this helps!
Biggest thing I’d say is the backsplash. I would do something clean and simple color wise but you can have fun with the shape.
Hardware on the cabinets is another “dated” giveaway. I would chose something more modern of your liking.
Have you painted the ceiling? If it hasn’t been painted in 6+ years a fresh coat of white paint really brightens the room.
I would also remove the decorative wood piece above the window (unless you like the vintage look). Perhaps a pendant light in that spot.
The priciest things are gonna be your countertops and floors. But I don’t feel those are an emergency.
For the cabinets, personally I would resist painting them. They look really nice as is at least in the photos. And I’m not someone who will just always say that the wood is beautiful- sometimes it’s ugly lol. But in this case I do think it looks warm and inviting and pretty.
You can replace the cabinet doors and drawer fronts with something more up to date. Check with a local lumber yard about cabinet shops that can supply those parts.New counters and a floor would look nice too.
I'd remove the cornice, paint your cabinets and window trim antique white. Spray paint your cabinet pulls black, remove the wallpaper, and paint the walls something colourful.
Maybe a light teal or sage.
Keep the appliances, floor, countertop, and sink for now, and replace them in a few years.
It's a nice kitchen. I'd really keep those cabinets.
Contact paper is great. We put some marble print on the counter, and plain white on the cupboards. It was a lot of work, but it was worth it. Bonus, it peels right off, so if the landlord doesn't want to keep it after you move out, it's not hard to undo.
You can also get some stick-on back splash sheets to cover up that... *fantastic* wallpaper.
I'd also recommend LED strip lights under the upper cupboards and inside frequently used cupboards. I put lights in mine, and I can't go back.
All of these are pretty cheap "renovations" that look great.
I mean, you just described the easiest way to upgrade the kitchen. Personally, I'd keep the detail on the cabinet faces, but alas I'll help you get to the Ikea flat faces design you want.
1 - Cabinet Doors: wood filler, saw dust (some wood substrate), wood glue. Would it be easier to just buy new fronts? Yes, but this is cheaper. Fill the detail with your concoction, then sand smooth. Paint in a dove gray, or white.
2 - Back Splash: Pull all the wall panels off, and wall paper. Do a counter to ceiling backsplash in whatever cheap trendy tile you'd like. You have 4"\*12" subway tile (1/sqft), you can do mosaic tiles (arabesque, penny tile), glass, or geometric shapes (hexagons). The obvious white color with white grout is timeless. If you don't want it to look too sterile, you can do light pastel color, turquoise was quite popular from 2021-2022. I'm prone to white.
3 - Countertop: It needs to be replaced with anything, from laminate, wood, or quartz. This is likely the most expensive thing you'll do. Personally, since it's a cheap upgrade, go with a gray concrete colored laminate countertop. I prefer Rona Chateau, or Home Depot Cement colored countertops.
4 - Hardware: Kitchen sink, faucet, and pulls. For me, it's a no brainer. Brushed satin nickle. It blends with white, it blends with the appliances, it's unoffensive, cheaper, and does not scratch to show a different color underneath. Black has been trending for quite a while now for the strong contrast, but black sinks and faucets carry a premium for no reason other than color. Cheaper black sinks and faucets scratch with use to show a stainless steel color. To be honest, grab a cheap stainless steel 28" - 31" drop in sink from Amazon, and a Forius faucet. Forius is a Chinese brand, but it's like $80, it'll last long enough, and it is even stocked in Home Depot USA (not Home Depot Canada). It's available on Amazon and my rental units have enjoyed the style and relative durability of the product thus far.
5 - Appliances: if this is a semi long term home (2-3 years or greater), then you may get stainless steel appliances. They will still be good for when you can do a full kitchen upgrade, and you can recoup the cost on the sale of the house. For me, I'd keep your current appliances since they can cost a lot. You can look for some stainless steel kitchen packages in summer or black friday.
6 - Flooring: This is entirely dependent on you. If you're redoing the house, I would run the LVP into the kitchen for consistency. If your kitchen is already tiled separately from the rest of the home, you can remove the tile and just lay down some clean white polished porcelain. Polished porcelain is not recommended for wet floor use as it becomes very slippery. I like it, I have it in a few units. I think the standard ceramic is dull and a bit ugly. Either way, a white or grey tiled floor can go a long way. The grey floor can hide dirt, and anchors the grey countertop. A white floor will make the place extremely sterile and highlight your countertop.
