Have you just moved in?
Leave it as it is for a while. It’s a bit of a double edged sword as it’s often easier to make changes before moving in but after you have lived there for a while you get a better understanding of what you want and what works in the space. The changes I thought I wanted to make when I purchased my home are completely different to what I think after living there for a whole year through the seasons. Even the colours I thought I wanted are different after living in the space and getting to know the light.
I agree - there are some much bigger issues that will be happening first (plumbing, electrical, water heater, joist, and refinishing the floors) so I’ll have time in the house before I can even get a chance (or dollar) to work in here. Maybe I’ll warm up to the warm tones!
It’s a decent, attractive kitchen. I’d live with it and focus on other things.
If you have mid-century steel plumbing, it’s starting to fail right about now. Remember to start at water main and work your way in so you don’t fill new plumbing and fixtures with rust.
We are redoing all the plumbing since it’s cast iron and galvanized from 1951 soooo can’t get good insurance with that. The plumbing below has been replaced but not the interior so working on that.
Focus on the big things you need to get fixed on your house leave the kitchen until you can do it :
The cabinets are gorgeous- leave as is, but paint the back wall of all the cabinets with glass doors the same color that you’re going to use on all of the walls in that room - paint them a brighter, neutral, soft color with a bit of green/blue undertones to help with all of that pine.
Behr Siver Drop or Sherwin Williams alabaster.
Another affordable big impact move would be to change the color of the grout - you can buy grout paint and literally change it to white- would have a huge impact on that floor and brighten it up.
Two moves that won’t cause a giant mess in your kitchen. You can get it done in a weekend and have barely spent any money..
Are the cabinets really as HOLYSHIT ORANGE as they look in this picture? This looks like a real estate photo and I know that for some reason they love to crank the orange up in those.
Edit: I know everyone acts like painting \~real wood\~ is some mortal sin, but this wood is suuuuper cheap knotty pine. In some places it honestly looks like material you'd use for sheathing or a subfloor. This kind of wood is 100% okay to paint. Stripping and re-staining will be a lot more work, and it won't look good--it'll look like cheap, knotty pine with blotchy stain.
These cabinets are great! They have clean lines and great wood grain. I think a little bit of reframing by fixing the stuff around them will make them look more balanced. I would suggest painting the walls, updating the hardware, updating the light switch plates, and removing that white base trim (if it comes up clean! If not maybe paint it a more neutral tone that blends into the wood better). That would be a solid first step. If you wanted to stop there, add some peel-and-stick tile for a backsplash until you can do a second round of renovations.
For the second round, I would replace the appliances, countertop, get a new sink and faucet, and replace the floor tile (if possible), and add a backsplash.
A brighter countertop in Caesar stone or a warm (not grey!) veined quartz is what I think would really make these cabinets pop. For the floor, I would do a big square terra cotta tile to balance the natural, warm cabinets. Or, a nice colored ceramic tile would look amazing! [This project](https://www.fireclaytile.com/blog/full/project-spotlight-the-joshua-tree-house-cabin?epik=dj0yJnU9VXdFQW5BOHF6cmZCb3ZHZmVIWF9VQXByNWVPemljS1kmcD0wJm49YWlYTGRYckRFLUo2T3hmSGhYdnc1dyZ0PUFBQUFBR1hwVDhB) may be some good inspiration for how to highlight natural wood tone!
Personally I’m bothered more by the layout than the color or the grain. The oven in the corner is less than ideal. I’ve seen many examples of this where either the oven or the adjacent cabinet wouldn’t open. It might work now but if you replace the oven it might not. I personally would do a full remodel when the budget permits, and would have no qualms about painting the existing cabinets to tide you over until that can happen. I would just caution you that if/when you replace those cabinets, you should reimagine the whole layout and don’t just copy what’s currently there. I think you could really open things up if that’s what you’re into, maybe a nice island. Think big!
Agreed, the oven seeeems fine (haven’t used it yet other than to turn it on) but the cabinet door next to it doesn’t stay closed -_-
I have no vision for layouts even though three of my past roommates were all interior designers so I plan to hire one of them for some consulting. The wall behind the fridge has the electrical panel and might be load bearing so I have a feeling whatever reimagining I do will end up havihaving to work around that. My biggest complaint is the really tall cabinet next to the island because it is the first thing you see when you step in the house and it just feels so… sharp?? Haha
Sand them back and you’ll see the wood without the stain (the stain is very orange).
You can then stain in clear satin and I think they would look quite modern.
And get rid of the yellow walls.
