80's Laminate Cabinet Kitchen Update Advice
I just bought a new house and I'm planning some small projects to get done before my wife and I move in. The kitchen is in good condition, but it could badly use an update. So far the plan is to tear up the laminate tile flooring and expose the hardwood underneath (we're removing all of the carpets/laminate in the entire house and stripping, staining everything one color). We're thinking of going with a dark brown for the flooring.
The problem is the cabinets: based on my research, the best plan I've come up with is to re-laminate them or to paint them (leaning towards painting them). We were thinking a dark charcoal for the base cabinets and a white or shade of grey for the top. I also figured I would add some nice flat bar pulls to give them the modern look that my wife and I love. Where I'm stuck is the "wood" trim and what to do with it. Do I paint it all one color, do I paint it a different color? Will it look weird to have the pull handles AND the flat bar pulls on the cabinets/drawers? Can I cover them up/remove them? Any ideas would be awesome.
The problem is the cabinets: based on my research, the best plan I've come up with is to re-laminate them or to paint them (leaning towards painting them). We were thinking a dark charcoal for the base cabinets and a white or shade of grey for the top. I also figured I would add some nice flat bar pulls to give them the modern look that my wife and I love. Where I'm stuck is the "wood" trim and what to do with it. Do I paint it all one color, do I paint it a different color? Will it look weird to have the pull handles AND the flat bar pulls on the cabinets/drawers? Can I cover them up/remove them? Any ideas would be awesome.
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If you are handy, I would highly recommend Ikea cabinets. They are stylish and not too difficult to install, but you do have to assemble them. I would also recommend that you remove the bulkhead because this really dates the kitchen too. Your cabinets could be much taller if you do.
If you can't afford to do all this right now, then I'd recommend you put this on your list to work toward. I do not believe there is a quick fix for this kitchen.
I agree with you on the bulk head. It is definitely going to go either way. If I keep these, I figured I could at least remove it and cap the cabinets with some nice crown moulding.
New ikea cabinets are going to run at least $3k, and they'd probably be great looking in here, but since a full remodel isn't far down the line, I'm really just looking to get a bit more time out of these.
Of course you must do what you think best for you personally.
I like the idea of playing with the shades of grey for the trim.
Chances are that this is the tip of the '80's iceberg. There may be more important things than the kitchen remodel to spend money on now.
Eventually, soffits will be back in style, and so will retro '80's kitchens.
The bar pulls are gorgeous - but they're murder on pockets. You learn to develop a certain bizarre stance when standing close to them.
Not looking to dump a lot of cash into something temporary. I think a high gloss paint on the cabinets and just swapping out the countertops will go a long way. Just need to get this to the point where I can look at it without being sad haha.
apple_pie_order, It's funny you mention the "tip of the 80's iceberg", as there are a few other items on my list that are also getting done before the move in. I've already done a fair bit of wallpaper removal and still have another 2 rooms to do (including the bathroom ceiling and doors!).
One thing I've read (you've probably seen the same) it's recommended to NOT remove the trim. Most likely MDF is what is underneath and doesn't paint well. Then you have a whole new surface to try to improve.
I'll keep the heat concerns in mind if we go down the laminating route.
Question: Is it realistically feasible to get that "high gloss" look with paint on the cabinets/trim? I'm assuming I can achieve the look I want with a few coats of poly and a final coating of enamel spray.
I am with you on painting these cabinets now and not living with them until they can be replaced. So many great creative things can be done with existing furnishings if you are willing. In my opinion you can't hurt these, anything you do will be an improvement. And you might be an inspiration for others that have these cabinets that great thing can be done with what you have. Can't wait to see your kitchen!!! Good luck!!!!
1) Clean/degreaser
2) Sand, add decorative wood rope trim
3) Zinsser primer
4) 2 coats base coat color
5) glaze
6) polycrylic top coat
If they are in good condition, I would definitely consider painting them. I saw a show on TV many years ago and that's exactly what they did, came out great. I'm sure if you goggle or try Youtube, you'll find plenty of info.
No, it will not affect the structural integrity of the door, even though it's MDF to take the pulls off if they are removed correctly. They would have to be run through a table saw by someone that knows what they are doing. The hardware is glued on and into a groove. It would be cut clean and have to be re-grooved to accept the metal. A nice brushed finish would look nice.
Thanks
Mitzy
but I fully understand wanting to save and reuse what you can. I guess you may as well try it first....and if you hate it, you can still reface or replace.
(This picture gave me flashbacks to the horrible kitchen in my first house. Handyman from hell chose these exact cabinets and installed them himself, apparently without benefit of level or tape measure. The counter seam had a 3/8" gap and I can only imagine what had been growing down there. The oven could only be opened after opening an interfering drawer first. Shudder.......)
http://retrorenovation.com/2011/02/01/3-places-to-buy-metal-edging-for-kitchen-countertops/