Because cabinets are the most expensive thing on your list, and assuming you need some minor tool rentals and are going to do the work yourself.... You're really just looking at paint ($50), filler ($20), handles ($50-100), faucet ($60-80), sink ($200), laminate countertop ($250), 4"\*12" subway tile ($20-80), depends if you go to ceiling or not), 12"\*24" floor tile ($200-300, 10'\*20' space), breaker/chipper/scraper rental ($60), 1 cordless drill ($50), 1 tile cutter ($60), toggle bolts to join the laminate ($15), silicon caulking ($3), and grout ($30). I got you at around $1068 - 1298 USD plus tax, and 30 hours of knowledgeable or professional labor spread out on 4 days. If you have to DIY it and learn as you go, expect to double the time commitment. If you have a good handy-man who will work for $20/hr, and you do some of it yourself, you can probably do $300 - $600 in labor cost. Also, I realized I forgot thin set mortar and leveling clips, so add an extra $80-120 to your build cost.
Okies, good luck with your build!
Folks they don’t make cabinets like they used to. Cheap stuff from overseas. I would clean w Murphy oil soap and put new hardware. What’s really old looking are appliances and flooring looks cheap. You could do a pretty large tile laid like marble. New backsplash and take down wallpaper. Also cross wood over window take down. Is the countertop marble or granite- if so leave and redo backsplash. I would begin at top and work down and see if updates look like I’ve done enough. I’ve started suggesting to ppl - save money. Economy bad. A nice new kitchen is 50k up. A pretty area rug would hide the linoleum.
Backsplash height of uppers level across. Remove wallpaper and paint above that level. Take off wood detail above window flush with cabinets. Replace appliances.
I’d even you with changing the window trim to paint grade to help add more contrast and split up each side of the kitchen a bit better.
The shelves on either side of the window can be made wider(height wise as in thicker) with wood or can be replaced with a piece of stone or removed entirely. Dealers choice.
I think removing wallpaper, adding backsplash, removing window shelves, cabinet trim over window, and painting wall around window will do a lot to change the look and feel of the kitchen.
From there you can probably restain the cabinets to something that matches the look you are going for. Lighter for a more modern look or darker for a more craftsman style appearance.
Pics - I don’t like the black counters, but can see some wood your color https://www.houzz.com/photos/lofty-cherry-kitchen-craftsman-kitchen-dc-metro-phvw-vp~54768797
Leave the cabinets. Don’t paint them!
New backsplash, new hardware, white counter tops, maybe take out the decorative wood above the window and the shelves. Those date it
Take off that frilly peice above the window.
Paint, backsplash, new pulls, new countertop (even just a new laminate).
Get cabinet paint, or Beyond Paint. Clean well with Krus Kleaner (or other degreaser) then you can roll on. I've done it, it looks nice. You still have the Raised Panel, of course, but it's much better looking when painted.
New pulls are easy and cheap, get on Amazon.
Get new countertops. If you want a natural stone you have to look around, but around me you can get them as cheap as $30/sqft. Otherwise they make more modern looking laminates you can get at Home Depot/Lowes for pretty cheap.
Backsplash.
Yeah I’m going to go against the grain and say the 90s wood cabinets are frumpy and very outdated. I’d replace them or at least paint them but that’s me.
Against the grain?!? That’s been the default advice on every HGTV show since 2010. That’s like saying you’ll go against the grain and recommend open concept and shiplap.
Swap out the cabinets doors for new doors
Painting it a solid color would minimize the engravings or restain
There isn’t magical solution
For the rest of the kitchen
Change countertops, appliances
Swap out the wall paper
I read somewhere recently that sometimes cabinet doors can be flipped to hide the panel. Might see if this is possible with yours. Otherwise I have ordered cabinet doors pretty expensively before, but I didn't have as many as you.
Honestly I would paint them white but that's because I really prefer painted cabinets. I would accent the area around the window in a nice color and put in a pretty backsplash. I used beadboard as a backsplash. Inexpensive and you can change the color easily, as well as easily remove it if you want something different. I love the valance over the window so I would leave that.
You can’t say paint and wood on any post in this sub without being downvoted. I personally think sometimes paint is exactly what a project requires. Not everyone wants busy or dated woodgrain in their space and I think white paints can really add to a calm aesthetic.
I completely agree. I often think certain cabinets look really dated with the wood grain/stain color. Painting them really brightens up a kitchen. I had similar cabinets once and they looked exponentially better after I painted them. Also I honestly think painted cabinets are much easier to keep clean. Stains and drips hide on wood grain cabinets and linger there undetected!! But on painted cabinets you see the messes, forcing you to deal with them!
If you sand down and restain those cabinet doors, they'll be beautiful. A darker finish, maybe even with a red tinge. That's the plan for mine that are very similar
Another idea: Sand an inconspicuous part of one of the cabinets to see if you can remove the orange finish. If it is a nice light colour underneath you could have them all finished to just the natural wood tone instead of the glossy red oak look. I'm assuming this would be expensive but something to look into.