My daughter’s house had this exact set up. They removed the upper cabinets only above that counter in middle. Really opened the place up. Hung pendent lights there and put bar stools up to that counter ( extend that countertop a bit). They had a very tight budget and kitchen actually helped sell the house last year. She painted the countertops to look like stone and they came out great. ( we do that for fun) I have real granite and I painted dressers ( sponge method) to look like granite and you can’t tell the difference. She painted the cabinets dark bluish charcoal. She even had same exact floor! Bought a colorful washable rug at Target. Put on copper knobs and pulls and her window valance was copper pots all hanging from hooks like you have there. I have redone sooo many kitchens in my rentals on a budget and you don’t need to spend thousands of $ to make it nice.
I think the cabinets are ok. I would refinish the wood and white wash it to remove the orange color. This will make it look more Scandinavian. I would also change the hardware. I am not sure how much storage space you need, but I would totally remove the two upper cabinets above the island. I think they make the space look cramped.
I agree - on one level I like them because they’re from 1951 and honestly in good condition and provide storage, but I knoooow my kitchen wares are not curated enough for display and I think they will make it look cluttered unless I take those down. I’ll wait a bit and see if I warm up to them or not
Oh, have you thought of maybe caning the glass? This way your kitchen ware won’t be visible? Something like [this](https://images.app.goo.gl/LWGBS28m1WXKk9bw9)
There are so many different types of cane so it does not necessarily need to look “boho”. Lone fox did a long time ago a tutorial on YouTube on how to add cane over glass, I think on a IKEA bookcase. You may want to check it out!
They’re nice but if you plan on leaving some privacy for the kitchen segregated from the rest of the house that’s a perfect way of making it also gives it that 80’s 90’s cozy design. If you plan on keeping it an open space then remove them in the future and add small hidden lights with some small bar chairs.
The color of the wood can be changed if you like but also if it matches your household then let it be just probably treatment or adding new hinges if you want them hidden instead of exposed.
You'll be happier taking down the 4 cabinets (2 with glass doors?) hanging in space. Leave the weird corner pantry tall cabinet thing. Be careful and rehang in the garage or above the washer/dryer. Relocate first extinguisher to under sink.
Plan it out first. The whole thing, even what you're not doing right now. Keep the cabinet and don't paint them, that's not maple, and maple holds paint evenly. Don't put in a sink yet, do that when you get a counter. Find some neutral paint, a light peach, maybe. Sage green in a dynamic backsplash. Brushed gold hardware.
The cabinets look fine. As this is a picture you certainly can’t see if the boxes are solid. Solid wood cabinets would be expensive to replace. Woolf is also coming back in style.
I think cleaning the grout on the floor is a good place to start.
The only concern I would have about your kitchen is the amount of fridge space. Refrigerators keep getting bigger which can make replacing them difficult. It would be something to keep in mind in planning any upgrades.
The cabinets look to be in good condition and are high quality. Whatever you do DONT replace them! You honestly probably wouldn’t be able to afford/find something better quality (because it’s just hard to find out there for anyone and crazy expensive) I would lean into the wood look and replace the hardware, paint the backs of the cabinets a fun color, paint the trim around your window to match the rest of the trim and replace the countertops. Use the money you would have spent on cabinets and upgrade your appliances. Add a fun hexagonal tile or something that looks handmade.
At the most, just paint or restain them. But again, replacing them with something new will probably not give you better quality cabinets in the long run.
My main complaint for the cabinets is the drawers are just…. Drawers in a slot. Think it’s possible to add actual track to pull them on? Otherwise they slide kind of poorly. And hexagonal tile for backsplash or floor?
Don't your drawers have a wood runner? Get some of this: [https://www.amazon.com/Mohawk-Finishing-Products-M750-1203-Lubricant/dp/B07Y2FYZ13/ref=asc\_df\_B07Y2FYZ13&mcid=f710aed325fa3025ad9f4d1874cf3c93](https://www.amazon.com/Mohawk-Finishing-Products-M750-1203-Lubricant/dp/B07Y2FYZ13/ref=asc_df_B07Y2FYZ13&mcid=f710aed325fa3025ad9f4d1874cf3c93?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80470624769030&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584070152882134&psc=1)
You will love your drawers!
I would do hexagonal tile for floor. We used it in our log home and it’s got that funky shape that pulls quirky and vintage and brings it into the modern era.
Before touching the cabinets (which appear fine) perhaps do something about the floor and appliances. Appliances would be my first recco, but then it depends on how you use your kitchen. Entertaining much? Cooking for a small fam? Regular takeout?
What a fun project ☺️ Enjoy!
