The Room At The Chateau You've Never Seen - Chateau Life 🏰 EP 374

I will show you the room you've never been shown in the Chateau....
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Chateau du Bailleul
Le Bailleul
Herce, Pays de la Loire
53120 FRANCE
#diy #chateau #chateaudiy #history #abandoned

[@margielynch7196]

Paint the cabinets a bright white and the countertops dark. Don’t be afraid to change whatever parts of the kitchen you don’t like. Its your home.❤❤❤

[@verdedoodleduck]

Add a false ceiling in the center with recessed can lights. Another task light or two for the sink and/or stove.

[@MamaRazz]

Dark colors show dirt too much. Hated my black granite. It should’ve had lighter veins of white to break up the black

[@MamaRazz]

@@verdedoodleduckgood idea as long as the false ceiling is as high as the other rooms so as not to make the room feel claustrophobic

[@verdedoodleduck]

@@MamaRazz I agree but I think the beams surrounding those current lights make it seem like the ceiling is awkwardly recessed. That is the beams already make it a little claustrophobic. But maybe there is room in the current ceiling if he doesn't like the false ceiling idea.

[@janetpendlebury6808]

Not white, a kitchen needs a bit of colour, it is a large room, and white would look very stark. Our kitchen is a dark blue and looks fantastic.

[@lilartistca]

If money was of no concern, I'd move the gym to the gardeners cottage, I'd move the kitchen back to its original spot and make your current kitchen and boot room.

[@annlawrence852]

Great suggestion

[@elizabethzierke4733]

Don't waste $on kitchen you want to move to original spot. It functions as is. Start planning one job at a time on new space. In a year it would be done if you shop for bargains. You have stuff to use like wardrobes for dishes and supplies.

[@lt1jane]

Since it's going to be a while, some paint can make the space at least look better. Paint is cheap

[@eyejs]

Plus it’s a chateau- there is loads of rooms to put a gym, although with all the work required to maintain that place I hardly think he needs a dedicated gym.

[@inShortOrder111]

First thing would be to replace the horrible fluorescent lighting - you might be surprised how much better the kitchen looks with better lighting (warmer).

[@pamelablume1637]

Yes! Sort out that ugly lighting first! Then might see things in a whole new “light”. ( pun intended)

[@karenniehues4786]

Some pendant lights over the island would be real nice. Using string lights under the cabinet would help too.

[@kathrynpanrucker2886]

The upper cupboard doors are the first thing you see when you enter a kitchen, white paint will not hide how outdated they are but if you were to replace just the doors it would instantly bring it up to date but at a minor expense. The table you made is a great piece to work your decor off of. We did exactly what I have just suggested and we were extremely happy with the results.

[@johnbrennan9584]

Good to see you have all of your ducks in a row!

[@darant2249]

The turquoise paint makes the outside furniture look cheery and refreshing!

[@annieoconnor9778]

As long as the kitchen is fit for purpose, give it a deep clean, switch out the lighting, and paint the walls a lighter colour 🙏🏻🇬🇧

[@AmyLouiseDens]

Personally, I would do whatever necessary to improve the lighting in the kitchen. That will make every other decision easier. Thanks for asking for our advice.

[@susanduff-silsby2695]

Have you considered a false ceiling for the kitchen lights? To a perfect solution but it gives you possibilities for focused lights? I agree with new cupboard doors; suitable hardware. For a start!

[@Miriamhelps]

I don't know how you do it all. The original owner probably had a gardener, a cook, a maid, a butler. Even one of those would help so much!

[@tlc8235]

Phil all the kitchen needs for now is some cosmetic work, like paint the cabinets a light color, change out the over head lighting, and polish up and lacquer the cooper hood vent. Also put a fresh coat of paint on the walls or some wallpaper. I would go light as much as possible since the tabletop and floor are darker, and you stated that you like that color scheme of the table that you made.

[@helenknowles8616]

Definitely paint the cabinets white. Sage green walls (which would compliment coming straight in from the garden) 😊

[@lt1jane]

That would be great. Normally, I think it's a sin to paint woodwork, but in this case it makes sense. You hate the kitchen now. Paint is cheap and can improve the looks until you can move it back where it belongs. It's a temporary solution, but can make the kitchen more enjoyable.

