Wow. That looks incredible, and I didn't even notice the flooring was the same right away. While it added to the dated feel in the before it seems to blend in just fine.

I think it looks loads better, but I do think cabinet handles would make it feel more "finished".

Great use of resources and prioritizing. Looks great.

Wow the "before" pix are amazing... I could even "see" Molly Ringwald walking in!!!!!!!!

It doesn't even look dated anymore... It looks more like "vintage" decor.

Oh, and by the way... sorry but the new backsplash looks very very weird.

We are currently working on a kitchen remodel as well that included reusing our current kitchen cabinets. I know the article above mentioned he couldn't afford to replace the doors. I just wanted to mention they we found a very affordable source for high quality door replacements.

Our remodel is still a work in progress right now, but this recent update includes the door source info if anyone is interested:

http://andtwinsmake5.blogspot.com/2011/02/hole-reason-for-our-kitchen-remodel.html

I happen to like the way two tone backsplash. It's very unique, and it looks a ton better overall! I do agree that some cabinet handles would be the the finishing touch.

Getting rid of the drop ceiling and putting in the receessed lighting is a huge improvement and I like the blackboard back wall. However I would have used the copper/glass tiles for the whole backsplash instead of just the bottom. ALso, if you spent all this money on Sheetrock, lighting, etc, why didn't you change the counters from boring laminate. I would have painted the sheetrock wall in the foreground of the sink pic a different color than white too. It is all just a little too sterile for my taste.

Good job overall though. Be willing to take more risks and you will be golden.

This is lovely!

Looks awesome! I like the backsplash.

I think (hope) what Lola meant to say was "Have you considered adding cabinet handles? That may be a nice addition. Some accent pieces that help tie in the orange in the backsplash could be fun as well. Enjoy your new kitchen!"

At first look, it's not much beyond fresh paint. But the ceiling change must make a HUGE difference. the blackboard wall is pretty neat. It needs some softening, some pottery or curtains, a floor mat, something not square.

At first look, it's not much beyond fresh paint. But the ceiling change must make a HUGE difference. the blackboard wall is pretty neat. It needs some softening, some pottery or curtains, a floor mat, something not square.

Nicely done!

Not much better? I'd say that's a huge improvement on a limited budget. I don't cringe when I look at it anymore.

My favorite part is the chalkboard paint wall. I love those things.

@gray I like you. I dislike the rampant snippiness amongst the AT commentariat.

I hope the friend working on the major college campus renovation project didn't bill his client for the materials given away.

Talk about cringe-worthy.

Way to tie in the exiting flooring with the countertops! I'm not bothered by a lack of hardware, the cabinet look clean in their new state. I find the backsplash to be very overwhelming, but opinions are like belly buttons, everybody's got one.

Ha! While I am not a fan of this particular backsplash I am still jealous they have one! I just did a kitchen "makeover" on a VERY limited budget and happen to think it looks just as good or better than this one. Check it out a www.lglf.blogspot.com

Looks loads better, the ceiling was a wise investment imo. I always appreciate a non-gut kitchen redo.

I don't really get the 2-tone backsplash, I think either tone taken all the way would have worked just fine. Perhaps bringing in some bright aqua and orange art, or maybe even an aqua bowl filled with oranges would go along way to easing the look. Bravo!!

I looks a lot better, but I would have replaced the upper cabinet doors. That arch dates them even with the paint. The backsplash isn't doing it for me, either but overall it definitely beats the before.

A lot of AT commenters are pretty mean!

I think this looks great, considering they were probably on a budget and couldn't afford to switch out the countertops and floor. The ceiling was the best part, and I think the two tone backsplash looks nice. Even though it seems kind of random, I think some accessories could pull it together so the bronze color melds a bit better with the rest of the house.

I like this. My only suggestion would be to paint the remaining white walls. I think if you used a paint color to match those orange/bronze tiles it would really add the pop that is missing here.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who's noticed how catty the commentors have been lately. Annoying.

Jeez, tough crowd! Hey, it's not perfect but it looks 1000% better than before! I like the orange stripe, the idea that everything has to match or "pick up" another color in the room is more dated than the original kitchen. Sometimes you can have color just cause you like it.

I think it looks much, much better. I even like the backsplash. The laminate could use an update, but if you're on a budget...well, maybe for the next round! :)

WOW! I swear the before looked EXACTLY like my pediatrician's waiting room from when I was 5 (early 90s)... all that's missing is the aquarium.