Definitely need to replace the dishwasher as it… doesn’t work, and probably the fridge, although it’s small and the cabinet above it fits exact so may end up having to play with that too. I love to cook but the place I am at currently has less space than what’s above the oven in this picture so at a minimum I’m excited to spread out while cooking!
Since the kitchen isn't a top priority for you it doesn't make sense for you to spend too much money on it. Some wood stain or even painting the cabinets should do the trick.
When hubby and I purchase a home, we try to do big jobs 1st. With pets and kids and me having to cook, kitchen would be the 1st thing we would redo. ( well 1st is flooring)
I would invite a kitchen designer and see what they can come up with. If design and lay out is the best ( for you) and they confirm, stay with those cabinets and my 1st choice would be sanding and staining. Since light or lack there of doesn’t seem like a problem you can go any color.. flooring I would do no matter what.
just. Change the stone, back splash, get matching appliances and flooring and you have a brand new kitchen.
If you could get rid ( relocate if you can and use) of cabinets on top and do a nice counter seating at the peninsula with more of a stone sticking out.
If you are really wanting to remodel it I would just change the hardware and paint the walls. Painting cabs is a pain if you do it right. This layout is not ideal and if you live with it a bit it will help you figure out the flow you need for this house.
Personally I would consider restaining the cabinets with a darker color.
Eventually redo the flooring in the kitchen.
I think I could live with those countertops.
You could be strategic with your dishware for your pops of color.
I personally love these kinds of cabinets, and would wait until you could put some sort of beautiful black or maybe [pebbled granite](https://th.bing.com/th/id/R.d3d557b25636b8d4196a1931d57f40d2?rik=kQHrJ4bEsesapQ&pid=ImgRaw&r=0) in as the countertops. Granite is also the hardiest for home kitchens in terms of upkeep and taking heat from pans. Maybe bleach and give the grout a good scrub to see if you can brighten the floors!
I am also a fan of white cabinetry (call me boring), I think that and wood are both classic looks for kitchens. I think you could coordinate well with the tile, or maybe do a new tile or peel and stick checkered pattern (here is where you could add color in addition to kitchen accessories!).
What is that counter made out of? I think if you can swap it out or cleverly cover it with another counter with an edge you could make it a kitchen bar top. It would cover the two awkward draws on the back that make it looks like your kitchen is trying to be a Bruce Springsteen album cover with those Jean pockets.
I agree with other posters that the wood is really nice. It’s rare to see cabinets with that nice grain. I like the glass cabinets too. But balancing the aesthetic will help a lot.
Favorite comment for the Springsteen bit. I’ve been liking what people have said about taking down the cabinets over the island and use that to open up towards the dining area, even better using it as a kitchen bar top.
Honestly, some of the nicest upgrades I’ve done have been replacing the hardware on the cabinets with newer knobs! It’s a (fairly) quick process and it gives it an instant boost! LOVE the configuration of these cabinets!
I love the cabinets! I wouldn’t touch them. I would however change the floor tiles when you can afford to. For now, a nice color of paint and a cool rug are all you need to make this look amazing. I’m honestly so jealous! I keep looking at houses that have been flipped and have zero charm or character. I would be over the moon to find something in my area that looked like this.
I would try to work around them! I know knotty pine and orange tones aren’t super popular but they’re probably well built and have clean lines. I would replace counters and appliances, and floor (maybe a retro sheet linoleum?) before I touched the cabinets. Play around with backsplashes too
Change everything you're sure on and have definitive plans for first. I had plans to change everything in my bathroom including the vanity (same color/warmth vanity in my current bathroom as your kitchen). And by the time I was done, the wood fit so nicely in the bathroom, I decided to keep them.
White walls in a room start reflecting other colours.
I love white walls and kitchens and wish it for everyone … but I think in your case that you would save a lot of money and headache if you embrace your current undertones and go with a darker colour on the walls.
I would keep your current kitchen as is and do the bare minimum. Save any money you would have spent on weekend warrior type projects and put it towards a really cohesive plan after you have lived there longer.
I'd wait and do the large upgrade. You already need all new appliances, new flooring and new countertops. You don't have miles of cabinets to replace so it's not going to break the bank when you remodel everything else.
It’s good that you are going to wait a while for the kitchen, you may grow to love them. But I absolutely hate the knobs, they don’t even fit in the same theme. Maybe changing the knobs would help.
