Recently a friend of mine has been getting the itch to redo her country kitchen, but doesn’t want to spend a ton. I figured this was a project some of you might welcome and we’re hoping for some ideas that don’t cost too much.
She’s looking to move away from the country feel, which can be a challenge since she’s not getting rid of the cabinets or even the kitchen table.
Up until yesterday, her walls were a medium shade of yellow (sorry, no ‘before’ pics) but now they’re a lovely shade of grey with a touch of blue. The color is Silent Night by Benjamin Moore. The addition of this color really helps to tie in the counter tops and the flooring, and gives the room a more updated feel, but there’s a lot more work to be done if we’re going to help her achieve her vision.
We came up with a couple of ideas, but we’d love to hear what your take on the space is and we’re open to any and all suggestions!
This is the view into the kitchen from the dining room. Recently, she had that area painted the amber/orange color you see here.
She’s got great appliances, so they’re definitely staying, but she knows she needs some kind of backsplash since she’s one of the lucky ones and has a hubs who is a fabulous cook so that area will most definitely get dirty real fast!
Here’s the view from the kitchen into the eating area. The table is over the top country, so something has to be done without question!
So what do you think?
Partying At
Andi says
How does she feel about painting the cabinets? I’m sure you’ve already thrown that idea out, but I’m just loving the look of painted white cabinets these days. (If I were staying in my current home, I would definitely be painting mine…even though it would probably cause my husband to murder me.) I think that would be the most dramatic change you could make for very little money! It would totally update the look. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
-andi 🙂
Christie Williamson says
Yup. I’d say paint those puppies! Oil based I think it has to be to take right. I don’t know about painting them white. I’m always partial to terra cotta colors in my kitchen. She could get creative with the painting and have the internal panel one color and the rest of the face a different one? Just a thought.
It’s also not that inexpensive to purchase new door and drawers to change it up.
Depending on the color she chooses to paint the cabinets, she could do a complimenting back splash in a nice patterned tile.
There are some gorgeous ones here:
http://www.colourbox.com/image/colorful-vintage-spanish-style-ceramic-tiles-wall-decoration-image-2912972?ver=a&utm_expid=22365066-12&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
Diane Massey, Broker/Realtor, Berkshires & Hilltowns says
Ok., I just did the same thing at my lake house. Got rid of all the pottery, baskets, took everything off the top of cabinets and plate rack? History. Period. Added a mirror, some new stoneware from TJ Maxx / Home Goods, new candles, new items on fireplace mantle, and BAM, so much better. The biggest thing I did that she should consider, get rid of everything off the counters and on top of cabinetry. Replace with select items that are more “her” today. Light fixtures need to go. Bring some black, or brown tones it the space. I’d resurface the cabinetry as well, but I do know that can get pricey and you are right the kitchen table needs to find space at a yard sale (even though it’s lovely, it’s probably not “her” anymore.). What about changing the knobs on the cabinets, light fixtures, de-cluttering and new bar stools/kitchen table and you’ve got a nice change (if she doesn’t want to paint the cabinetry).
cynthia keeley says
I agree with the first poster’s suggestions, as I was going to offer that myself. I personally would go all the way with the cabinets and paint them black (or lighten the walls and paint them gray!) , especially with the new wall color. That new blue only makes it look more ‘countrified’ to me, but I get that it ties in the counters better…which is another thing I’d either replace or use one of those countertop makeover kits and change out completely. The only problem with going too modern with the kitchen is the adjoining rooms, and the disconnect it might create. If she paints the cabinets, I’d also paint the kitchen set as well, or leave the table as is and get some smaller more clean lined chairs. Its the style of those chairs that is really adding to the country look.
I just did something similar to my own kitchen (makeover,that is), just by using a lot of paint. Keeping everything uncluttered and simple is my new motto!
Good luck with it, and I hope you post some followup pictures!
Cynthia says
I think painting the cabinets is a great idea and the light fixtures are one of the first things I noticed that has to be changed. Maybe stack some molding on the bottom of the island that don’t have such a country feel and paint that a different color that blends with the cabinets. That may make the island really pop. I can’t wait to see the changes and what decisions are made.
Cynthia
Angela says
I agree with the group! My first thought was “paint the cabinets” and change the hardware! What about a tin backsplash? Could go silver or copper. I would go more cream though than white on the cabinets and maybe antique. I’d paint the island a different color and maybe add some corbels. Paint the barstools or maybe add a “slipcover” to the backs. Same for the kitchen table…..paint and add slipcovers to the chairs. Otherwise, get rid of the chairs! I’d also change out the lighting, if possible!!~~Angela
cynthia keeley says
Any updating done yet? What has she decided?
Doreen@househoneys says
Hi Cyn!
For starters, she wants to just paint the island and slipcover the chairs. She actually doesn’t want to change out the country look nearly as much as I thought. That’s probably a good thing since she doesn’t want to spend a lot and with those cabinets…well, ‘nuf said. It’s a challenge finding slipcovers for those type of chairs! I wish she would just chuck them! (She doesn’t read my blog so no worries) 😉