HELP: Economical kitchen makeover is needed.

**snafu** · 02-08-2015, 09:59 PM

http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-ca/paint-color/cinnamon#ce_s=Cinnamon

http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/shakerbeige

Updating a old kitchen is fraught with problems yet to be revealed. Building codes were different when your home was constructed. As a warrior of several kitchen upgrades, updates and one genuine remodel plus multi re-organizations I've learned the more planning, more detailed and specific information can save $$$$. I suggest you start with the list of your skill sets and those you're willing to learn. You've mentioned wall paper removal and having painted the wall 2 colours. 2nd establish a budget, the total most dollars you can devote to this project.

I wish I could suggest a time-frame but it just always takes more time, patience and running around than you expect. 3rd is your plan. Before you chose paint for the cupboards, you need to know what flooring you will use and the colour which needs to contrast with the counter but co ordinate with the cupboards. I'm guessing that the floor surface is the largest space/square footage.

Do you see yourself living in this house for a great many years or merely 5? Would the update have to consider what the next buyer would reject since kitchen and bathrm make the deal? I'm somewhat reluctant to make specific suggestions for fear of hurting your feelings.

The photos revealed both a single and double window. Are they drafty? Do they need work? Would it be cost effective to carefully pull off the frame and add some form of insulation and touch up/return framing? What are lighting source? Is there another source of natural light? Dble window faces which direction? Is there any money in the budget for lighting? How do you feel about buying pre owned stuff?

Is the sink, faucet and plumbing adequate or likewise a candidate for update? Are you brave and willing to follow videos/Pictorials on You Tube + possibly attending Saturday morning tutorials by Lowe's or Home Depot in your area?

What flooring do you envision? What lifespan, care and skill set? I ask because we helped DS2 install laminate 'plank flooring' in his condo. It was definitely DIY, the hardest part was figuring out the 1st two lengths/tiers of cuts but it nearly killed our knees in spite of excellent, garden type knee pads. I feel the pain just talking about it!

If you can make this a longer term project, can your budget stretch to new/er appliances? So often new home owners reject builder grade appliances and buy upgrades, selling their almost not yet used, more basic model, for a reasonable price.

sorry, so long...

.

**Scanner** · 02-09-2015, 07:18 AM

NO, don't apologize. . .I was glad to get a response, if even only one response. I will answer your questions and look at your links you provided. It seems you suggest the floor first, because it covers the largest square area? That kind of makes sense.

POINT: I suggest you start with the list of your skill sets and those you're willing to learn.
COUNTERPOINT: None.

Skill sets: None other than painting and light wiring.

Q: Do you see yourself living in this house for a great many years or merely 5?
A: I don't know. As a divorced male in a serious relationship, it's a hard call. I won't give you the details of that but I think it has to be thrown in there as a possibility. In fact, the gf refuses to move in my house because it's not up to her standards, a source of a bit of discord between us b/c she's coming off a bankruptcy. But I won't get into that.

Q: Would the update have to consider what the next buyer would reject since kitchen and bathrm make the deal? I'm somewhat reluctant to make specific suggestions for fear of hurting your feelings.
A: You don't have to worry about hurting my feelings. I know the house was neglected. Believe it or not. . .there wasn't a dishwasher there until I moved in. I just replaced the avocado fridge with a black one.

You won't hurt my feelings. My house isn't me. I'm a guy.

I am trying to stay neutral in case of sale or conversion to a rental.

Q: The photos revealed both a single and double window. Are they drafty? Do they need work? Would it be cost effective to carefully pull off the frame and add some form of insulation and touch up/return framing?
A: Meh. The kitchen windows aren't that drafty. There are other windows in the house that need more attention.

Q: What are lighting source? Is there another source of natural light? Dble window faces which direction?
A: The double window faces due west so natural lighting peaks from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. depending on time of year and the existing treeline.

Q: Is there any money in the budget for lighting? How do you feel about buying pre owned stuff?
A: Yes, I know that central light could be better converted, along with a light over the sink that I think would be better served with track lighting for tasks. There is a stove light and the weirdest wall outlet you ever saw (for a clock?) in front of the fridge that I was thinking of a sconce for general lighting.

No opposition to pre-owned.

Q: Is the sink, faucet and plumbing adequate or likewise a candidate for update? Are you brave and willing to follow videos/Pictorials on You Tube + possibly attending Saturday morning tutorials by Lowe's or Home Depot in your area?
A: I figured when I got a new counter I would get a new sink installed.

Q: What flooring do you envision? What lifespan, care and skill set?
A: I am not opposed to having laminate installed (I won't do that myself), but probably just bite the bullet and get a tile installed. I know because it's a traffic area vs. a bathroom, the tile would have to be thicker.

Q: If you can make this a longer term project, can your budget stretch to new/er appliances?
A: The stove and dishwasher are both gifts from my parents who got them used. Dont' ask me how they russle up used appliances but they like to do that. The fridge is brand new, about a month old.