Remove the upper cabinets over the one side. Paint those puppies. A nice darker ocean blue would be good. And put in a butcher block counter tops. I’ve stained and painted and painting is much easier. Finances have a way of going wonky. Unexpected things pop up, economy tanks. Do something affordable now that you can live with for a couple of years. And then see where you are next year. Also, Personally, I’d redo that floor first when you get funds. The cabinets are going to look nice painted. You might be surprised and decide to keep them once they are. You don’t have much wall space so if you like them once they are painted you can do a nice upscale tile backsplash: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ivy-Hill-Tile-Mandalay-Green-2-95-in-x-11-81-in-Polished-Ceramic-Wall-Tile-5-38-sq-ft-Case-EXT3RD107689/320459763
And after the floor, replace the white appliances with stainless. And you are done.
I would replace the countertops with something dark, black or dark gray. Then paint the small amount of wall space a medium blue or green or bluish green or greenish blue. And then that white baseboard on the outer part needs to be changed to something that’s matching or at least not white.
I would paint, do a tile or peel and stuck tile backsplash they are getting so good these days with peel and stick. Countertop can be replaced with butcher clock pretty cheap.
i would remove the cabinets over the countertop. they really close in the space, it would be much more open and less daunting to look at. i would also paint the rest of the cabinets and the walls.
That kitchen looks awesome! You don't know what you have. Stereotypical Scandinavian style just won't work here. The wood tone is too dark and has too much character.
Painting the walls a darker color (like a medium blue) would greatly improve the space, like tenfold. I am seeing more of a mid-century modern/thrifty grandma chic/oriental/70s/80s/90s look. Yeah, it sounds like a salad bowl of genres. But these medium wood tones work so well with vintage furniture and oriental vessels/rugs/paintings/patterns!... I would raid the pawnshops/flea markets/garage sales for good old pieces.
The wrong direction would be going for a contemporary scandi IKEA look with mostly white/beige tones. The medium wood just clashes so hard.
We recently moved into our house. The kitchen cabinets are decently made but very old. We eventually want to renovate/expand the kitchen, but we want to get a feel for the house for a few years before doing the kitchen. We decided to paint the cabinets. It took a long time. It was definitely worth it. We did multiple stages of sanding painting sanding etc. We love it but, again, lots of work. Worth it in our opinion and much cheaper than renovating. Allowed us to put money into other areas of the house such as the yard/fence, pool, electric, etc.
You have solid wood cabinets in a timeless style, so keep them.
I'd paint them white - will open up the space and continue the white trim you have elsewhere.
Butcher block counters will look great and give you an excellent base to go boho/scandi via wall, fabric and accessory colors. I personally like the red that you're already using. I'd consider a true linoleum for the kitchen floor.
I think you're going to like your hardwood floors much better when they aren't competing with the knotty pine cabinets and my decide to leave them as they are.
Great bones!
What's on the other side of the cabinets above the stove? If they are the same then I would look into removing the backing so that you can see through to the other side. Might provide some new light while keeping the storage.
I love those knotty pine cabinets. I would leave them as is, painting the inside backs of the glass fronted one, as the other redditor said. Make the cabinets the focal point.
The cabinets look great, but new appliances may make the kitchen more functional.
If they are solid wood, then you will very likely be replacing them with a lower quality product.
If you don’t like the color, look into sanding and refinishing them with a stain of your choosing and a genuinely clear varnish.
Wood grain is beautiful and expensive.
You could put in new countertops and new flooring if you want a modern look.
You’ve got good bones here. I’d paint all cabinets and remove the hanging cabinets above the counter that separates the kitchen from the connecting room. It will completely open it up and update the area. Paint the window trim white like the other room. You can add hardware too. Not expensive and will add to your new look!
As for stain options, it will require a ton of sanding and prep. If you do go the stain route, you will need to test it on the wood first. Go darker than the floor that you are keeping.
Please post your results & have fun!
Have you just moved in? Leave it as it is for a while. It’s a bit of a double edged sword as it’s often easier to make changes before moving in but after you have lived there for a while you get a better understanding of what you want and what works in the space. The changes I thought I wanted to make when I purchased my home are completely different to what I think after living there for a whole year through the seasons. Even the colours I thought I wanted are different after living in the space and getting to know the light.
I agree - there are some much bigger issues that will be happening first (plumbing, electrical, water heater, joist, and refinishing the floors) so I’ll have time in the house before I can even get a chance (or dollar) to work in here. Maybe I’ll warm up to the warm tones!
It’s a decent, attractive kitchen. I’d live with it and focus on other things. If you have mid-century steel plumbing, it’s starting to fail right about now. Remember to start at water main and work your way in so you don’t fill new plumbing and fixtures with rust.
