Wow! I've rarely seen a question like yours. You seem to be dismissing the obvious and logical solutions to your quandary, so it's very difficult to offer any advice. I'm going to make some suggestions that you probably don't want, but which I believe are sound.

Cabinets
Your cabinets have a "country" look to them, you write. Yes, they do have a country look, and between the color (that honey tone) and the design (that inlaid cathedral thing), unless you change something about the cabinets, you will not change the country look. Different hardware will do very little, IMHO.

You say you like the "gorgeous oak." I'd start with that. You could enhance that "gorgeous oak" but only by stripping and re-staining to a tone that looks more like true oak.

Once you have that down, you can go about changing the rest of the kitchen to suit. I'd be wary of choosing any finishes until you have a stain that you like on your cabinets.

Floor
Whatever you choose, please do yourself a favor and don't go the "faux whatever" route. I favor wood in the kitchen, or large ceramic tile, so if you feel the same, talk to your husband again. If you choose linoleum, then get some linoleum that isn't trying to look like something it isn't.

Backsplash etc.
You don't mention a budget, so it's hard to recommend anything. Why not wait until you have dealt with the cabinets? Also, I'm not sure whether you are changing your countertops, but the backsplash should be coherent with the countertops and cabinets.

PS

The scalloping on the pelmet above the sink has to go. I'd get rid of the entire pelmet, but that's just me.

about the valance over the sink.. IF your very carefull taking it down and first removed the molding that connects to the cabinets.. you can use that salvaged molding to wrap the cabinets and leave the space completely open above the sink.
I did it in my old house and it felt more open. I also had a plain old ceiling light above that i replaced with a pretty pendant.

If you take off the overhanging moulding over the sink altogether, and remove items stored above the cabinets, that should help. If you're trying to move away from the country look and toward modern, go for right angles, neutral, natural materials (i.e. a plain backsplash in white tumbled marble or subway tiles), and as you said, brushed steel handles. Look at photos of kitchens that you like and as you redesign, keep the lines clean and uncluttered. Good luck.

Maybe lightly sand & stain the cabinets a darker color? (Might need to add a protective clear coat too.) Yes, replace the curvy piece above the sink for some flat stock. And if there's some $, maybe update both lighting fixtures.

For flooring, linoleum seems like a good choice although I am not a fan of the faux stone look. If you're more bold, consider using two different colors (I have a thing for checker patterns) since your space seems to be lacking in graphic pattern/interest. Bring home samples and ponder. Good luck!

Yeah, I'm not sure you can get rid of the country look without painting or staining... plus they have that arched thing going on, which is decidedly Taste of Home.

...I don't think a country look is necessarily a bad thing, but I don't think you can fight it without some major changes.

Totally agree with Terry about the cabinets. Brushed stainless hardware will just look out of place. There is no getting away from the country unless you reface the cabinet fronts AND lose the scalloped thingy over the sink.

BTW, the china cabinet and the red walls are also reinforcing, not distracting, from the country-kitchen feel.

Would you like your cabinets better if they were darker? Liquid Sandpaper + darker gel stain is an easy and inexpensive way to change cabinets--as long as you go darker (OR redder--but I think a deep espresso would help modernize yours and would certainly look fantastic with brushed steel hardware)

You might also consider some simple larger-scale crown moulding for around the tops of the cabinets.

There are some good-looking vinyl flooring options...it's a little better than linoleum. It can mimic wood, stone, etc.

Good luck!

I agree with the piece of wood above your sink.

re: flooring. What about cork?

re: backsplash. Some penny or hex tiles in stainless steel would look cool. Or even some quilted SS.

re: lighting. You could do something really cool here. It's something I'm struggling with right now, so unfortunately don't have any good suggestions for either of us.

re: countertop. A nice honed black granite countertop would look great.

re: cabinets. I don't know how to make them look less country with that routing / detailing. Someone out there has a good idea!

Good luck and keep us updated!

Replace the light fixture above your dining table and move it over the sink (after you remove the moulding), add a chandelier or something that draws your attention to it. This will take away from the focus on the cabinets. :) If you're going to change the knobs on the cabinets, black may look better. Also, RustOleum sells a paint for countertops. I haven't tried it, but it looks interesting. Here is the site: http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=208
If you want to change the look of the floor without modifying it, add a rug. These are just small changes you can make with a small budget. PS. the things you have on the counter add to the "country look", perhaps you can update those as well and add some pictures. Go to Italy! (not literally) but decoratively. Just my thoughts.

One more thing: Change your outlet covers, it can make a big difference!

Part of the problem is that the overhead light fixtures don't compliment each other. Make both more modern. The other part of the problem is that the display cabinet is making the kitchen appear small and unfinished. If you could remove that and continue the sleek line of the white counter top I think that would go a long way to helping modernize the look.

The wavy line of the window valance looks perfectly modern to me and I would repeat the motif as a frame around a large blackboard on the newly-freed red wall.

You may want to just embrace your Country-style kitchen!
However:
1. The scalloped pelmet is very Country-style : remove it, paint it to match the walls, cover it with your new flooring to add some square angles to the kitchen.
2. The counter-top accessories - matching cannisters, hand-towel and wood knife blocks - are very, very Country-style. Black or silver with touches of your red would be more modern.
3. Steel knobs would not suit! Try _big_ white handles -- in a square shape to counter all the arches and curves -- to match the appliances and counter top.
4. The light fixtures should complement each other. The one over the table is too small. Consider using some touches of your red in both light fixtures, or going with really bold white pieces.

Have fun!

For some reason, I have the inclination that I would go very retro 1950's funky with this kitchen. I can't quite put my finger on why. I know you don't want such a drastic change, but I would paint the cabinets and walls in a 50's color palate and get some funky glass knobs. I would change the light fixtures. I would do a black and white checkered floor. A new diner-esqe table would be cool. May some cool 1950's style art work? I know that is way different than what you are looking for, but for some reason, that is what your kitchen said when it "spoke" to me.

There are two things that I would nix first:
The pelmet above the sink (that's a pretty general consensus so far), and the giant cabinet in the corner is very country.

If you don't want to get rid of it, taking the doors off and painting it would help.

For the backsplash, I love slate. They're a bit more modern and would help the flow.

For the floors: talk to your husband again. I definitely prefer hardwood or ceramic... but if that's completely off the table, look into laminate/faux hardwood. My parents have had it for 10 years and it shows very little sign of wear and tear.

