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gillianlf Yes, These cabinets would be greatly improved if painted out in cream. Remove the wavy trim board over the window while you are at it. The countertops may not bother you so much if there is more contrast with the cabinets. Putting up a reflective tile backsplash would also help to modernize and wouldn't be too expensive. Also replacing the florescent fixture, with several pendants over the island and under counter lighting, would also help. Painting walls in a more neutral taupe or grey would also help to make it feel more up to date. Updating the shades on the sliding door would also help.

It looks like you have an efficient workspace and well made cabinets; so I would recommend sticking with cosmetic changes and splurging on the countertops if you don't feel the other changes are enough.

gillianlf Also, replacing the hardware on the cabinets and drawers will make a big difference once you paint. Good luck.

TGM & Cabi's Why do you believe that painting is the best thing to do? What is the budget you would spend on redoing the space? I never suggest painting it. I've seen to many diy come to me a year later and just have to redo it. The primer doesn't stick to the cabinets the way it is done in the manufacturers warehouse to make the paint stick even after sanding...unless you know what you are doing. I've had hired guys redo a paint job on unfinished cabinets they made. It's just not that easy. And getting it wrong after all those hours you are going to wish you thru in a few thousand to get new cabinets.

http;//tgmcabinets.weebly.com check out my budget thermometer under budgeting or What you need to know Tab on our site. And send a message thru the contact form if you have questions and I don't see it posted here.

Kiersten Mitchell Thank you both! Well TGM, I was thinking of painting them just because it'd be cheaper. Even if I had to hire someone just to paint those, I still think that would be a cheaper alternative to replacing the cabinets altogether! Also, like Gillian said, the countertops would be a great place to splurge if I'm going to! I really love her ideas! Thank you very much though, just the same. I appreciate your advice!

Molly Kiersten, I plan to paint my cabinets as well because new cabinets are just out of the question budget wise. plus I like my cabinets. But what do you like in terms of style?

Jennifer Hogan i couldn't afford to replace my cabinets, but I had them refaced for 1/3 the cost and got the look I wanted.

Kiersten Mitchell That's an idea too, to have the cabinets refaced... hmmm

Molly, I'm not sure. I'd know it to see it! lol... I don't know, more of a "contemporary" style. A lot less "country."

Molly This kitchen is from my all time favorite blog www.younghouselove.com do you like it?

Aegean-Designing Whims I like the idea of painting your cabinets, and I'd definitely have a professional do it. I agree that new hardware would be a positive change, and you can buy pre-fabricated counter tops for less than custom fabricated tops, so that could help with cost to update them. I'd remove the scallop over the sink if you can, but if not, I wouldn't stress over that.
It's definitely opening Pandora's box, but I think new ceiling lighting would really help updating, and a good electrician can do that without causing a lot of ceiling damage.
Chrysteen

Kiersten Mitchell Molly - KIND OF. I like the contrast of the floor vs cabinets but it's just a little too WHITE for me! I do like white but I get lost in this... like my eyes don't stop anywhere. Maybe that's a good thing? I really like this (just as an example):

carole i agree with Jennifer,painting these cupboard will not get rid of the "countryfeel"because of the trim,also to get a good finish it will need a lot of hrs and a good paintjob is not that cheap if you consider it will take sanding back then primer-2 layers of base more sanding inbetween!!and cleaning and at least 2 layers of topcaot and another layer if you like highgloss,so check out all your options and ideas first,prize them up,make sure you get what you want!!!!!!!! i would keep the countertops and move the island as you said,paint the bannister a lighter color and get rid of that border first change you get!!!!!!

Molly ok... one last picture, this one?

Kiersten Mitchell yes! love that!

Molly oh goody!! http://www.ourfifthhouse.com/p/house-tour.html here's the website if you would like to check it out. :)

Kiersten Mitchell Thank you Molly!!!

Molly I'm in the same boat, so I'm really happy I got to help out!

Kiersten Mitchell Awww, well hopefully you get the help you need too! I am just in awe of all the suggestions I have received! I wasn't expecting such a response but am sooo happy I did! :) Good luck!

Molly one last thing before I head out: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,20209705,00.html this old house has step by step instructions on how to paint cabinets. good luck!

carbary I think I would get new hardware for cabinets. Get a new light fixture( that will be a quick drastic change). New back splash, maybe stainless mosaic or glass. Then new countertops. It looks like you have a storage issue, so I might add a chest in front of the railing where you are storing your coats and add hooks by the door for the coats etc.

gillianlf Keirsten, I just want to point out that the picture of a kitchen that you posted and liked has the exact same profile on the cabinets that you have. So, I say, do your homework and paint your cabinets; you will be happy, and so will your wallet.

Jennifer Hogan I understand budget constraints, but spending on temporary fixes only keeps you further from your final goal.

I pulled the colors you have together in these two rooms. I would like to suggest that you think about the house like you do your clothing. What colors do you love, what works with those colors. If you wouldn't wear them together, don't put them next to each other in your home.

Pick out your dream color pallet and save to replace the things that won't get you to that final goal.

Kiersten Mitchell Wow Jennifer, that's amazing! And GREAT advice! Thank you so much!

Jennifer Hogan Been their - Bought what I loved and had a mess of things that didn't go together. Wish someone would have explained this to me before I spent so much on things I ended up getting rid of.