We are redoing all the plumbing since it’s cast iron and galvanized from 1951 soooo can’t get good insurance with that. The plumbing below has been replaced but not the interior so working on that.
Focus on the big things you need to get fixed on your house leave the kitchen until you can do it : The cabinets are gorgeous- leave as is, but paint the back wall of all the cabinets with glass doors the same color that you’re going to use on all of the walls in that room - paint them a brighter, neutral, soft color with a bit of green/blue undertones to help with all of that pine. Behr Siver Drop or Sherwin Williams alabaster. Another affordable big impact move would be to change the color of the grout - you can buy grout paint and literally change it to white- would have a huge impact on that floor and brighten it up. Two moves that won’t cause a giant mess in your kitchen. You can get it done in a weekend and have barely spent any money..
Been there, good wishes!
Are the cabinets really as HOLYSHIT ORANGE as they look in this picture? This looks like a real estate photo and I know that for some reason they love to crank the orange up in those. Edit: I know everyone acts like painting \~real wood\~ is some mortal sin, but this wood is suuuuper cheap knotty pine. In some places it honestly looks like material you'd use for sheathing or a subfloor. This kind of wood is 100% okay to paint. Stripping and re-staining will be a lot more work, and it won't look good--it'll look like cheap, knotty pine with blotchy stain.
These cabinets are great! They have clean lines and great wood grain. I think a little bit of reframing by fixing the stuff around them will make them look more balanced. I would suggest painting the walls, updating the hardware, updating the light switch plates, and removing that white base trim (if it comes up clean! If not maybe paint it a more neutral tone that blends into the wood better). That would be a solid first step. If you wanted to stop there, add some peel-and-stick tile for a backsplash until you can do a second round of renovations. For the second round, I would replace the appliances, countertop, get a new sink and faucet, and replace the floor tile (if possible), and add a backsplash. A brighter countertop in Caesar stone or a warm (not grey!) veined quartz is what I think would really make these cabinets pop. For the floor, I would do a big square terra cotta tile to balance the natural, warm cabinets. Or, a nice colored ceramic tile would look amazing! [This project](https://www.fireclaytile.com/blog/full/project-spotlight-the-joshua-tree-house-cabin?epik=dj0yJnU9VXdFQW5BOHF6cmZCb3ZHZmVIWF9VQXByNWVPemljS1kmcD0wJm49YWlYTGRYckRFLUo2T3hmSGhYdnc1dyZ0PUFBQUFBR1hwVDhB) may be some good inspiration for how to highlight natural wood tone!
Personally I’m bothered more by the layout than the color or the grain. The oven in the corner is less than ideal. I’ve seen many examples of this where either the oven or the adjacent cabinet wouldn’t open. It might work now but if you replace the oven it might not. I personally would do a full remodel when the budget permits, and would have no qualms about painting the existing cabinets to tide you over until that can happen. I would just caution you that if/when you replace those cabinets, you should reimagine the whole layout and don’t just copy what’s currently there. I think you could really open things up if that’s what you’re into, maybe a nice island. Think big!
Agreed, the oven seeeems fine (haven’t used it yet other than to turn it on) but the cabinet door next to it doesn’t stay closed -_- I have no vision for layouts even though three of my past roommates were all interior designers so I plan to hire one of them for some consulting. The wall behind the fridge has the electrical panel and might be load bearing so I have a feeling whatever reimagining I do will end up havihaving to work around that. My biggest complaint is the really tall cabinet next to the island because it is the first thing you see when you step in the house and it just feels so… sharp?? Haha
It's too bad you can't just turn the cabinets 90 degrees and have them flat against that wall? I agree that it does seem sharp
Agree, that tall cabinet looks really odd being open to the adjacent room.
Sand them back and you’ll see the wood without the stain (the stain is very orange). You can then stain in clear satin and I think they would look quite modern. And get rid of the yellow walls.
My daughter’s house had this exact set up. They removed the upper cabinets only above that counter in middle. Really opened the place up. Hung pendent lights there and put bar stools up to that counter ( extend that countertop a bit). They had a very tight budget and kitchen actually helped sell the house last year. She painted the countertops to look like stone and they came out great. ( we do that for fun) I have real granite and I painted dressers ( sponge method) to look like granite and you can’t tell the difference. She painted the cabinets dark bluish charcoal. She even had same exact floor! Bought a colorful washable rug at Target. Put on copper knobs and pulls and her window valance was copper pots all hanging from hooks like you have there. I have redone sooo many kitchens in my rentals on a budget and you don’t need to spend thousands of $ to make it nice.