[@karenniehues4786]

Green would be great in there but make sure it doesn’t clash with the yellow in the morning room.

[@Kim-J312]

Phil if the kitchen is totally functional , leave it be for now. Maybe paint the doors white ,new back splash and paint walls white 👍.

[@sushirules]

I could never aspire to have a chateau but you have everyman's kitchen! Paint, retile the backsplash, simple flooring, new countertop as you please to freshen up the room sounds great! You are the man, Phil!!! 🔖

[@lt1jane]

Start with paint on the walls and cabinets. That might be enough, if not then move to the backsplash and countertops. Move from cheapest to more expensive until you can live with it. I wouldn't spend a lot on backsplash or counters considering they are temporary in your mind.

[@marcikrause3462]

Phil, there is nothing wrong with that kitchen. As long as everything works and is clean, it's fine. I would not paint those cabinets - unless they're very simple like a shaker style, it looks tacky. I would put in a new counter top, freshen up the walls with a white paint, and fix the lighting. Put in under-cabinet lighting, get rid of the flourescent bulbs. Get a chandelier over the island and call it a day.

[@andrearathbun]

I agree with all of this.

[@stevenroberts5741]

If cabinets are painted properly (preferably sprayed) they can look incredibly good (not tacky). So it’s really down to how well it’s done really, as some very high end kitchens are pained.

[@beckysmith8613]

I agree replace countertops abd especially leave the floor it looks nice

[@user-br5ln7xo2b]

You do you Phil! Wow At this point the world is yours what do you want to spend that's the ultimate question!???? Like you said you could move it altogether or you could go a bit slower. Don't like cabinets, take the doors off and put something else, a different door style. Don't like the color well there is paint for that. But I definitely would change the counters.From here in the USA they look like they could use a little up dating. Can't wait to see what you decide to do.See you soon in the next video. The garden is looking nice.

[@lauragoyette8172]

Paint the cupboards, white new doorhandles change the countertop to what you like hanging lights over your island lights underneath the cabinets around the counters. Just my two cents.

[@susanmott3980]

I personally love your kitchen, have someone sand and refinish the cabinets, no paint, change counters to your liking, repaint walls. New lighting perhaps hang them with dark hardware

[@claireburkus8497]

That foxglove was beautiful in the opener!!

[@susanthompson569]

Paint the cabinets! Paint it a happy white!

[@jackierice4254]

Kitchen needs to be lighter and brighter if you are going to spend any time in it. It’s dark and depressing at the moment. Paint the cabinets white and paint the walls whatever lighter colour you like. See if you can improve the lighting too so it cheers up the space.

[@mistywolf312]

Agree, too small a space for all that dark wood and that lighting...I don't remember warehouse strip lights ever bring chic...

[@zoecooper6436]

I painted my kitchen cupboard doors with white chalk paint and then sealed them with furniture wax. I think they look great. There are lots of colours out there. Don't be afraid of making changes, its YOUR home and you should do whatever feels right for you 😊 x

[@rogerwiley1761]

Your ideas for the kitchen are good. A new backsplash and countertop will definitely be a plus.

[@rozbarber3195]

I bought a very good second hand kitchen a few years back. It was a vast improvement on the old one, which was a little similar to your kitchen. You could just change the doors. As for your private life I think many people ask because they care and worry about you. As long as you are happy now and moving forward that’s all we need to know. You certainly seem much happier now.

[@miav785]

First change out the lighting. I added some under the cabinet strip lights to my kitchen and it made things a lot better. (I ordered mine from Amazon and it is a simple stick on LED strip set which was cheap.) Second, seriously clean those cabinets to see what they look like. If the wood is decent, swap out the handles for something else since it is an easy inexpensive change. Clean the walls and go for a pale green maybe. These simple steps can change things a lot. Live with it a bit before making more changes. White cabinets are great but they do show the dirt and grease easily. You could do some white accents though with the handles and on the walls.

