updated kitchen
My kitchen is about 30 years old, but in good condition, with solid timber doors. The splash back was subway tiles with a faux federation style frieze, and the benchtop was dark mottled laminate, with matching laminated kick boards. I was widowed three years ago and now don’t do much cooking, so although I wanted an updated kitchen, I really didn’t want to install a whole new kitchen, particularly since the existing one was still in good nick. So I thought replacing the splashback and benchtops with white engineered stone would give the kitchen a bright new look. I had quotes for a total replacement of splashback and benchtops with stone slabs, but then one of the builders suggested I get a quote for “veneering” with a thin stone over the top of the existing benchtops and tiled splashback. He felt that even though the cupboards were in good condition, the weight of new stone slabs may be too much for them. So I got a quote for this process as well. Same price, more or less.
The veneering company had a showroom which I visited, and I was really impressed.
The process took three days. The work was done beautifully with very little mess. The only bench top that was replaced entirely was the return, which was widened to enable it to be used as a breakfast bar.
I retained my old double sink and gas cooktop, and the builder installed a stainless steel panel at the back of the gas cooktop to avoid burning of the stone. I am so happy with the result - it looks like a new kitchen! I’m now looking for some pendant lights for over the breakfast bench, and have ordered three beautiful stools.
Have a look at the before and after pics. Love it!
Comments (17)
5 years agoRelated Discussions
Updating kitchen.
Comments (15)Hi all, I decided to bit the bullet and take up the tiles and put floorboards all the way through. It has been difficult at times with tradesmen, weather etc don't think you will hear of me being a contestant on the "the block" anytime soon!!! I feel comfortable with my decisions along with all your help. Waiting until next year to renovate the main bathroom and carpets in the bedrooms and north facing lounge....See MoreOur client's updated kitchen
Comments (1)It's amazing what white paint can do! So fresh...See MoreUpdate this kitchen - what would you do?
Comments (41)Besides the fact that it isn't my style (and thus I agree with oklouise to sell on ebay...), the first thing which strikes me, is the crammed working area: stove/ sink/ prep. How can you operate in that space? Other side appears to be too far away to be practical? Then the fridge! If you have an expensive and very ornate kitchen, you can't have a free standing fridge! One way or another your fridge has to be integrated, which brings you back to the style question. Either you like the style and just want to i.e.white wash it (liked that option, if you are into beachy, country), then you need a matching door made up (I'd calculate 2K) and buy an integrated fridge (A$ 2-4K) or you don't like the deco, lay-out, impractical space and want to replace it all, then you can possibly get away with a free-standing fridge in a much less ornate kitchen. If you basically don't mind the kitchen and can work well in the crammed working area, or your budget doesn't stretch to a new one (think about $ 25k+), I agree with the white wash solution and taking off all the excessive ornaments and trims, putting in a flat SS or glass range hood. Also install rails with hooks next to cook top and hang your utensils, you need every square inch on the counter! Microwave to be incorporated perhaps under oven and off benchtop. Maybe spend the money and buy a matching Miele microwave, will look nice with the oven. Look into brightening the gloomy kitchen (on top of white wash) by changing the black bench top and splash backs with light ones. It might save $$ if you just get the ex one covered ( I guess about A$ 6-7k). If it was my kitchen I would definitely sell it, before spending all that money on bench tops, fridge door, integrated fridge, m/w integration, removal of trims, painting, splash back etc. and still end up with a mediocre and impractical kitchen. Would be very interested to see more of your actual style. Can only make out an Ikea shelving unit on one photo... Your decision has a lot to do with the longevity (and cost) of a kitchen, your actual style and the practicability of the ex kitchen! If you can afford it, think long term and maybe save up for THE kitchen you want. If you want some tips on how to keep costs in check and still get a great result for a new kitchen, just contact me. Good luck....See MoreLooking for some quick & easy ways to update your kitchen?
Comments (0)Because we are obsessed with all things interiors, we thought we’d share with you some of our favourite ways to update your kitchen. While you may want to renovate your entire kitchen, there are a few things that you can change that will instantly transform it. If you’ve got a spare weekend, we can show you how to get the most out of a few simple changes! Paint or Replace Cabinetry If you want huge results fast, then our first tip is to update the kitchen cabinetry. We find that one of the easiest things to do is to paint the cabinetry! There are some amazing new paints on the market now that are specifically designed for the kitchen area. And if applied following the manufacturer’s instructions, your friends and family will never guess that it’s paint – they are seriously that good! But if you have more room in the budget and your kitchen structure is in good condition, you can have a cabinetmaker replace the doors and surrounds. Once they have measured and you have chosen a finish, the cabinetmaker will build the new doors offsite and return to install them. So there is basically only a few hours of downtime. Winner!! Create a New Benchtop So if you are going to the trouble of replacing or painting your cabinetry, it makes sense to replace the kitchen benchtop as well. Again, updating this will have a huge impact on the overall look, and can be done at the same time as the cabinetry update. With similar options to the cabinetry, you can now buy specific kitchen benchtop paint. Giving you the option to completely update your kitchen in a weekend. Or again, if you have a more generous budget, replacing it with a new one will give you an entirely new kitchen. Design Tip – Think about things like maintenance, longevity and style when choosing your benchtop. If you’re a busy family, something like a high-maintenance marble may not be optimal. Maybe try engineered stone instead. Or if you love a more organic or rustic vibe, go for a solid timber benchtop to add interest. Just make sure your style doesn’t override day-to-day practicality....See More- 5 years ago
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Perhaps paint your walls in vivid white to match the new white benches and a bright white blind or Venetian . Your kitchen is lovely . A suggestion for your lower cabinet shelving , to turn them into drawers ,is wire sliding baskets .
- 4 years ago
- 4 years ago
Julie Herbert, I’ve ordered the white roller blind as suggested and have purchased three beautiful pendant lights. Just waiting for the Sydney lockdown to end so they can all be installed! The pendant lights are Emilia from Lumi Lighting. Had three beautiful stools delivered and am loving my new breakfast bar.
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4 years agoYour kitchen looks fabulous Deb, the pendant lamps from Lumi are gorgeous, I found this to store your bills off the fridge, the large door would be perfect, then it won’t detract from your beautiful pendants and gorgeous kitchen. You must be so happy.
Julie Herbert