For lighting: I would go with some more modern pendant lights over the sink and the dining room table.

Yeah, it's going to take some major changes to get rid of the country look. Maybe paint your cabinets cream or white and embrace more of a French country look, which can be chic if done right? That might also mean toning down the red paint, which I know you don't want to do.

I've got the same danged kitchen, with darker oak, and yeah, it's country till my teeth hurt. It's a 70s reface of the 50's kitchen. I'd kill to have the original cabinet doors! I think Sisterfunkhaus may have nailed my better solution, since the last thing I want is to make it any darker. Maybe just paint the cabinets white, gray or light green, then play with accent colors in the less labor-intensive areas.

So we have pretty much that exact kitchen and I think you have two pretty big problems if you want to go more modern/cleaner.

1. the cabinets. The obvious (and unfortunate for you) answer is to paint or restain. You could also try to buy new doors that don't have the country arch. You would just be redoing the upper doors. BUT the key considerations here are money and quality of cabinetry. If these cabinets aren't at least newer and/or midrange, putting new doors on is only going to get you so far at best, and will be a waste of money at worst. If I were you I would paint. Paint is a great thing. We were planning on just painting our cabinets white and calling it a day, but we have horrible soffits so now we're just redoing all of the cabinets and we are so, so happy to do it. But painting these cabinets white will lighten up the room and trick the eye into at least forgiving the arch.

2. That buffet to the left of the cabinets is extremely old-fashioned. The only way to modernize the kitchen with it there is to go super modern and then you might get away with an "eclectic" label. But that's a stretch. So updating your breakfast area furniture will go a long way in updating your kitchen.

I would also go with a brighter red, not the wine-y red, or choose a different color altogether.

In any case, I think it might be a mistake to try to go modern with this kitchen if you're unwilling to change the cabinets or the flooring. Perhaps, as the above poster said, you should embrace the french country look?

I have virtually the same cabinets. Since they are going to clash horribly with my chosen wall color (orange) they are being painted white. Sadly for you, that MAY be your only choice as the combination of the red & oak screams country.

My sister's kitchen looks like yours. I had saved an "after" but can't find it. When I tried to find it for you it keeps going to the "Little Green Notebook" blog so maybe it's on there. Anywho, in a nutshell, they took the cabinet doors off the top (no more dated arches and I would remove the scallop), painted all of them white (I would suggest you paint your furniture also), black and white tile floor, and stainless hardware (contractor packs are cheap) with your stainless backsplash. I would update the lighting and sparingly put some modern accent pieces, art. If you are able to replace the counters a grey/black/white is what was used in the "after". Good luck!

There is a lot of country going on in this kitchen, which isn't a bad thing - if that's what you're going for.
The color on the walls is not as modern-looking as you might think. Plus, as has been stated a few times in the comments above, changing out the hardware while leaving the cabinets exactly the same, will result in more clash of styles.
The light fixture above the dining room table - country. The china cabinet - country. The cabinet style - country. Even the dish rags with country scenes on them are - COUNTRY.
You may want to reconsider some of your choices if you want to get rid of the country look.

It is not only the honey stain that is dating your cabinets; is the STYLE of the cabinets… and the overall styling of the room (sorry). Here’s a short list of changes that will give you the most bang for your buck:

1) Cabinet update:
---Remove the decorative pelmet over the sink
---Replace the cabinet doors with something more simple, in a finish you like
---Refinish the frames / bases to match the new doors

2) You have a formal dining set (also very dated) in a casual eat-in kitchen. These elements are very much at odds. Relocate or sell the existing furniture, and replace it with something more appropriate. How about replacing your giant dated china cabinet with a casual banquette arrangement, like these?

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BdP8Yt4F1oU/S_rFLWw4_3I/AAAAAAAAJCI/zGUWim8IqFw/s400/freestanding+banquette+pedestal+table+eos.jpg

http://www.suzetteshermandesign.com/full_kitchen.jpg

http://blondiensc.typepad.com/.a/6a0105349db84f970c0120a600d39e970c-350wi

3) Update your light fixtures. The pendant light is (again) dated and oddly formal. And the fluorescent light is just plain dated.

4) Re-paint. Think subtle supporting role. Not diva. (That red is just all wrong for this space.)

5) Streamline and update your accessories. Get rid of dated silk plants, towels with crochet hangers, and tchotchkes on your window sill and above your cabinets.

I wouldn't escape the look that is started. For a quick fix, try painting the cabinets a light sky blue and the red wall white. That will brighten it up a lot!

Get rid of the scalloped thingy over your sink. Add plantation shutters.

Get rid of the items on top of your cabinets. It draws the eye up.

I would consider a different color for your plugs and switches, which are glaring against the red.

Declutter your window sill, and clear your counters of everything but a coffee bar. And don't hang towels where they can be seen. A sleek appearance will go a long way toward modernizing your kitchen.

The base cabinets aren't bad - you could easily switch to the brushed nickel hardware and have it look decent. The problem is your upper cabinets. Could you cut out the middle of the doors and put in some glass? You could then paint the interior of the cabinets bright white and add some lighting. If you keep the contents orderly and modern, that'll go a long way. Ditch the over-the-sink piece altogether and install a sleek roman blind instead. Stick with a white backsplash (although i think subway tiles are starting to be overused).

I'd recommend going with a dark gray wall instead of red (you need some contrast) and investing in red accessories. Some bright and shiny red items (teakettle, vase, kitchen towels, etc) will be more eye-catching and won't give you that country look. You'll definitely need to ditch the country accessories you have now - the knick-knacks on the window ledge, the matching ceramic crocks, the display platters up top, and the fake ivy are all straight out of the country decor catalog.

You also need to replace the china cabinet, light fixtures, and chairs. They're all very dated and will compete with any updates you make to the kitchen. Get a low, sleek sideboard and install some bright white wall shelving (long and open) above it. Its another opportunity to display one or two red accessories.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40115023

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60116597

You could install one of the ultra-modern white paper shades over your table - it would definitely combat the country feel!

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80155012

----For the umpteenth time, get rid of that scalloped thing over the sink. Do not replace with a different shape.

----Cabinets/Paint: I agree the orange-y oak cabinets plus wine wall scream COUNTRY KITCHEN.
1) The right way to correct would be to refinish or paint the cabinets. Think as neutral or white as possible. The cabinets would look a million times better painted light grey. The appliances will blend in and the entire kitchen will look amazing.
2) If you do NOT paint, I would suggest using a neutral pale beige color on the wall. This is not ideal, but it will tone down the orange country cabinets. Try to avoid the "accent" wall. Paint all the walls.