Loooove the after, especially the backsplash. Great colors!

I think this looks really nice. I've seen cabinets both with and w/o hardware and for me it's just personal preference...no right or wrong.
It'd be really fun to bring in some orange accents to tie in with the backsplash. Really nice job!

From one person with an 80's kitchen and limited budget to another...i think this makeover is PERFECT. First, it takes into account all the things that are in perfectly good condition, even if they are not hip and trendy. A lot of people would replace the cabinets and go "stainless steel" for the appliances, but instead you made these the basis of your redo. And you kept the floor- it's not marble or cork, but it's not tacky tan vinyl linoleum, either. Second, it makes structural improvements for the most impact. That's where the real value is, I think. Third, you went out on a limb with the backsplash and the chalkboard paint- the most "up to date" elements were also the cheapest, and can be changed with the times. That is smart, and it looks clean and darling. I really like the 2 tone backsplash. I kind of wish I had done that myself, now.

By the way, I nixed my upper cabinets for the open living and kitchen look, and had to buy Ikea Expedit bookcases for the back wall because I couldn't afford a new cabinet set up yet still needed the storage space. That's what I got, trying to be cute!

This looks light years better. Bright and clean. Way to go!

yeah, there is something weird looking about the tile, but maybe it's the way the reflection comes off in the photo. but an amazing job!

I know how difficult it is to do kitchen remodels on a budget. So, great work with what you had!

I, too, would recommend some cabinet hardware to "finish" it off. A nice chrome/brushed cup handle from IKEA would work quite well and be budget-friendly.

I really can't understand the motivation behind all the "ugly" comments from people. Why even take the time to comment if you don't have anything positive and/or constructive to say?

It's a great budget reno. I like both the back splash and the black board wall, but not together. I would instead choose paint colours that tie in with the back splash and get some nice hardware.

Great redo in my opinion. I personally like the two tone backsplash.

I agree with what some others have said, great prioritizing and good call to spend time on the ceiling. I realize that the pictures may not accurately portray what the room looks like on a day-to-day basis but I agree that a few details would help tie it together more. I would suggest a wooden square large chopping board (an orangish tone) and a black rectangular floor mat perhaps.

Congrats and enjoy :-)

hey, i'm not one for nasty commenting either but if people have constructive criticism i think it's perfectly fine to post. after all, nothing but "wow, awesome!" gets boring.

i think the kitchen looks WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY better now. i agree about adding some knobs though. because of the "arch" thing, i don't think large handles would work.

Answers:

The stripe happened because the orange tile was 5x more expensive than the white. Matt decided he actually liked the idea of doing a stripe, so that's what he did. He loves it.

Regarding the countertop, it was clearly stated that Matt was on a budget and was trying to make cheap changes. Obviously, a new countertop is not cheap.

Regarding the cabinet doors, Matt hopes to change those too. But like I said, he doesn't have the money.

I think he did a great job, especially considering in the past two years he has completely gutted his whole house. That's a lot of money, and when you need a change in every room, you can't always afford to do everything just as you please.

This website is about working with what you've got, and I don't think we've ever encouraged anyone to just go out and buy, buy, buy until their home is perfectly suited to their tastes. Lighten up, guys!

Thanks everyone else for your encouraging comments. Matt will appreciate those ones.

I think this is a great start and the backsplash will look great with some very modern flat front cabinets in white when you can afford it. And then of course the floor. With just those things you will be there. I agree, kudos to you for keeping much of what was there in way of appliances and not just trashing them.

Ceiling: a million times better. Lack of hideous wallpaper: also win. Sloppy tile/grout work on the backsplash: no so much.

I like it. It looks a thousand times better than it did before. Good work!

Tthis looks amazing! I absolutely love it, especially the white cabinets.
I do wonder though - without handles, how long will the lovely white paint stay clean? We have handles and wooden laminate on our cupboards, and even then I need to give them a scrub every week to get rid of dirty finger smudges.

great job! i like it.

I like the backsplash. Actually, I like the whole project and think you did a great job. We moved into our house about 9 months ago and had to work with what we have/can afford, too. It may not be everyone's taste but it suits us just fine. Offering constructive suggestions is one thing, but being a poop, just to be a poop, is something else. I guess some people never really progress past that childish mentality of bringing someone else down to feel better about themselves.

