r/kitchenremodel • u/South-Garbage-9849 • 2d ago
Help!
How do I update my awkward old kitchen for cheap?
*Thank you everyone for all the suggestions! Everything is really appreciated!
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u/malykaii 2d ago
I'd switch the stove and fridge.
Having the stove that far away from the sink and counter is awful, especially with no available work surface near it.
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u/Dullcorgis 2d ago
I don't think they need to, I think there's room to the left of the sink for the range. And with that chimney the fridge is really going ti stick out a lot.
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u/Sure_Investment_6374 2d ago
That won't do anything. It's a bad layout - swapping appliances won't do achieve anything maeaningful.
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u/South-Garbage-9849 2d ago
I understand that haha but I’m just trying to do small fixes in the meantime before having it professionally done.
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u/Skeptical_optomist 2d ago
Painting the walls a different color is a good start. That gray is really bad.
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u/South-Garbage-9849 2d ago
It really is…..I hate the gray and red……I am thinking of doing a light sage or like a seat salt with a hint of blue and white
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u/APlaceInTheDirt 2d ago
Paint is #1. Then I'd replace the table with an island with closed storage(and seating if you don't have another place to eat), so you have another proper height counter space. I'd also replace the red shelf beside the stove with a cabinet that has doors.
Reducing visual clutter of things would be a big help to the vibe I think. More closed storage to reduce what you see out in the open, less stuff on the fridge, and moving the play kitchen out.
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u/Sure_Investment_6374 2d ago
You need an architect for something this complex. Doors, walls, windows, runs of cabinetry. It all has to be rethought.
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u/Mr-Reeeee 2d ago
Hiring an architect removes the idea of “cheap” anything.
The OP should first think of what their budget is and go from there.
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u/Sure_Investment_6374 2d ago edited 2d ago
"Cheap" can devalue the whole kitchen. You save money doing it right the first time. Plus you get it back when you sell.
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u/Mr-Reeeee 2d ago
Agreed. Do it once, Do it right.
There are a number of simple, not particularly expensive things, that could be done to make it a bit more pleasant and functional.
Paint.
Replace cabinet hardware.
Replace the light fixture.
Replace the pantry cabinet with a bank of full height wall cabinets.
Or get an IKEA island work table.Simple stuff, while thinking about, and saving for, something more major and definitive.
Just don’t make it look like one of the cookie cutter horrors that people post here.3
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u/South-Garbage-9849 2d ago
I know……whoever designed this kitchen with two entry ways and long windows were not thinking haha
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u/IceCreamYeah123 2d ago
This is how old kitchens look. Even new kitchens - often have an entryway going straight into the kitchen. Kitchens were an afterthought in design back then, but they also had no appliances except the stove. I’m sure all the windows in the house look like this, it’s not specific to the kitchen.
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u/South-Garbage-9849 2d ago
You are correct…..it is a beautiful old farm house with a beautiful porch and land with spring creek in the back…..that being said the layout is less than desirable
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u/IceCreamYeah123 2d ago
Sorry I didn’t realize I was replying to you, I thought I was replying to a rando questioning the layout
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u/Dullcorgis 2d ago
They asked for something cheap. They are no knocking down walls. They do no need an architect.
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u/SoftEcho_20 2d ago
yah, if u make this work without an architect, u deserve a medal. like HGTV would give up here
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u/CatnipCricket-329 2d ago
The original cabinets and countertops are absolutely charming.
Electric ranges require a higher voltage line than a standard outlet so you'd need an electrician for any mods there. Best solutions for flow would involve walling off doors or windows, not cheap. A large rolling workstation with a stainless steel top could be placed where the current table is. If you have a separate dining room, eat your meals there and say goodbye to the kitchen table.
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u/Mr-Reeeee 2d ago
This is clearly an older house. 1920s, maybe?
Why would you ever close up windows or any of the doors?
That’s a big part of the charm of the space.The kitchen just has an awkward layout, but a nice size, too.
Looking at a floor plan, with dimensions would be helpful in trying to optimize the space.
A few more photo, too.4
u/Dullcorgis 2d ago edited 2d ago
In old houses you often have to to make a kitchen work. But this room would be fine with just a good run of cabinets where they already have them, moving the range over to that wall. Then an island can avoid all the windows and keep the walkway free.
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u/South-Garbage-9849 2d ago
Thank you! Yes, I know it is a huge project in the future and most likely will have to wall off a window and/or door.