----Tchotckes - get rid of everything. It all screams extreme country. Now buy new white ceramic canisters. Soft sage green striped towels. Put that dish soap in a pretty bottle. Remove the knick-knacks from the window sill. Put some large wicker baskets on the top of the cabinets for little-used items. Keep everything as neutral and pale as possible.

----Lighting. I have that same ugly flourescent light box in my yet-to-be-renovated kitchen. It is god-awful ugly. See if you can have the ceiling wired for pot lights. Add a pendant above the sink and a new light over the table.

----Furniture: Screams 1970s formal dining room. Ideally should be replaced or refurbished.

----Floors: I am of the camp of doing once and doing correctly. Will you be in this house for a long long time? Then it's worth it to save up and do something beautiful - wood, tile. For now put your energy into making the rest of the room fabulous.

Terry - well said. I have nothing to add. Laureen, good luck.

Barb in Ct, I have cabinets in this color and painted the kitchen a coppery burnt orange. I also got rid of the country knick knacks and have black appliances. It looks very modern. The oak has an orangy-mustard feel to it. I also used copper outlet covers and copper picture frames and wall plaques.

I would think that pinks or mauve tones would clash with the orangey-ness. I was inspired by a lady that painted her kitchen dark orange, with the same oak cabinets, and she was really happy with it. Another way to go would be a gold or mustard color.

hi laureen,
without repainting or refinishing the cabinets here is what i would do:
a. as you planned, i would get rid of the 'scalloped pelmet';
b. as it was already suggested, i would also replace existing counter canisters (if you need them) with plain white ceramic ones and invest in a nice soap dispenser;
c. i would also remove items from the top of your cabinets, the window sill and the buffet;
d. if you do not want to refinish your cabinets, you may want to consider converting them to glass-front cabinets (see a diy example here);
e. i would change the hardware to a brushed nickel finish as it is a bit warmer than brushed steel;
f. for your backsplash, i see something playful yet neutral (like this large circles mosaic or these crema marfil rounds);
g. i think cork is a good kitchen floor alternative - it looks great and it is easy on your back. i see a darker floor for your kitchen, something similar to cordova burl colour perhaps;
h. i would also update your lighting: track lighting in white for the kitchen area, and a new pendant for the dining room: single or double pendant.
good luck laureen.

I agree with above. If you want to keep the wood finish go a little darker. (Antique Walnut) My suggestion would be to paint them white or maybe white up top and black/grey below. Yes, I would get rid of the wood above the window. If you don't want to do anything to the cabinets. Try painting the walls a neutral color. The red is pulling out reddish tones in those cabinets. A simple white subway or penny tile would be great for a backsplash. Or you could do white tin like ceiling tiles (easy to install) I also agree that your furniture is competing with everything. The table is huge. What if you created a little eating nook against the wall where the hutch is. Build a bench against the wall. (could even have storage) and put a smaller square or round table with chairs on the other side. Could be really cute and give you more space.

I just don't think the oak cabinets can stand up to that strong red. I would choose terra cotta for the walls. Paint the hutch blue-grey, or dark green, or just use one or both of those colors as accents. Tin ceiling tiles for a backsplash or metallic tiles, nothing too shiny. Grey cork flooring. And this is one of the few times that I would vote for stainless steel appliances. The cabinets are mellow, and all the white is a lot of contrast.

Call it "sophisticated old French country." The pics in this link have the general flavor: http://zeospot.com/natural-material-19th-century-country-house-design-in-france/

I once read about someone flipping their cabinet doors (this includes flipping handles and hinges too) to get a more modern look since the insides of the doors are very simple and straight-lined rather than routed like the current outsides. I think the cabinets were very similar to yours in style and the DIYer was trying to get away from a country look. Obviously I don't know the condition of the inside of your cabinet doors, but this could possibly be an option for you. Good luck!

-like everyone else said, ditch the awful scallopy thingy. Put your red walls elsewhere in the house if you must have them (bedroom!). Then:

-Paint the kitchen walls some kind of pastel to deal with the white countertops and white appliances. sea foam green, blue, lavender...pink...(hey that's close to red).

-If the display cabinet isn't antique and you're not partial to it, I'd sell it. Or at the very least, move it to another room. There are other ways to display plates you rarely use (hang them in a pattern on the wall! Also brightens things up.)

-If your cabinets are wicked organized, remove the doors entirely from the top cabinets and have open shelving. It's hard but I've seen people make that work. If you're not so organized you could have a patterned privacy glass door type deal. You could do a patterned light contact paper against the back of the cabinets.

-get different kitchen accessories, canisters, etc. Go with clear glass or pastels. And ditch your kitchen table. Get something that matches the cabinets with white legs. And matching chairs, with white backs.

-and then you can do your backsplash to match the canisters, the walls, the furniture, the appliances, and tie in the color on the cabinets.

The red wall has to go, sorry. Right now the white counter tops & appliances scream at me. They would quiet down if you went for a French country feel with blue and yellow. You could insert pretty paper or fabric into the cabinet door arches with craft glue or mod podge. That will tone down the cabinetry.

I agree with Terry and most of the other commenters - that honey oak IS country, and there isn't much you can do short of painting/refinishing or replacement of the cabinets to change that. The red walls, heavy dark wood furniture, and countertop accessories just emphasize that country feel. Assuming that a total redo isn't in the budget, and that the rest of your home also has more traditional elements (I don't care for the "funhouse" effect of a totally sleek modern kitchen in a traditional home), I suggest the following, which echoes much of what others have said:

-Paint the cabinets a dove grey (not too dark), making sure to properly prep the surfaces and use high-quality paints for the best wear. Stay away from a too-shiny finish (which won't work with the cabinet style).

- Replace the hardware with black iron, slightly hammered (but not too heavy or large) fixtures. Don't forget the hinges (and make sure that the replacement hinges have the same number of screw holes as the existing ones - I ran into this problem with my similar cabinets several years ago, and just finished my kitchen remodel as a result).

- Replace the lighting - the two fixtures don't work together at all. You might want to consider recessed ceiling or undercabinet lighting for the work areas. Wrought iron ceiling fixtures could be used over the eating area and/or as general ambient lighting in the prep area.

