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Kitchen needs updating but how?

7 February, 2016

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone has any ideas on how I can make my kitchen look a bit more stylish. I can't afford a new kitchen so I have got to try and work around the units/work tops I have. Any help is appreciated!!

(The work tops are Grey and my microwave, toaster, kettle and fridge freezer are Black).

Comments (26)

gtolley11
Images
7 February, 2016
Jon Page
I'd be painting the cupboard doors and maybe changing the handles... That will give you a new look to your kitchen on a modest budget!
9 February, 2016
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It is an advice forum and asking on her behalf is thoughtful and sensible. I think it hasn't helped having so much advice on what to change when you'd started by saying that your daughter doesn't want to paint the doors, retile or change the counter tops. Not everyone reads everything it seems. In my view, it's impossible to decide until your daughter has moved in and seen how her own accessories fit or don't fit and then make a judgement. The things that bother me are the stark white walls and the colour of the floor - neither does justice to the funky black or the orangey pine. A warmer paint colour - or an interesting wallpaper - could make a huge difference. Although rugs can be a nuisance in a kitchen - they move around, are trip hazards, and can get mucky - throwing something down on top of the floor might help to give her ideas. If the owners are taking away the washing machine and dishwasher, replacing them with stainless steel would immediately tone in better or, if the doors are still made, integrating new appliances (as someone else has suggested) would also make a difference. If there were more of a match between the colours in the room ... there might well be scope for adding some teal or turquoise accessories. There's also scope for hanging a huge painting/print/poster, or several, on the wall above that radiator (the existing picture is far too small and the wrong shape - landscape would be better). Good luck to your daughter - I think she can make modest changes to the walls and floor that will turn it into a lovely kitchen.
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I'm in total agreement with Jonathonandb1972. I think the wall tiles are quite modern. The flooring lets the whole thing down and replacing it would vastly improve the overall look. You could also go for a dark chocolate feature wall to match in with the flooring on the wall with the sink and mirror.I noticed the bottom of the shower, i have just done the same with bendable acrylic sheet matched to the colour of the walls in my downstairs shower room. ( So you can access the pipework ) We have ( my wife has ) - just finished this room, choosing not to hack the tiles from the wall as it makes a big old mess, she's covered over the tiles with Tongue and Groove and re-tiled the inside of the shower.Transformed the old place! She's a clever old stick and a top tiler!
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vanessa2088
I would paint the lime green, probably just white. Maybe introduce some new accessories, perhaps clear some of the current things on worktop if possible and add a new colour.
9 February, 2016
romper65
change the style of door,bit of expense but the effect will be instantaneous, also clear all the worksurface clutter. It can be tricky to do but it's worth it. I see you have a heater in your kickboards,so therefore see about small kickboards lights. They are cheap to buy and easy to fit. Paint over the green splash with a toned down colour. If the handles are dull replace with new shiny.
9 February, 2016
mudsi
i agree with all of the above, fresh paint on the walls and either paint the cupboards or get new doors... IKEA, B&Q or somewhere similar may have something budget friendly :)
9 February, 2016
gtolley11
Thank you for all the comments... I have cleared all the work tops back to just the kettle toaster and microwave ready to start a fresh. Definitely covering the green, just trying to pick a colour! Still not sure about painting the cupboards as they aren't real wood they have like a shiny finish... Not sure how well the paint would stick?
9 February, 2016
Jon Page
Maybe use some sandpaper to give the paint something to stick to if necessary? Or maybe some sort of primer?
9 February, 2016
New Kitchen
I would not paint the doors as you will never get factory look on wrapped doors ( I looked it into it for my last update) but you could change handles if they fix from back and there are no holes go for wood or ceramic knobs or look at cup handles for a change. You could look at a low splash back in acrylic. I agree with others sales are on and you might get a very good deal on doors if these are standard size. Then look at Houzz pictures for ideas and source new bits from not on high street or new but via eBay
9 February, 2016
kerryowang
This is easy to say as I know how much 'stuff' there is in a kitchen, but is there any chance you can lose some of the wall cupboards? I notice there is a space at the side of the fridge- you may be able to get a pull out larder cupboard in there?? Maybe some open shelving...it would make the room feel much bigger. Maybe a mirrored splash back? Or lose the stainless steel splash and tile that whole space- cheap metro tiles are always a winner...good luck!
10 February, 2016
kerryowang
looking again, is it possible to to use the wall space around the fridge to create a floor to ceiling storage area so you can lose the wall cupboards...?
10 February, 2016
obnic
You can make a big difference by covering your existing worktops (and possibly splash backs) with a synthetic granite. It looks very good, it's quite cheap, and is actually harder wearing than real granite. Google 'granite transformations'

I'm not a huge fan of statement grey appliances in small places, I prefer them to fade away. You can buy large sheets of hard wearing sticky back vinyl on eBay and cover your fridge and washing machine. You can get an 'appliance enamel' finish too. Up to you to choose the colour. White would fade them away but you might prefer a different statement colour (think SMEG fridges) yellow, red... Up to you. The big advantage is its cheap and you can just peel it off if you change your mind. Otherwise Hammerite appliance paint can be a permanent solution.

Finally, if you are going to change the colour of your doors, get it done professionally. They chemically treat the door and then dip it so that you get a perfect and lasting finish. Since you have shaker doors I'd avoid shiny - it's fashionable but works on flat doors best. However, you can get the doors matched to a light Farrow & Ball colour like 'Elephants Breath'. It will make a huge difference. I've done it before and it was a stellar bargain.