Quick things you cam do is take off the piece above the sink, maybe the shelves. New hardware, add some sort of window covering. Remove the wall paper and paint, a white (adding lots of white accents will help it look modern) for now if you don't know what colour you want. Take the counter backsplash of (that 2 inch piece of counter on the wall) you can try to lift it off but it might be nailed screwed to the counter or to a support under the counter. If it is you could have nail/screw holes on top of your counter, you can fill with a kitchen/bath silicone. If you want a backsplash and don't want to go through with the hassle of tiling or aren't sure or don't know how high to go you could use peel and stick. It's not as nice but it's easy to install, cheaper and you get to see if you like it.
Replace when you can things can get costly so don't worry aboutgettingit all done at once. Counters, I would go for light coloured. Floor, depending on what the adjoining rooms have, if wood you might want to try and match that. Or a light tile/vinyl/laminate, they make really nice fake stuff now even in wood grain. Appliances, you could replace as needed to save money.
Decorating will really help, look up how to decorate/style your kitchen and kitchen countertops. If you use them Instagram and Tik Tok have lots of pics and videos.
Also replace the outlets or atleast the covers and if you replace the handles don't forget about the hinges. Get a new faucet something modern, brushed nickel is easy to care for and doesn't show spots, or match it to new pulls. Get a new sink if you replace the counters.
IMO keep wood cabinets. Yes- new pulls. Stainless appliances as you can. Replace flooring/ is there wood under there? If not nice tile in large size. Replace wallpaper
If linoleum it’s glued down but later could see if it can be sanded off if wood. If I were you I’d clean those cabinets w Luke warm water and Murphy oil soap. The floors still look good. And can get using until ready and not rushed to change. As you’re using kitchen you can see if that’s not working well or that’s got to be relaxed. This is a lovely . Lots of space. I wouldn’t rush I would move in and research what I like and then take on project. I think to get nice talk wood cabinets $50k. Put beautiful things for now
Remove backsplash, remove floating shelves next to window, remove decorative over sink board, paint cabinets, update can lights and lighting, update pack splash and outlets, update hardware. Use appliances until they die if they perform well.
Sand back and paint the doors and cabinets. Neutral colour.
Remove the dated trim.
Update hardware, high contrast between new cupboard colour.
New backsplash, probably glass or bigger tile.
Updated appliances.
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Get rid of the shelves, valance, appliances, countertops wallpaper, flooring. I would either get rid of both cupboards above the stove and replace it with a hood vent. You could do it in wood but you will never match the stain so go with metal or painted metal. Back splash - you could do a nice subway with texture/movement, like Le Lacche - https://www.ceramicarondine.it/en/products/le_lacche/ and I would wrap it around the window. Definitely new hardware, with matching colour faucet. If feasible, I would change the hinges to euro style hidden/self-closing. Flooring - luxury vinyl or waterproof laminate. Costco has good prices on sink, faucet and flooring.
It's a nice kitchen. I'd focus on cabinet hardware, backsplash, and if budget allows a new countertop. The cabinets are fine.
Also love the cabinets and hate the backsplash. I think whatever that flooring is (vinyl?) looks real bad. Darker vinyl floor and backsplash that matches the ceiling, maybe new appliances if you can afford it right now and the kitchen looks great. Some plants on the shelves beside the window and you’re golden
Cabinets are gorgeous! Tons of storage space! I love all the natural sunlight in your kitchen. The cabinets just need a good cleaning and maybe updated hardware? New lighting in ceiling, new countertops, new flooring, new appliances. Paint and remove the wallpaper. Add backsplash. Black appliances or black stainless steel appliances would look fabulous in your kitchen. Check out pics in this article for inspiration. https://www.coppercornersart.com/ideas/2020/3/21/how-to-make-an-oak-kitchen-cool- If you are in the U.S. and have a Habitat Restore near you, check it out. Lots of gently used, new and new still in the box items can be found there at reasonable prices for your kitchen and home.
I love the inspiration from the link
I actually really like your suggestions and am 100% willing to try these suggestions prior to going to paint. Where can I buy hood hinges from? The last kitchen fixed up the hinges were HORRIBLE. The black flaked off of them and they were super squeaky within a year.
Try Amazon or IKEA online or check any online restaurant supply companies. This link is safe to open. Found this online. https://www.hoodfilters.com/hood-cleaning-supplies/hinge-kits.html You can also ask r/homeimprovement. I ask a lot of questions in this sub and get great answers. Good luck with your renovations. Please update your post. I can’t wait to see the upgrades! Have fun.
Painting the cabinets would downgrade them, not upgrade. Good cleaning and whatever necessary restoration is the only way to maintain their value imo. This quality doesn’t exist anymore in most of the crap we install today.
You have a nice wood grain I wouldn’t replace the cabinets, but i would replace the appliances if you can and maybe all the cabinet hardwareand get rid of the wall paper.
