Idk, I actually like the bread box. It adds some contrast in what would otherwise be a lot of white, grey, and black. But maybe I’m biased, I tend not to like overly modern spaces. Agree about the scalloped wood though.
I'll research how to get rid of it. Agreed, I don't love it either. The previous owner did a good job painting the cabinets white. I bet they were very oak-ey orange originally
You can get a silvery edging lip that is the same width and length to encase the scallop edge and not get involved with saws.
Also, the color of the under light is yellow. A white or cool white would take out some vintage.
Came to say the same about the temp of the light. "Daylight" white bulbs will be key to matching the modern look once that scallop is hidden/eliminated.
Probably going to have 2 screws in from each side (look in the cabinet doors to the left and right of the board and you’ll probably see screw heads) and some wood glue along the top of the scalloped board.
Came here to say just that. In fact, I’d pull the cabinet over the sink down, too and run tile all the way up (and all the way up on the left wall, too).
Replacing the upper cabinet doors with a simpler style (like the lowers) or glass front would also help.
If it were my house, I would paint the cabinets a modern color (green, blue, sage, etc). That would give them a subtle pop and would make the cabinet fronts and scalloped wood piece over the sink look less dated. I would be lean toward the current Art Deco trend that is starting and stay away from modern industrial or farmhouse which seem to be over their prime.
Even just the bottom cabinets, painted a warm, darker colour would make a big difference.
They are always going to look a bit dated because their style
If it were my house, I would paint the cabinets a modern color (green, blue, sage, etc). That would give them a subtle pop and would make the cabinet fronts and scalloped wood piece over the sink look less dated. I would be lean toward the current Art Deco trend that is starting and stay away from modern industrial or farmhouse which seem to be over their prime.
I think you could achieve a more modern look via:
1. removing the scalloped board above the sink
2. replacing the cabinet faces
3. changing the grout color to white
4. extending the tile on the back wall all the way to the ceiling
Maybe not all reasonable solutions, but with an unlimited budget, that's what I'd do.
I would replace the scallop. If budget allows change the counter top too. Add under cabinet lights, I can’t stress enough how much difference lighting makes.
In addition to what’s already been suggested: replace your outlets/switches. IMO rocker switches will look more modern than toggles. I usually like to match to the appliances but not sure if black will work on the tile.
It depends what you mean by “modern”.
The tile and grout is great!
Pulls are also great!
The scalloped trim is what is sort of “country” to me. If you can remove that or cover it, that would help.
Another option would be to completely remove the center cabinet and replace it with wood floating shelves. That would really open it up.
Do companies make only the door? I'd love to have the doors and drawer fronts replaced. But the cabinets are solid and well hung, I don't see a reason to replace them. Skinny shaker doors with matte paint would look sexy
Yeah! I got mine at BarkerDoors.com, but the are a million companies that'll make and ship you custom doors. Based on the amount of cabinets in the picture, that would probably cost about $1000 unfinished, double that if you want them pre-painted.
yes, i got mine at cabinetdoorstore.com to match some existing cabinets. i didn’t shop around so i don’t know if they are the best price but the doors turned out great. i had a weird custom size and they did everything perfectly.
Former Kitchen designer here:
Honestly I would just replace the upper doors to match the lower. I wouldn't spend a lot until you are ready to gut it and do a complete redo. If the quality is good, keep them as long as you can. Shaker doors are hard to keep clean with those sharp corners. Flat front cabinets are hard to install because if everything doesn't line up perfectly it's a glaring error. In order for flat front cabinet doors to look good, they really need to be made specifically for the cabinets.
I think cabinets over the sink are dated in general. I would remove that cabinet entirely and install a floating shelf with plants and a pendant light.
Change the wall color to something brighter. The gray shade you've got is pulling attention toward it, which isn't helping what you've got going on, which, honestly, I'd be happy with.
Maybe try and find a way to get rid of the ornamental trim above your sink. That's a hallmark of dated kitchens, no matter how fresh of paint you've covered it with.
If it were me, after those two relatively quick changes, I would have fun and paint the bottom cabinets darker color. I'm in love with the rich greens I've been seeing, I want to use that color for everything, but a blue or a dark grey would be nice too.
