How to brighten up this kitchen

[beachmouse]

Thanks.

We got the colors off a Marimekko placemat. I wouldn't have gone with so many serious colors together if I hadn't seen it work there first.

 

[Miss Critter]

Lady D, I implore you to reconsider that white tile. You mentioned that the area gets a good bit of traffic from outside, and believe me, you will be cursing that tile twice a day as you try in vain to keep it clean. I'd suggest either a tile with enough tonal beige patterning in it to hide dirt, or even a slate in blues/greens if replacing the pink countertops, or in greys/beiges if they'll stay for awhile (many outlets have good flooring prices). Go with darker grout, for the same reasons not to install the white tile. And I would go with an oversize tile, either an 18" square or 12" x 18" rectangle, with small 1/16" grout lines. Even a floating laminate floor would look good, unless it abuts the wood floors you mentioned earlier.

I would paint the cabinets a pale creamy beige, and then antique or glaze them. The antiquing hides both dirt and a less than perfect paint job, and looks very French country, if that's a look you like. Also, I agree that you should change the hinges, and buy pulls to match. There are some websites with good prices on pulls. If you're up to it you could tile the backsplash in a creamy 4" square or brick-shaped tile. Then paint the walls in a color that coordinates with your new floors and cabinets.

I saw an ad for a company that covers your existing countertops with what seems to be a granite veneer. No need to pull out the existing tops. I'll try to catch the name next time I see it; maybe they're national.

And yes, replace the flourescent with a chandelier or island light in a coordinating finish.

We've built and remodeled several homes, and it's a lot of work, but very satisfying to get what you really want. I remodeled one kitchen using the antiqued cabinets and slate floors and loved it. Haven't figured out how to post pics from my computer here yet, but I'll try to post on my home page so you can get an idea. For me, it's so hard to imagine without visuals.

Best of luck! Whatever you decide, I'm sure it will be gorgeous.

 

[Lady D]

Lady D, I implore you to reconsider that white tile. You mentioned that the area gets a good bit of traffic from outside, and believe me, you will be cursing that tile twice a day as you try in vain to keep it clean. I'd suggest either a tile with enough tonal beige patterning in it to hide dirt, or even a slate in blues/greens if replacing the pink countertops, or in greys/beiges if they'll stay for awhile (many outlets have good flooring prices). Go with darker grout, for the same reasons not to install the white tile. And I would go with an oversize tile, either an 18" square or 12" x 18" rectangle, with small 1/16" grout lines. Even a floating laminate floor would look good, unless it abuts the wood floors you mentioned earlier.

I would paint the cabinets a pale creamy beige, and then antique or glaze them. The antiquing hides both dirt and a less than perfect paint job, and looks very French country, if that's a look you like. Also, I agree that you should change the hinges, and buy pulls to match. There are some websites with good prices on pulls. If you're up to it you could tile the backsplash in a creamy 4" square or brick-shaped tile. Then paint the walls in a color that coordinates with your new floors and cabinets.

I saw an ad for a company that covers your existing countertops with what seems to be a granite veneer. No need to pull out the existing tops. I'll try to catch the name next time I see it; maybe they're national.

And yes, replace the flourescent with a chandelier or island light in a coordinating finish.

We've built and remodeled several homes, and it's a lot of work, but very satisfying to get what you really want. I remodeled one kitchen using the antiqued cabinets and slate floors and loved it. Haven't figured out how to post pics from my computer here yet, but I'll try to post on my home page so you can get an idea. For me, it's so hard to imagine without visuals.

Best of luck! Whatever you decide, I'm sure it will be gorgeous.

We are now thinking about leaving our cabinets the color they are and just change the countertops and redo the floor and paint the one wall that is not wood. Of course, we will have to replace the sink and want to. We have decided to go with a neutral color for the floor and not white, probably more a cream or beige of some sort. I have located these countertops on Lowes that I like and will go great I think with the cabinets. These fall under the brown and tan category. want to get rid of the green sink. The only choices sink wise are white or stainless I guess.

 

[aggieb]

want to get rid of the green sink. The only choices sink wise are white or stainless I guess.

have you thought of a ceramic or cast iron sink?

 

[Lady D]

have you thought of a ceramic or cast iron sink?

What we have now is I think a type of ceramic sink that is a lighter green, not sure though. This sink is very old and can be kept very clean with some elbow grease. Haven't thought about a cast iron sink. Will have to check into those.

 

[aggieb]

What we have now is I think a type of ceramic sink that is a lighter green, not sure though. This sink is very old and can be kept very clean with some elbow grease. Haven't thought about a cast iron sink. Will have to check into those.

sad to say, but i'm not sure what type of sink we had in our previous house, but i'll definitely find out before we buy another house, everything that i put in the sink would scratch it. it was silver but i don't think it was stainless steel, if it was i'll never have another one. pita.
there are several sink materials to choose from, i would try the most durable.
is it the color of the sink that you mostly dislike, or the sink in general? because i'm thinking, maybe you could paint ceramic, no?

 

[Lady D]

sad to say, but i'm not sure what type of sink we had in our previous house, but i'll definitely find out before we buy another house, everything that i put in the sink would scratch it. it was silver but i don't think it was stainless steel, if it was i'll never have another one. pita.
there are several sink materials to choose from, i would try the most durable.
is it the color of the sink that you mostly dislike, or the sink in general? because i'm thinking, maybe you could paint ceramic, no?

No, I like the sink. It is just old and probably could use replacing. And it is not that difficult to clean.

 

[scooterbug44]

I am a huge fan of Stainless Steel sinks (w/ insulation so they aren't loud). We've got one that is older than me and isn't scratched up.

I'm hell on white sinks w/ red wine, marinades, tomato sauce, etc.

If you do a cast iron sink, make sure you have enough bracing under the cabinet to support its weight.

Even if you keep the cabinets as is, I vote for removing the wood backsplash.

 

[Ocean Lover]

We are now thinking about leaving our cabinets the color they are and just change the countertops and redo the floor and paint the one wall that is not wood. Of course, we will have to replace the sink and want to. We have decided to go with a neutral color for the floor and not white, probably more a cream or beige of some sort. I have located these countertops on Lowes that I like and will go great I think with the cabinets. These fall under the brown and tan category. want to get rid of the green sink. The only choices sink wise are white or stainless I guess.

Lady D, I think it's the cabinets that's making the room look the most dated. I love TfT's idea of painting them a creamy white.

 

[Miss Critter]

Lady D, I think it's the cabinets that's making the room look the most dated. I love TfT's idea of painting them a creamy white.

IMHO, I have to agree with this assessment. If your goal is an updated look, you'll get alot more bang for your buck by painting the cabinets and changing the floor.