The after does look better. I also have an 80s kitchen and I'm slowly making changes. When I bought the place four years ago, I painted the cupboards white because that's all I could afford at the time. It looked light years better and my gallery kitchen felt bigger. Next, I needed a new stove. Then I put in some inexpensive stainless steel cabinet pulls. I didn't need to because the cabinets were flat-front but it made the kitchen feel more complete. In the poster's case I think because of the style of their cabinets with the raised surface they need handles.

I then purchased a new fridge about 18 months ago, it was amazing how much my electric bill went down. Last summer I put in a new laminate countertop, beautiful glass backsplash, new sink faucet and garbage disposal. The next thing I need to do is rip up the ugly vinyl squares and replace the flooring. I'm contemplating putting white laminate floors throughout the entire apartment but haven't decided yet. I'll need to paint soon, so I'll probably just do that and hold off on the new flooring.

When re-doing the kitchen, I just didn't have the money to do the things I coveted. Although I yearned to jump on the trendy train and get stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and brand new IKEA cabinets, I couldn't convince myself to swallow the cost. The kitchen was still functional and the cabinets were made of solid wood, it just didn't make sense to rip them out. I made small changes when I could afford them and I realized that my kitchen still looked pretty good--in fact it looked better every time I made a change. It was kind of fun too to see it slowly evolve. And since my style is kinda rustic/cottage chic I probably would have been unhappy with one of those kitchens that looked like everyone else's. My last kitchen change will be to eventually replace a couple cabinet doors with translucent glass doors.

I guess in conclusion, I want to congratulate the couple for making the changes that made sense for them! It's definitely an improvement.

This is great because you didn't just go out and buy all new stuff - way to take the best of what you have, apply hard work and resourcefulness and really make it look updated, clean and contemporary! This looks awesome!

Very nice. I like the back splash.

Such a fun update!

I can remember when the 'before' look was super stylish.

I'm not in love with the backsplash and would have refaced the upper cabinets but it's definitely a big improvement. I'm dyiiinnnggg to re-do my 90's kitchen.

I have the same cathedral-motif upper cabinet doors. Now I know what they'll look like painted. It makes the decision a lot easier.

Enjoy your lovely kitchen and be proud of your hard work and ingenuity! So glad you reused what you had and added to it to make yourself a home to be proud of.

Nice way to show that not everything always has to be thrown away - that many times things can be reused or repurposed!

I think for a budget makeover you did a fabulous job. The before is especially atrocious, imho. And really, there's nothing wrong with the flooring that it should be ripped out anyways. Maybe you could try that Rustoleum Countertop Transformations product on the countertops, if you are looking to change them (they'd look great in charcoal or black)? I think you chose wisely on what you upgraded/redid.

It's a major improvement. As someone who over the course of 2+ years, updated everything in my kitchen minus the lighting (which will happen soon) & cabinets (not even painting or updating the hardware,) I know it's tough to work on a budget, BUT leaving the laminate counters and doing a tile backsplash is a bit of a mistake. If he does ever want to upgrade the counters he will have to rip out the backsplash. While glass tile isn't that pricey (especially if you shop around, wait for a sale/coupon, etc.,) the install is laborious and time intensive.
We got plain white corian installed for $27 a sq ft, w/ a free undermount sink. Skipping the standard 4 inch backsplash saved us a fair amount of money- I think the grand total for our counters was just under $1600.

Daniel at Manhattan Nest has a great DIY for covering over cabinet door detailing: http://manhattan-nest.com/2010/10/13/conquer-your-vanity/

I think it looks great! A very cook-worthy kitchen- so fresh and bright. I might consider adding small silver or pewter brushed knobs to give the cabinets a more finished look and some accent pieces to pick up the colours in the beautiful back splash! Enjoy your new space!

Btw who uses mirrors as back splashes?! What a horrible idea!

Perfect for displaying refrigerator and blackboard art! The simplicity of color and decor highlight it instead of making it look like clutter.

A very nice after for the budget-minded. I think once the accessories are in, the backsplash will look really great! I like the stripe!

Great Before & After. I like the tiles. I think they look nice.