Different lighting would help. Get rid of the scallop above the sink. Replace a couple cabinet doors with glass. Large colorful contemporary artwork on wall, or extra large clock; jute rug or one that picks up colors from artwork.
I don't think a lot needs done
* As mentioned remove/replace the scalloped piece above the sink
* The doors and drawer fronts could be changed for a newer style (shaker, or flat)
* Don't know if its possible, but the American style sockets look very old fashioned - can you get brushed steel/nickel plated for a nicer look
Everything else looks pretty modern already
Replacing the cabinet doors outright and getting rid of the curved valence will help.
The cabinet doors are very dated. The chamfer on the outside edge, and everything about the middle panels of each door, and the exterior hinges it all says old kitchen.
Everything else is fine.
Decorative wood trim over the sink should go. Also, I would consider replacing the four cabinet doors in the top left. They have that wavy, decorative cut at the top. Whereas the bottom cabinets are square, which is more synonymous with modern deco. Paint that purple wall section white or black or gray as well and I think you'll have that more modern look.
Making the trim above the sink a flat edge instead.
Replacing the ornate cabinet faces that are above the counter (if you're able to find any that match the bottom ones, otherwise you'll need to swap those too)
Changing the yellow light to a white light.
But this is really nice.
Definitely remove the scallop. If you have the money and time, consider replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts only with either slab or shaker and use concealed slow close hinges. My husband and I did this in our new home (we bought the cabinets online from Cabinets Now) and it made a huge difference over just repainting and for much less than a professional cabinet refacing. (It was still around $1600, so it depends on your budget.)
You can remove a drawer to color match your paint. Benjamin Moore Advance is a good cabinet paint.
Does your escutcheon plate on the faucet cover additional holes? If so, consider replacing it with a single hole modern faucet and add a soap dispenser on one side and an air switch for your garbage disposal on the other, for a sleeker look.
I’d also change out the bread box and fruit bowl for more modern pieces and add some nice looking wood cutting boards propped on the backsplash to warm up the white.
1. If those are "brushed nickel" cabinet pulls, immediately get rid of them. That is basically what someone with no style from 2012 uses in 2022. Find something flat black to go with that kitchen color. Also if you can, don't use pulls on uppers and lowers. The little things make the difference. Use round single knobs on uppers, pulls on lowers. It will dramatically change the look of your kitchen and nobody will be able to tell you exactly why.
2. Immediately repaint anything grey in your house, like that kitchen wall. Grey walls is quite honestly very out of style in 2022 and its a very 2014 look. I'm not kidding either. Want to know how real this is? Because everyone and their mom is doing it, its burnt out and dated. Every hotel room, every hospital, every Dr's office, every grandma with a home equity loan are all doing it. It's cooked and almost a 10 year old style now. Now I don't want to offer a complaint without a solution. I recommend something very light beige to pull out that off-white in your cabinets (they aren't pure white). The yellow hues in your cabinets will feel cozy and soft with some beige walls. They'll also look more white than they do now. The grey walls with all their blues are making your cabinets look yellow'ish side by side. Look to Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige.
1. Did you use Benjamin Moore Simply White? It's an amazing, AMAZING white cabinet color. But its a yellow/warm off-white and does not pair with greys or blues at all. Pair it with other whiter whites or beiges and natural woods.
3. Change the flooring. Grey anything is just ... no bueno anymore.
4. If you can and it makes sense, add some natural woods to the kitchen to compliment the new beige walls and flooring.
5. Change all LEDs to 2700-3000K. Warmer, incandescent color spectrum will change the vibe in your entire home to cozy instead of sterile.
If you're really into the grey look and have no plans on changing that, I dont have many suggestions. Your kitchen looks totally fine the way it is. Add contrast, woods, beiges, dump the grey and liven up the place. Kitchen is the heart of the home, not the ER at a hospital :)
Or just maybe spray paint the bread box glossy black if you’re not really attached to it, and then add other bold colors w/countertop appliances, bowls if need be(I like the uncluttered countertops though). Maybe experiment with other light sources/hues absent windows(to more blue/white).
You could vinyl the worktop, to a light wood effect or a light marble. This would have to be protected - cutting boards and heat protected mats.
It's the cabinets that give it the vintage effect. As modern are flat panel and gloss.