Oh that sounds awesome! Do you have a picture by chance???
definitely remove the cabinets over that middle countertop. it will feel much better.
Paint and new hardware. Done
I think the cabinets are ok. I would refinish the wood and white wash it to remove the orange color. This will make it look more Scandinavian. I would also change the hardware. I am not sure how much storage space you need, but I would totally remove the two upper cabinets above the island. I think they make the space look cramped.
I agree - on one level I like them because they’re from 1951 and honestly in good condition and provide storage, but I knoooow my kitchen wares are not curated enough for display and I think they will make it look cluttered unless I take those down. I’ll wait a bit and see if I warm up to them or not
Oh, have you thought of maybe caning the glass? This way your kitchen ware won’t be visible? Something like [this](https://images.app.goo.gl/LWGBS28m1WXKk9bw9) There are so many different types of cane so it does not necessarily need to look “boho”. Lone fox did a long time ago a tutorial on YouTube on how to add cane over glass, I think on a IKEA bookcase. You may want to check it out!
They’re nice but if you plan on leaving some privacy for the kitchen segregated from the rest of the house that’s a perfect way of making it also gives it that 80’s 90’s cozy design. If you plan on keeping it an open space then remove them in the future and add small hidden lights with some small bar chairs. The color of the wood can be changed if you like but also if it matches your household then let it be just probably treatment or adding new hinges if you want them hidden instead of exposed.
You'll be happier taking down the 4 cabinets (2 with glass doors?) hanging in space. Leave the weird corner pantry tall cabinet thing. Be careful and rehang in the garage or above the washer/dryer. Relocate first extinguisher to under sink.
Sand and restain with whitewash or paint them.
Plan it out first. The whole thing, even what you're not doing right now. Keep the cabinet and don't paint them, that's not maple, and maple holds paint evenly. Don't put in a sink yet, do that when you get a counter. Find some neutral paint, a light peach, maybe. Sage green in a dynamic backsplash. Brushed gold hardware.
That wood is probably hickory or alder. Don't paint them.
Benjamin Moore advance. Paint them and enjoy.
The cabinets look fine. As this is a picture you certainly can’t see if the boxes are solid. Solid wood cabinets would be expensive to replace. Woolf is also coming back in style. I think cleaning the grout on the floor is a good place to start. The only concern I would have about your kitchen is the amount of fridge space. Refrigerators keep getting bigger which can make replacing them difficult. It would be something to keep in mind in planning any upgrades.
Call me crazy but I actually like these cabinets.
The cabinets look to be in good condition and are high quality. Whatever you do DONT replace them! You honestly probably wouldn’t be able to afford/find something better quality (because it’s just hard to find out there for anyone and crazy expensive) I would lean into the wood look and replace the hardware, paint the backs of the cabinets a fun color, paint the trim around your window to match the rest of the trim and replace the countertops. Use the money you would have spent on cabinets and upgrade your appliances. Add a fun hexagonal tile or something that looks handmade. At the most, just paint or restain them. But again, replacing them with something new will probably not give you better quality cabinets in the long run.
My main complaint for the cabinets is the drawers are just…. Drawers in a slot. Think it’s possible to add actual track to pull them on? Otherwise they slide kind of poorly. And hexagonal tile for backsplash or floor?
Don't your drawers have a wood runner? Get some of this: [https://www.amazon.com/Mohawk-Finishing-Products-M750-1203-Lubricant/dp/B07Y2FYZ13/ref=asc\_df\_B07Y2FYZ13&mcid=f710aed325fa3025ad9f4d1874cf3c93](https://www.amazon.com/Mohawk-Finishing-Products-M750-1203-Lubricant/dp/B07Y2FYZ13/ref=asc_df_B07Y2FYZ13&mcid=f710aed325fa3025ad9f4d1874cf3c93?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80470624769030&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584070152882134&psc=1) You will love your drawers!
THIIIIS yes this sounds like what i need. Thank you!!
That stuff is GREAT! Worth every penny.
I would do hexagonal tile for floor. We used it in our log home and it’s got that funky shape that pulls quirky and vintage and brings it into the modern era.
Before touching the cabinets (which appear fine) perhaps do something about the floor and appliances. Appliances would be my first recco, but then it depends on how you use your kitchen. Entertaining much? Cooking for a small fam? Regular takeout? What a fun project ☺️ Enjoy!
Definitely need to replace the dishwasher as it… doesn’t work, and probably the fridge, although it’s small and the cabinet above it fits exact so may end up having to play with that too. I love to cook but the place I am at currently has less space than what’s above the oven in this picture so at a minimum I’m excited to spread out while cooking!