[@judithcarroll3206]

Hi Phil, love the ducks they are adorable, the fact they follow behind the parent in an orderly fashion makes me smile. Give them another showing when they are bigger please. ❤ Now that kitchen is deserving of hate, it’s deserving! Changing into a boot/wet room sounds better. But that’s for another day. In the meantime I presume the cabinet doors are solid wood. That being said two options 1. Strip back the doors, finish with a much lighter varnish or 2. Clean them and paint - not white it’s too hard to keep clean. Hardware for both options you can totally change them or strip and repaint. The floor looks fine though maybe a good steam clean would smarten it up. The walls repaint them in whatever takes your fancy. At the end of the day just bring it up to where you’re not embarrassed and it’s functional and easy to maintain. Lighting, as the ceiling is high my pennies worth is pendant lights. There seems to be enough connections to have either single pendants or a large frame with lights built in. Have fun making your decisions and as long as you love it that’s all that counts. Stay safe in the storm ☔️ . Cheers Judith 🦋

[@joannemacintyre251]

Freshen the paintwork, new lighting, then white subway tiles for back splash and a new countertop that you choose because you love. Maybe also polish up the range hood and if there’s a coating available to keep it looking nice. 👍🏻👍🏻Love the island, great size and nice storage for Lightning’s food.

[@dragntheground]

Billy's kitchen is so nice and definitely paint those cupboards

[@LRock53]

Looks like a "French Country" 1970's kitchen. Some suggestions: - Paint cabinets creamy white. You can do this yourself, which is time consuming, or hire someone do the job quickly but a higher cost. Replace the hardware (drawer pulls, hinges, cabinet handles) - Use butcher block slabs to replace counters - these are easily sourced (IKEA has them). This will tie in to the white/wood combination in your wood table. - White cast iron drop-in sink and a new faucet with a pullout sprayer (my favorite recent upgrade). An under counter mounted sink is better but more difficult. - Remove backsplash tile and replace with some white subway tile. Easy for you to do (if you can weld, you can tile a backsplash) and enjoyable - Remove the dated curvy under counter "French Country" trim and add some under counter lights with extra plugs - Use some stock trim pieces to create a wood chase on the ceiling to hide the wiring needed for 4 or five drop down copper lights to match your vent hood. - Box in exposed ducting above hood with some studs and plaster board. Then some light yellow paint for walls to keep things bright. - The floor is not my favorite, but a hard slog to replace. Cork or old fashion linoleum would be a low cost replacement. Engineered Wood or vinyl (no!) too cheap Lots of luck. I've done three kitchen upgrades on a budget and the amount of work is considerable. Very satisfying, though.

[@lindasteller]

New cabinet fronts and a new countertop would make it look really nice. My cabinets are French country green with black honed granite countertops. I love it.

[@ftwtexasstephens9629]

Paint the walls a pale pale yellow. The cabinets a bright white. The floors look good as they are as long as they are in good condition. But this is your kitchen and you need to do what makes you happy and smile every time you enter the room.

[@dinilovesart]

I would recommend creme color doors and light wood tops. The room is small so light colors would give more space visually. For the floor terracotta tiles would look nice . Walls and ceiling would look good in a sage tone. A candelaber style lamp for the ceiling and maybe some wall lights would make it look way cozier.

[@rlelesi]

I’d paint the cabinets as you mentioned and paint the walls a nice Robin or Duck egg blue. A butcher block counter would be really nice too.

[@suzannemckitterick2781]