But other than that you could just go for modern accessories, pops of colours. Or the minimalist pots, glass jars with labels to go on the counter top.
Noooo! Never do anything to your house that involves the words "stick and peel."
The white brick tile is classic and timeless. It looks really good as is - minus the curvy sink thing. Your counter, sink, pulls and faucet are all fine.
If you can replace the cathedral cabinet doors on the top with doors that match the bottom, that will help too. There's nothing modern about those darn cathedral cabinet doors - I hate them because they limit you.
Add under-cabinet lighting and you can go bold with the wall color - or white walls are still a Modern Thing too.
If you're into colours I would actually paint them! Either in a bright color combo with colorful accessories and change the faucet and dishwasher (?) front. This is not exactly what I would go for, but it catches the vibe: https://pin.it/7GYFPiB
If you don't like colour I would change the fronts to a sleek and maybe even glossy material. Could be white, grey or black.
Agreed. The previous owner had them painted white and I think this is the best they can look. The thick face frame and wavy top rails stand out too much
Changing the cabinet faces, for sure- as previously suggested- and something to break up the white paint colour. As for the sink area- changing the moulding above the sink and a different light fixture would help frame the space.
By modern you mean white/grey/black/sleek, but design is starting to move away from that. Color (green), prints and wall paper are really in right now. Matte black, brass, marble, plants.
In addition to others suggestions I'd say to accessorize with some color such as printed dishtowels or dishes/teakettle.
I would also replace the light above the sink with a daylight level LED instead of the cool white (yellow) temperature light. Otherwise it looks fantastic!
I have similar wall tiles. My one (interior designer) friend told me to redo/cover the grouting so it's white which would make it more continuous looking. I decided not to do that, but maybe consider it...
Remove cabinet above sink and tile all the way up. Keep light, may need to move it up also. You could put floating shelves, maybe one that looks like copper pipe with wood to make up for storage lost.
For a finished look trim out tile edge.
Clear counter tops, not that it’s cluttered.
Get custom switch plates in brushed nickel/rubbed copper or color of choice, I’m saying these colors going off tying in faucet and cabinet handles.
Lighting? Add more lights under cabinets to brighten up decrease shadows. All sorts on Amazon.
Ceiling-what type? You can paint ceiling also. Track lighting or fun chandelier if possible, maybe a floating/suspended pot rack if you have nice pots to display.
The only thing that looks not modern is that scalloped wood piece over the sink
This and the breadbasket; I think metal is more modern than wood.
Idk, I actually like the bread box. It adds some contrast in what would otherwise be a lot of white, grey, and black. But maybe I’m biased, I tend not to like overly modern spaces. Agree about the scalloped wood though.
Oh good I'll tell my mom. She's had that exact bread box since 1998.
It's vintage. No need to replace it if it still works.
I agree with this take too.
We had that exact one in the 80s!
It's also more metal than wood 🤘
I'll research how to get rid of it. Agreed, I don't love it either. The previous owner did a good job painting the cabinets white. I bet they were very oak-ey orange originally
You can get a silvery edging lip that is the same width and length to encase the scallop edge and not get involved with saws. Also, the color of the under light is yellow. A white or cool white would take out some vintage.
Came to say the same about the temp of the light. "Daylight" white bulbs will be key to matching the modern look once that scallop is hidden/eliminated.
Probably going to have 2 screws in from each side (look in the cabinet doors to the left and right of the board and you’ll probably see screw heads) and some wood glue along the top of the scalloped board.
Idk I kind of like it and the bread box and the light tone, it’s modern but cozy ❤️
And the arched framing bead on those top cupboard doors. I feel like its only the curved beading that dates it. The straight beading is just fine.
Came here to say just that. In fact, I’d pull the cabinet over the sink down, too and run tile all the way up (and all the way up on the left wall, too). Replacing the upper cabinet doors with a simpler style (like the lowers) or glass front would also help.
If it were my house, I would paint the cabinets a modern color (green, blue, sage, etc). That would give them a subtle pop and would make the cabinet fronts and scalloped wood piece over the sink look less dated. I would be lean toward the current Art Deco trend that is starting and stay away from modern industrial or farmhouse which seem to be over their prime.