- Keep the white appliances and countertops if they are in decent condition (they won't contrast too much with the grey cabinets).

- The red walls are too intense for this room (which looks from the photos like it is open to an adjacent room). Perhaps a not-too-dark French blue?

- Backsplash could be pressed tin tiles or white/cream background tiles with a few handpainted tiles in blues/greys/yellows as accents.

- Flooring - avoid linoleum tiles that are "faux" anything. I would go with a random checkerboard pattern if using real linoleum (perhaps a grey tone a bit darker than the cabinets, a cream, and blue-grey) or with terra cotta tiles.

- If keeping the wood table and china hutch, I would consider painting them a cream color, and replace the chairs. The contrast between the French blue walls and light-painted furniture would look fresh and crisp. I also like some of the earlier suggestions to do a banquette seating/table arrangement in the corner which the hutch dominates now.

- For window treatments, consider 2-inch white/cream wood plantation blinds. These can be quite reasonable at your typical home store, and aren't that much of a commitment. And, yes, I vote for removing the pelmet!

So, my two cents. Good luck, Laureen, and let us know what you decide (and please post pictures of the after)!

You can't keep everything the same, add some handles, change a pelmet and expect the kitchen to look different.

That is unrealistic.

A good non-country pairing with red is grey, and so that is where I would head. Natural wood would pair well (table, chairs, countertop).

I would paint your cabinets grey, and remove the upper doors. An option would be to cut out the middles, keeping only the frame (although the arch is not attractive), and putting in ribbed glass. Gradually replace your appliances to either black or (better) stainless.

I would also replace the countertop -- either rolled stainless steel or solid butcherblock counters (like the ones from Ikea), or a very dark grey or black. The sink too, should be either stainless or black (stainless is better).

(removing the pelmet entirely goes without question)

Remove the fluorescent strip lighting and the pendant... replace with track lighting in the work area, and a more on trend pendant for the dining area. For example, this:

http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1031007

or this

http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod60299&categoryId=cat1701013

or something like this:

http://www.wyethome.com/index.php?option=com_wyeth&task=showImage&image=153&path=lighting_ceiling^lamps&Itemid=47

You can have red walls in the kitchen, but not those red walls; finding a better shade of red is a must. This one looks very splotchy; maybe you only need an extra couple of coats to fix it.

Personally, I would have the china cabinet professionally painted a bright enamel red, inside and out. The contrast would look great against the brown red.

Check out the oak cabinets turned grey with ribbed glass:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0722465510652.html

Check out these red cabinets:

http://barriebriggsspang.blogspot.com/2010/03/oh-kitchen-cabinets-what-to-do.html

As for flooring, since you have your dining area in the kitchen, I would run the identical wood flooring from the living room into the kitchen in order to make the space a more formal dining room.

just wanted to chime in and say that i agree w/ most of the comments above - if you don't paint those cabinets, they will always look country. new hardware on the cabinets does not modern make. agree w/ mschatelaine's suggestion of gray w/ removing the upper doors for the open shelving look (an i'm not even an open shelving fan, but if you want something that looks more modern i think it's the right move). i generally like dark gray cabinets (or light on top and dark on the bottom) but in your case, a light or medium gray might help those white appliances blend in.

definitely remove the thing over the sink entirely.

actually, i think i pretty much agree w/ everything mschatelaine said, so i won't bother retyping. except...i'm not as opposed to the linoleum that looks like stone as some of the others above. it can look ok, even good. BUT it generally doesn't wear well. you could go that route and have to replace it every 5-10 years or you could tell your husband to suck it up and go w/ something more long-lasting like ceramic tile or hardwood.

The cabinets were custom built out of really great quality oak wood (father in law built the house so picked it all), so beacuse they are such nice quality my husband will never let me paint oak :( I also have a little toddler running around so as much as I would LOVE to strip and stain the cupboards darker (first first choice for sure) I am not sure I will have the time for it, and husband isn't the greatest for helping on projects on that (boo to him). I was hoping there would be suggestions where I could go around that route, but its looking like that is my option lol.

When you guys say to remove the scallop above the sink, I wouldn't have thought of that. There is lighting already under that to light above the sink, so a fixture could be put there in place of that board I guess. I would never move the light above the table (can change for sure cause I hate it, but hard to find ideas when I live in a small town with no lighting stores lol, so I keep looking for something I like), but I can't take it out completely because there isn't much light in there at night so its nice to have for eating. Suggestions on light fixtures for above sink, above table and main light would be REALLY appreciated.

Budget....sorry I didn't include. I hadn't planned on spending a fortune and getting new cabinets or counter top just yet, they are all in great condition. I was looking more for cosmetic changed like hardware, flooring, backsplash, lighting updates :D

If I do give in and torture myself with staining those cabinets, how woudl you suggest tackling all teh oak in my house. The house is COVERED with honey oak, so if I stain the cabinets darker where do I stop lol. I have mouldings, doorways, doors, banister rails, ALL in honey oak and the kitchen is only separated fromt he living room by the island? (see my neverending problem of honeyoak that kills me? lol) Its so not my style for sure,

PS...that pic is older and the canisters are LONG gone, along with the knife block. I only have a white kitchaid mixer in the corner now lol. I can't really get rid of the china cabinet as its my mother's (along with all her china in it) and I have somehow been put incharge of storing it adn nowhere else to put it, wasn't my pick for sure unfortunately.....lol.

I appreciate the ideas and comments...please keep throwing them all out there (good or bad? always nice to see things from different eyes and perspective :D

Husband won't let you paint and won't let you do wood or tile floors. Maybe the change you need is a new husband.

Amen, theseven! I had thought of that too.

But seriously, Laureen, if honey oak isn't your style, then maybe a serious discussion with your husband is in order. It's not your style, you say, but it's also your home too.

If you can't get rid of all of the honey oak, then I think the painted cabinet option is far better than going with a darker stain on the cabinets. I wouldn't want to add more dark hues in the kitchen, especially with the light counters and appliances, and the dark tones of the other wood. Too 1970s faux Mediterranean.

Good luck!

