How to refresh the kitchen?

Hi all!

I am trying to slowly revamp my kitchen. I painted the black wall white and then have added overhead cupboards (kerboodle in five spice) to increase the storage but am still finding that it looks aged. I’m thinking of changing up the splash back tiles but am struggling to think of ideas without completely replacing the tiles. Do I paint them or add stick on tiles? Does anybody have any insight? I like the country home style

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MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Kayla_6. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about refreshing a kitchen.

You're making great progress with your kitchen refresh, especially with the addition of the overhead cupboards! The bench you have still looks quite modern, so it can definitely be incorporated into a refreshed design. However, I agree that the tiles and lower cabinets are contributing to the area feeling a bit dated.

For the lower cabinets, one option is to paint the doors using a product like the Dulux Renovation Range, which is specifically designed for kitchen and bathroom cabinets. This could be a cost-effective way to update them without completely replacing them. If you're after a more modern look, you could also consider replacing the lower cabinet doors with something from the Kaboodle range, which offers a wide selection of contemporary finishes that would match the style of your upper cabinetry. If it’s within your budget, I would recommend replacing the lower cabinets doors altogether so the entire kitchen has a consistent, modern finish that matches the upper area.

As for the splashback tiles, you have a couple of good options. You could install a glass splashback over the existing tiles, which would give the space a sleek, modern feel without the need to remove the old tiles. Alternatively, you could tile directly over the existing tiles using Resaflex and Prime X. These products are designed to provide a solid bond and allow you to tile over your existing surface, which can save time and effort. If you’re leaning toward a country home style, a fresh, updated material like subway tiles could help bring in a more modern, yet still warm, look while complementing your existing aesthetic.

Alternatively, you could certainly paint or use stick-on tiles, but that likely won't provide the same level of finish as re-tiling.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Jason

Well done @Kayla_6.

Let me tag some other experienced renovators to get their thoughts: @redbournreno, @Renowayoflife, @Dons-Glenno and @homeinmelbourne.

Jason

Kayla_6

Thanks Mitchell!

Definitely given some food for thought

redbournreno

Hi @Kayla_6

@MitchellMc suggestions are spot on. I think the main thing to do is tie in your new Kaboodle overhead cabinets with the lower cabinets.

Chip off the tiles and retile with some new subways or similar from Bunnings, extending the tiles all the way up the underneath the wall cabinets and the the underneath of the rangehood. If you don't want to rip the old ones off, you could get the cheapest similar size and thickness ceramic tiles like the ones on there, add them above the existing to meet the cabinets (an easy job with all the materials available from Bunnings), then paint over the old and new with the Dulux renovation range paints in one colour.

The benchtop looks OK from a distance but if there is any water damage or other damage then this is a good time to replace it. There are some AMAZING beautiful timber or stone look laminate benchtop options from Bunnings, either off the shelf to cut yourself, or the order cut to measure.

Then also paint the lower cabinets in the same colour as the new Kaboodle top cabinets. The Bunnings paint shop can colour match a Dulux shade to the Kaboodle Five Spice to paint with the Dulux Renovations Range of paint. Be sure to always follow the renovation range instructions to the letter because tile and laminate surfaces are tricky to make paint stick well - Dulux and White Knight have sorted all that out but the Dulux procedure is easier than White Knight.

This is a great revamp project for you that can make a huge difference.

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