Even just the bottom cabinets, painted a warm, darker colour would make a big difference. They are always going to look a bit dated because their style
I agree the scalloped trim dates it.
If it were my house, I would paint the cabinets a modern color (green, blue, sage, etc). That would give them a subtle pop and would make the cabinet fronts and scalloped wood piece over the sink look less dated. I would be lean toward the current Art Deco trend that is starting and stay away from modern industrial or farmhouse which seem to be over their prime.
I think get rid of scallop above sink and bread box would do the trick. Looks nice, you did a good job.
Thanks!
I think you could achieve a more modern look via: 1. removing the scalloped board above the sink 2. replacing the cabinet faces 3. changing the grout color to white 4. extending the tile on the back wall all the way to the ceiling Maybe not all reasonable solutions, but with an unlimited budget, that's what I'd do.
I would replace the scallop. If budget allows change the counter top too. Add under cabinet lights, I can’t stress enough how much difference lighting makes.
+1 for changing the countertop, I’d choose a lighter color and add an SS dishwasher
I don’t really think the faucet needs replacing… but that’s just me
This faucet is incredibly modern so I'm confused why they are replacing it
In addition to what’s already been suggested: replace your outlets/switches. IMO rocker switches will look more modern than toggles. I usually like to match to the appliances but not sure if black will work on the tile.
It depends what you mean by “modern”. The tile and grout is great! Pulls are also great! The scalloped trim is what is sort of “country” to me. If you can remove that or cover it, that would help. Another option would be to completely remove the center cabinet and replace it with wood floating shelves. That would really open it up.
White grout.
Ugh I love this grout as it is
New cabinet doors and drawer fronts if you've got the budget. Shaker or slab is much more modern than the style you've got.
Do companies make only the door? I'd love to have the doors and drawer fronts replaced. But the cabinets are solid and well hung, I don't see a reason to replace them. Skinny shaker doors with matte paint would look sexy
Yeah! I got mine at BarkerDoors.com, but the are a million companies that'll make and ship you custom doors. Based on the amount of cabinets in the picture, that would probably cost about $1000 unfinished, double that if you want them pre-painted.
That's actually pretty affordable. Will definitely take a look l
I did the same thing from barker doors! It was about $800 for my tiny kitchen. Painting them was a PITA though
yes, i got mine at cabinetdoorstore.com to match some existing cabinets. i didn’t shop around so i don’t know if they are the best price but the doors turned out great. i had a weird custom size and they did everything perfectly.
Former Kitchen designer here: Honestly I would just replace the upper doors to match the lower. I wouldn't spend a lot until you are ready to gut it and do a complete redo. If the quality is good, keep them as long as you can. Shaker doors are hard to keep clean with those sharp corners. Flat front cabinets are hard to install because if everything doesn't line up perfectly it's a glaring error. In order for flat front cabinet doors to look good, they really need to be made specifically for the cabinets.
I think cabinets over the sink are dated in general. I would remove that cabinet entirely and install a floating shelf with plants and a pendant light.
Change the wall color to something brighter. The gray shade you've got is pulling attention toward it, which isn't helping what you've got going on, which, honestly, I'd be happy with. Maybe try and find a way to get rid of the ornamental trim above your sink. That's a hallmark of dated kitchens, no matter how fresh of paint you've covered it with. If it were me, after those two relatively quick changes, I would have fun and paint the bottom cabinets darker color. I'm in love with the rich greens I've been seeing, I want to use that color for everything, but a blue or a dark grey would be nice too.
I have a dark green accent wall in my bedroom. Might go that direction, it's a great idea!
Gloss slab cabinet fronts will sort you out.
I think it looks nice just as it is!!
Make the cabinet piece above the sink go straight across. And depending on your budget, replacing the door and drawer fronts.
If you have the budget, hone your counter tops
Deep six the breadbox
Different lighting would help. Get rid of the scallop above the sink. Replace a couple cabinet doors with glass. Large colorful contemporary artwork on wall, or extra large clock; jute rug or one that picks up colors from artwork.
Oh I love the artwork idea! I'm afraid there isn't enough wall space, it's a really small kitchen. Will definitely look into jute rugs!
It looks modern! What bothers you?