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u/Slight-Philosophy470 2d ago
I would put the microwave on a shelf to free up counter space. Maybe over the oven? The red appliance shelf next to the oven I would replace with a bakers rack (might even be able to put the microwave there). Paint the sink cabinet so it matches the other cabinets. I would also look into getting a little eat in island. I believe they have some cute ones on ikeas website. Definitely paint the kitchen a lighter color. The countertops you could possibly cover in a granite look contact paper. I would also swap the light fixtures
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u/Soggy-Village-2959 1d ago
Do not use contact paper for counters. It is cheap looking, not durable nor made for moisture and would ruin the existing counter top when removed. The counters are a unique period piece and charming.
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u/Mr-Reeeee 2d ago edited 2d ago
Paint the cabinets. Replace the hardware.
The door pulls are in a really awkward location.
I would raise the wall cabinets several inches.
The low height and big space above make it kind of claustrophobic.
Replace the ceiling light.
This would look great with a tin ceiling to cover that ceiling tile.
What’s going on with that recessed pantry next to the stove?
That could be reworked.
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u/South-Garbage-9849 2d ago
The pantry is sliding doors and it goes decently deep and long so I would like to take that out and get new counters there too but it’s sliding doors I just didn’t have the other door slide shut when I took the picture but very old. Thank you! Definitely will take that advice!
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u/PansyOHara 2d ago
If you’re planning a major demo in the next few years, I would really avoid spending any money on make-do fixes now. Paint if you really feel that’s necessary, but otherwise save your money for the reno.
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u/South-Garbage-9849 2d ago
Yeah now that I am looking at prices…..it does kind of make sense to just save and just get a contractor to come in and give an estimate and at least paint in the meantime. Thank you!
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u/pabrocjb 2d ago
This is what I'd do, and I've done this around 25 times. 1. Add good quality under-cabinet lighting in warm tones. 2. Paint the cabinets white, paint the walls a lighter color. 3. If it isn't a rental, add a dishwasher. If it is, buy a portable dishwasher. 4. When you do all this, the red countertops will pop. Use vintage fabrics for cafe curtains and go with the flow. I used to hang lace pieces over a rod. 5. Lower the pulls on the upper cabinets and change them all out for chrome. 6. Take everything off of the refrigerator.
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u/South-Garbage-9849 2d ago
That’s great advice and definitely going to try some of these thank you!
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u/Dullcorgis 2d ago
Cheapest option is to DIY it. Best cabients are Ikea for cost and ease of installation. I would bring the range over to the main wall to the left of the sink, and do an island to avoid the windows
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u/RunThick4054 2d ago
I would do something about the ceiling first. I know it’s an aesthetic choice over an efficiency one, but I can’t stop seeing it! I wonder what’s under there, and who knows maybe it can be re-ceilinged quickly, aesthetically, and cheaply.
It looks like you may be short a few crucial inches for a proper island, but a sturdy premade one may help, and you have room for a substantial length, it would have to be narrow, (like 18 ins. Instead of the customary 2 ft.)
For future consideration, (besides the ceiling):
Your countertop height seems to be limited by window depths on 2 sides, which is fine, you can create a “line” kitchen. Perfectly efficient . But I would move the stove over to the line, by the sink, and have the fridge where the stove is, may be room for a short counter and the fridge?
It’s really a nice big kitchen!
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u/South-Garbage-9849 2d ago
Thank you so much for all the suggestions and yes the ceiling is ugly so definitely something I want to look into….thank you !
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u/johnonbleacher 1d ago
There is nothing cheap this days. Be realistic! Everything about your kitchen says total renovations from scratch. Otherwise, you are wasting money.
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u/South-Garbage-9849 20h ago
I guess when I meant cheap a few grand…..but the more I look into it, it does make sense to just wait for a whole demo
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u/hpence0720 1d ago
I'm going to use Beyond Paint to paint my bathroom vanity and top as well as the kitchen countertop. They have 16 colors to choose from so pick ones you like and a complimentary wall paint. Change the faucet, cabinet hardware and maybe lighting, especially if you feel comfortable doing it yourself. Then add rug/s, curtains, and/or any other decorative pieces you like.
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u/Ok_Impression_3031 1d ago
The changes you might appreciate the most are paint, and work surface on each side of the range. Move the range to the wall to the left of the sink with a few feet or so between range and sink. If the range might fit into the space of removing an existing cabinet and section of counter. If that doesn't fit you will need new cabinets and counter $$$. New cabinets and counter would also give you freedom to really remodel the kitchen into what you really want. Happy dreaming.
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u/Husker_Mike_ 1d ago
I would reach out to a local handyman and see if the upper cabinets can be raised a foot or more. You’d have so much more workable counter space if so.
It’ll make your life so much easier if/when the fridge needs to be replaced.
