Note: all of the lighting and existing granite, and most of the maple upper cabinets are for sale at very motivated prices!
Today:
Tomorrow - Goal for this space: A functional, beautiful kitchen where I can prepare tasty, relaxing meals for my family and friends. A MINJOR (somewhere between major and minor) remodel that doesn't break the bank, utilizing as much of the existing materials as possible (including current appliances) in the existing footprint.
I'm really looking forward to this project - an opportunity to attempt to radically change the look/feel and function of the kitchen, without a gut job.
Functionally:
- Use the existing base cabinets, painting them, and if need be, adding simpler, more streamlined new doors. At a minimum, paint and new hardware.
- Tear out the existing plywood peninsula, and build one that is more functional - e.g. with needed storage and counter space (at the same height as the existing base). We may be able to simply add a few more base cabinets to accomplish this functionality, with a counter that extends slightly as an overhang for two counter-seats.
- Remove or reconfigure the soffets - gone will be the BIG SQUARE in the ceiling, at a minimum. We may not need the soffet currently running above the cabinets, which will introduce another opportunity/conundrum:
- Once we know how much space (up to a foot) can be grabbed from the ceiling, either a) put in 42 inch upper cabinets, sprayed to match the lowers or b) add a second bank of small cabinets to the current uppers, and frame/paint all so to be seamless. This will allow for again - much needed storage, but also make the space feel taller/larger. It will also allow the whole of the window to be viewed - today 4-5 inches of the window is hidden behind a soffet.
- Improve the lighting - under cabinet, a couple of pendants over the peninsula, and a higher-wattage center fixture.
- Insert standard pull-outs for trashcans, pot/pan access.
Aesthetically:
- Add one continuous counter surface.
- Close the cut outs; square the archway, add molding, wainscoting, and frame the windows. Paint the entire space.
- Pull the tile floor and add hardwood to match the rest of the space.
- Add a lovely, simple, continuous backsplash. Reposition the electrical outlets on the backsplash so they are out of sight.
- Add roman shades to the two windows and the door.
A note: if we are able to add 42 inch uppers and/or if adding a second smaller bank of cabinets to the existing uppers isn't feasible (or is more expensive) then about half of the existing uppers can be utilized for the future laundry room.
A Nowhere-Near-To-Scale Layout of the space:
Photos of inspiration:
Mixing two different cabinets/paint scheme/wrap around to replace existing peninsula:
What a difference tall cabinets and a great color makes - also, terrific configuration for my wrap-around conundrum in existing peninsula space, as this is my exact layout:
If doubling up the cabinets is more economical, and feasible, this is what I have in mind, on a much less luxe scale - but I like how the different "fronts" work together:
Backsplash options under consideration - goal, under $10/sq foot:
As for countertops and cabinets: I really would like to see some grey cabinetry - perhaps in the base cabinets, with white on the uppers. A white quartz countertop, and a terrific backsplash in grey/white would unify the space, as would paint in the remainder of the room in a compatible pale grey.
The alternate color configurations under consideration include all grey cabs with white quartz, or all white cabs with grey quartz. Anyway...you get the gist - there will be grey, and there will be white!
What would most interest you/capture your attention if you were purchasing an older home?
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