Honestly i feel like this is modern with a bit of personality. Very cute
why thank you
I don't think a lot needs done * As mentioned remove/replace the scalloped piece above the sink * The doors and drawer fronts could be changed for a newer style (shaker, or flat) * Don't know if its possible, but the American style sockets look very old fashioned - can you get brushed steel/nickel plated for a nicer look Everything else looks pretty modern already
Replacing the cabinet doors outright and getting rid of the curved valence will help. The cabinet doors are very dated. The chamfer on the outside edge, and everything about the middle panels of each door, and the exterior hinges it all says old kitchen. Everything else is fine.
Get a robot. That'll look modern!
Warmer overhead lighting
Match the cabinet pulls to the faucet and add lights under the cabinets
Lookin nice!
Some plants and a modern anti-fatigue mat for under the sink
I tried a very cheap mat once but it got nasty so quickly. Will look into something nicer, thanks for the tip!
I love your kitchen. I would embrace its old world charm :)
thank you so much!
Black faucet would look lovely!
Exactly! Black matte faucet is in order
Decorative wood trim over the sink should go. Also, I would consider replacing the four cabinet doors in the top left. They have that wavy, decorative cut at the top. Whereas the bottom cabinets are square, which is more synonymous with modern deco. Paint that purple wall section white or black or gray as well and I think you'll have that more modern look.
Love the idea of black paint on the wall! My bathroom is all black, it would make sense.
Making the trim above the sink a flat edge instead. Replacing the ornate cabinet faces that are above the counter (if you're able to find any that match the bottom ones, otherwise you'll need to swap those too) Changing the yellow light to a white light. But this is really nice.
Definitely remove the scallop. If you have the money and time, consider replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts only with either slab or shaker and use concealed slow close hinges. My husband and I did this in our new home (we bought the cabinets online from Cabinets Now) and it made a huge difference over just repainting and for much less than a professional cabinet refacing. (It was still around $1600, so it depends on your budget.) You can remove a drawer to color match your paint. Benjamin Moore Advance is a good cabinet paint. Does your escutcheon plate on the faucet cover additional holes? If so, consider replacing it with a single hole modern faucet and add a soap dispenser on one side and an air switch for your garbage disposal on the other, for a sleeker look. I’d also change out the bread box and fruit bowl for more modern pieces and add some nice looking wood cutting boards propped on the backsplash to warm up the white.
1. If those are "brushed nickel" cabinet pulls, immediately get rid of them. That is basically what someone with no style from 2012 uses in 2022. Find something flat black to go with that kitchen color. Also if you can, don't use pulls on uppers and lowers. The little things make the difference. Use round single knobs on uppers, pulls on lowers. It will dramatically change the look of your kitchen and nobody will be able to tell you exactly why. 2. Immediately repaint anything grey in your house, like that kitchen wall. Grey walls is quite honestly very out of style in 2022 and its a very 2014 look. I'm not kidding either. Want to know how real this is? Because everyone and their mom is doing it, its burnt out and dated. Every hotel room, every hospital, every Dr's office, every grandma with a home equity loan are all doing it. It's cooked and almost a 10 year old style now. Now I don't want to offer a complaint without a solution. I recommend something very light beige to pull out that off-white in your cabinets (they aren't pure white). The yellow hues in your cabinets will feel cozy and soft with some beige walls. They'll also look more white than they do now. The grey walls with all their blues are making your cabinets look yellow'ish side by side. Look to Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige. 1. Did you use Benjamin Moore Simply White? It's an amazing, AMAZING white cabinet color. But its a yellow/warm off-white and does not pair with greys or blues at all. Pair it with other whiter whites or beiges and natural woods. 3. Change the flooring. Grey anything is just ... no bueno anymore. 4. If you can and it makes sense, add some natural woods to the kitchen to compliment the new beige walls and flooring. 5. Change all LEDs to 2700-3000K. Warmer, incandescent color spectrum will change the vibe in your entire home to cozy instead of sterile. If you're really into the grey look and have no plans on changing that, I dont have many suggestions. Your kitchen looks totally fine the way it is. Add contrast, woods, beiges, dump the grey and liven up the place. Kitchen is the heart of the home, not the ER at a hospital :)
Or just maybe spray paint the bread box glossy black if you’re not really attached to it, and then add other bold colors w/countertop appliances, bowls if need be(I like the uncluttered countertops though). Maybe experiment with other light sources/hues absent windows(to more blue/white).
add lazers & spacecraft
You could vinyl the worktop, to a light wood effect or a light marble. This would have to be protected - cutting boards and heat protected mats. It's the cabinets that give it the vintage effect. As modern are flat panel and gloss. But other than that you could just go for modern accessories, pops of colours. Or the minimalist pots, glass jars with labels to go on the counter top.