Hi Phil. I love your kitchen. It is functional, and looks quite French, which is a big bonus. It just needs uniformity/matching...liķe all cabinets 3 sides to be same color...or if keeping lovely wood showing, then paint 3rd side to match fresh wall color. Find dull green that compliments copper, present counters and floors (and harmonizes with all ground floor rooms). Ceiling mixed white with 1/5 can same dull green color. Just clean warm wooden cabinets, and keep all; one can never have too much storage space, and you already own everything, there. Clean everything so it sparkles. Paint table to match walls and 3rd wall cabinets. Cover vacuum area with patterned, gathered floor curtain to add character and ambience. Everythting looks sweet, homey and usable. You just need refreshing your functional space. Paint stools to match. Shine that copper hood. And before doing anything, replace the harsh, cold, unfriendly fluorescent lights with a nice hanging light or two, perhaps a chandelier, and maybe some strip lights hidden under the top cabinets to guide you at night and while at the sink, or chopping. Paint does a world of magic for little expense (glossy paint for easier cleaning...can even be latex), and after ceiling painted and lights replaced, I guarantee you will love your refreshed kitchen just as it is. You can add bowls and accessories in wood tones and reds (opposite green on the color wheel) to enrich your color choice...Easy-peasy...You aren't doing a $100k remodel. You are doing a refresh with what you have, and it will look very sharp. You don't have to over-do...just re-fresh and re-do the lighting. Warm lights will even make you look more handsome and more relaxed. And the sexy new lighting will attract others to want to occupy the space and cook there, too. What a view! You have another bridge for alfresco dining, a swan house, a moat just outside the doors...candlelight on a small round table in the rising or setting sun...what more could you need? Good luck. You can do anything.

[@suemccoy7533]

Hi Phil, I always like a lighter brighter kitchen so I would consider lighter wall paint, cabinets could be just painted a nice color to update them . Subway tile back splash, white is always a good choice. The copper hood would be a great focal point when it gets polished as well. Stay safe when the storm arrives.

[@laurencunningham8281]

White walls, backsplash tiles, and cabinets. New work top but not dark, new lighting. Love the island you made! Not sure about floor. Thank you for sharing your kitchen!

[@sweetsweetcandy3889]

Paint the cabinets, new hardware on cabinets, new backsplash, new flooring and light fixtures.

[@billweeks9606]

Talk to Billy's cabinet guy about new doors in paint grade, strip and sand the frames, paint them all white, new wood tops in a stain to match the island. Change the cornice as well. Something of a more simple shape. Use the soffit as your new ceiling height and install recessed lighting fixtures. I wouldn't worry about the floor as it involves taking the cabinetry out and the room is only temporary.

[@Aeb0024]

Paint the cabinets. You could totally make simple shaker style door fronts and paint those if you don't like the 1990's style as well. one project at a time! love the robot cabinet idea.

[@anonanon330]

White counter top and white backsplash. Keep the cabinets as is because it works with your table. Paint and get decorative drop down lights.

[@user-fc2hb3de2w]

I wouldn't paint the cabinet doors, get new, less ornate ones and paint them white along with the cabinets themselves. Change the counter tops to darker wood and paint the walls a lighter sage green. As for the floor and lighting fixture you're on your own. lol

[@carreyn9808]

Definitely paint the cabinets white and the dark counter tops, cover the pipes with wood cabinet and new lighting. Also, put a battery in that fire alarm beeping, lol

[@janiceappleby4538]

I'd paint the cupboards white, pry those tiles off the wall and replace with subway tile. I'm old, I've done it, and so can you!

[@anthonydale1723]

Make the kitchen a monochromatic color, all the same, a rich mat green or ducking blue, backslash and cupboards. I have seen it done, will look smashing

[@norwayosterlund8119]

My suggestion: Lose the fluorescents and put recessed lighting above. Candle Chandelier for the main light. Lighting above and underneath the cabinets. Paint the cabinets a green cast gray (perhaps coventry gray). Paint the walls a lighter shade of the same gray color. Paint the ceiling the lighest shade. Butcher board or light marble for the countertops. Stone or river rock back splash. Seashore wood floors.

[@nancypyanoe3347]

Paint walls and ceiling the same teal blue as the patio furniture. Add wood beams to cover pipes , etc. Nicer lighting. Paint cabinets white. And white counter tops. Base cabinets paint dark wood color and the same for cupboard to the right of your door. Change backsplash to white tile or remove completely and continue with blue paint. Leave the floor as is.

[@karenharris8140]

Change cabinet doors to update. Butcher block counter stained to match island top, (usually reasonable) Put a curtain over gap for vacuum cleaner vs door,(Use material that pulls colors in from other rooms to help flow), paint cabinets same as island’s legs. Find a cool antique light fixture. Add under cabinet lighting for cooking tasks.