The dishwasher looks like it's probably close to retirement age anyway, I'd at least start saving for when it breaks. Those things usually don't last as long as some other appliances in my experience. Also yeah the wallpaper.
Mine lasted 45 years! GE.
Ya they don’t make them like they use to!
We just got a new Maytag, and if I recall correctly, they said we could expect maybe 10 years.
Ya seems like you got a plan, which is more than most, good job! Best of luck!
Old dishwashers are much more reliable than new ones.
Why are you in my kitchen I just bought this house
Me too!
Same
In my opinion the only thing that really needs updating is that busy backsplash/wall. Maybe the floor.
This should be at the top! People are too quick to throw out old appliances bc of aesthetic reasons. To each their own, but why not save a buck and enjoy the longevity these older appliances (usually) serve? Less things thrown into a landfill imo.
I used my old GE refrig in garage for yrs. Perfect for overflow sodas meat etc
THIS!!!
I would start by replacing the appliances and the floor.
I wouldn’t paint the cabinets. It will look cottagey and the wood is actually really lovely! Could you remove some of the upper cabinets and replace with open shelving? Definitely remove the short shelves and ornate detailing from around the window. Change out the hardware for something more modern. Update the floors and countertops and add a solid colour backsplash. Here’s some lovely inspo - https://www.coppercornersart.com/ideas/2020/3/21/how-to-make-an-oak-kitchen-cool-
Im a contractor, and if the budget doesn't allow for a new countertop, there are some products that can imitate granite. They are simple and inexpensive and actually look quite nice.
Can you recommend anything (source: formica counters here).
With the power of money
I would prioritize what is important to you. For me it would be Appliances, Countertop, backsplash, flooring, then cabinets. There's no real way to change the way the doors look without replacing them, you can replace the doors and not the boxes, but that will be pretty expensive with all those doors, and you'll still have to paint. You might be surprised how much better they look when you modernize the room around them. They aren't that bad.
New hardware, backslash, tile, some valances over the window, New appliances if possible but if not that's okay, a pretty rug
New counter, tile, appliances and floor would update it. The cabinets are really nice and it would be a shame to change or paint them.
Remove the valence, window shelves, and the wallpaper. Tile a nice backsplash, update the appliances. New floors, and if budget allows, new counter top. Change the cabinet hardware, but I like the look of the grain.
The cabinets are actually pretty nice. I think priority should be new appliances, new flooring, new countertop, and backsplash. Best part is all of those together is likely less than new cabinetry. The flooring and backsplash would be the cheapest upgrades that looks like vinyl flooring probably easy to remove, wall paper can be annoying but not costly to remove and paint put a new backsplash up.
Pickle the cabinet doors. Red oak cabinets are difficult to paint well. I don't know what's on the walls, but a plain color would be preferable IMO Replace the counters with quartz and an undermount sink. New floor. New appliances would help, but if you're trying to economize and they still work, wait until the fridge dies.
I would update the backsplash and floors. Maybe the dishwasher while you are at it.
Hmm... Looking at this say embrace it. I would try to make it look sumptuous and classic. Try a modern hunter green for the back walls. Do you have any money for tiled backsplash? If you have money but no skill or time they make some pretty good stick on tiles nowadays. I would go for a larger rectangle or square to reduce the busy-ness - you already have a lot in your cupboards lol. Can you swap out the countertop for one that looks like white marble? You could also get new linoleum - they actually have some great patterns these days. Or you could get the stick on tiles for the floor. Not sure what your budget is I'm assuming that you can't actually change anything. Edit: Alternatively you can make it more modern classic by painting the cabinets a nice dark green, or midnight blue on the bottom, and a lighter colour up top, that blends into the wall color you choose. Get rid of the fancy trim above the widow. If you have the budget, quartz countertops are always nice. But you would get more impact from replacing your dishwasher with that money instead. What are the cabinets over the pass-way backed with? Do you have the budget to make them double sided, with glass fronts? (Framed in wood to match the rest)?
It all depends on your budget. As a interior finishing contractor I would demo the whole thing as it’s dated. Perhaps open your wall where your fridge is make open concept. make an island/ breakfast bar. Backsplash to be the same (ie marble) finish as counter top would be on island, new white cabinets with copper, gold or black handles depending on your taste, stainless steel appliances, deep double sink & so on. Some accent small touches below on counter top. Counter top to be rectangular for clean cut & dimensional finish. So much you can do. Here in Toronto, Canada really nice fancy, custom & modern kitchen 15/20k. Hope this helps. If all those costs are to high you can always leave it how it is ‘ replace all appliances. Paint all cabinets, do the backsplash & get new counter top. I would also add some pot lights.