If only it was that easy theseven lol...he resists helping with anything, and is in the trades field himself so it frustrates the CRAP out of me! If I want anything done its up to me to get, do, arrange, get done....its frustrating cause I am just starting out with this decorating/household stuff adn have no help....hense why I have found this site adn asked for help lol...I am lost hehe

In his defense he doesn't want wood floors because he is in the plumbing industry and has see far too many fridge leaks and what not and it warps the wood so he is scare dof that...sucks but ok I will give in. As for the "faux" look I was talkign about, I'm not sure if I expressed it correctly, was thinking this (the laminate pictures in the background, or even inthe pic on here http://www.armstrong.com/flooring/laminate/slate-ebony-mist-stone-ceramic-tile-L6572/floor-118464.asp

I am definately open to new paint on the walls, definately don't need more coats of red as mentioned before (this alone took 7 damn coats lol). Not a fan of the blue cause it reminds me of country adn I am already damaged enough by this fact.

Laureen, the problem is that your husband is unreasonable and unwilling to help. Those cabinets are not gorgeous, they are dated and ugly. The hardwood floor thing is also an unreasonable fear. I (and many others here) have had hardwood floors in kitchens (and bathrooms even, gasp!) forever with no problems. If you're not allowed to change anything and your husband is a great guy in all other ways, then move on and focus on other aspects of your life and forget about home decor. BTW, that Armstrong fake stone is ugly and will do nothing to help your kitchen.

by gorgeous I meant quality, not look obviously theseven....as for the husband, yes he is being unreasonable, but there has to be some compromise too cause he lives in that house too. As for the Armstrong linoleum that I like, as much as I appreciate suggestions and ideas, you do not have to be rude because obviously I liked it or I wouldn't have posted it.

It doesn't sound like hubby is willing to compromise. And there is WAY more to life than home decor (despite what it seems like here). No one here has been able to help you because with all the restrictions your husband has given you, there's no way to get what you want. I am not the first or only person here who says that fake stone is ugly, so why call ME rude? Plus, you are asking for suggestions. My suggestion is that it's ugly! Sheesh. You need to accept that you aren't going to get what you want in this situation and move on.

Whoa, hold up. You asked for suggestions. So don't be offended if you don't like the flow of them.

Use that energy on convincing your husband of what you want for YOUR kitchen.

If it was my kitchen I would take the china cabinet out of there as it really weighs down the room. Change the light fixtures. Paint the table a lighter color.

Then take the scallop piece off and the doors off the cabinets and make it an open kitchen.

Regarding the floor, may I kindly refer you to Door Sixteen blog you can see she put in new floors in her place and didn't have an ounce of handy work skills.

You can even google kitchen makeovers on a budget if you don't want to buy design books.

Well said, Terry. The letter read to me like this: "I don't like my kitchen, but I don't want to do this (obvious thing to change style), and I WILL NOT do this (other obvious thing to change style). Please, give me ideas for how I can do nothing and make my kitchen look different."

1. Nix the pelmet.
2. Nix the huge china cabinet.
3. Remove the upper cabinet doors, or if you have the budget just replace them with ones without the arch, which just screams country.
4. Reconsider the red walls, they're not helping at all.
5. New dining chairs.
6. New lighting.
7. White subway tile backsplash.
8. If you really can't do hardwood or something else on the floors, you might as well leave them and find a nice graphic rug to take up floor space.

and maybe a new faucet.

Don't forget a non-country window treatment too to adore the window. Something snazzy, let your husband pick it out.

Laureen, does your husband like the cabinets or does he want a more modern look too? If he doesn't like them, but doesn't want to help with anything, then he gets no say, just tell him everyone on AT says so!

Now, he may not want the oak painted, but I see no reason is should not be stained. It doesn't hurt the integrity of the look and I'm just gonna say what everyone else has been trying to say in a nice way, that color and style of oak is ugly and dated! It may be a lot of work and may take you awhile with a child, but it will be worth it! And let's be honest, if you ever plan to move, stained cabinets would only increase your property value cuz no one wants 80s-looking oak cabinets.

I've used liquid sander when painting cabinets, but I'm not sure if it works the same if you want to stain them, but search the web and you can probably find out. This would be an easier solution than sanding etc.

Or you could spend more money by buying new cabinet doors and just stripping and staining the cabinet bases. Either match the stain to the new doors or do two tone-cabinets.

As for lights, do you have a Home Depot or Lowes or something near by? They have some great lighting options that aren't at all country. And when you remove the scallop, replace the over-sink light with a pendant light.

If you did espresso cabinets a very light grayish-blue it would not look country. And the silver handles would look good with espresso. Also, take that ivy off of the curio cabinet, that's not helping.

I get why your husbands not into wood floors, but what's wrong w/ ceramic? I think the linoleum you picked out looks good and I've never understood why everyone hates it so much. If you go with this dark color, you definitely need the wall color to be lighter.

Good luck! Make sure to do after pics!

I am sorry if that came off rude towards others, I just wanted to know if there was some ideas or suggestions out there, I obviously know there is a porblem with my ktichen and wanted suggestions. If the flooring I threw out there isn't something you personally don't like you don't have to go as far as saying its UGLY, you just have to say its not you liking and perhaps make a suggestion is all I was saying. When someone is that blunt about something it is offensive, sorry if that isn't how you meant it, I just took it that way.

I appreciate ALL the suggestions on here, many I have written down and will DEFINATELY look into for my kitchen. I was trying to see if there was a suggestion that would help me update the kitchen without the huge job of re-doing the cabinets and I think I have my answer from you ladies...looks like I have a stripping and staining project on my hands this summer.

I completely agree with your list maddimazing, those are definately on my list now that I have these wonderful suggestions from people, some of these elements I would have never thought of, but will be so nice to have done for sure, those suggestions are the ones I was looking for here. Thanks! And if anyone has any more ideas please shoot them out :D

The kitchen table is going, on the hunt and just going to the city this weekend to replace so that isn't even an issue anymore too, replacing the whole table and chairs unit, that was an old hand me down from my mother and I always wanted it gone, and now I am in the situation where it is possible to upgrade to what I want :D And working on her to take the china cabinet out of my house too, because I completely agree with you ladies about it...needs to go (and its not even my stuff in it to boot, its all her china that I never use lol).

I went home at lunch and checked out the cabinets and it isn't possible to flip the doors inside out unfortunately, the arched door is detailed on the inside of the cupboards as well (shoot). I am goign to talk to the carpenter that built them and see a quote on re-building doors with a straight edge and no arch on them (I just am not a fan of all open cabinets).

