Advice on colours to temporarily update and refresh kitchen

3 years ago

Our house is 1950s and has I think what were the original wooden kitchen units and decorated at the latest in the 1970s. It has orange units, pale yellow/cream tiles and patterned orange wallpaper and lino flooring.
We had planned to redo the kitchen this year but with everything going on, will probably leave it until at least next year. It functions perfectly well for now but as we can't change it yet, I would like to freshen it up by painting the cupboards, walls (which really need painting anyway) and tiles. I actually quite like the wallpaper, as it is quite retro so would like to keep that for now. I'm just a bit uninspired for the cupboards, the walls which don't have the wallpaper and tiles. I was wondering if anyone had advice.
I had been thinking a cream for the cupboards but not sure about the walls and tiles, whether it should be quite neutral too or a contrasting colour to the wallpaper. Would like it to look not quite so orange overall!
Many thanks.

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Comments (6)

tamp75
3 years ago
Hi, if you can add a photo or two, that would really help people to give advice on particular colours.
Sarah
Original Author
3 years ago
How it currently looks.
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If you were my client I would agree with Samantha that you really need to keep it to the naturals to keep it as light and airy as possible. The units are fairly dark and the black tiles will also be sucking in light so a green would make it feel quite a bit smaller and darker than it does now. I would paint it all in a nice clean and fresh off white (floors, walls and skirting) and than add your accent green in through accessories which will also make it easy to change if you get board of it or find is too cold in winter months. You could also paper the feature wall, as suggested, in keeping with the scheme. Hang a large mirror to help reflect light and then get some nice warm blinds or window dressing to add texture, warmth and a homely feel. You could also change the small light fitting in the dining room to a large pendent style light to hang over the dining table which will add impact and make the room feel more balanced. You could consider a 3D render/image of the space which do not cost too much but will give you a great look at the room after painting so you can see what is possible and what effect the colour will have on the space. I hope that helps :)
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I’d do the other way around, keep the tiles which are in fashion and cover the terracotta which is out of fashion. We had a terracotta tiled floor and just had laminate laid over top so there was no big upheaval. With the tiles I’d go for an off white or pale grey unit colour.
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Ellie
3 years ago
Ooh I do love a spag bol! I think storage will be important in your new kitchen. I'm not sure of a quick makeover as I would just continue to make do and not put any time and money into what will be done properly in 6-12 months.
tamp75
3 years ago
I agree the walls need a coat of paint. I’d keep it fairly simple for now if it will be changed in the next year or so. Probably cream for the walls & maybe a kind of taupe for the cupboards to pick up on some of the colours in your wallpaper & tiles.
tamp75
3 years ago
Or vice versa as it might be difficult to find a cream that works on the wall next to those cream tiles.
Jonathan
3 years ago
I also like the wallpaper.
If it were my kitchen I would clean up the look at it is currently more tatty than retro. I would paint the ceiling a very pale grey and the walls a dark grey. A new lino will help clean up the look. Personally I wouldn’t try to change the tiles because I don’t think painting tiles is generally an improvement. But I would paint the cabinets. A sunnier Jaffa orange would be cleaner looking and wall decals might give them a temporary retro lift.

Advice on colours to temporarily update and refresh kitchen

Comments (6)

tamp75

Sarah
Original Author

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Advice on colours to temporarily update and refresh kitchen

Comments (6)

tamp75

SarahOriginal Author

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Ellie

tamp75

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Jonathan

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Sarah
Original Author