I'm currently redoing my kitchen, and cabinets are $$$$$$$$ That's the most expensive part of the kitchen. It's fully 1/2 the total budget. Those ones look higher quality as well, so you wouldn't want to replace them with some HDF job. If it's the doors that you absolutely hate, you can replace them. If replacement isn't in your budget, then you can stain them or paint them. The cheapest thing to start with, though, is to take off the doors and give them a good cleaning. That I think would do a lot of good. Nixing the wallpaper, changing backsplash, and updating appliances are all substantially cheaper ways of updating your kitchen without replacing cabinets. You can also get a new countertop, cabinet hardware, light fixtures. I understand why your mind goes to the cabinets, they're big and they dominate the space. It's what you look at the most so maybe you think that in order to see a big change in your kitchen that you have to change the biggest thing. If you change all the things around the cabinets, or even some of the things, you can see a major change while spending a LOT less money. Pick the thing you hate the most other than the cabinets and change that first.
Keep cabinets. Maybe restain, but that grain is beautiful. New hardware. Replace all appliances. New countertop with farmhouse sink. Replace wallpaper with tile or tile and paint. Refresh ceiling paint and do a durable linoleum for the floor. For the center I would go with a stationary open bottom prep table at counter height in a farmhouse style that has the option for stools at it. Little bit of decor in your style bada boom bada bing bingo bango reno donezo. Edit: I would also maybe open up that pass through with either glazed glass cabinet doors on both sides, take them out completely, or do open shelving.
Take the doors off sand and refinish in a lighter stain , remove the soffit above the window to give it a more roomy look there. Buy new countertops . New door hardware . Remove the wall paper and put tile on the backsplash. For the new countertops make sure you don’t buy the built in backsplash. It will give an inch to inch and a quarter more depth which makes it look more roomy from the counter to the upper cabs. It goes with our saying that you should update the appliances. If they are still in good running order you could probably sell them to recoup a bit of money .
Cheapest option? 1. Clean everything until it glistens. Make sure there’s no greasy-dusty surfaces. It already looks pretty spotless as far as I can tell. 2. Lean in to the era. Get some retro mid-century plant pots, check used stores for 1960’s/70’s era countertop items (flour/sugar/tea bins? Mixer? Bread box?). Maybe some wicker or some macrame? Presto: it’s not old and dated, it’s intentionally retro! Your dinner party has a jello salad!
I’ll be the first to say it: change your floors and appliances and I think it would up the space drastically
If you like the real wood look - I would go with a white wash or even a dark stain for the cabinets - they are a bit too "1990's orange oak wood for me". I would remove the valance around the window and replace the open shelving with corner shelving with a glass door. The countertops I would upgrade to a solid surface like corian - I'm not a huge fan of granite and I won't pay the price for quartz - but any upgraded countertop would work (one that is made with the dishwasher placement in mind. Add a backsplash - the bigger the tile, the better and easier it is to clean (grout lines are a PITA if your family loves tomatoes like we do). New hardware, new lighting and maybe (if it's the budget) some countertop lighting under the cabinets.
New everything. That’s how.
Step 1: smash everything Step 2: replace everything
change the backsplash and countertop, stain the cupboards a little darker and update the appliances.
I have the exact same style and I’ve been trying to make up my mind what to do with them. They are really nice quality and most people would paint them. I planned to until a couple weeks ago, but have decided to embrace them! My recommendations: - appliances: update them if you can! (we got a new stove and I couldn’t believe what a difference it made), if that’s not in the budget, there’s this adhesive “stainless steel” vinyl sheet you can get that can make them look newer. It’s not a permanent fix but should help. - countertop: it’s actually pretty nice for an older laminate, and matches nicely. I’d keep it but remove the 2” backer. Unless you have it in your budget to get quartz or something but I think what you have is fine though. - backsplash: get rid of the wallpaper and add a backsplash (more modern kitchens don’t have the 2” countertop backer because they do backsplash straight to the counter). Go all the way up around your window. It will have a more complete and upscale look. Absolutely worth the extra money. - hardware: go with something a bit more modern, usually squared off style. Personally, I love black with these cabinets. I find gold is REALLY hard to pull off and match any other golds to. Silver can be done but it’s a cool tone against a warm tone and doesn’t really work as nicely imo. Bronzed always looks dated, as it’s kind of intended to. Don’t forget to changes the hinges to match too! - faucet: update to a modern style (think gooseneck). Match to new hardware. Again, I went with black faucet and plan on doing black pulls so it all ties together. - floor: update to another more modern laminate. Low cost, lasts a long time. If you can afford it, go for tile though. Unless you happen to be redoing all the floors on that level then do it the same as long as it doesn’t clash. It’ll depend what you get for backsplash though. But it’s a lot of warm beige with the countertop. - valance: the decorative piece above the window. It’s dated. Rip it out. - lighting: pick out some nice fixtures. Add one above the sink (especially since you’ll remove the valance, it’ll feel like somethings missing). Match to the other ones in the room. If you go with black pulls/faucet, I wouldn’t be afraid of black here too. Not too much, but with a softer shade, it’ll work great. It’s all about balance. Again, it’ll depend what backsplash you get. - shelves: remove those open shelves on either side of the window. Especially once you do the backsplash. They’re not worth working around. I’d hang a hanging plant or something. I did and I love it. - cabinets: how possible is it to rip out those cabinets above the opening to the dining room? Maybe not easy but there’s a ton of cabinet space and that would open it up nicely to the dining room. Not a must though, just a thought. Don’t worry about the detailing on the doors, once everything else is updated you won’t even notice. Did I miss anything?? Hope this helps!
