skip to main content
Photos
Photos
Advice
Stories From Houzz
Houzz Discussions
Houzz TV
Sign In
Houzz Logo Print
Explore Discussions
Design Dilemma
gtolley11

Kitchen needs updating but how?

gtolley11
8 years ago
Hi,

Just wondering if anyone has any ideas on how I can make my kitchen look a bit more stylish. I can't afford a new kitchen so I have got to try and work around the units/work tops I have. Any help is appreciated!!

(The work tops are Grey and my microwave, toaster, kettle and fridge freezer are Black).
Featured Answer
  • gtolley11
    Original Author
    8 years ago
    Thank you so much everyone for your comments going to look into all the options! Will post the completed pictures :)

    Comments (26)

    • gtolley11
      Original Author
      8 years ago
      Images
    • Jon Page
      8 years ago
      I'd be painting the cupboard doors and maybe changing the handles... That will give you a new look to your kitchen on a modest budget!

    • Related Discussions

      need idea to partition my kitchen from living room using curtain dividers

      Q

      Comments (4)
      I was hoping to see a photo because I thought maybe there are other options than curtain dividers. If you say that the space is not that big, I think it should not be closed with curtain dividers. It could stay open but separated with a sofa table with a vase or a lamp.
      ...See More

      Need help what to do with concrete kitchen top

      Q

      Comments (1)
      Oh geez. Maybe you're just going to have to say that's the style nowadays as I have no idea on how to help.
      ...See More

      Need help with lighting choices

      Q

      Comments (5)
      Hi Ibrahim, Contrast Ratio is a professional lighting consultancy firm. We provide lighting design and consultancy services. You can contact us at businessdevelopment@contrastratio.net or visit our website at www.contrastratio.net. Looking forward to hear from you. Best Regards, Contrast Ratio Design Team
      ...See More

      Need Help to renovate the Kitchen

      Q

      Comments (2)
      Hi Alice, that's a really good question - challenging dilemma with a strong limitation (no hacking!) but I believe workable. Would you consider making changes to the backsplash? Adding some strip lighting will help too. Given the pink checkered floor tiles cannot be changed, I'd favour going for very neutral and clean looking cabinetry - to reduce visual clutter and bring in some harmony. Regardless of colour of finish choice, I prefer cabinetry that's not see-through. How about natural wood finishes: All-white with wood countertops might work as well: I leave it to the professionals to give their advice!
      ...See More
    • vanessa2088
      8 years ago

      I would paint the lime green, probably just white. Maybe introduce some new accessories, perhaps clear some of the current things on worktop if possible and add a new colour.

    • romper65
      8 years ago
      change the style of door,bit of expense but the effect will be instantaneous, also clear all the worksurface clutter. It can be tricky to do but it's worth it. I see you have a heater in your kickboards,so therefore see about small kickboards lights. They are cheap to buy and easy to fit. Paint over the green splash with a toned down colour. If the handles are dull replace with new shiny.
    • mudsi
      8 years ago

      i agree with all of the above, fresh paint on the walls and either paint the cupboards or get new doors... IKEA, B&Q or somewhere similar may have something budget friendly :)

    • gtolley11
      Original Author
      8 years ago
      Thank you for all the comments... I have cleared all the work tops back to just the kettle toaster and microwave ready to start a fresh. Definitely covering the green, just trying to pick a colour! Still not sure about painting the cupboards as they aren't real wood they have like a shiny finish... Not sure how well the paint would stick?
    • Jon Page
      8 years ago
      Maybe use some sandpaper to give the paint something to stick to if necessary? Or maybe some sort of primer?
    • New Kitchen
      8 years ago
      I would not paint the doors as you will never get factory look on wrapped doors ( I looked it into it for my last update) but you could change handles if they fix from back and there are no holes go for wood or ceramic knobs or look at cup handles for a change. You could look at a low splash back in acrylic. I agree with others sales are on and you might get a very good deal on doors if these are standard size. Then look at Houzz pictures for ideas and source new bits from not on high street or new but via eBay
    • kerryowang
      8 years ago

      This is easy to say as I know how much 'stuff' there is in a kitchen, but is there any chance you can lose some of the wall cupboards? I notice there is a space at the side of the fridge- you may be able to get a pull out larder cupboard in there?? Maybe some open shelving...it would make the room feel much bigger. Maybe a mirrored splash back? Or lose the stainless steel splash and tile that whole space- cheap metro tiles are always a winner...good luck!