I noticed that people's suggestions are often for big ticket pricey changes like changing the cabinets or countertop. It's not really constructive to tell someone, your place sucks but it would be ok if you spend thousands of dollars renovating it. That said, I would also suggest getting knobs if you can find some that update the look of the cabinets but fits the design on it. I think that would be really hard. At least it would be cheaper than replacing them.

Wow, what a transformation! We has a drop ceiling in our old house and tearing it down was my favorite DIY ever.

Our current kitchen is very dated (late 70s to early 80s would be my guess) and we're not ready to do anything with it yet, but it's nice to see what can be done with a small budget!

As someone who appreciates not being able to afford the thousands of dollars in new cabinetry and the *most* up-to-date appliances I applaud the huge amount of work done here.
The backsplash tiles are current without being trendy and the white paint is a major improvement.
That being said- try some cute little colored glass knobs- it could possibly pack the final punch the kitchen needs.
Well done!

I think its a well done job considering low budget. The ceiling is the biggest improvement - and the chalk board adds to the appeal. I like the clean cut look - no reason to fill it up with useless dust collectors and area rugs - whether square or round! Decorative knobs can be expensive if one wants to go individual and does not want the stuff everybody buys at Home Depot...

looks great and not every kitchen need knobs and handles. I like the streamlined kitchen you have made. I'm glad you didn't rip everything out, some people can be so wasteful. Really looks good.

I think it's way better - much fresher looking. No issue with the splashback (and to whoever said mirrors don't work as splashbacks - I can tell you now that they most certainly do...and work very well indeed). I agree that with that style of cupboard door, a handle would be well suited - one of those silver semi circular ones like they use for library index cards.

What I am stunned by is that you did your ceiling whilst on a budget! I just put a plasterboard ceiling with sunken spots in my 7'x5' kitchen and it cost 1/3 of the price of a complete gut and refit with custom build cabinets.

And myself, I would have gone for all-aqua tile for the backsplash. It looks great with the cabinet doors! A little vintage, good match. Whereas the orange looks a little too modern, out of place. But hey, I don't live there. I just take the inspiration from this and decide that in my own kitchen, those aqua tiles would look quite lovely.

I think the kitchen looks great, and it's a major improvement of what was there before. Laminate countertops are hard wearing and in this case free! I think they are perfectly serviceable. Kitchen renos can be crazy expensive. If the choice is $30K to get everything exactly to your tastes or $2-5K (or less!) to make a major improvement, you go for the latter option. I did just want to mention that a glass backsplash is like jewelry for a kitchen - really just ties it all together. And it's not that hard to do! Don't be put off by the wet saw comments. I think most glass tiles can be cut with a simple manual tile cutter, which is much less intimidating!

I think its a beautiful facelift, the change to white takes advantage of the natural lighting. For purely practical reasons, I'd like cabinet pulls just to minimize cleaning on the cabinet doors.

Always amazed how some people how are so brutal on AT, suggestions are great but to just slam something someone loves & is excited about, really? It is perfectly acceptable to read and not comment if you really don't like it.

I don't like the stripe or the blackboard paint wall, but I applaud Matt on making so many of the "right" decisions. Getting rid of the drop ceiling, painting the cabinets, and using tones that work with the existing counter top, floor and appliances - all excellent.

I like the orange stripe and blackboard paint is always fun :)
I think the cabinets look great painted white...it would have been a real waste to replace them. I'd probably add some knobs, but that's just me.
I like the clean look and the white palette, because it gives so many options for accent pieces, which can be changed all the time.
Good job!

I think this looks great. There is something a bit awkward about the orange stripe (which I love in theory, by the way) - I think the color clashes with the tone of the counter, making its "oldness" stand out more than it would otherwise. I agree with others that some brightly colored glass knobs in orange or aqua, along with some pops of orange in accessories, will help tie the space together a little more.

The yellow or turquoise versions of this knob could work:

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=19919612&catId=HOME-HARDWARE&navCount=42&navAction=top&isProduct=true&pushId=HOME-HARDWARE&popId=HOME-HARDWARE&fromCategoryPage=true&color=060&subCategoryId=HOME-HARDWARE-KNOBS

I bet you love walking into it every day. I just finished updating my 70s kitchen and it was well worth the time, money and inconvenience.
I've been working since 1999 getting the 70s out. I had it all: chocolate toilet/sink, all colors of shag carpet, dark chocolate counters, harvest gold appliances, etc. Items from the 70s were ugly but they were built to last :(

think it looks tonnes better and LOVE the cabinets =p=)

I also think adding some things to tie in the color pallette would help make things cohesive. The backsplash is different, but I like it. I've just started doing DIY projects and have done nothing near this level, but realize there's a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to redoing your home. While it may seem simple to some people, this is a great, drastic change to this kitchen and you should feel proud.