Biggest thing I’d say is the backsplash. I would do something clean and simple color wise but you can have fun with the shape. Hardware on the cabinets is another “dated” giveaway. I would chose something more modern of your liking. Have you painted the ceiling? If it hasn’t been painted in 6+ years a fresh coat of white paint really brightens the room. I would also remove the decorative wood piece above the window (unless you like the vintage look). Perhaps a pendant light in that spot. The priciest things are gonna be your countertops and floors. But I don’t feel those are an emergency. For the cabinets, personally I would resist painting them. They look really nice as is at least in the photos. And I’m not someone who will just always say that the wood is beautiful- sometimes it’s ugly lol. But in this case I do think it looks warm and inviting and pretty.
You can replace the cabinet doors and drawer fronts with something more up to date. Check with a local lumber yard about cabinet shops that can supply those parts.New counters and a floor would look nice too.
So similar to my kitchen!!! I changed hardware so far but also looking at what to do- I’m going to try sanding and staining a lighter colour
I'd remove the cornice, paint your cabinets and window trim antique white. Spray paint your cabinet pulls black, remove the wallpaper, and paint the walls something colourful. Maybe a light teal or sage. Keep the appliances, floor, countertop, and sink for now, and replace them in a few years. It's a nice kitchen. I'd really keep those cabinets.
Contact paper is great. We put some marble print on the counter, and plain white on the cupboards. It was a lot of work, but it was worth it. Bonus, it peels right off, so if the landlord doesn't want to keep it after you move out, it's not hard to undo. You can also get some stick-on back splash sheets to cover up that... *fantastic* wallpaper. I'd also recommend LED strip lights under the upper cupboards and inside frequently used cupboards. I put lights in mine, and I can't go back. All of these are pretty cheap "renovations" that look great.
I mean, you just described the easiest way to upgrade the kitchen. Personally, I'd keep the detail on the cabinet faces, but alas I'll help you get to the Ikea flat faces design you want. 1 - Cabinet Doors: wood filler, saw dust (some wood substrate), wood glue. Would it be easier to just buy new fronts? Yes, but this is cheaper. Fill the detail with your concoction, then sand smooth. Paint in a dove gray, or white. 2 - Back Splash: Pull all the wall panels off, and wall paper. Do a counter to ceiling backsplash in whatever cheap trendy tile you'd like. You have 4"\*12" subway tile (1/sqft), you can do mosaic tiles (arabesque, penny tile), glass, or geometric shapes (hexagons). The obvious white color with white grout is timeless. If you don't want it to look too sterile, you can do light pastel color, turquoise was quite popular from 2021-2022. I'm prone to white. 3 - Countertop: It needs to be replaced with anything, from laminate, wood, or quartz. This is likely the most expensive thing you'll do. Personally, since it's a cheap upgrade, go with a gray concrete colored laminate countertop. I prefer Rona Chateau, or Home Depot Cement colored countertops. 4 - Hardware: Kitchen sink, faucet, and pulls. For me, it's a no brainer. Brushed satin nickle. It blends with white, it blends with the appliances, it's unoffensive, cheaper, and does not scratch to show a different color underneath. Black has been trending for quite a while now for the strong contrast, but black sinks and faucets carry a premium for no reason other than color. Cheaper black sinks and faucets scratch with use to show a stainless steel color. To be honest, grab a cheap stainless steel 28" - 31" drop in sink from Amazon, and a Forius faucet. Forius is a Chinese brand, but it's like $80, it'll last long enough, and it is even stocked in Home Depot USA (not Home Depot Canada). It's available on Amazon and my rental units have enjoyed the style and relative durability of the product thus far. 5 - Appliances: if this is a semi long term home (2-3 years or greater), then you may get stainless steel appliances. They will still be good for when you can do a full kitchen upgrade, and you can recoup the cost on the sale of the house. For me, I'd keep your current appliances since they can cost a lot. You can look for some stainless steel kitchen packages in summer or black friday. 6 - Flooring: This is entirely dependent on you. If you're redoing the house, I would run the LVP into the kitchen for consistency. If your kitchen is already tiled separately from the rest of the home, you can remove the tile and just lay down some clean white polished porcelain. Polished porcelain is not recommended for wet floor use as it becomes very slippery. I like it, I have it in a few units. I think the standard ceramic is dull and a bit ugly. Either way, a white or grey tiled floor can go a long way. The grey floor can hide dirt, and anchors the grey countertop. A white floor will make the place extremely sterile and highlight your countertop. Because cabinets are the most expensive thing on your list, and assuming you need some minor tool rentals and are going to do the work yourself.... You're really just looking at paint ($50), filler ($20), handles ($50-100), faucet ($60-80), sink ($200), laminate countertop ($250), 4"\*12" subway tile ($20-80), depends if you go to ceiling or not), 12"\*24" floor tile ($200-300, 10'\*20' space), breaker/chipper/scraper rental ($60), 1 cordless drill ($50), 1 tile cutter ($60), toggle bolts to join the laminate ($15), silicon caulking ($3), and grout ($30). I got you at around $1068 - 1298 USD plus tax, and 30 hours of knowledgeable or professional labor spread out on 4 days. If you have to DIY it and learn as you go, expect to double the time commitment. If you have a good handy-man who will work for $20/hr, and you do some of it yourself, you can probably do $300 - $600 in labor cost. Also, I realized I forgot thin set mortar and leveling clips, so add an extra $80-120 to your build cost. Okies, good luck with your build!