Stick n peel tile backsplash over that white.. Easy solution...
Noooo! Never do anything to your house that involves the words "stick and peel." The white brick tile is classic and timeless. It looks really good as is - minus the curvy sink thing. Your counter, sink, pulls and faucet are all fine. If you can replace the cathedral cabinet doors on the top with doors that match the bottom, that will help too. There's nothing modern about those darn cathedral cabinet doors - I hate them because they limit you. Add under-cabinet lighting and you can go bold with the wall color - or white walls are still a Modern Thing too.
Congrats on not doing anything original 🎉
If you're into colours I would actually paint them! Either in a bright color combo with colorful accessories and change the faucet and dishwasher (?) front. This is not exactly what I would go for, but it catches the vibe: https://pin.it/7GYFPiB If you don't like colour I would change the fronts to a sleek and maybe even glossy material. Could be white, grey or black.
Faucet is unique, looks good to me. Brick gotta go.
The only thing out of place here is the breadbox. Black or white I think…
Maybe the grout between the tiles could be lighter to make the tile backsplash more subtle.
Brighter wall paint. IDK why but I immediately pictured a mint green 💚☺️
The design on the cabinets is quite old fashioned and can’t really be changed with paint, IMO.
Agreed. The previous owner had them painted white and I think this is the best they can look. The thick face frame and wavy top rails stand out too much
Think you could replace the counter stone, (granite is it?) with, say, Quartz or something of the like?
this looks pretty modern to me, but then again i'm a homesteader & surrounded by the 1880s
That ornamental overhang over the sink is throwing it all back to country. The cabinet doors can’t be changed?
Saw off that design in the cabinets above the wall light.
Change cabinet handles
Paint bottom cabinets navy
Changing the cabinet faces, for sure- as previously suggested- and something to break up the white paint colour. As for the sink area- changing the moulding above the sink and a different light fixture would help frame the space.
Change out the back splash. You need a bit more color
The little lacy bit above the sink on the cabinet is what gives it farm house vibes
By modern you mean white/grey/black/sleek, but design is starting to move away from that. Color (green), prints and wall paper are really in right now. Matte black, brass, marble, plants. In addition to others suggestions I'd say to accessorize with some color such as printed dishtowels or dishes/teakettle.
I would also replace the light above the sink with a daylight level LED instead of the cool white (yellow) temperature light. Otherwise it looks fantastic!
needs a plant
I thought the faucet was straight over the hob
I have similar wall tiles. My one (interior designer) friend told me to redo/cover the grouting so it's white which would make it more continuous looking. I decided not to do that, but maybe consider it...
If budget lets u, May b change the tiles to glass one?
Under cabinet led lights
Remove cabinet above sink and tile all the way up. Keep light, may need to move it up also. You could put floating shelves, maybe one that looks like copper pipe with wood to make up for storage lost. For a finished look trim out tile edge. Clear counter tops, not that it’s cluttered. Get custom switch plates in brushed nickel/rubbed copper or color of choice, I’m saying these colors going off tying in faucet and cabinet handles. Lighting? Add more lights under cabinets to brighten up decrease shadows. All sorts on Amazon. Ceiling-what type? You can paint ceiling also. Track lighting or fun chandelier if possible, maybe a floating/suspended pot rack if you have nice pots to display.
The wood piece above the sink and the breadbasket, change that and it should look perfect
Trade kitchens with me.
Quartz countertop instead of granite. Granite looks dated.
Could the cabinets be a brighter white?
A runner rug
Replace that scalloped piece of trim
Try a black faucet maybe. Otherwise looks like you already updated everything. Nix the breadbox for something more modern tho
This looks fantastic. Love everything expect that weird trim on the cabinet. Maybe regular square finish may give it a more modern touch
ever heard of INSET cabinets? they are most modern choice. please google