This weeks tutorial on youtube is all about a reader’s kitchen update. She sent in some photos along with a photo of a griege countertop she wants. She’s stuck on how to choose the right subway tile backsplash. She is not interested in painting her cabinets.
I’m so glad she asked me because she was about to make a BIG mistake. It’s this mistake that made me want to share this with you because it’s such a common one.
But first! Don’t forget to sign up for my FREE Masterclass – Trend Proof your Dream Home. Hurry, it’s on next week!
So here’s her kitchen. The photo is a wide angle which is why it’s wonky because I asked if she could capture a photo of the entire kitchen.
Do you think a greige countertop is the right answer here?
Here’s her fireplace (below). In this view we can see that her trim is maple. Should it be painted?
What about the fireplace? Can it stay?
What other details should we think about that will move this kitchen right up to 2025 if we do it right?
Find out exactly what my thought process is in today’s Colour Rescue Episode.
Sit in on my eDesign meetings
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And if you haven’t completed my True Colour Expert training but you know you have a gift, you can join my Colour Designer level and start watching our team meetings today. Sign up here. This level also includes access to my Exterior Masterclass. Try it out for $39.
Last week inside my membership we had a lesson on Updating a Tuscan Kitchen. I can’t wait to welcome you inside!
If you have a kitchen that needs to be rescued, clean up the space and take good photos in good natural light (messy kitchens will not be considered, only because it’s hard to see past the mess and people judge) email them here.
It’s important to gather inspiration before you update your kitchen. Styling and details go a long way! The Spruce
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Related posts:
Do this Before you Choose a Cabinet Colour
Hey Black & White! It’s me, Beige. I’m Back!
My Designer Secret for Updating Old Kitchen Cabinets
Hi Maria,
I took your color class and have read all your online resources too! Love your work!
I am a new decorator and occasionally I get called to help on kitchen refreshes. Question – I would have recommended the angled stove be turned somehow, which would have a been a big project (guessing there is vent and duct work back there). Plus, corner is tight (I actually would have explored moving oven to island or where the desk is currently located). Can you speak to this? I would have thought you would have recommended that fix when you squared off the island.
Thanks!
Yes, if the kitchen was being completely ripped out, sure all of those things could be changed, but if we were trying to do things on somewhat of a budget, the island is an emergency over everything.
The walkthrough of evaluating the kitchen as a whole is so helpful. Your explanation about the updates needed to bring a kitchen forward is so clear, especially about bringing the cabinets to the ceiling. Will be great to share this expert explanation with my husband; I’ve told him this, but he’ll hear it differently from you! 🙂
Thank you for sharing such helpful insights! I was wondering if you could leave the cabinets wood? My thoughts were painting the cabinets taupe, perhaps would not be a timeless option? Would love your thoughts!?
Hi Maria –
Loved this video – I’ve been a reader of your blog since the early days. I use your (brilliant!) color wheel all the time and have helped friends make choices for their homes.
I have a dated 1980’s kitchen (fortunately, my custom maple cabinets go to the ceiling), with a long, narrow 2-tiered island that is only 36″ from the counter/cabinets along the wall, which basically turns this space into a galley kitchen (the island has been the #1 element I’ve wanted to change ever since moving here in 1999). I’ve been holding off on making smaller changes until we do a full kitchen renovation, as the triangle formed by the stove, refrigerator, and sink is tiny (they’re crammed together into one corner), and we really need to address the overall layout. Both my husband and I love to cook, so we’re constantly jostling for the counter space between the stove and sink since it’s the best place to prep.
The 2-tiered island is countertop height on the inside (across from the wall cabinets/counters), with a higher counter for a seating area. As someone who loves to bake, it’s difficult to roll out dough since the useable counter area is only 22″ deep. We’re planning to put an addition on the back of our home in the next two to three years, which will allow us to expand the kitchen and make it a much more workable space. I’ve been pulling together ideas for creating a classic kitchen and watching your videos and reading your posts as part of this process. They’ve been extremely helpful!
In your video above you mention that you’re hosting a free online class – is this only for those who’ve been through your seminars, or is it open to everyone? I couldn’t find the link.
Thank you!
Betsy
Betsy,
The link for the free Masterclass is at the top of the page. Look again, you will see it!
I’m curious to know about how changing the footprint or removing kitchen islands impacts the existing floor. Would it usually require replacing the floor? Or perhaps just refinishing? I’d love to see this question addressed in a later kitchen-refresh post.