The pelmet is a gonner :D Will get him to cut that off for sure (it was on my hit list to change but so glad you suggested I think about just taking it off). I was looking at some pics and really like some little pot lights in a built in, with crown molding all around the top of the cupboards and this built in above the sink? http://kitchenrenovationmississauga.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Kitchen-Light-3.jpg

Once I stain those cabinets then I will figure out the wall colour and flooring from there I think, but sounds like the red needs to go as well :D

And I am now on a lighting mission, need to fidn my sites and research research research cause they are definately not working, those are just the ones that father in law put in to just put up (thats the way he works lol).

I like the look/sound of the subway tiles as well

Thank you HeyNowTex.....definately agree with all you said.

For wall colour I shoudl probably say that that left wall runs from kitchen and into the living room and is a light khaki colour. The way the walls are set up, if I paint that left wall I need to take it through about half our hosue cause of the connecting walls. So any suggestions on colours that would compliment with that khaki colour? I love the sound of the grey/blue, but not sure aboutit with the khaki colour. Perhaps green? with the dark cabinets (thinking espresso colour) and white/clear subway tiles?

Go to Benjamin Moore and have a talk with them before you start your cabinets. There are products that will allow you to seal your cabinets, prime them, and then paint them without major sanding. There are also chemical peels, some non toxic, that will also prep the cabinets for painting. Other than removing the doors and hardware, painting cabinets is not the awful job it used to be. I renovate/restore homes for a living, at least I used to, and sanding is unnecessary, except sandpaper with a high grit used between paint coats to assure a smooth finish.

I would recommend two primer coats with a sanding in between, and then one final coat of paint. Benjamin Moore has such wonderful paint, you'll only need one coat once the surface is property prepared.

Have you considered removing the doors from the top cabinets and having open shelving up there? The bottom cabinets seem to be free of the scallop motif and they look much more modern. You could paper or paint the insides of the cabinets to brighten the space or add a bold graphic pattern. Or replace the doors with glass doors.

I agree with the ivy, window-thing and clutter on the countertop general suggestions. Some other plants would be nice, though, like herbs in the kitchen. Mostly, though, that light fixture in the kitchen is bothering me. A series of hanging lamps of some sort, or something a little more old-world would work.

Your kitchen looks country, yeah. But you could steer it away from "blue geese in neckerchiefs" country and toward a thirties-deco industrial barn-chic thing. Think of old-fashioned country stuff that was very bare-bones and straight-lined.

Or you could steer the geese-country into a grand, traditional look. Put molding around the ceiling, utilize copper hardware and lightswitch covers, hang a big fancy pot rack in the middle of the kitchen, add some plain curtains in a fancy fabric. Your curio, dining set, and chandelier all say, "formal," so go with it in the kitchen, too.

And the red is too harsh against the cabinets. Maybe just paint the kitchen rust, chocolate, eggplant, dull dark turqoise, goldenrod or dark charcoal, and leave the dining room red. You could divide the wall with some trim.

Good luck!

I have cabinets just like these... and I HAD wine-red walls. Looked so much like this space. The 2 big changes I have done have been to repaint the walls-- in a much lighter color (mostly in a light bluish mint but accents with an apple green) because those colors fit in with our space really well. we also painted the fridge with chalkboard paint and it looks pretty sharp. Paint is your friend - it is also the cheapest/easiest/most dramatic improvement you'll make.

Hi Laureen,

I came back to check on the way the advice was going and whether you had responded.

A commenter here had some very, very good advice that, were I in your shoes, I would follow.

Pick a look
I believe it would be in your best interests to look at a few websites and magazines and have an idea of the kitchen you would like to have. From there, you can decide on staining or painting or other options for your cabinets (many good suggestions here).

Flooring
I looked at the Armstrong faux slate floor you like. Slate is beautiful. Again, I advise you against the faux slate and encourage you to spring for the real thing. I promise and pinky swear that the real thing will make you happy for years, and that you will regret trying to save money with the faux stuff. (I have and know.)

Slate sets the tone
The floor you picked out is a very beautiful blue. Why not look for a way to get the cabinets to be coherent with your flooring choice? I think you could do a darker, more oak-like stain, or else go gray or white, as people here have suggested.

Your countertops and backsplash should also be coherent with the slate. There are many, many things you can do. What I recommend is that you decide once you have the slate and the cabinet color down. (IMHO, the more solid the surface, the cleaner and easier to take care of. However, if you want to go the tile route, you could absolutely do a slate in a lighter tone or else in a gray).

Lighting and hutch and etc.
You've gotten very good advice on this in the comments. If you use a country-looking light fixture, then it's going to look country. So the lighting is going to be another decision that you make while ensuring there is congruence among the different elements of your kitchen.

Wall color
The red you have will look quite different when you have the floor. Why not wait until you have the cabinets and floor and then try paint samples until you find a color that works for you?

The husband
I think my husband is your husband's brother and I feel your pain. I was not able to persuade my husband; instead, I made a couple of executive decisions without asking and once he could see where things were going, he no longer objected. Of course, he didn't help me with the work, but he did pony up extra funds for all sorts of projects because he saw that I was so happy and excited.

Last words
The best advice I can provide is for you to get a good idea of where you're going. Slate floor? Great! Darker or painted cabinets? Whatever you choose, having an idea beforehand will help you tremendously.

I believe you could have the floor installed and re-do your cabinets for a reasonable sum, paint the walls inexpensively, and then, as funds are available, you can go for countertops and backsplashes, lighting and so forth. Or... if you're lucky enough to have the funds up front, even better!

Still, I'd make decisions about wall colors, light fixtures and so forth as you go along. You will find better congruence that way.

PS

Laureen:

Stained cabinets
The picture of the faux slate floor you like shows a cabinet color that goes beautifully with it. The cabinet stain is really slick and can look either modern or traditional; it's truly spectacular with it.

Painted cabinets
The URL will show you a picture of cabinets painted white with that floor. It's also very good. You could do anything from white to gray and have spectacular results.

http://www.bellstone.com.au/photos/West-country-kitchen1-image.jpg

Redoing the cabinet finish need not be horrendous, as commenters above have attested. I'm sorry to say, though, that I see no way out of your country problem without staining or painting.

Quality
You obviously appreciate quality, so I repeat my advice to get the best of what you can afford, and to do the kitchen in stages if you have to. I'm following this advice myself and, though slow going, I am finally living without a lot of inexpensive stuff that just grates on my nerves and gets worse over time.

I would get a new dining set.

