Upcycle kitchen

2 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
2 years ago
last modified: 2 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
2 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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Hi. I love the upcycling! I agree with feioi. I'd go for an inky blue on the bottom cabinets ( and the chairs) and a lighter neutral ( creamy greige) on top with an even lighter neutral on the walls. This kitchen by mowlem is in Farrow and ball railings and purbeck stone. I'd go for a white worktop, preferably a marble effect. I love the idea of copper handles but there don't seem to be that many around and could work out pretty expensive. I've found one stockist but ebay may be worth a try.http://allhandlesandpulls.co.uk/handlesandpulls/cabinet-pull-handle-7032-polished-copper-beslag-design.html if not, I'd look at chrome and nickle as they'd also look great against both an inky blue and the red. I've just changed all of mine for £150 and it makes a massive difference. I'd actually remove that ŵall hung unit. I'd also look at a floor lamp in the corner by the sofa with a Few prints over the sofa, maybe some typography, a newspaper art and then something modern with a splash of red to tie in with the table and sofa? and a large mirror above the table to bounce some light around. Add a navy geometric throw, this one is from John Lewis with some grey, navy, white cushions. Do you actually need curtains or blinds for privacy, security etc? I would be tempted to at least do away with the kitchen blind to let light in.
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I would replace the white shelf with a thick wood or wood effect one and also run another matching shelf on the wall to left of cooker. It looks like you are adding tiles for a splash back is that right? If so I would run them all around to the same height, so to right of sink etc. I would paint the walls a warmer tone, can’t really advise on that as know idea of the light levels in the room or your personal taste
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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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Comments (24)
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
2 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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Copper Dust
2 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.
Sonia
2 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.

Upcycle kitchen

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ikundzina6

Jonathan

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