A vast improvement! Great job!

So what if everybody on here doesn't love your choices. All the stupid comments about arches on the cabinet - geez! Somebody must like arches or there wouldn't be so many. Where are the photos of all of your perfect homes?

Laminate gets a bad rap, but in a few years someone will decide that black granite is outdated and then what?

It's your house, it doesn't need to be decorated according to a popularity contest. It looks very nice.

And maybe he doesn't want color or clutter on his counters. Maybe the dog or cat is going to sit up there. Or maybe he actually cooks and needs room to prepare his meals. Or maybe he sets out a buffet feast on the counter. Or he has so many friends they have to stand at the counter to eat.

I like the clean counters, much easier to cook and clean if you start with an open surface. That being said, if you do have accessories that just hadn't made it to the counters for the picture, that might be a good way to tie in the orange tile. You could probably find (via thrift store, clearance bins or already owned) items that would look great painted with a glossy bright orange to match the tile. Door and drawer pulls could get the same treatment. Just a thought!

Major improvement! The ceiling redo was really a good choice. It increased the level of quality in the kitchen far more than replacing cabinet doors or the countertop would have done, especially since your cabinets are wooden. Of course, the improvement of getting rid of that wallpaper goes without saying. The stripe is fun, and I like the incorporation of color in the space. I do think that adding a little artwork and maybe some pottery that incorporates that orange would kick it up a notch and make it feel more finished and pulled together.

I think this is a MAJOR transformation, especially for near-zero budget. The overall look of the place is VASTLY improved.

And while I'm not crazy about the copper color either, I think it does WONDERS as a big, long horizontal to make the room instantly appear longer and wider. With everything else whited out, you can't help but run your eyes down that looooong stripe very first thing. I think it's brilliant.

I had a thought about those tell-tale country grooves in the cabinets, though. Couldn't you just fill them with spackle if you're going to paint them anyway? At least have a flat door and be rid of that awful groove everyone is trying so hard to ignore.

I for one love the bronze stripe. That is the design detail that recreates this kitchen.
I also know that the reason we all do budget face lifts is because we have a budget, which means--now let's be honest--we are already over it. Changing cabinet doors could be--or likely is--the buster (especially if MasterCard is a profane notion 'round the house).
I've also learned that perfect is for God (the higher power, whatever we might choose), and never us, and if we took risks with no expectation of perfection, all of our homes would be a lot more lovely.
This one most certainly is.

Truly inpsirational.

I think that the renovation is a vast improvement - the ceiling looks much cleaner and fresher, and the entire kitchen is much brighter!

I love the backsplash, but I agree that the color seems a bit out of place. Perhaps simply adding some bright accessories (bowls, vases, stand mixer?) may tie it together and make the color "pop" instead of merely standing out.

This is a really good start, and it's way easy to make the copper tile make more sense. Quick fixes: rug, artwork, window treatment, and/or canisters for the countertop in coordinating colors. Done! Copper tile now ties in to the rest of the kitchen. One or all of the above-mentioned will make a big impact.

Looks excellent - Removing the drop ceiling was one of the best things to do here. The wallpaper border and sponge painting are easy fixes. I agree with adding cabinet handles or knobs. It's like the last accessory - kitchen jewelry!

Greetings, Matt the homeowner here :)

Thanks for all the comments, and the good criticism too!

Like everyone mentioned, budget was the biggest issue in this remodel. Really, the only expense was the glass tile, paint and light fixtures. Like Amanda said, a good friend owed me a favor apparently (it's nice when life works that way sometimes :) He is a drywaller by trade and donated all of his time and materials... that's what really prompted all the other work. So really, the biggest investment was a LOT of work.

The chalkboard paint is a fun way to write yourself notes. And, when my little cousins come over, they love to draw on it.

The backsplash... well, I just like it :) It still needs caulked on the wall/counter joint though, so that will make it look much more finished.