Prouve table? Something medium toned wood but modern? Or metal in the tone you're thinking of for your hardware? (and please replace the light fixtures) You might even be able to use your chairs, maybe. I would think about a more streamlined style though, even if its transitional, like a parson's chair.

I would rethink the red walls in favour of accent pieces of red furniture or red art, simply because the red is reinforcing a certain apples-and-gingham quality to the honey oak, but if you ADORE the red walls, please consider at least a white or metal tone subway tile backsplash.

White subway tiles might still read more vintage than modern in your space but its at least not country-cute.

I would replace the light fixtures and bring the dining lighting much lower. I would consider a trio of modern pendants, metal or art glass. But even a Noguchi lantern in soft white could work.

If you replace the china cabinet with a buffet, that would free up wall space for a large art piece that could bring in a modern flavour. Please don't do a bunch of fiddly little gallery art pieces there, (and I love fiddly gallery collections) just because it will feed back to the "little doo-dads" country effect the cabinets will still be struggling to put out. Put one massive piece there. Or a modern mirror.

Definitely take down the scalloped pelmet.

Please reconsider the faux tile floor. They make marmoleum and linoleum with smooth overall texture no-tile prints and in a soft gray that could be quite attractive in its own right, not struggling tobe fake tile.

Laureen -- one last piece of advice.

First, the red walls don't set off the honey-coloured cabinets; however, if you are changing the colour of the cabinets, then that new colour will determine what works and what doesn't. I am still strongly in favour of painting them grey (grey is a very up-to-date colour) as opposed to staining the cabinets a darker colour (oak is oak is oak, and I frankly, am tired of oak, even if it is good-quality oak. My parents' house, bought in 1979, had a beautifully stained straight-edged version of those cabinets, and I am still sick to death of them. They are dated, whether they are brand new or not; only paint can transform them into something else.). Personally, I like red, and I like bold reds that are well-chosen and used appropriately... khaki is, well, pretty dull in comparison... Last night I noticed during a rebroadcast of an old episode of The Ghost Whisperer that Melinda had a kitchen with many of the elements I was suggesting to you -- red walls, grey cupboards, pendant lights... the works. Try and check into it. (they showed 2 or 3 episodes, so I am not sure, but I think it was the one where the ghost had died of Dengue Fever).

And secondly -- you are not receiving good paint advice or buying good paint if it took 7 coats to produce that splotchy a wall. "Expensive" paint is still much, much cheaper than any other building material for the relative impact that it makes. So go ahead, and splurge on really good paint -- go for Benjamin Moore or Farrow & Ball (who have AMAZING colours!) -- you will never regret the decision to do so, I guarantee it. Good quality paints have more pigment, and better quality pigment and binders, so that the painted wall looks far more even.

What they should have told you at the paint store is that when you paint a dark colour, such as the red which you used, you must use a coloured base coat -- either grey or pink. That way, you will not need 7 coats to get coverage. The same applies to when you are trying to cover up a dark colour -- cover first with a coloured primer, and then paint it out.

Terry has some great advice. I'd go with natural slate -- heck, we have natural slate in our house! A dark grey, which is beautiful. the architect who originally designed our house specified slate, but the owners put in an Armstrong product (back in '70), an imitation slate. Looked awful and cheap. We installed slate, and what a difference it made!! Gorgeous! (and my slate floor is matched with deep red walls -- one of the most beautiful reds I have ever seen -- Donald Kaufman Color's DKC-17.

http://www.coxpaint.com/store/cart.php?target=product&product_id=18737&category_id=255

I have it from Fine Paints of Europe, who use a Dutch paint base, but the colour is the same. The difference between this red, and the red that you have, is that most paints use 3 or 4 different pigments to produce a colour, whereas Donald Kaufman uses up to 16 pigments, and lots of them, producing what is called a "full spectrum paint". Not only are the colours richer in the darks, but none of the colours ever turn grey on you in fading light -- the paint actually changes colour, from a bright red in the brightest sunshine, to a moody brownish red when it is dark. Just beautiful.

Married with dark grey slate floors, and painted grey cabinets, it would be truly gorgeous. Oh, and add a light pine farmers table, and it would be perfect.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/tables-dining-occasional/story-of-a-table-plans-designs-and-the-lorimer-workshop-057126

Here's another option:

https://www.vermontfarmtable.com/tables

And no, this won't read as "country" at all, but warm and sophisticated.

Good luck!

Laureen, do you know what style you are going for? Do you want traditional or contemporary? If you aren't sure, do as some advised and look online to see what attracts you. You can check out photos on House Beautiful or cabinet companies--http://www.kraftmaid.com/ideasandinspiration/inspirationbyroom/kitchen/cabinets/default.aspx

http://plainfancycabinetry.com/InspireMe.aspx#s=27

I think a light green wall would be gorgeous with dark cabinets and against a khaki wall, here's a good example-- http://www.flickr.com/photos/archipelagomaui/5429440114/

Another green w/ espresso-http://www.younghouselove.com/2010/01/tackling-the-bathroom-the-big-reveal/

A darker one-http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=13063&index=18&searchQuery=green walls&searchType=photos

I think it's a great modern color and would look much better than the red with the curio cabinet. Just make sure you do a coat of primer first.

I agree that real slate is gorgeous, but isn't it pretty porous? If so, your husband probably won't approve.

If all you do is change the hardware and the flooring your kitchen is still going to look country.

As long as the cabinet boxes are solid how about refacing them? It is cheaper than replacing them and will give you a completely new look.

The scallop thing over the sink needs to just go, not be replaced.

And really vinyl floor is just crap and isn't going to do anything for resale value. I would definitely go with tile.

A backsplash can wait until later depending on how much money you have to put into this.

I am using this picture now for inspiration, from advise on here...I LOVE the look, colour and BANQUET idea. I would have NEVER thought of putting a banquet there but it would be fantastic. http://www.suzetteshermandesign.com/full_kitchen.jpg

I am buying this table this weekend (need to have something cheaper because I know my toddler will ruin with forks adn what not, but it will do for now adn then I can replace with similiar style but higher quality later http://www1.thebrick.com/brickb2c/jsp/catalog/product.jsp?prod=175DMPK5&navAction=jump&navCount=0

I am in the process of getting my mom to take or let me get rid of the china cabinet (its hers and she is attached, but she is a travel nurse and has no permanent home unfortunately, so it sits at my house, oiy). Worst comes to worst it will live downstairs so I can free up that wall space for the banquet suggested and pictures in the inspiration photo above. I will move the dining light over to wher the table will sit (against banquet) and will replace the light with a rectangular hanging light, or a 2-3 pendant hanging fixture. The other kitchen fixture (florescent) I will replace with a nice brushel nickle or brushel steel (depending on hardware I get for cabinets) track light.