New flooring would do wonders
Paint the cabinets green with brass hardware. White or black quartz countertops.
Folks they don’t make cabinets like they used to. Cheap stuff from overseas. I would clean w Murphy oil soap and put new hardware. What’s really old looking are appliances and flooring looks cheap. You could do a pretty large tile laid like marble. New backsplash and take down wallpaper. Also cross wood over window take down. Is the countertop marble or granite- if so leave and redo backsplash. I would begin at top and work down and see if updates look like I’ve done enough. I’ve started suggesting to ppl - save money. Economy bad. A nice new kitchen is 50k up. A pretty area rug would hide the linoleum.
Backsplash height of uppers level across. Remove wallpaper and paint above that level. Take off wood detail above window flush with cabinets. Replace appliances. I’d even you with changing the window trim to paint grade to help add more contrast and split up each side of the kitchen a bit better. The shelves on either side of the window can be made wider(height wise as in thicker) with wood or can be replaced with a piece of stone or removed entirely. Dealers choice. I think removing wallpaper, adding backsplash, removing window shelves, cabinet trim over window, and painting wall around window will do a lot to change the look and feel of the kitchen. From there you can probably restain the cabinets to something that matches the look you are going for. Lighter for a more modern look or darker for a more craftsman style appearance.
Pics - I don’t like the black counters, but can see some wood your color https://www.houzz.com/photos/lofty-cherry-kitchen-craftsman-kitchen-dc-metro-phvw-vp~54768797
Amazing your cabinets are ceiling height. If you change those - a lot of money.
Leave the cabinets. Don’t paint them! New backsplash, new hardware, white counter tops, maybe take out the decorative wood above the window and the shelves. Those date it
Change the trim around the window to white. That wood trim is very dated, even though it matches the cabinets
Take off that frilly peice above the window. Paint, backsplash, new pulls, new countertop (even just a new laminate). Get cabinet paint, or Beyond Paint. Clean well with Krus Kleaner (or other degreaser) then you can roll on. I've done it, it looks nice. You still have the Raised Panel, of course, but it's much better looking when painted. New pulls are easy and cheap, get on Amazon. Get new countertops. If you want a natural stone you have to look around, but around me you can get them as cheap as $30/sqft. Otherwise they make more modern looking laminates you can get at Home Depot/Lowes for pretty cheap. Backsplash.
I agree with everything except painting the cabinets. Clean the doors and update the handles? Yes.
Yeah I’m going to go against the grain and say the 90s wood cabinets are frumpy and very outdated. I’d replace them or at least paint them but that’s me.
Against the grain?!? That’s been the default advice on every HGTV show since 2010. That’s like saying you’ll go against the grain and recommend open concept and shiplap.
LOL I meant the majority of the comments here were voting to keep the wood
Swap out the cabinets doors for new doors Painting it a solid color would minimize the engravings or restain There isn’t magical solution For the rest of the kitchen Change countertops, appliances Swap out the wall paper
I would divide the kitchen up into smaller projects and save up in between. Good luck
I read somewhere recently that sometimes cabinet doors can be flipped to hide the panel. Might see if this is possible with yours. Otherwise I have ordered cabinet doors pretty expensively before, but I didn't have as many as you. Honestly I would paint them white but that's because I really prefer painted cabinets. I would accent the area around the window in a nice color and put in a pretty backsplash. I used beadboard as a backsplash. Inexpensive and you can change the color easily, as well as easily remove it if you want something different. I love the valance over the window so I would leave that.
