my holiday home has a dark kitchen I need CHEAP updating ideas!

5 years ago

the whole family enjoy cooking but here I do it because nobody else can cope with the poor lighting, and variable counter heights. it has a full height freezer and full height fridge -we only use one shelf of the freezer-so should swap for new combi fridge freezer and save space-maybe get a small bistro table in. it has a 2 door french door access and a large window. the window means there is a lower counter-if we replace the window with a smaller size the counter can be higher and may move the sink 45 degrees so its underneath the window. It has a low ceiling. Repainting the dark wood unit doors wont completely fix it -and thats a job I've been putting off for 5 years. I am taking a long break next summer so thats when I want to get stuck in -

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Comments (5)

Carolina
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Hi, could you post photos? You can attach them to a comment under here. A floorplan with dimensions would be useful too. Doesn't have to be fancy; a sketch would already help us to visualise the space and the possibilities.

Just for fun I'm adding some photos. Who knows, they might inspire you:

Shabby-chic Style Kitchen · More Info

The Uplands, St Leonards on Sea · More Info
PRO
Arlington kitchens Ltd
5 years ago
Hi Lorna

Pictures & rough plan would be great to be able to give some better advice. On first reading, changing the window seems a bit extreme. This wouldn't be a very cost effective solution.

To make the most of your budget you just may need to think outside the fitted kitchen box a bit, have more free standing furniture pieces to get around these 'quirks'!
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I agree with a small budget you can change the look simply by painting them. I'd lose the handles, fill holes and opt for self opening push door hinges, Screwfix has some but there are a few kinds. They sit inside the cupboard. Even Ikea has some. Thus handles become surplus and add a cleaner aesthetic. I'd look to painting the lime green walls. Maybe with the tiles think of a complimentary colour...Dulux Timeless classics for budget paint that is really nice actually. They have a nice one called Bone China. It's a chalky cream and will brighten the room. So cupboards could be a darker shade of something stone coloured... Look at the tiles for inspiration.. Attic 11 from Little Greene is a good colour for the cupboards.. Thus the tiles suddenly look like they belong and the walls are bright and complimentary. Don't change the work top for a small budget - I'm suggesting 2 pots of paint (walls, cupboards).. some undercoat for the cupboard doors and a few hidden door open/closers. If you don't like the idea of not having a handle, maybe try then in a different position. Horizontal along the bottom for the top cupboard. Then they are all going the same way. Little things like these changes make big impact! :))
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Dear all, many thanks for your wonderful support. We are scheduled to move in Jan 12, and sorry to say, but we decided to postpone our kitchen update. It will be too much to handle for us. moving, contractors, business travel, etc. I hope that one day, sooner rather than later, I can give you a wonderful update on our kitchen remodel, incorporating some of the ideas that you contributed so generously. Until then, we will live "in the past", 1990s to be exact, and there's nothing wrong with that... I wish you all a healthy and merry holiday season! Cheers! :-)
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PRO
Origin - Doors and Windows
5 years ago
Hi Lorna,

This article may help you: http://bit.ly/origins-kitchen-tips

Best of luck, Robyn
lorna thanked Origin - Doors and Windows
PRO
DJRP Interiors
5 years ago
I recommend new cabinets, and painting them a colour of your choice for a unique style. Get matte cabinets with a deep groove with wood worktops for a farmhouse vibe, or gloss cabinets with quartz or granite worktops to achieve a modern feel.
lorna thanked DJRP Interiors
E D
5 years ago
I would try to avoid replacing the big window for a smaller one if your kitchen is too dark already.
lorna thanked E D

my holiday home has a dark kitchen I need CHEAP updating ideas!

Comments (5)

Carolina

Arlington kitchens Ltd

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