Kitchen - upcycle or replace?
Hi all,
We will shortly exchange on a second home and I'm already making plans for things that we would like to change or improve. One thing I can't yet make up my mind about is the kitchen. As you can see, it is quite old and charming and I feel guilty even thinking about ripping it out. However, I not sure I can cope with it as it is... it doesn't feel very efficient (plus I'm not sure I will ever have enough crockery to fill up that dresser). I don't have a photo of it, but on the other side of the room there're more of the same base cupboards with shelves on top.
I do know a very good carpenter who I'm sure would be able to build some new drawers or change hinges or whatever else needs improving if we decide to keep it. Also, he can spray paint it... but is it worth it? Should we just get a new one?
Or maybe I should just try and live with it for a while... What do you all think?
Comments (19)
PROBrandler London
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoThere seems to be a shortage of worktop space.... is this an issue for you?
I have a feeling that you could dismantle this kitchen, with a little car,e and then sell it if it doesn't suit your taste. I think .that it would be a shame and a waste to break it up and throw it away
Alternatively you could keep it and find a specialist who can use a paint system to distress it rather than to paint it completely.
The sink type is quite popular these days, although not having mixer taps is a pain for you I suspect.
We have recently completed a project in a cottage similar to yours using a reclaimed barn wood, which was in keeping with the rustic location and the age of the house. I don't have photographs at the moment but this image illustrates how beautiful this reclaimed wood is:-
Penthouse Kitchen in Southwark Warehouse Conversion · More InfoLuciana thanked Brandler LondonRelated Discussions
Upcycling colour advice
Comments (57)I though the Louis fireplace was the one you were removing. Ok so if you are just selling it I wouldn't do much more to it. It just needs warming up/livening up. I saw you had a plant but it's rather tall thin and spiky - not very tactile. This room is rather 'yang' ... cold colours, straight lines, sparsely decorated and feels like it needs more life. Best way to do this is colour, texture, pattern. Plants are actually alive so a few more, even small ones that are softer, rounder leaves etc. If you are changing the curtains I would go for a pattern that's more fluid with a number of colours in it. Same with the cushions. I found the pictures in your ideas book of other blue rooms quite cool too (and the gold clashes with the blue/white) although if you notice they have some older pieces of furniture which tend to have a warmer lived in feel, your cabinet as it is adds a lot to this. They also have softer plants (orchids, hydrangeas) look at their yellow rounded cushion. All those details make a difference. I big thing to consider is climate/geography. Navy and white are cold so if you live in a warm climate they may feel refreshing, on the UK I would feel cold in a navy and white room. We react to colours and they can change our experience of a room by 5-6C just by looking at them. (scientifically proven) Also people tend to think of blues, greens as cold and reds, yellows, oranges as warm whereas most colours have warm and cold versions. If you look at your flooring (cold) compared to your bi-fold doors (warm) you will see that not all browns are the same. tomato red for example has yellow in it so is warmer whereas dark cherry red has blue in it to is a cooler version of red. Once you paint the doors the room will feel even colder. Also the texture of the laminate floor is 'cold' as it is shiny and artificial looking. A big colourful rug (texture) would warm it up. With regards to wall colours ... I'd suggest not starting with the wall colour. Buy a gorgeous painting or rug or even a cushion and then be inspired by the colours in that for sofas etc and finally choose the wall colour after than. You mention black leather, again, a cold colour, heavy colour and shiny ... all very yang. If you want this then the setting you put it in will make a big difference ... personally I would step away from the black, just explore. What about a blue velvet sofa, since you like blue and do something different to the walls. Have a look at this article. It isn't my style, still too cold but can you see where she has added texture (fur, rugs, fabric curves), pattern, details (plants rounder), more personal loved items and being an older home with cornices etc it doesn't feel so cold and sharp. https://www.houzz.co.uk/magazine/houzz-tour-a-family-home-in-hamburg-with-a-touch-of-scandi-style-stsetivw-vs~48800571?utm_source=Houzz Cold is not just about temperature. E.g. older style furniture, esp make of wood tends to be warmer ... softer shapes and more substance (life lived), things like elaborate cornicing, whereas newer modern style furniture, often painted or white/straight lines etc feels cooler/fresher/lighter (younger) ... some of both in a room really makes it feel balanced. Think of it as a family (or any group) ... parents bring experience, wisdom and safety, children bring laughter, fun and lightness ... a good combination. Note: once you choose navy for your walls then it's hard to warm it up as cream will clash and I know you don't like it anyway. What about a different blue? More of a teal, this has a touch of yellow so you can add mustards, burnt orange, warm turquoise etc. Phew, that's lots from me ... most of all, put yourself in the room and it helps to look for inspiration out in the world rather than just other people's rooms. For me the cabinet with all your things in it & books is the best part of the room. I trust that all helps ......See MoreUpcycling help please!
