Sometimes design choices can remain timeless, however, the builder grade hardware from almost 40 years ago in this 70s condo kitchen isn’t. This kitchen is definitely in need of some modernization, but a full renovation can quickly get expensive. There is another way to do it on a budget though.
The first rule, is that we want to play up the good qualities of this room. One thing that I love about older spaces is that they have better natural lighting. This kitchen has a huge window that lets in a ton of light. We want to preserve this natural light. We also want to keep the layout the same, with only a few changes. While this layout isn’t perfect, it works until a full renovation can be done. Now onto the changes.
The first change that needs to happen is the bank of cabinets over the peninsula needs to be removed. These cabinets visually separate the kitchen from the dining room too much and create two small dark rooms. By removing them, you create one large light filled room that is less cavernous. Their storage duties would also be better served by Billy Bookcases with glass doors in the dining room to store dinnerware. To retain the balance hang an open shelving unit on the wall next to the peninsula. Finally, add stools to the peninsula so the overhang can be used for seating. This creates an open transition area between the dining room and the kitchen which can serve multiple purposes.
The remaining cabinets then need to be dressed up. White slab cabinet doors are boring and get dirty and look gross. There are two options, either replace the cabinet doors and fronts or dress up the existing doors. To dress up the doors, take lattice wood and add horizontal moulding across the fronts of the doors at equal intervals. Then paint all of the fronts and cabinets a light to medium cool grey. The peninsula should be painted a brighter color like cyan and be made to look like a piece of furniture. Finally, replace the hardware with overlay hinges and tab pulls. This decision will add visual interest to the space while keeping the look fairly simple and modern. This will transform the cabinets from blah to a more modern finished look.
So the fridge is missing, that means that all the appliances need to be replaced, right? No! We can easily replace the missing fridge by purchasing an inexpensive unit off craigslist or from a place like Habitat For Humanity ReStore and then using the same kind of high temperature spray paint in silver or aluminum, paint all the appliances to match. Spray painting the appliances is an easy and inexpensive way to update the color and make all the appliances match in a room without breaking the bank on an entire set. It also creates a cohesive element among the appliances.
The next element that needs to be removed is the atrocious light box. Kitchen light boxes are inefficient and have a disgusting yellow tint. Take it out and replace it with 4 LED recessed cans. In a future full renovation the drop ceiling over the kitchen should be removed, but temporarily use it as a place to recess better general lighting. Then add task lighting around the kitchen. Over the peninsula would be a great place to add pendants (which would help balance the space) and under the cabinets add LED light strips and power strips which will give nice work lighting and it will hide countertop appliance cordes.
Finally, the kitchen faucet is dated, lacks scale for the room. A larger faucet this is a more modern design will fit the space better and it will dress up that area of the kitchen. Then add a peel and stick backsplash that will add some blue color. This decision will finalize the design and help transform the space.
In a weekend’s worth of work, this kitchen could be taken from dated and drab to modern and fab on a minimal budget. This new design should keep the kitchen feeling modern for the foreseeable future or until a full renovation is undertaken. It is worth the effort to dress up the kitchen because minimal work will create a beautiful modern space.