apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

We just did this in our house with similar cabinets. I just painted the outside white, the inside turquoise and changed the hardware. We had tolerable granite, so we can hold off for a bit.

I'd look into replacing the countertops with a black granite, or something similar (less expensive), replacing the fridge with a black or stainless one (looks like your stove is stainless) and painting. Then, add black table and chairs, whatever your style. Oh, and replace the hardware on your cabinets until you are ready to replace them.

I like the idea of a neutral cabinet outside with a fun inside and new hardware. You could adhere a mod decorative or wall paper to the inside of the cabinets, and then put the same paper on the outside of your bar/island. In terms of the round table, I love the wood/metal odyssey table from cb2, and it can match ikea chairs (the yellow-brown Gilbert?) for cheaper seating. I had the same problem looking for a round table i liked without a glass top (no kids, just a klutz), A sleeker, darker counter and a stainless/black fridge to match the oven would be nice too, if you can afford it.

I would paint the cabinets white, do something dark on the counters, check JCPenney for black chairs

Do you like bold and dramatic? If so, I'd go with black or charcoal grey cupboards with new brushed nickel hardware. Granite counters of course.. maybe in a grey/white color and for the backsplash, you could do a glass mosaic tiles in again shades of white/grey.

This is what I'm imagining minus the mirrored looking counter tops.

http://web.hgtv.com/webhgtv/verticals/Slideshows/Black_Cabinets/photo3_milesreddKitchen.jpg

Shasta, our kitchens are so alike, it's a little eerie. We're planning a remodel too. I think others have made good points. Dark counters would be very nice. White cabinets always good but can look dingy very easily especially with little once. Maybe consider painting the bottom cabinets dark and going with something lighter up top? If you do do that I would choose lighter countertops though so there's contrast.

The other thing I would think about is the lack of light in your kitchen. Under cabinet lights would be great to show off whatever new back splash you choose. Also, consider a row of pendants over your island. You could use the wiring from that can light, get a converter and put 3 pendants over the island. It would make a big difference. I'd also invest in really high quality hardware...it can really elevate your cabinets.

I'm finding that I'm more of a traditionalist than I ever thought and we found a great 42" table at www.conradgrebel.com. It's solid wood, seats well, has a super tough finish, and is made in the US. Good luck!

Check out this site for lots of vintage danish round dining tables:
http://www.vintagedanishmodern.com/cgi/s-mart.cgi?command=fromsidebar&group=tbl_n_chair

Can you afford to replace the cabinet doors? If so, and you'd prefer something modern, you could paint the boxes and put on new doors and handles.

Granite countertops are WAY overdone. Consumer Reports is recommending quartz, which is something I'm considering, along with recycled glass.

Check out this past AT:Chicago post for cabinet painting inspiration. They did their entire project for less than $100, and the improvement was dramatic, IMHO.
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/painting-fixing-repair/a-kitchen-update-for-less-than-100-041473

I love the suggestion of painting the cabinets.....dark on the bottom, lighter on the top ones.

A lot of granite countertops are radioactive, and also may emit radon.

Also, this may sound crazy, but I'd shop around for a shallower fridge. Many European-style models are now available in the US. The existing fridge sticks out about 8" too far, IMO, and really overwhelms the room.

Thanks so much everyone for your great comments. Any more are still very much welcome and appreciated.

I'm going to go countertop shopping today. Also a generous friend has donated her Eames table to me for the kitchen so I'm going to make my selections based on that.
http://hivemodern.com/products/?view=sub_product&sid=1539

I think I'll select a countertop that has the color of the wood floor, table and some black and then paint the cabinets in one color from the countertop. (I love the black idea but am not sure if I have the courage.) I'll also replace the cabinet hardware.

I'm also thinking to save money I'll just do a four inch backsplash in the countertop material.

Now I'm tossing up between white or black chairs to go with the table. And I'll get a pendant light in the color of the chairs. I love the old french industrial lights if I can source one reasonably priced. Otherwise I was thinking a ball or drum.

I also agree with you ohjodi about finding a shallower fridge.

Thanks again so much everyone. Again more feedback is appreciated and I'll definately post a photo when I'm done.

You will find a distintive pendant lamp collection at this store
http://www.justhomedecor.com/estoreusa/home.php?cat=495ive