I am not on any timeline or hurry. My gf says the whole kitchen needs to be redone, completely re-gutted before she would move in. Pretty much that is what she has hinted at. . .the layout is all wrong. Everything is old. Oh, and she wants a ring and she wants to take vacations because we never go anywhere.

**LuckyRobin** · 02-09-2015, 09:19 PM

Well, the first thing I'd do is get rid of the kitchen curtains and put up something white with a colored trim. You'd be shocked at how fast that will change the character of the room. Then I'd go to cabinets. Because of the brickwork in the kitchen I would go with a really light color on the cabinets. White would really brighten it and be a nice contrast to the brick. Or there is a paint you can put on bricks. If you paint the bricks white or black, then you could paint the cabinets in a nice contrasting color, like red or cobalt blue if you like brights or pale green or pale blue if you want pastels. If you want to stick with varnish, I'd definitely paint the bricks. There really isn't a varnish that contrasts nicely with red brick, but plenty contrast well with white or black bricks. Find some more modern cabinet handles and drawer pulls, too. The ones on there really date the room.

On the countertops do think about bacteria and blood from meat getting on it. It can easily get into the wood and not so easily be cleaned back out of it. A non-porous surface would be better when it comes to cleaning and sanitation. As for the floors, they have some lovely vinyl options these days that look like slate tiles or hardwood floors that are relatively inexpensive. Fake tile would go better with the brickwork, though.

**snafu** · 02-10-2015, 06:53 AM

Working with LR's suggestions, I too recommend removing curtains, wallpaper, PLUS cupboard 'rail' at the top and valence between upper cabinet at window as they are all negative features that date the room. While actually installing flooring is last, the decision of what product & color comes 1st as it's a big surface.

Is it your plan to hire out all the work? Tear out, remove, paint, hang faux wood blinds or pull down shades if privacy is a factor, replace sink & faucet, install lighting, flooring and cope with an anomaly plug in? A contractor usually gets a discount when buying supplies but charges for time and delivery. It's critical to have a written, signed contract detailing product, work details and time frame. Always hold back at least 20% until the job is wrapped and you've inspected and tried out every detail.

I hope you'll consider Craig'sList and GW/thrift shops as your venue for sink, cupboard hardware, track lighting. Can you buy discounted gift cards for Home Depot or Lowes'? Would you consider one the the Chase cards that offer a bonus for spending 'X' dollars in a specific time frame to help mitigate costs? The links I offered were to try to identify the color palette you've chosen Cinnamon & Beige. I figure the backsplash is fake brick which is better undercoated and painted either White or Black as LR says. Most counters can be unscrewed in the corners and removed. If you can do tasks like that you can negotiate a less expensive new counter installation.

While I prattle about paint, stain and colors, you need to review what colors you are co ordinating in adjacent rooms. I see window frames painted white and conclude baseboards are also white. I see an old white fridge in the photo but now understand it's replaced with black. There is a large, unidentified object on the right?

You mentioned a preference for a wood, 'butcher block' counter which you need to price - out. If that's you choice, the cupboards, doors, styles are better scrubbed with TSP [according to pkg direction] & abrasive, nylon scrubber pad before undercoated with a Kilz type product . Paint the woodwork with a soft [Cloud White], quality paint because they get a terrific amount of wear and white looks best with 'butcher block.' If you chose a different countertop, the color palette changes. There is typically high contrast between the cupboards and floor so the floor would be quite dark.

If you choose to retain the wood look, look at General 'Java' color Gel Stain. It needs two, possibly three coats applied with a soft cloth and gently wiped off with 24 hours dry time between. It will need a top coat of Poly.

If you live in a cold, winter climate, ceramic tile need under floor heating. A lot of people are installing fake wood look with 25 year warranty.

just my .02 cents

**Scanner** · 02-11-2015, 12:30 PM

Okay, thanks again for all the attention.

I'll try to answer everything and address all points.

A. Thanks for saying you think the brick could be painted. I am about the only one who has said that.
B. I did see some neat products that will apply a coating to the current counter and modernize it. I think Rustoleum makes them. Pretty cool. the only thing is, like the photo shows, it's not a curved counter (I wonder if I could apply a rounded molding to outside?)
C. I have the curtains down and just replaced with those $5.00 window shades for now.
D. I think I am going to just work on cabinets first, since I don't care much about the floor getting paint on it. Work with gravity. Someone had suggested a Dove gray, so I am actually thinking I may go with that. . .like the color of this forum for the cabinets.
E. RIght now, I have the rail down at the top and use it as a "spice shelf". . .of course, i have a hodgepodge of different brands, depending on what's on sale at the $1.00 store. I thought about buying spice bottles as in my bathroom has old fashioned glass shampoo bottles (which is completely gray and right beside it BTW). The shelf is high to reach for a short/average woman though. . .it's fine for me at 6 feet tall. I like glass bottles, esp. cool shapes.
F. Floor. . .meh, I will contract that out, all of it - bringing up old one if need be and laying down new one. But I am NOT opposed to laminate at all. Laminate is very nice.

So, in short. . .