[@user-xl2os8pj9v]

Replace the cabinet doors with a shaker style and paint them white. If you can't afford to replace all of them, just replace the uppers. If you can, install glass in one or two upper doors. Paint the walls a blue with gray undertones. Sherwin Williams "North Star" is stunning. It is subtle, elegant, classic, feels like french country. I like white subway tiles for a back splash. This is what I have in my kitchen with sand color floor tiles. I have granite counters that are gray, with blue, burgundy, and tan mixed in. If you dont want that expense, choose butcher block and seal it. I LOVE my kitchen. It makes me happy every day. It is so important to create spaces that bring you joy. Have fun.

[@cabbking]

Paint makes the most impact for the money. Paint walls, ceilings and cabinets, change the lights and countertops out. Float a waterproof floor over existing or if existing is crappy tile, paint the tile. Plan big renovation for at least 5 years from the quickie makeover.

[@Randy8923]

Thats a nice kitchen Phil. Paint your cabinets and walls and enjoy life. French blue with white trim is beautiful. Blessings.

[@janineregan]

Definitely paint the cupboard a warm white. It will be an easy, quick lift for the kitchen.

[@sparrowkay]

Lighter wall color would give the illusion of a bigger room. I like your idea of the cabinets. I’m contemplating painting mine too…

[@AndyCallaway]

I like the style of those cabinets, and I think if you cleaned up that copper hood the whole thing will look great. The ceiling and lights - not so much.

[@EtchedInTimeLLC]

I think you are right, the worktops and the back splash and lighting would really really perk things up.

[@sallyward5937]

I like your idea to have your cabinets mimic that gorgeous table! And the copper hood will look beautiful.

[@user-oq2bg9pj6n]

Paint the cabinets and new bench tops plus a new splash back would works wonders too.

[@user-gw3hs9sf5t]

Paint the cupboards white and take them all the way up to the ceiling. Add some open shelving to give it a bit of chateau character and put some runners down on the floor to camouflage some of it.

[@alisonmckenzie1415]

Probably the lighting would be my first task in the kitchen.Paint the cupboards and new worktop like you said.Chores for the wintertime.

[@susannahwhitaker994]

Lighten all the walls and paint the doors white with chrome handles and low chrome bar hanging lights .Dark worktops .Keep the floor ( to much cost to change) and get straw or light mats suitable for a kitchen . Couple of green plants and a vase of flowers on the table, two glasses and a nice wine . Job done lol🤗

[@sharontibbo2510]

I love a white kitchen with dark counter tops. For an inenpensive upgrade to the cabinet doors, take them off, sand them. A thought would be after you sand them and fill any holes, paint them white and put them up with the back side of the door on the outside to give a smoother look. Budget allowing new white backsplash tiles and dark countertops. The copper hood vent once clean should get a protective coat to stop the colour going green again. Lighting improvements to several pendant lights, if you are going to change the kitchen in the future chose something easy to clean and low cost.

[@user-xt9fq6po5w]

Your definitely on the right track! Paint the walls and cupboards white, the room is to dark. Pendent lighting fixtures over work spaces. Dark counter tops and accents would be the perfect finishing touch and fit the character of the home. Not to pricey, but the look of a new kitchen.

[@kenh5799]

I would suggest that you install bright LED lighting strips or fixtures directed toward the white ceiling. Those strips or fixtures could be concealed behind or underneath moulding installed within the coffered ceiling. Then, I would install modern LED swag lights suspended from the ceiling, strategically positioned to provide light for work areas, etc. To top it off, I would add color-changing LED strip lighting hidden on top of the upper cabinets and LED lighting on the underside of the upper cabinets to provide lighting for the countertops. I wouldn't recommend a drop ceiling because that coffered-like ceiling is classic. Painting the cabinet doors & updating the hardware is a good idea. Perhaps consider painting the backsplash tiles to match the countertop. The countertop could be replaced fairly inexpensively with a solid surface material like acrylic (far less expensive than quartz or granite). As far as the flooring, that's a tough one. If it's in decent shape, maybe consider keeping it the way it is or just cleaning the grout really thoroughly to brighten it up. As you know, replacing flooring is very labor intensive and time consuming. This could one day become a preparatory kitchen so to sock a ton of money into this room might not be the way to go. As you know, kitchens and bathrooms are the most expensive rooms to upgrade. You could spiff it up fairly inexpensively with some key, targeted updates.