Kitchen layout looks fine. I'd stick with it and just work on colours and textures. Less clutter will make it feel bigger.

Only exception is if you have the cash, you might think about changing your washing machine for one you can put behind a matching cupboard door.

Good luck.
10 February, 2016
PRO
Aspect Kitchens
Why not replace the stainless splash back with glass? You can find them cut to site quite cheap and in plenty of colours. Definitely cover the green, greys are really popular at the moment so maybe choose a lighter grey than the work top to add some contrast. This will also go with the stainless steel if you don't change it!
10 February, 2016
theresajones
I feel the surfaces need to be cleared, move the microwave,( if you need to still use one), and square it next to the freezer. Tile the walls with a light grey brick tile with dark grey grout this would create cohesion and spaciousness Change the door handles. Definitely utilise the space over the freezer. Good luck and have fun!
10 February, 2016
hillary59
Sounds like you would prefer a lowcost update right now rather than a makeover so best to probably search for an appealing colour to repaint walls and change splashback..Stainless steel can have a harsh look although practical and popular.

(If you have a good paint card tick the shade closet to your worktop and the door finish and take with you to see what wall colour appeals to you and sits well with your existing finishes .) Could you find a nice roman blind as a starting point and redress your window and go from there for inspiration. Try Next etc. for readymades.

Maybe find an exciting wallpaper to go on the end wall to cheer you up and make it more personal.

The green shade is too harsh with black / grey.

Changing the handles could help but measure carefully cos you dont want to be be making good if the screws are different position.

Maybe some shelving directly under the wall units could accommodate some items and free up workspace and could allow for some colorful storage tins to help boost your new scheme while being practical storage.

There is special paint ("International Paints " BQ is one ) which provide very effective primer and successful topcoat even on wrap finishes. IF you follow instructions carefully. However, unless you are desperate its a tedious pointless job if you can update some other way and save up for some units in the future.

Your kitchen isnt huge , get some local quotes to keep on hand for future reference.

Local carpenters will often source units from their trade supplier. The quality will be good but not expensive.

Changing doors is also not ness a great idea , esp changing drawer fronts.

Ikeas latest range of doors is not compatible with most others now including yours

by the looks of it. Sizes are unique to them these days.

BQ doors will probably fit but again having worked in kitchens all my life ,,Id say dont be halfhearted best to do it all properly in the future.Then youll get the worktop of your choice etc. and enjoy the result .

All the best with your new look!
10 February, 2016
teenytinyhouse
The cheapest option would be to paint the green and the doors. I would suggest looking up some wood grain effect painting tips, which should help "disguise" the fact that you won't get a perfect paint job by hand by making it look like you've painted over wood. It's also a nice rustic finish :)

It's a bit dearer, but you could also actually spray paint the doors, which will give you a smoother finish (it will be more expensive than a brush job, though).

Check out eBay for new handles, but I'd definitely recommend doing the paint first. You may find you fall back in love with the existing ones. And do the undercoat/primer first (you know what I mean) and live with it for a few days. As it's white, it'll help you decide if you want white or colour. otherwise you might end up taking paint back and swapping it, which is a pain!

Post us some after pics, it's always lovely to see the finished results! :)
10 February, 2016
PRO
Oisin Butler - Painting and Decorating
OK. Paint the high kitchen cabinets white, paint the walls white too and lose the green. Paint the lower kitchen cabinets a dark grey to match the counter top. Make sure to go for a low sheen eggshell finish on the cabinets. Hey presto! Complete makeover!

http://oisinbutler.ie/painting-kitchen-cabinets-new-look-kitchen/
10 February, 2016
PRO
Oisin Butler - Painting and Decorating
By the way, even if you had the money for a new kitchen you would still be better off having the existing kitchen painted. We do lots of these and they always come our looking great. Money well spent!
10 February, 2016
PRO
wallmanproperties
My dining room is separated from the kitchen one side of both rooms have no windows and the other side has 2 Windows in the dining room then a back door attached to an above worktop height window and the end of the kitchen has French doors out to the garden. Do I knock the dividing wall down and open up the dining room to the kitchen changing the kitchen as the first room and the dining room opening to the garden or leave it as it is
10 February, 2016
gtolley11
Thank you so much everyone for your comments going to look into all the options! Will post the completed pictures :)
10 February, 2016
Lynn Robbo
Hi I would have to clear the work tops push things away X
13 February, 2016
H H
Maybe buy a bracket for the microwave to mount it off the worktop or even change it for one that can be mounted in a wall unit. The flooring is quite dark and doesn't really compliment the units so I would be tempted to go for something lighter. I think white on the walls would work well.
14 February, 2016
Ant Dales
I've had a similar problem. I painted the walls, and used a small roller to paint the cupboard fronts, which I then clear varnished. It's a pretty good finish, and great on a budget.

I also covered up some hideous wall tiles with white tile paint. Took a lot of coats but the difference is amazing!
17 February, 2016
PRO
HomeAnnaWay
Changing the handles can make a big difference, and as many others have suggested painting the cupboard doors would too. It's quite a tedious task, but wort it in the end. Make sure to not skimp on paint - get good quality stuff from the beginning or you'll find yourself having to repaint agin in no-time due to chipping and/or scratching! Good luck!
17 February, 2016
gtolley11
Ant Dales do you have any pictures? Thanks everyone!
17 February, 2016
Alison Heppell
Clear the work tops
17 February, 2016
Jan Johnson
Looks all good to me. what do you want to change?
17 February, 2016

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