    • kerryowang
      8 years ago

      looking again, is it possible to to use the wall space around the fridge to create a floor to ceiling storage area so you can lose the wall cupboards...?

    • obnic
      8 years ago
      You can make a big difference by covering your existing worktops (and possibly splash backs) with a synthetic granite. It looks very good, it's quite cheap, and is actually harder wearing than real granite. Google 'granite transformations'

      I'm not a huge fan of statement grey appliances in small places, I prefer them to fade away. You can buy large sheets of hard wearing sticky back vinyl on eBay and cover your fridge and washing machine. You can get an 'appliance enamel' finish too. Up to you to choose the colour. White would fade them away but you might prefer a different statement colour (think SMEG fridges) yellow, red... Up to you. The big advantage is its cheap and you can just peel it off if you change your mind. Otherwise Hammerite appliance paint can be a permanent solution.

      Finally, if you are going to change the colour of your doors, get it done professionally. They chemically treat the door and then dip it so that you get a perfect and lasting finish. Since you have shaker doors I'd avoid shiny - it's fashionable but works on flat doors best. However, you can get the doors matched to a light Farrow & Ball colour like 'Elephants Breath'. It will make a huge difference. I've done it before and it was a stellar bargain.

      Kitchen layout looks fine. I'd stick with it and just work on colours and textures. Less clutter will make it feel bigger.

      Only exception is if you have the cash, you might think about changing your washing machine for one you can put behind a matching cupboard door.

      Good luck.
    • PRO
      Aspect Kitchens
      8 years ago
      Why not replace the stainless splash back with glass? You can find them cut to site quite cheap and in plenty of colours. Definitely cover the green, greys are really popular at the moment so maybe choose a lighter grey than the work top to add some contrast. This will also go with the stainless steel if you don't change it!
    • theresajones
      8 years ago

      I feel the surfaces need to be cleared, move the microwave,( if you need to still use one), and square it next to the freezer. Tile the walls with a light grey brick tile with dark grey grout this would create cohesion and spaciousness Change the door handles. Definitely utilise the space over the freezer. Good luck and have fun!

    • hillary59
      8 years ago

      Sounds like you would prefer a lowcost update right now rather than a makeover so best to probably search for an appealing colour to repaint walls and change splashback..Stainless steel can have a harsh look although practical and popular.

      (If you have a good paint card tick the shade closet to your worktop and the door finish and take with you to see what wall colour appeals to you and sits well with your existing finishes .) Could you find a nice roman blind as a starting point and redress your window and go from there for inspiration. Try Next etc. for readymades.

      Maybe find an exciting wallpaper to go on the end wall to cheer you up and make it more personal.

      The green shade is too harsh with black / grey.

      Changing the handles could help but measure carefully cos you dont want to be be making good if the screws are different position.

      Maybe some shelving directly under the wall units could accommodate some items and free up workspace and could allow for some colorful storage tins to help boost your new scheme while being practical storage.

      There is special paint ("International Paints " BQ is one ) which provide very effective primer and successful topcoat even on wrap finishes. IF you follow instructions carefully. However, unless you are desperate its a tedious pointless job if you can update some other way and save up for some units in the future.

      Your kitchen isnt huge , get some local quotes to keep on hand for future reference.

      Local carpenters will often source units from their trade supplier. The quality will be good but not expensive.

