Upcycle kitchen

3 years ago

These are my kitchen cabinets. They are rather retro. We can't afford to replace the units and doors but we do have money for a new worktop as the original is in pieces now!
My initial idea was to keep bare, white worktop, black or good handles. But I'm worried about it looking too... Woody. Especially as we've got oak flooring which is a different tone to the cupboards. I know paint is an option but I'm worried about the upkeep and the fact the units would also need painting. I painted our dining room chairs and I wish I never had 🤣
So basically, my question is: how can I make this look nice and modern and somehow get some more non-wood features in?

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Comments (5)

ikundzina6
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Wood and stone go well together. Therefore, marble is well suited for a worktop, in which the tone of the vein pattern will be similar in colour to the unit doors. Select material for worktop according to your budget.

To separate two different colours of wooden floor and cabinets, lay a rug along the kitchen cabinets.
Jonathan
3 years ago
I think the wood floor dictates that you need to paint the doors to avoid the wood overload you are worried about. The good news is that loose doors are easier to paint. And if you choose a pale colour you shouldn’t have to paint the cabinets.

Decide on a colour scheme you like before shopping for the worktop. This is a scheme I like.
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I am a massive fan of upcycling, it's such a brilliant way to breath new life into an object and I also find it makes me look at the world differently. Things are rarely broken or useless for me, instead I see potential for a new design object that would bring quirkiness and curiosity into a home. My favourite piece that I have done this with is my old ukulele, which tragically broke quite spectacularly last year. The bridge holding the strings splintered from the main body of the instrument and yet I still couldn't bare to part with it. It is now serving as a quirky coat hook in my bedroom, with the tuning pegs working perfectly with the loops on coats or jackets. It's so easy to do and makes for an instant design success in any home! Jam jars are another one with endless possibilities - perhaps a small vase or new light fitting a garden could come it. Chipped a tea cup? Plant a flower in it and you've got yourself an Alice In Wonderland accessory in the works! I have started with simple things like this and am now excited to take on a larger project. My parents have a set of old brown leather suitcases they no longer want, so I have set the cogs of my brain to work on them. At the moment I am thinking that the largest of the set would make for an amazing vinyl record display unit! I'm really excited to get to work on it when I return to England.
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If you have white it doesn't have to protrude, it's better to have it fitted than free standing because free standing can look messy especially if you have more than one, I mean messy in the way that you have lots of different size units and they are not seamless with the walls, something that is seamless looks less imposing. If it is white it won't compete with the other alcove unit. Get some inspiration on our site here: Shelving examples And here: Media unit examples And here: More media units Otherwise what AJ says is great because it is low cost and uses what you have, I would paint/upcycle that dark unit too, and add a very clean minimal desk, maybe glass or something or even just a single floating shelf in the corner.
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If you work with upcyling what you have - sometimes - you may be disappointed - because it might not change that much ... but you will save on product costs . We have done designs for a couple of people who were splitting the cost by first buying Ikea carcase and worktops and then, later, buying superfront, Ikea or plykea doors at a later stage when their budget allowed . This is a good option as the Ikea drawers are complete without a door front. And you can use the kitchen while you save for the final touches . Might be worth considering too. I’d certainly echo the earlier comment that good design is a big part of the process too. Houzz shows lots of photos of kitchens - if you want to see actual real plans too - click on my name or icon to see some on my pro page - that might give you some ideas if you want to ‘do it yourself’ .
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Would be good to see a photo the kitchen units and doors but as a general rule of thumb when painting kitchen cabinets is not to skip on the prep. Thoroughly clean and degrease the surfaces with sugar soap first then rinse off with lint free cloth and warm water. If the doors are wood are they waxed? unlikely in a kitchen but you can test by scraping with your fingernail, if so then they’ll need a rub with methylated spirits in the direction of the grain to fetch the wax off then rinse with wet cloth. Wooden doors can be sanded but I don’t think melamine and foil veneers can in which case I’d use a special primer. Zinsser bullseye 123 is water based and good all rounder but for bare or sanded wood I’d go for a shellac primer such as Zinsser BIN. Use a good quality synthetic brush and microfibre roller for water based paints and natural bristle brush and foam roller for oil based paints. Out of interest I priced up the difference between one of the fancy furniture paints and others. So for example let’s say you need 2.5litre of your chosen colour and finish plus primer and prep. Fusion mineral paints which I believe are very good but I’ve never tested them, recommend using there TSP for cleaning £10 approx, Ultra grip 500ml £18.95, and 2.5 litre of paint is a whopping £109.95. Total £138.90. For oil based finish, sugar soap £1.99, Zinsser BIN 2.5lt £39.99, Little Greene eggshell 2.5lt £67.00. Total £108.98. For water based (less smelly), sugar soap £1.99, Zinsser bullseye 123 2.5lt £27.99, Little Greene or F&B water based eggshell 2.5lt £64. Total £93.98 Of course there are different brands and a trade decorating centre can mix colours to whatever you want and recommend what paints and prep to use but hope this helps a little. X P.S. don’t use chalk paint unless you’re after the shabby chic look. Unsure on colour advice but Slaked Lime gets my vote too👍.
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pannacotta
3 years ago
I would paint the units as I think it would really update the kitchen. Its not difficult to maintain painted units.

Another option would be to lighten the wood, a limed effect.
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PRO
Copper Dust
3 years ago
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.
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Sonia
3 years ago
A white worktop quartz or laminate depending on budget and then painting the room white or palest taupe (picture 1 below). The clashing woods will be difficult and painting or spraying the units will make a huge difference. You could change the flooring instead but it’s too nice to do that! Another option is to buy new doors in a soft shade if budget allows.
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Upcycle kitchen

Comments (5)

ikundzina6

Jonathan

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