The window area is unfortunately still being worked on :/ It needs a final coat of paint, new handles and everyone is right - a curtain to coordinate with the backsplash :)

Someday, it would be nice to replace the countertop, the floor, and the cabinet doors, but I'm OK with them as-is for now.

Thanks for the comments about accessories and door knobs... may have to make some shopping excursions :)

I think marvelous improvement! I don't care for the backsplash myself, but hey, its not my house and the important thing is it makes you smile to see it.

I found all the "knob" suggestions interesting because I was thinking of adding some to my house and it suprised me so many commented on the fact there weren't any.

Great job!

I think you really did a great job. I think the backsplash looks well done, even if it's not everyone's taste.
I also think knobs would add a nice finishing touch, and a few little accent colors to tie everything together.
Overall, I think it's a major, major improvement!

Very nice!

Great job!

Love Gray's comment. :) And love the transformation. Especially the backsplash. Love light blue and orange together. You could put some artwork with orange in there to really make it come together. I am doing that with my kitchen as we have gray walls with orange bar stools. Might steel this backsplash idea. Great job.

I admit I'm not a huge fan of the bronze tiles either, but it's probably a guy thing, a desire to add something masculine and brown. With just that gray tile it would be a pretty feminine look, although more to my taste. I'm guessing that the bronze color picks up on something in the slate-looking floor, which we can't really see in the pictures.

Otherwise, a nice job working with what you've got. So many people think you have to gut everything in order to improve a kitchen or bath, which results in a lot of waste (both of money and of perfectly usable materials). Getting rid of that wallpaper and that ceiling was a good use of your time and money.

Matt, you made some solid choices here. The ceiling had to go. The old backsplash was too disco. I'm never in favour of tossing outdated kitchen cupboards (our landfills are full enough, thank you) prefering cosmetic changes like you have done. (You can maybe chisel the country moulding off and have a plain door.) So thank you from me and the planet for the paint job there.

Your backsplash is unique. I've never seen one like it. And as any artist knows, innovation draws criticism. I hope you can take pleasure from that; shaking up people's perceptions of correctness, even with something so minor as a kitchen backsplash, is a contribution to the evolution of our society's aesthetic growth.

Maybe you will stimulate someone to branch out further. Maybe I will mimic yours visually and glue pennies to the wall above my (laminate; shame on me) counters!

Get some copper things for your kitchen. It's wickedly out of vogue and old copper goes cheap now.

PS. Harsh crowd! I had been thinking about submitting photos here for a house visit/tour but dunno if I'm thick-skinned enough.

I thought it was a new countertop. You fooled me!

The before pics made me laugh out loud! What a period kitchen! Pink cabinets, mirrored backsplash, the wallpaper, acoustic tiles? Hilarious.

I love that three little things (ceiling, backplash, paint) made such a HUGE difference without tearing out any cabinets, counters, flooring, appliances, etc.

Fantastic transformation.. I'd totally cook in this kitchen! How about cabinet hardware to match backsplash? Then the most common criticisms (lack of handles, backsplash stripe) go away in one shot with not much expense. =).

What a nice redo. It REALLY makes a huge difference. And, what the person did a lot on a small budget. This is a kitchen that will never look dated.

I think it looks amazing! I'd love to know the paint color you used on the cabinets. I also have white appliances and it's tough to find a white paint that coordinates with them.

I love the backsplash and think it is beautiful. Also, appear to be the lone person who doesn't think you need hardware on your kitchen cabinets. But seriously I love that backsplash.

Maybe little orange glass knobs for your cabinets would look good. Or if you used a tiny brush (and have a steady hand) filling in the recessed bits of your cabinet doors with matching orange paint? (Yellow paint? A color that matches the tile, I mean). Maybe a rug in front of the sink and some curtains! Great job! (I hope we get to see more pictures when you've finished!)

I completely agree that some of the comments come across pretty snotty, I wonder if that's just because the people writing them are so into giving feedback on the design that they insulate themselves from remembering that there's a person attached to those pictures. Sort of like a doctor who's good at what they do but has a horrible bed side manner. I hope people don't stop offering criticisms, but it's always good to remember to speak a bit more politely.

I like it without handles. I think it looks better without little things protruding from the cabinets. I seem to snag things on knobs and drawer pulls and I don't really get why people say it looks more finished. If I ever redo a kitchen I would put cabinets without handles.