[@juliechapman-xu4if]

Cabinets painted antique white. Butcher block counter tops. Pale green paint to bring on outside. I'd leave the floor. Cheaper than new kitchen.

[@kathyeggert1983]

so first thing you want coming in the back door is a cold drink from the fridge!! everything else is secondary!! Paint fixes all. If eventually you make the kitchen next door.. you could make this room into a bar!

[@cathysmiley6798]

Don’t be afraid of painting those cabinets at all… maybe just put in open shelving on the the uppers it’ll make it look more open. Dark countertops are always nice.

[@barerfootgardener11464]

Suggestion, Paint the cabinets white, Dark counter tops and Floor, paint the walls a blueish grey to play off the yellow morning room

[@susanbrown1850]

Looking down the road the present kitchen would be a pantry/ boot room. So I would look ahead 9:01 and make changes that would go along with future ideas.

[@sallyrowland6063]

Definitely white cupboards and wood bench tops. Will lighten and brighten the small room. ❤ 👋 🇦🇺

[@BabyB1956]

I had a kitchen very similar to yours. Couldn’t afford a new one so painted the cupboards, changed the handles for something more modern. It looks so very different and much better.

[@debramccune9801]

I would paint the cupboards for sure, paint the walls a lighter color of green. Butcher block counter tops. Paint the backsplash tiles. And would floors. Pot lights around the ceiling.

[@charmees6637]

Gosh the rain has been a real problem for a lot of Chateau owners over there. I would change the kitchen ceiling light, paint the cupboards duck egg blue, counter tops white or pale wood, splash back tiles probably duck egg colour with white grouting maybe and silver cupboard handles

[@marianesalvail698]

here is my 5 cents....paint the lower cabinets a light colour (creamy taupe?) remove the uppers and put nice open shelvings (it will open up the small dark space) , walls could be a nice medium sage colour, maybe put an island with under storage with an eating counter attached to it maybe move the table if you want to keep it against the wall or change it to a longer narrower table again the wall ( to the left?) with nice lighting it could look pretty nice! 😘

[@lt1jane]

The LAST thing I want in my kitchen are open shelves. They look pretty, but only someone with OCD can keep them perfectly organized and dust free. Phil is looking for less maintenance, not more.

[@miriamlorenz7687]

In the current kitchen I would - paint the cabinets white and the walls, tile paint over the current backsplash, replace the bench top with a dark wood to match the island, update the lighting and polish the extractor. I wouldn't worry about the floor so much if you eventually plan on putting the kitchen back in it's original location.

[@sallymoffit3751]

I think I would start with a boot room or storage room to help you feel better about the space overall. Then do the kitchen perhaps. Best wishes

[@vickicouling6338]

Paint the cabinets white or off white. Dark counter tops should look stunning I would use an off white on walls and ceiling which would brighten the room with refected light for food prep.

[@denisekoltys3019]

Change the doors on the cabinets so they look more like the table top - paint the cabinets white like the table and leave the doors like the table top. Put maybe like old hanging school fixture’s lights cause doesn’t look like you have any wall space. Put some large copper or glass of even pottery pieces on top of the cabinets to bring your eye up. You could even put lights/electricity up there to highlight them. Gotta do something to make that small space look a bit larger and more grand.

[@sallieredman7349]

Paint is miraculous. Paint everything. I’d deal with the lighting as well. Some spot lights. A statement hanging lamp and attractive task lighting under the cabinets.

[@barbarawaldorf330]

New modern cabinets that go with the table.