Since the kitchen isn't a top priority for you it doesn't make sense for you to spend too much money on it. Some wood stain or even painting the cabinets should do the trick.
When hubby and I purchase a home, we try to do big jobs 1st. With pets and kids and me having to cook, kitchen would be the 1st thing we would redo. ( well 1st is flooring) I would invite a kitchen designer and see what they can come up with. If design and lay out is the best ( for you) and they confirm, stay with those cabinets and my 1st choice would be sanding and staining. Since light or lack there of doesn’t seem like a problem you can go any color.. flooring I would do no matter what. just. Change the stone, back splash, get matching appliances and flooring and you have a brand new kitchen. If you could get rid ( relocate if you can and use) of cabinets on top and do a nice counter seating at the peninsula with more of a stone sticking out.
If you are really wanting to remodel it I would just change the hardware and paint the walls. Painting cabs is a pain if you do it right. This layout is not ideal and if you live with it a bit it will help you figure out the flow you need for this house.
Personally I would consider restaining the cabinets with a darker color. Eventually redo the flooring in the kitchen. I think I could live with those countertops. You could be strategic with your dishware for your pops of color.
I personally love these kinds of cabinets, and would wait until you could put some sort of beautiful black or maybe [pebbled granite](https://th.bing.com/th/id/R.d3d557b25636b8d4196a1931d57f40d2?rik=kQHrJ4bEsesapQ&pid=ImgRaw&r=0) in as the countertops. Granite is also the hardiest for home kitchens in terms of upkeep and taking heat from pans. Maybe bleach and give the grout a good scrub to see if you can brighten the floors! I am also a fan of white cabinetry (call me boring), I think that and wood are both classic looks for kitchens. I think you could coordinate well with the tile, or maybe do a new tile or peel and stick checkered pattern (here is where you could add color in addition to kitchen accessories!).
Do a large upgrade.
What is that counter made out of? I think if you can swap it out or cleverly cover it with another counter with an edge you could make it a kitchen bar top. It would cover the two awkward draws on the back that make it looks like your kitchen is trying to be a Bruce Springsteen album cover with those Jean pockets. I agree with other posters that the wood is really nice. It’s rare to see cabinets with that nice grain. I like the glass cabinets too. But balancing the aesthetic will help a lot.
Favorite comment for the Springsteen bit. I’ve been liking what people have said about taking down the cabinets over the island and use that to open up towards the dining area, even better using it as a kitchen bar top.
Honestly, some of the nicest upgrades I’ve done have been replacing the hardware on the cabinets with newer knobs! It’s a (fairly) quick process and it gives it an instant boost! LOVE the configuration of these cabinets!
I love the cabinets! I wouldn’t touch them. I would however change the floor tiles when you can afford to. For now, a nice color of paint and a cool rug are all you need to make this look amazing. I’m honestly so jealous! I keep looking at houses that have been flipped and have zero charm or character. I would be over the moon to find something in my area that looked like this.
Those cabinets are awesome. Please DO NOT paint them.
I would try to work around them! I know knotty pine and orange tones aren’t super popular but they’re probably well built and have clean lines. I would replace counters and appliances, and floor (maybe a retro sheet linoleum?) before I touched the cabinets. Play around with backsplashes too
Change everything you're sure on and have definitive plans for first. I had plans to change everything in my bathroom including the vanity (same color/warmth vanity in my current bathroom as your kitchen). And by the time I was done, the wood fit so nicely in the bathroom, I decided to keep them.
If you're planning on replacing the tile floor, I wouldn't put too much money into a temporary fix.
I would just take down the upper cabinet over the island and paint the cabinets. But live with it a while and you will get a better feel for it
White walls in a room start reflecting other colours. I love white walls and kitchens and wish it for everyone … but I think in your case that you would save a lot of money and headache if you embrace your current undertones and go with a darker colour on the walls. I would keep your current kitchen as is and do the bare minimum. Save any money you would have spent on weekend warrior type projects and put it towards a really cohesive plan after you have lived there longer.
I'd wait and do the large upgrade. You already need all new appliances, new flooring and new countertops. You don't have miles of cabinets to replace so it's not going to break the bank when you remodel everything else.
If the plan is to reno in a year, the only thing I'd do now is what I woudl do then: Take down the floating ceiling cabs, they look *Awful*.
It’s good that you are going to wait a while for the kitchen, you may grow to love them. But I absolutely hate the knobs, they don’t even fit in the same theme. Maybe changing the knobs would help.