Comments (4)What a lovely piece! the possibilities are endless with furniture like this. If you want to make a statement with it, I would paint it black, add gold handles and line inside the shelves with wallpaper. Or for a softer look, you could just paint it all a pale grey and add black handles. Either way I would also replace the glass with something more modern or remove the glass doors. Im no expert on upcycling, but i usually just give a light sand then a coat of primer before painting. Good luck with it, Would love to see photos when its done!...See MoreUpcycling an extending dining table
Comments (13)Monica on here made a DIY marble resin vanity (I should say Monica excels at such things though!). i’ve just googled DiY marble resin table and there appears to be a few tutorials. Alternatively you could just try refinishing it. If you’re not looking to keep the top I guess it won’t do any harm if either go wrong?! I don’t mind the table either though and think a runner or cloth would cover the scuff marks. There are some lovely modern linen ones around https://www.houzz.co.uk/discussions/5957924/our-lockdown-transformation#n=74 https://re-store.org/how-to-refinish-veneer-furniture/...See MoreUpcycle kitchen
Comments (5)Hello, great that you are upcycling the kitchen cupboards paints are incredibly durable these days and easy to maintain, try Lick paint or you can also spray paint the cupboards for a more efficient finish. Also, I would suggest going for a worktop with a bit more character whether it be granite or a butcher top. Also, brass handles would be a great touch. Here is a great before & after example....See MoreLuciana
5 years agoThank you both!
Brandler, do you think someone would want it if we dismantle it? As I said, I'd feel too guilty to just tear it out and throw it, but I'd be happy to just give it to someone if they'd like to have it. Maybe put it on Freecycle...
To be honest, I know I would prefer a modern kitchen; I find it hard to believe I could live without a Quooker or a mix tap. But I can envisage a mixture of old and new...
Colourhappy, there's another larger window on the other side, so it get lots of natural light.
But I've not told the whole story, it's a lot worse, as the kitchen is split in two, one room with the cooker and fridge, the other with the sink. Plus you have to climb some 3 steps to get in and out of the lower room. Definitely need to live with it before making any major decision... and clearly cooking spaghetti there is out of the question :))
Luciana
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoDaisy, I've recently discovered that I quite enjoy cooking, so a good kitchen is important. But the reason we are buying this house is for what's out there - river, woods, nature, so we think that putting up with a not so great kitchen is worth it (the kitchen is below the balcony to the left.)
Luciana
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoGravel Hill, thank you so much! It is quite reassuring to hear others' experiences with inherited kitchens - never heard of self-opening drawers before, but it could be one of the surprises this kitchen has in place for us :)). As a side thought, I need someone to invent a drawer that closes by itself after 2 minutes of being left open, as even after 12 years of daily nagging, my husband still leaves his socks and undies drawers open...
It seems that the general consensus is that we should live with it as it is, see how it goes and then make plans. Really sensible advice... although I'm itching to make changes. Alright, I'll restrain myself to buying a 2 burners induction hob to place in the lower room (so I can safely cook spaghetti). And a tap. And a Quooker! Sorry, but I'm not waiting 6 months for those.
As for changing the layout, that is something we will consider too, although we could also extend, and this is what's just outside of the kitchen door:
Sonia
5 years agoIt’s all a bit much really, and I love country kitchens! It could be painted and that would certainly improve things, but all that hanging stuff needs to go, as well as the dresser thingy, it’s just too overpowering. I’d remove all the wall cupboards. It would be nice to clear everything away from any windows to make the most of the views. I saw a company that put people in touch who are selling/buying old kitchens and the buyer dismantles it all, but I can’t for the life of me remember who they were! May be worth googling.
Here’s a couple of ideas for a country style kitchen in lovely pale shades.
Luciana thanked SoniaSonia
5 years ago
Juliet Docherty