[@risalangdon9883]

Phil, from personal experience, it's amazing what a coat of nice paint and changing the various knobs and hardware can accomplish on outdated cabinets. Just for the love of all that is holy and good, paint them a classic color NOT gray!!! Also change the wall color to something a bit brighter. Fresh ceiling white on the ceiling. Or if you can source them there, the tin tiles that have a pattern you like. Change out the tiles for the backslash and add some kitchen trinkets you like and it'll feel new and welcoming to you. Just one thing at a time.

[@littleigloo5931]

Great idea to refresh your kitchen. The color combination will be wonderful! Painting the cabinets a light bright color will brighten the whole room and hopefully make it feel more cheery. Have you thought about what material you would like for the countertops? I understand you want it to have more visual appeal without spending a lot considering it is a temporary kitchen until you can rebuild your dream kitchen. Perhaps butcher block to keep the warm wood tones or use an epoxy to cover the existing could be an economical solution for the meantime. You could easily create a new backsplash with mdf or 1/2” foam board and epoxy to cover the existing backsplash without removing anything saving time, money, and mess. Also having 1/8” glass sheets cut to size and painted or stenciled on the backside is a great solution. Copper tiles could also be wonderful and would complement the copper range hood. Not sure what your electrical wiring and headroom is like for the lighting. There are slim profile LED recessed can lights which can be used in areas with little headspace in the ceiling. A beautiful chandelier would be lovely, but it’s a temporary space so I wouldn’t go all out unless desired. The floors could be painted or even have a floating floor placed on top again to reduce expense and mess. Save the real work for your final plans. Btw, I wouldn’t be embarrassed by your kitchen, it’s clean, organized, has nice cabinetry even if it’s not “perfect”. There are far more ugly kitchens in the world not to mention all of those which are questionably unsanitary. Your kitchen looks like it at least passes the sanitary test which is a huge plus! Grateful you have a functioning, clean kitchen with storage space, cooktop, oven, and dishwasher. You have so much more than most. Love the idea of the kitchen going back to the gym room. One obstacle to think about in the future is the layout of countertops, cabinetry, appliances, and venting. You have a lot of wonderful large windows, but they can pose planning and workflow obstacles. Something to keep in mind. Definitely doable though! Thanks for sharing the journey and excited to see how the grounds and interior progress.

[@katiebaldwin40]

I love the light blue color on the patio.

[@charmainemcdonald9679]

White walls.. white cabinets.. flooring fine… large pendant over the island …YES .. paint … great range hood..

[@janetpendlebury6808]

Why white? will make it look very sterile and stark, it needs a bit of colour.

[@beckybrann1427]

The cupboards look like prefab 1960s row house decor.

[@stephaniegaromon3244]

I would put in a dark gray slate or stone tile floor in a larger size square or rectangle. This way, in time when you convert the room the room into a boot room it will have a durable and timeless looking floor. I would paint the cabinets white to match the furniture you built and a dark gray or soapstone looking quartz countertops and white subway tile backsplash. The walls should be painted a light neutral color that looks fresh and clean.

[@melmoland988]

three simplest things you could probably do to change the kitchen is paint the cabinets, change the backsplash, pendant lights. i'm sure the tiles can be found second hand as well as nicer lighting fixtures. if necessary that paddy guy could possibly reface the cabinets. but keep the knife magnet thing. that's quite handy

[@ricardathomason5485]

Fix the lighting, Change backsplash, and paint upper cabinets white. Walls should be white or a soft pale green (as someone suggested)

[@kittonsmitton]

New white kitchen cabinet doors leave the cabinet frames as they are, hang spot lights from the ceiling on a couple of switches so that you can have all the lights on or only over the table and or the countertops. As for the floor I would pull up a tile or two to see if you have flagstones underneath, if not I'd put in the traditional french square terracotta tiles to bring back some authenticity. Paint the whole kitchen walls and ceiling bright white, you could make it extra hip by forming and pouring cement countertops, they look great. I might also put in a copper stove hood and backsplash. Knowing you though Phil you will be 'too busy' to do most of this.

[@nickiroberts532]

You could paint the cupboards with authentico paint from your Aunts there are so many colours.

[@jtonneg]

A beautiful chandelier and smaller under the cabinets lights.