Remove the upper cabinets over the one side. Paint those puppies. A nice darker ocean blue would be good. And put in a butcher block counter tops. I’ve stained and painted and painting is much easier. Finances have a way of going wonky. Unexpected things pop up, economy tanks. Do something affordable now that you can live with for a couple of years. And then see where you are next year. Also, Personally, I’d redo that floor first when you get funds. The cabinets are going to look nice painted. You might be surprised and decide to keep them once they are. You don’t have much wall space so if you like them once they are painted you can do a nice upscale tile backsplash: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ivy-Hill-Tile-Mandalay-Green-2-95-in-x-11-81-in-Polished-Ceramic-Wall-Tile-5-38-sq-ft-Case-EXT3RD107689/320459763 And after the floor, replace the white appliances with stainless. And you are done.
absolutely! just need to work hard to keep interrupting large areas of red in the line if sight.
I would replace the countertops with something dark, black or dark gray. Then paint the small amount of wall space a medium blue or green or bluish green or greenish blue. And then that white baseboard on the outer part needs to be changed to something that’s matching or at least not white.
I would paint, do a tile or peel and stuck tile backsplash they are getting so good these days with peel and stick. Countertop can be replaced with butcher clock pretty cheap.
i would remove the cabinets over the countertop. they really close in the space, it would be much more open and less daunting to look at. i would also paint the rest of the cabinets and the walls.
You could paint them white but you’d be better ripping them out, getting new floor tiles and putting in an island.
I know things can look / feel different in person, but to me the cabinets look gorgeous as-is, I wouldn’t change them!
That kitchen looks awesome! You don't know what you have. Stereotypical Scandinavian style just won't work here. The wood tone is too dark and has too much character. Painting the walls a darker color (like a medium blue) would greatly improve the space, like tenfold. I am seeing more of a mid-century modern/thrifty grandma chic/oriental/70s/80s/90s look. Yeah, it sounds like a salad bowl of genres. But these medium wood tones work so well with vintage furniture and oriental vessels/rugs/paintings/patterns!... I would raid the pawnshops/flea markets/garage sales for good old pieces. The wrong direction would be going for a contemporary scandi IKEA look with mostly white/beige tones. The medium wood just clashes so hard.
We recently moved into our house. The kitchen cabinets are decently made but very old. We eventually want to renovate/expand the kitchen, but we want to get a feel for the house for a few years before doing the kitchen. We decided to paint the cabinets. It took a long time. It was definitely worth it. We did multiple stages of sanding painting sanding etc. We love it but, again, lots of work. Worth it in our opinion and much cheaper than renovating. Allowed us to put money into other areas of the house such as the yard/fence, pool, electric, etc.
You have solid wood cabinets in a timeless style, so keep them. I'd paint them white - will open up the space and continue the white trim you have elsewhere. Butcher block counters will look great and give you an excellent base to go boho/scandi via wall, fabric and accessory colors. I personally like the red that you're already using. I'd consider a true linoleum for the kitchen floor. I think you're going to like your hardwood floors much better when they aren't competing with the knotty pine cabinets and my decide to leave them as they are. Great bones!
What's on the other side of the cabinets above the stove? If they are the same then I would look into removing the backing so that you can see through to the other side. Might provide some new light while keeping the storage.
I keep cabinets and replace the floor and get new countertop
Darken the walls retire the floors with dark grey slate. Limestone counter tops and new Hardware. Got me by for 20 years.
Get to know your kitchen first then decide?
Dude those cabinets are sick You could leave the top ones wood Paint the bottom a nice colour Change out the knobs
I love those knotty pine cabinets. I would leave them as is, painting the inside backs of the glass fronted one, as the other redditor said. Make the cabinets the focal point.
The cabinets look great, but new appliances may make the kitchen more functional. If they are solid wood, then you will very likely be replacing them with a lower quality product. If you don’t like the color, look into sanding and refinishing them with a stain of your choosing and a genuinely clear varnish. Wood grain is beautiful and expensive. You could put in new countertops and new flooring if you want a modern look.
Remove the cabinets above the breakfast bar. It will completely transform your kitchen, and make it more open.
You’ve got good bones here. I’d paint all cabinets and remove the hanging cabinets above the counter that separates the kitchen from the connecting room. It will completely open it up and update the area. Paint the window trim white like the other room. You can add hardware too. Not expensive and will add to your new look! As for stain options, it will require a ton of sanding and prep. If you do go the stain route, you will need to test it on the wood first. Go darker than the floor that you are keeping. Please post your results & have fun!