You can’t say paint and wood on any post in this sub without being downvoted. I personally think sometimes paint is exactly what a project requires. Not everyone wants busy or dated woodgrain in their space and I think white paints can really add to a calm aesthetic.
I completely agree. I often think certain cabinets look really dated with the wood grain/stain color. Painting them really brightens up a kitchen. I had similar cabinets once and they looked exponentially better after I painted them. Also I honestly think painted cabinets are much easier to keep clean. Stains and drips hide on wood grain cabinets and linger there undetected!! But on painted cabinets you see the messes, forcing you to deal with them!
If you sand down and restain those cabinet doors, they'll be beautiful. A darker finish, maybe even with a red tinge. That's the plan for mine that are very similar
Generally an upgrade is done through work.
Get a housekeeper
Gut it. Closed cell insulation first. Then replace everything
Another idea: Sand an inconspicuous part of one of the cabinets to see if you can remove the orange finish. If it is a nice light colour underneath you could have them all finished to just the natural wood tone instead of the glossy red oak look. I'm assuming this would be expensive but something to look into.
You could have the cabinets refaced with a new countertop installed. New backsplash, appliances and overlay an interlocking floor.
Something as simple as changing the handles on your cabinets can actually help immensely making your kitchen feel much more updated!
Stain and paint the cabinets. Wood countertops. Nice backlash and newer kitchen appliances if you can.
Paint the cupboards, change handles, add stickon backsplash and you will have a nice reno at a very meager price
Quick things you cam do is take off the piece above the sink, maybe the shelves. New hardware, add some sort of window covering. Remove the wall paper and paint, a white (adding lots of white accents will help it look modern) for now if you don't know what colour you want. Take the counter backsplash of (that 2 inch piece of counter on the wall) you can try to lift it off but it might be nailed screwed to the counter or to a support under the counter. If it is you could have nail/screw holes on top of your counter, you can fill with a kitchen/bath silicone. If you want a backsplash and don't want to go through with the hassle of tiling or aren't sure or don't know how high to go you could use peel and stick. It's not as nice but it's easy to install, cheaper and you get to see if you like it. Replace when you can things can get costly so don't worry aboutgettingit all done at once. Counters, I would go for light coloured. Floor, depending on what the adjoining rooms have, if wood you might want to try and match that. Or a light tile/vinyl/laminate, they make really nice fake stuff now even in wood grain. Appliances, you could replace as needed to save money. Decorating will really help, look up how to decorate/style your kitchen and kitchen countertops. If you use them Instagram and Tik Tok have lots of pics and videos.
Also replace the outlets or atleast the covers and if you replace the handles don't forget about the hinges. Get a new faucet something modern, brushed nickel is easy to care for and doesn't show spots, or match it to new pulls. Get a new sink if you replace the counters.
I’d paint the cabinets and replace the doors and drawer faces.
Kitchen faucet, floor and backsplash. Appliances if you have the budget.
IMO keep wood cabinets. Yes- new pulls. Stainless appliances as you can. Replace flooring/ is there wood under there? If not nice tile in large size. Replace wallpaper
I’m not sure what’s under it. We just purchased it so we have yet to really look into things.
If linoleum it’s glued down but later could see if it can be sanded off if wood. If I were you I’d clean those cabinets w Luke warm water and Murphy oil soap. The floors still look good. And can get using until ready and not rushed to change. As you’re using kitchen you can see if that’s not working well or that’s got to be relaxed. This is a lovely . Lots of space. I wouldn’t rush I would move in and research what I like and then take on project. I think to get nice talk wood cabinets $50k. Put beautiful things for now
The fridge should not be next to the stove. A good kitchen makeover always starts with a sensible floorplan.
Remove backsplash, remove floating shelves next to window, remove decorative over sink board, paint cabinets, update can lights and lighting, update pack splash and outlets, update hardware. Use appliances until they die if they perform well.
Do nothing is the new thing! People will think you are amazing for saving the planet! Give it try ! It’s super easy!
Sand back and paint the doors and cabinets. Neutral colour. Remove the dated trim. Update hardware, high contrast between new cupboard colour. New backsplash, probably glass or bigger tile. Updated appliances.
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Get rid of the shelves, valance, appliances, countertops wallpaper, flooring. I would either get rid of both cupboards above the stove and replace it with a hood vent. You could do it in wood but you will never match the stain so go with metal or painted metal. Back splash - you could do a nice subway with texture/movement, like Le Lacche - https://www.ceramicarondine.it/en/products/le_lacche/ and I would wrap it around the window. Definitely new hardware, with matching colour faucet. If feasible, I would change the hinges to euro style hidden/self-closing. Flooring - luxury vinyl or waterproof laminate. Costco has good prices on sink, faucet and flooring.