Over the sink I am going to remove the pelmet completely, and get my carpenter to build a built in with pot lights as in this picture http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://plushemisphere.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/kitchen-lighting-design-ideas.jpg&imgrefurl=http://plushemisphere.com/search/kitchen-office-ideas/&usg=__IWv7Te7lHR3NCqa78uMjf2TeBuM=&h=582&w=736&sz=127&hl=en&start=299&zoom=1&tbnid=Ahrf-UnJbyT6DM:&tbnh=132&tbnw=170&ei=zhVUTYSrJ4TGlQebk9SvCg&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dkitchen%2Blighting%2Bpictures%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us%26biw%3D1659%26bih%3D874%26tbs%3Disch:11%2C4849&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=525&vpy=568&dur=438&hovh=200&hovw=253&tx=192&ty=88&oei=pRVUTcqSOoP98AbR7KXXCA&esq=5&page=8&ndsp=40&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:299&biw=1659&bih=874
and I will put the crown moulding finish all teh way aroudn the top of the cabinets

So my first project, will be staining the cabinets a dark colour, thinking espresso or dark walnut, add the banquet built in. From there change the hardware, change the wall colour to that green like in the inspiration pic, sew some great pillows and a bench cusion for the banquet (similar to the pic), then I will see about backsplash (still thinking white subway tiles but will see how it looks once cabinets are done. Then the final choice will be flooring but I will tackle that last once I see the final look of it all

You ladies have helped me wrap my head around some GREAT ideas, and I thank you so much! How is my plan sounding? I was trying to avoid the daunting task of staining the cupboards, but deep down I KNEW that was the only way I could tackle that country look lol....

oh, I will also add plantation shutters to the sink window and the large window on left beside future banquet, in a colour that will match the cupboards/moulding once stained

Laureen I thought I'd just chime in here and let you know the comments on this blog can be pretty brutal. So I think you are handling it well, given you didn't really know what you were stepping into!

Thanks LadyLara19....I appreciate it

I did expect the critique and appreciate it because I knew the kitchen needed help for sure, that's why I came here :D I have got so many great ideas now, and a real clear path on where to go with the kitchen, I can't wait to get started and see the vision come to reality :D

Laureen, since you are so inspired by that kitchen with the banquette, why not make that the colour of your cabinets too?

The way to achieve it is with a lye treatment, which gets rid of yellowness of the oak, and whitens it. It would be extremely beautiful if you did that, especially if you finished it with an oil (not a varnish or anything because that would yellow the wood again).

http://www.woca.info/woodcare/floor/wood-lye.php

This shows you how the lye whitens the natural colour of the oak:

http://www.axel-wirth-maschinen.de/sUK/seife_UK.php

This is the most popular finish for oak in Scandinavia, and while very popular in Europe, is just starting to be known in the U.S.; you will be a trendsetter if you lye treat your oak!

Good luck!

Neat mschatelaine, I didn't think that making the cabinets lighter would be possible. Definately an option, but I have to admit I have ALWAYS loved darker cabinets and always longer for them lol, so I think I will finally just go for it with the darker cabinets because if I am going to put in all that work, I might as well go with what I have dreamed about for years lol...

Great tip to know for my other rooms with the same oak colored cabinets (yes father inlaw built this house and had no sense of style or variation lol, and now we bought it and I am left to fight the honey oak!! lmao)

Hi Laureen,

I came back to check on you and I'm so happy to learn that you have a clear direction. I like the banquette idea a lot (I have a banquette and love it). The color of the table you chose is lovely. Is that the color you have chosen for the cabinets?

Anyway, I was quite worried about you since you had a very difficult question and so many people chimed in with various ideas.

I believe wholeheartedly that you will never regret the decision to re-stain. The plantation shutters are a great idea and will elevate the room to another level.

My hope is that you don't go the inexpensive route with the flooring and so on. I did when I moved to my apartment ten years ago and I've always been sorry. My hope is that next year I will be able to replace my laminate kitchen floor with real wood.

If I may suggest one more thing? I have come around to the idea that I'd rather now wait and buy quality to going for a quick fix. Your home is your refuge and it should embrace you. It should also be of the best quality you can afford; over time that will not only save you money, it will give you beauty and happiness every day.

I do hope you go for real slate, Benjamin Moore or comparable quality paint, and so forth. This is an investment in your happiness and well being, and surely living with inferior quality things is not the way you want to treat your family or yourself.

Hi again, Laureen,

I want to let you know that I, too, found some of the comments to be rude. There is no need to say "They are UGLY." Rather, it should be possible to say "They are not to my taste and I wonder whether you want to keep that look etc."

Commenters here can be brutal and tactless. You were not wrong; it was rude for people to say "ugly" and so forth.

I hope your consultation with the guy who built the cabinets goes phenomenally. I'll bet he can do the re-staining or painting if those are routes you want to pursue.

In my heart of hearts, I believe you can get a nice kitchen for yourself and your family and I wish you the best. Please check back in as you go along; I'm very eager to see what you accomplish.

Thanks so much for your kindness! I really appreciate it. I have tough skin so I can read between the lines and take out of all the comments that I think are in my ideal kitchen picture :D I definately appreciate the ideas and suggestions because I was lost and didnt' really know where to start (other then the cabinets lol), its always nice having fresh eyes look and give ideas :D

I went to the store on the weekend and picked up my supplies for cleaning, stripping the varnish, and treating the cabinets, and also some sample colours of stain so I can decide on that and get rolling with the task. Can't wait to get started.

As for the flooring...I am giong to leave that until last. Once I see everythign else done then I can get a better idea of what to do in there. I would love to do hardwood in there or the slate, but I have to wait until I see the cabinets, banquette and new paint colour, then I will have a better idea of the new kitchen and what the floor should be like.

Question though...if I were to put in hardwood, woudl I have to boost up my cabinets to allow room for the wood? My concern is the dishwasher, it is under the cabinet style, and the fit is tight so there is no room. I wouldn't want to put the wood down and seal in that dishwasher because it will be replaced in time. I may be comlpetely wrong since I don't have hardwood at all, so just looking for info :D Thanks again!