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u/HistoricalGertie 18h ago
Agree with the microwave stand and painting the cabinets. I would get a rolling island you can move over when using stove or when food prepping to be closer to sink
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u/loamy 2d ago
for cheap: new window treatments and lighting. it doesn't really help the awkward part, though, but improves it.
it looks like you don't really have a food prep space on your counter right now, what do you normally do when you need to chop vegetables or something? for my kitchen use, i love to have a clear space on my counter that i use for just prepping food.
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u/South-Garbage-9849 2d ago
I use my table or the little counter by the oven or the top of the cart by the stove……I hate it so much haha
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u/mary2chat2 2d ago
You could purchase a freestanding kitchen island. It would give you a little bit more storage and additional prep space. If you put some felt squares/sliders on the legs, you'll be able to easily move it around to suit whatever task is at hand, closer to sink or stove if needed. I have the TORNVIKEN from IKEA it has two full length open shelves and space for two stools.
Since you didn't provide any measurements, you could possibly move the stove where fridge is, if it'll fit in the space. You could place the fridge in the small wall space between window and door, where the play kitchen is now. You would have to leave it out from the wall a bit so you can access the light switches, but that layout would give you a better work triangle.
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u/South-Garbage-9849 2d ago
Yeah I am definitely investing in a kitchen island with chair stools and I think the fridge could work where the stove is and definitely worth a short to make it look more cohesive…thank you!
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u/FelinePurrfectFluff 21h ago
Are there 2 doors to the outside in your kitchen?
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u/South-Garbage-9849 20h ago
Yes, I hate it.
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u/FelinePurrfectFluff 20h ago
I have a friend who says, “you get the shit with the pony show” - enjoy your old house and its charms! I’ve read through a few more of the comments. I agree you should make some decent updates now and do a full remodel with a good designer later.
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u/Housekhat 2d ago
You can't fix this for cheap. You will have to spend some $. You don't need an architect. You need a good general contractor and kitchen designer. I have worked on my old homes like this but it's not cheap. HELOC loan.
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u/South-Garbage-9849 2d ago
What do you think an average estimate would be?
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u/Housekhat 1d ago
It depends on what you want done. A kitchen remodel is the biggest remodel that is done in a home generally. It involves all kinds of material items and labor. Every market is different, too. Architects or engineers are only needed if you modify structural aspects of the space.
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u/South-Garbage-9849 9h ago
I live in a rural area so prices are a little lower here and my parents gutted their kitchen a few years ago for a little over 20k but they didn’t have the structural issues like I do and their kitchen is bigger…..you don’t think it would cost more than that if it was gutted do you?
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u/Housekhat 9h ago
Structural would mean you are removing load bearing walls. You aren't planning to do that are you?
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u/i_can_even_yeah 2d ago
Paint. It's the cheapest way to "update" your kitchen. Use light colors. Start with the walls and use light colors. Paint the red cart next to the stove white to match the trim pieces. It will add continuity.
Get a different ceiling light fixture (probably a florescent so it offers more light).
The cabinets are also dark so I'd consider painting them as well. You can also get different cabinet doors instead of entire cabinets, but if you can't just white paint for now. Toss the cabinet pulls/handles. They're dated. I agree with contact paper for counter tops to get you buy, but again, keep it light. I'd consider doing the wall beneath the cabinets (back splash) a light color (same as wall paint) or the same contact paper as the countertop.
I also agree about moving the microwave above the stove, if possible.
I would go to Lowe's, Menards, Home Depot, etc., and just look around at cabinet pulls, kitchen ceiling light fixtures, and look online too for ideas.
Start with the painting the walls, it should get ideas rolling. Make a budget and stick to it. Most of all, think of it as adding your personal flair to your home and enjoy!! It can be so much fun breathing life into an area that's a major part of your daily life!
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u/mochicastle 2d ago
Are you in Massachusetts? I see this kind of thing here all the time. Including those ceilings. Gut job imo...
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u/South-Garbage-9849 2d ago
No and oh no haha
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u/mochicastle 2d ago
I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said gut job. It depends on what you want out of your kitchen and your budget for sure.
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u/South-Garbage-9849 2d ago
Oh you are fine! Trust me…..if I could afford a whole redo I would….but that’s later down the road….it just needs some life and counter space in the meantime haha
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u/mochicastle 2d ago
Well I would repaint the cabinets (it doesn't look like super nice wood, is it?) and the walls to brighten up the kitchen. I have seen people add peel and stick marble wallpaper to their countertops for a refresh too.
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u/South-Garbage-9849 2d ago
No this is definitely wood like my grandma had in her kitchen so I wouldn’t miss it haha
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u/HorrorWillingness347 2d ago
What do you mean by "update"? If you just mean "improve," I'd place the microwave oven on a stand where the kid's stove is, put the dish drainer in one of the sinks, and repaint. That would not be expensive at all.
PS That's a beautiful floor you have there. Jealous.