[@donnafink6262]

Use that light blue you have on the terrace furniture for all the walls. Replace the cabinet door fronts with something more modern and darker color. The countertop could be white or light grey tiles or stainless steel. The backsplash could be a complementary tile or taken out and painted the blue with a tile edge at the base of the countertop.

[@claireburkus8497]

Would you like the cabinets restained as the island top wood color that you do like? Then paint the wall a nice white and new counter tops in white?? Pretty easy to lighten up the walls and accessory cabinet on the wall at the windows ,then have more like a cherry finish on the cabinets (as the work island) and white countertop all around !! Brighten things up and a classy wood finish!

[@lynvoyager5976]

Loved the soft blue on the outdoor furniture and personally I would love that colour in the kitchen. The cabinets are serviceable but awful to look at so go for it Phil. I was screaming at you to paint them before you said anything.

[@Cuernavacachica02]

I love the green wall and think that the cabinets should be painted white. That would be a very nice combination.

[@farmkay]

I'd change the lights to halogen lights putting some of them closer to such things as the cooker and the sink so you're not working in your shadow. The cabinets either take the doors completely off or have them painted white and put on new handles. The countertops the same as the table and the backsplash either the same finish as the the table or paint it white and put glass over the paint finish.

[@KelliBronxGirl]

Oh Phil paint the cabinets! I painted my daughters and they came out great! Replace hardware on the cabinets! Nothing wrong with floor for now! You can paint the tiles for back splash or remove the tiles and they have beautiful peel and stick tile that is very inexpensive.

[@annettesharrock1236]

Yes paint the doors a nice light colour and dont have a dark colour for the wall it should be a nice light and bright colour. The flooring should have a none slip light tiles down there. Phil

[@moiramyers8180]

Painting the cabinets is a great idea. Wondering if your fallen tree is good wood. If so could it be milled into useable lengths. Perhaps you could have butcher block counters made with it. Definitely construction lengths could be useful in renovating.

[@tinakeating7919]

You should paint everything white and have wood counter tops. This way majority of what you see will disappear visually and then you will feel better walking in. The wood counter tops will keep the place feeling warm. This will keep the costs down and be a quick and easy fix. It will totally change the look and be simple to change. Decide then if you need to do the floor. It may be light enough to get away without changing it.

[@cheskydivision]

Your plan is good for the kitchen. Usually I say leave wood plain but the kitchen will feel far more welcoming and bright painted white. Get rid of those tile. White wash the floor tiles. So for the cost of a counter top and paint you can improve the kitchen till a final plan is decided.

[@catherinemushaw1956]

I would paint the cabinets. Go with wood countertops ( you can stain them the color you want) or granite, but granite is expensive. Paint the walls white or for color a mellow yellow color. Of course, here in Pennsylvania, the colors are light grey walls, navy blue cabinets, grey floor tiles ... I wish you the best with picking out your colors. Remember that you have to be happy with the color scheme. Love and Light to All ❤

[@TaniaShipman]

As you don't plan to keep the kitchen, paint all the cabinet doors white As there are lots of white colors, work out if you want the kitchen warm or cool colored and get an appropriate white. Then you can pick out colors for the walls and tiles. Everything in there can be painted, including the tiles and floor, just need the right primer/paint. For the countertops, consider wood, same as you did for the island or even paint it as well. Then your walls can be any color you want. A light green, blue, or cream can work with the white and wood scheme. You have an artist friend in Michael Petherick, ask for his advice as well. This way it's a smallish cost of paint, wood and time and your kitchen will look totally different and in your style. As for the "omg, don't paint wood" crowd, it's your kitchen, your home and you want something you can quickly, easily and cheaply change, so you have more money available for all your future projects, including a bigger, better kitchen.

[@suebutton2202]

I find it unbelievable that this kitchen was an industrial kitchen.

[@gailjardine9710]

if you sell some of the unused and not wanted furniture to help with the new kitchen. In the meantime, painting the cupboards white with brown/wood tops.

[@aprildixon-ff1bc]

If you're working on a dime , paint your cabinets white or beige , cut out the design in your cabinets, put glass in them, make cement counters tops with really cool designs in the cement . 😊