Here are 3 pictures of the current kitchen. The floor is vinyl and the countertops are Formica and tile
I could reface the cabinets but I think it would be better to change the layout. Right now there is no space for a microwave. And there is a weird open space beside the pantry. And I want to get rid of the raised bar space on the island. And bring up the cabinets to the ceiling for more space.
We keep going back and forth what to do. Keep some of what you have or change everything.
If you want to change the layout then I say call in a kitchen designer or two and see what they have to say! Sounds like you have some good ideas to make your space more workable and more what you desire.
Funny how changing a couple
Things often will make some other things that seemed ok (like a floor) seem not ok anymore.
I’ve been looking at A LOT of pictures of kitchen remodels.
What is hard to see is a remodel where you have to incorporate a very distinctive feature of the house (all this oak) into a new kitchen.
So many new houses and remodels are very gray and cool tones. But I have this warm toned wood that I really can’t or won’t change.
When we get ready to remodel I have a contractor I want to use. Like their work, super easy to work with. Everyone is too busy right now and booked up. Materials are expensive. I’ll wait until everyone is done with their Covid projects.
I’ve remodeled 2 kitchens already, I’m happy and will consult with a designer which I’ve done the other times I’ve done this. But I know that they want to know what your vision is.
Tried to load an image but couldn’t so here is the website. There is a picture there using similar oak colored cabinets paired with a white quartz countertop. The cabinets go to the ceiling. The flooring is a wood in a different color (probably planks). In the pix you can see flooring beyond the kitchen is a light colored stone. Looks great.
Forgot to mention that website suggested a pretty plain quartz without a lot of pattern since the oak already has its own grain pattern.
I think neutrals will always be in no matter what trends come and go.
If it wasn’t for the layout then I’d probably replace the tile countertops with a white quartz and replace the backsplash. Then I’d redo the floor with either LVP or a larger stone tile.
The taller bar step up (if I’m looking at this from the right perspective as open to the family living area) provides some shield from the living room area view of looking at dinner dishes. That stepped up bar also makes a clean space to set up a buffet if wanted and definitely provides a huge amount of extra counter while cooking.
That’s really pretty with the slate color too! They didn’t try to match the island with the rest of the cabinets for that kitchen. The island has a totally different look for the wood but the countertops pull it all together.
We are 2/3 done with our kitchen remodel, the choices are pretty stressful! We did go with white shaker cabinets and wood (well not really… LVP) floors. Attaching an image of its current state. We are waiting on countertops, Silestone Pietra quartz will be installed…hopefully next week. They are back ordered, as is the refrigerator. Struggling with paint and backsplash choices at the moment…!
Paint is so hard! I had a good friend who was an art teacher. She was so good at picking out paint colors. I miss her advice, she lives in my old town.
Coming to the end of a kitchen remodel. Didn’t want to change the floor plan or the floor( tile ) because of cost. Started with oak cabinets ( 1990) had soffits with plumbing that would have been $$$ to move into ceiling , so contractor raised. Happy with the outcome. Waiting on backsplash and grout on the floor tile will be stained and sealed. Ordered appliances nov 2020, last one was delivered a week ago!
Ps …after a PM conversation with another CC member , picked cabinets base on a website ratings.
That was the hardest part for us too. I think I was at the paint store a dozen times for more test samples. The color changed so much with the changing natural light. We actually repainted because my H hated it so much (it almost looked purple and was supposed to be a pale blue gray).
My $.02 is to put some paint on a section of the wall and see how it looks.
Lol! So true about the paint! Not sure if you can see, because the painter had started, but paint samples on the far left and far right are the same color, it’s all about the light!
One thing I learned the hard way is to apply all your samples to assorted wallboard and move it around in the light. Once you’d gone from 15-20 colors to under 4-5, paint it in a larger sample as if they are too small you don’t see their true characteristics.
I actually used an online decor blogger to help me find exactly what I wanted for a small consulting fee, it was so worth it. Every time I made my sample bigger, I saw that it was not what I really wanted, very frustrating.
On Houzz and elsewhere, I’ve read that not only is the gray trend over but there’s a strong return to warm tones including beige. Green, in a variety of shades from pale sage to olive and even hunter or forest green has made a return. I happen to like green with oak cabinets, especially in a craftsman style home.
Some companies that do cabinet refacing can also add extra boxes to match existing cabinets if you have the space. Existing cabinets can be modified, too. For example, you could modify a base cabinet to accept a drawer style microwave in order to save counter space.
Don’t hesitate to look at laminate counter options from Formica and Wilsonart. They’ve come a long way and can do impressive edges and corners now. LVP flooring might be an option for you, too. Both are more durable than many folks realize and are easier to care for than some other options. There are lovely tiles by Daltile and American Olean for a backsplash that cost a fraction of designer/handmade tiles.
Since you mentioned white cabinets, take a look on Houzz for cpartist’s home in SW FL. It was featured in Old House Journal. Arts & Crafts Revival Home I like the green tile backsplash in this kitchen, as well as the gorgeous quartzite.