      Changing doors is also not ness a great idea , esp changing drawer fronts.

      Ikeas latest range of doors is not compatible with most others now including yours

      by the looks of it. Sizes are unique to them these days.

      BQ doors will probably fit but again having worked in kitchens all my life ,,Id say dont be halfhearted best to do it all properly in the future.Then youll get the worktop of your choice etc. and enjoy the result .

      All the best with your new look!





    • teenytinyhouse
      8 years ago
      The cheapest option would be to paint the green and the doors. I would suggest looking up some wood grain effect painting tips, which should help "disguise" the fact that you won't get a perfect paint job by hand by making it look like you've painted over wood. It's also a nice rustic finish :)

      It's a bit dearer, but you could also actually spray paint the doors, which will give you a smoother finish (it will be more expensive than a brush job, though).

      Check out eBay for new handles, but I'd definitely recommend doing the paint first. You may find you fall back in love with the existing ones. And do the undercoat/primer first (you know what I mean) and live with it for a few days. As it's white, it'll help you decide if you want white or colour. otherwise you might end up taking paint back and swapping it, which is a pain!

      Post us some after pics, it's always lovely to see the finished results! :)
    • PRO
      Oisin Butler - Painting and Decorating Specialist
      8 years ago

      OK. Paint the high kitchen cabinets white, paint the walls white too and lose the green. Paint the lower kitchen cabinets a dark grey to match the counter top. Make sure to go for a low sheen eggshell finish on the cabinets. Hey presto! Complete makeover!

      http://oisinbutler.ie/painting-kitchen-cabinets-new-look-kitchen/

    • PRO
      Oisin Butler - Painting and Decorating Specialist
      8 years ago

      By the way, even if you had the money for a new kitchen you would still be better off having the existing kitchen painted. We do lots of these and they always come our looking great. Money well spent!

    • PRO
      wallmanproperties
      8 years ago
      My dining room is separated from the kitchen one side of both rooms have no windows and the other side has 2 Windows in the dining room then a back door attached to an above worktop height window and the end of the kitchen has French doors out to the garden. Do I knock the dividing wall down and open up the dining room to the kitchen changing the kitchen as the first room and the dining room opening to the garden or leave it as it is
    • Lynn Robbo
      8 years ago
      Hi I would have to clear the work tops push things away X
    • H H
      8 years ago
      Maybe buy a bracket for the microwave to mount it off the worktop or even change it for one that can be mounted in a wall unit. The flooring is quite dark and doesn't really compliment the units so I would be tempted to go for something lighter. I think white on the walls would work well.
    • Ant Dales
      8 years ago
      I've had a similar problem. I painted the walls, and used a small roller to paint the cupboard fronts, which I then clear varnished. It's a pretty good finish, and great on a budget.

      I also covered up some hideous wall tiles with white tile paint. Took a lot of coats but the difference is amazing!
    • PRO
      HomeAnnaWay
      8 years ago

      Changing the handles can make a big difference, and as many others have suggested painting the cupboard doors would too. It's quite a tedious task, but wort it in the end. Make sure to not skimp on paint - get good quality stuff from the beginning or you'll find yourself having to repaint agin in no-time due to chipping and/or scratching! Good luck!

    • gtolley11
      Original Author
      8 years ago
      Ant Dales do you have any pictures? Thanks everyone!
    • Alison Heppell
      8 years ago
      Clear the work tops
    • Jan Johnson
      8 years ago

      Looks all good to me. what do you want to change?


    Sponsored
    More Discussions
    How to position a TV in this living / dining room?
    0
    Hi, how to plain for the kitchen
    1
    Singapore
    Tailor my experience with cookies

    Houzz uses cookies and similar technologies to personalise my experience, serve me relevant content, and improve Houzz products and services. By clicking ‘Accept’ I agree to this, as further described in the Houzz Cookie Policy. I can reject non-essential cookies by clicking ‘Manage Preferences’.