Kitchen Makeover - time to shine.
Help - some fresh ideas needed.
Comments (18)
PRODr Retro House Calls
5 years agoIt looks like a lot of love and craftsmanship went into your timber kitchen. Your standard kitchen cabinetmaker is not going to have the skill set to replace it with anything similar.
If the base cabinetwork and benchtop are in good condition then I would replace all of your open shelves with overhead cupboards that are built in the same style as the base cabinetwork - but you may have trouble with finding a suitable craftsman. Don't attempt to modernise as it will become generic. Celebrate the existing character.
It reminds my of the style that was used by architect Alistair Knox, who was quite prolific in Melbourne's Eltham area, so consider doing some research on his kitchens that used natural materials like yours. Here is an example:
https://thedesignfiles.net/2017/07/warrandyte-architectural-bush-retreat-melbourne/Best of luck,
Dr Retro
of Dr Retro House Calls
BUILD Architecture Award 2018 · More Infolankastar thanked Dr Retro House Calls
siriuskey
5 years agoWhat a great kitchen, I actually love the design of the kitchen shelves they add personality.
New Stainless Range Hood that has a flat stainless panel between the cabinets and up to the ceiling.
New Splash back as per the large concrete tiles photo
White walls
You could have the cabinets painted? but not necessary
New concrete look bench top on Island, keep that timber top to use else where,
New flooring perhaps similar to the herring bone pattern,
Good luck
lankastar thanked siriuskeyRelated Discussions
kitchen makeover
Comments (18)I think if you found a subtle mosaic tile to do the backsplash with blues/greys/white it would tie it in together fine. Honestly I get the feeling that when in the kitchen it would seem quite nice (as far as blue kitchens go). What jumps out at me is the back of the cabinet that is facing the carpet. I think if you could cover that with something neutral the kitchen would blend in better with the rest of the room. You could get a cheap vinyl cover/end panel to put over it (even one that matches the Benchtop would be better), or tiles, or wood panels/slats - so many options :) Can I suggest you take a photo looking straight into the kitchen & then re-assess what bothers you from just that perspective?...See MoreHelp needed — house makeover for downsizer
Comments (14)To start with, don't try to do the whole house at once, you will only confuse yourself more. Remember Rome wasn't built in a day. Plan room at a time, look for available options in your price range and then ensure everything comes together through the whole house. A colour scheme can achieve this and introducing blues and greens will keep the look fresh and modern but still masculine. Maybe introduce dad to Houzz too so he can give you ideas of what he would really like. Agree with Louie some simple sheer white curtains would soften the blinds and dress up the rooms better. I don't see anything wrong with keeping the guest room beds if they are comfortable but new, more modern linen would make a huge difference. I think I would have to lose the dressing table in the master bedroom though, but to keep the bed and add new bedside tables and drawers would not be out of place. I would definitely look for new artwork though, unless your dad has any sentimental reason for keeping any he has. Check out $2 shops, many of them have inexpensive canvas prints these days that can be used very effectively. It comes down to how creative you can be. Check out Houzz for interesting ways to hang artwork too. $2 shops are also good for finding interesting pieces to create a coastal look especially when it is all very "in" at the moment. If the lounge is still good and comfortable, don't rush to replace it. It is a little bulky for the room but keep everything else to a minimum. The glass coffee table for example, is a good idea as it visually does not take up space. The most important thing for older people is to have furniture that is not too difficult to move for cleaning and to keep beds and chairs at a realistic height for ease of sitting and standing as joints get older. Good luck with it all....See MoreKitchen makeover ideas desperately needed!
Comments (14)Your kitchen looks like it may be original with the house and has had a number of makeovers since it was built. It looks like a builders kitchen, and probably not the highest quality with hinges and runners starting to wear out at a guess. You can't apply a two-pack finish to old doors that have been painted (and repainted) before and expect a perfect finish. I wouldn't buy new doors and drawer fronts in such an old kitchen, but look at upgrading all of the knobs to handles and repainting to work with the materials and colours that you won't be changing, such as the benchtop and flooring. Many kitchens have a life span as things wear out and technology changes. All of the little jobs and upgrades that you have described will be fiddly and expensive due to the labour content. Don't waste too much of your money on upgrades to this old kitchen but save up for a new one. A well designed, new kitchen will make better use of the space, and be designed to give you the storage you need, and house the appliances that you want to make cooking a pleasure. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls...See MoreKitchen Makeover: A Before & After
Comments (9)Liked the overall refined mood and clean arrangement of the new kitchen but the two side panels each side of the stove going to the floor in front of the kick panel will be an irritation every time the floor needs to be cleaned. I assume that the great range of drawers in the old kitchen have been maintained. Overall a good move...See More
juliahocking
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoI agree that to lighten the room visually will make a huge difference
Timber is lovely to live with & it is very durable so don't dispose of any of it! The fine workmanship is obvious
Replace the splash back tiles with large format pale tiles They will visually stretch the space
A fine-particle terrazzo floor tile would add to the room - introducing a new texture
The open shelving is making the room very busy Add doors with a fine perforated metal infill - stainless steel That would match with the refrigerator and the new range hood
Remove the wall cupboard that you are using for glasses - light from the window will penetrate the room and add needed light
Paint the walls in a pale colour that compliments the timber and picks up on the flooring
As I write this I realise my ideas have an Industrial edge - does that resonate with the rest of your home?
Let us know what you decide
Farm House, Isabella NSW · More Info
Open-Plan Kitchen Diner Extension · More Info
The Hither Green Shaker Kitchen by deVOL · More InfoThese photos show some of the ideas I have mentioned
(Can't find one that is JUST like yours )
lankastar thanked juliahockingjuliahocking
5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago
Traditional Kitchen · More Infolankastar
Is it possible to move the island cupboard?
Would it serve you as well to place it at right angles to the right-hand side cupboards to create a U-shaped kitchen? This new layout would give a different perspective and make cooking interesting again!!
It could then be turned into a breakfast bar, if room permits
User
5 years agolankastar
5 years ago
Irene Morresey
5 years agoAwesome kitchen, how funky are those tiles by Susan Jablon mosaic tiles. They would look beaut in your kitchen
lankastar thanked Irene Morresey
PROAus Joinery Kitchens Pty Ltd
5 years ago'Those tiles do look lovely and unique but may become dated rather quickly and would take
away from the already stunning cabinetry the owner already has.
Just throwing an idea out there but you could play up the kitchens old skool vibe by integrating the appliances and maybe using a copper rangehood and sink.
lankastar thanked Aus Joinery Kitchens Pty Ltd
oklouise