1. Dove gray cabinets
2. Re-finish counters with Rustoleum product
3. Lay down floor
4. Paint brick
5. Spice bottles on shelf
6. Opposing wall is vacant (not pictured). . .thinking of kitchen pegboard to hang pots and pans (I love kitchen pegboard - practical. . .originally a Julia Childs idea)

**Scanner** · 02-11-2015, 01:08 PM

Question. . .if you look at the picture where I have the cinnamon bottom and the beige top. . .would I be a complete decorating lout to do the bottom cabinets and drawers cinnamon and the top cabinets beige tan? Then pop with hardware and backsplash???

This DIY kitchen article did exactly that - the bottom cabinets and drawers are tan. The top are white.

I figured my room is already split personality to begin with. . .would I just merge into cabinets LESS outstanding, the same exact paint color or MORE outstanding?

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http://www.beautifulmatters.com/2013/02/diy-inexpensive-cabinet-updates/

**snafu** · 02-11-2015, 01:48 PM

Scanner, it's just paint, the least expensive of fixes and if you don't like the outcome you can easily re-paint! Try one upper door beige and one lower door Cinnamon and live with it a week to see how it 'feels.' If you're happy, go for it! I'd hesitate to eliminate cupboard doors because the shelves and the stuff they hold get film from all the cooking in the kitchen. Too much upkeep for me.

You Tube has wonderful videos on painting cupboards. Likewise there is a video for the Rustoleum 'kit' for painting countertops. I suggest checking out the lifespan of that product compared to lifting off the current Formica type product [apparently it can be ironed off] and having a new sheet [professionally] applied.

I hope it's ok to mention there are sort of principles that are helpful in organizing stuff in your kitchen. The point is to keep stuff as close to where it's used as practical. Pots and pans are typically kept as close to the stove as practical. Would you like to hang a peg board in the area adjacent to the smaller window, near to the stove? Tableware, dishes, glasses, bowls, cutlery are practical as close to the DW as reasonable or nearest the table for example.

**Joan.of.the.Arch** · 02-11-2015, 02:58 PM

Try Photo-shopping your paint and color combinations. I would be surprised if you could not take a photo to an independent paint store these days and have them do that for you to help with color decisions.

**Scanner** · 02-11-2015, 03:59 PM

I guess I am scared once I seal the paint on the cabinets with a polyurethane, now I am in for a dime, in for a dollar, because I would have to chemically strip it. But I guess I would have enough before I seal it to determine if I like the color scheme or not.

I appreciate the dialogue.

**HappySaver** · 02-11-2015, 05:42 PM

I'm late to this thread, but here's my two cents.

I was going to suggest a light color like white for the cabinets. Dove Gray sounds like a very nice option.

I would paint the cabinets, walls, new blinds, and if anything else, have the floors redone. That will make it look clean, bright, and perfectly acceptable for someone who is not HGTV kitchen obsessed.

I would not sink any more money than that into "patching" this kitchen unless you are going into full-scale remodel mode with new counters, cabinets, appliances, etc. It's not worth spending the money on new counters without first replacing the cabinets, IMO.

P.S. I am more worried about your comments about your girlfriend, but that is a topic for another thread should you wish to go there.

**creditcardfree** · 02-11-2015, 06:25 PM

I'm personally not a fan of the cinnamon color, but I see why you chose it to coordinate with the brick.

I do like the idea of the bottom cabinets matching that color you already have on the lower part of the wall. I would paint the brink the beige color of your upper wall and then paint upper cabinets white...to coordinate with white trim on window.

I would leave the counter unless badly damaged.

I really like my laminate wood floors...so I would suggest those. They are pretty popular right now.

If I were to change your entire color scheme, I would pick white cabinets, dark wood laminate floors, 'coffee with cream color' on the walls and a counter top with a marble look (with off white, gray and tan colors). Check out home decor sites, like HGTV, Houzz, and Pinterest for ideas.

**creditcardfree** · 02-11-2015, 06:31 PM

Picture example of my suggestion. Ignore the before pics and the dark cabinets (although I like those). I would use paint on your cabinets, buy laminate counter top, stainless steel sink with similar type faucet, and then have a flooring installed that fits your budget but looks like wood.

**Scanner** · 02-12-2015, 07:14 AM

Well, I am not married to the cinnamon except it wraps around into dining room. . .see my picture here:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10/Scannerwcbp/Diningroomkitchenview_zps20e531d3.jpg

That curved archway with the door is the entrance to the kitchen.

This is the view from the kitchen:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10/Scannerwcbp/Diningroomfrontdoorview_zps3729f50a.jpg

Someone asked me what the other rooms were like. . .this is the adjoining dining room.

So. . .yeah, sure, I don't mind if I have to repaint. . .have done it before - get a color up. . .all wrong. . .has to come to down. That's why I am trying to work it out here.

**Scanner** · 02-12-2015, 07:16 AM

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10/Scannerwcbp/Klingon_chancellor_zps9f526fe1.jpg

This is my level of amusement with this project, at least all the planning part.

Ba. Kapluck.

HELP: Economical kitchen makeover is needed.