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I was going to overhaul our kitchen within the next year but I'm seeing other projects that really need addressed (replacing gutters, installing insulation, etc.) So, I need a temporary fix to our kitchen. Please suggest some paint color choices for the walls and cabinets that you see matching what I have to work with for now. The countertop is pink laminate, the floor is blue/silver/gray sticky tiles, black appliances. TIA
Our "lived in" kitchen (I'm cuuerntly removing the wallpaper):

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mountainbeach,

Floor "tiles":

Could you afford to redo the counter and backsplash? If a more current laminate(granite look) were installed and new hardware added to cabinets it would make all the difference in how it looks and make a big impact.

I wouldn't go to too much trouble or expense right now, since you hope to redo the kitchen later in the year.

Paint the walls a medium tone gray and the ceiling white.

If the cabinets are in poor shape, paint them a bright white for contrast. Otherwise, leave them alone.

Optional: For a vintage look, play up the pink, blue, and gray/black scheme with fun and funky accessories and inexpensive framed artwork. But, don't clutter the counters too much.

Add plants in decorative pots to the sunny window ledge.

Remove the old sticky floor tiles and replace with black and white sticky tiles in a checkerboard or diamond pattern.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: aychihuahua,

They have a paint that you can paint the counter top with, you could choose a gray, then like aychihuahua mentioned, that black and white sticky tile sounds nice, if too much to replace floor, then add a runner in there with black and white.

I like the idea of painting the bright white cabinets too. You might like the change enough to leave it for a few years and get other projects done!

what is on the other side of your refrierator? Is it a pantry? Is there room to put a small lower cupboard between your stove and refrigerator? The two black appoiances side by side sort of overwhelm your pretty pink and white cabinets. If you want to paint your cupboards, how about two toned...white on top and dark grey on the bottom or even black on the bottom....leave the pink countertops. Will be a different look. I would not change the flooring for now.

My first thought was to remove that scalloped piece over the sink area. I would add rug/runner with some black to help tie in the black on the right hand side and maybe add some black accent pieces on counter side or possibly a curtain or valance with some black to balance it out.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Always1StepBehind,

Don't know how to do multiple quotes in 1 post so:
Mamaspoon: Just needing a quick fix since it won't be in place long.
Aychihuahua: Sorta what I was thinking also.
Mary Ruth: If I get stuck with the solution, painting the counter would be an option(hoping not)
May: The other side of the fridge are steps that go out the back door. I do have a matching cabinet (complete with the pink countertop) that can be put back between the stove and fridge. I can't exactly remember why we removed it??? I love the idea of 2 tone cabinets.
Always1StepBehind: It does seem off balance to me. I do need a new black dishwasher so, it would go on the far end of the sink (our old white one is there right now) I wouldn't mind investing in a large ticket item like that since we'll use it in the redo. It would also help with the balancing. Hmmm...might just work.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mountainbeach,

If you really wanted to replace the countertop cheap look into butcher block at Ikea. You could replace the pink with the butcher block and use bead board as a back splash painted the same color as your cabinets. By doing this you are now open to any color scheme and creating an even cuter kitchen! You have a great space and lots of cabinets!

If you are keeping the countertop I couldn't agree more with aychihuahua. Stick to a gray with a blue undertone to tie in the floor, but also will go well with your pink.

Mountainbeach, your kitchen reminds me of my grandmother's. I mean that in a good way. Thanks for the memory!

I know what you're going through. We had to re-roof this past summer. In the midst of that the AC unit croaked. We decided it was time to replace the furnace as well. The water heater felt left out, so it got replaced along with the water softener and iron filter. There went the bathroom remodel money. That's okay, as it's more important to take care of the house than it is to make it pretty.

When we bought the house the kitchen was awful. The layout was bad, everything was done on the cheap, and though it was less than 3 years old it was already falling apart. While we saved for a gut remodel I decided to have fun. I did a whole kitschy retro diner theme complete with aqua and pink pastel walls. The cabs and floor were white and the countertops gray. I went crazy with red and mint accessories I found at thrift stores, garage sales, and Goodwill. It was fun in the short term.

Just have fun while you take care of the necessities. Trust me, you'll smile every time you walk in there!

Mountainbeach,

What a cute space to decorate! I'm not sure of your style but look at these FUN fabrics!

http://warehousefabricsinc.com...&Category_Code=RETRO

A few more FUN fabrics here too.

http://www.housefabric.com/Ann...rry-Fabric-C157.aspx

A simple valance or cafe curtains over the window. I vote to keep that scalloped piece too. Add a long runner on the floor to bring in even more color if you like.

Is the BS pink laminate also? I wouldn't worry about painting countertops/BS and simply work around them. A little inspiration to help you embrace the "pink".

http://fabulousonabudget.com/i...ulous-pink-kitchens/

Black & white checkered floor in this kitchen. Hopefully it's not a budget buster.

http://www.thekitchn.com/pink-...hen-color-insp-78791

Add some fun prints or large plates for top of the refrigerator. I use plate stands or book stands for them.

Since you asked for paint suggestions check out SW6415 hearts of palm that might work for your space.

Add the missing cabinet back between stove and refrigerator. Do you room to add a small micro cart to the other side of the stove?

A quick and easy update for the cabinet knobs adds more interest. Paint is budget friendly. Some other options also.

http://www.lookintheattic.com/glass-hardware.html

ETA: One more site for Knobs. Lots of fun stuff here.

http://www.anthropologie.com/a...re/home-hardware.jsp

Remember to make it fun and enjoy your project!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Beau's Rose,

Meldin: I'm glad brought you happy memories
Beau's Rose: Thanks for the sites, I actually found drapery fabric I really liked on one of them.
Thanks everyone for the helpful suggestions. I think I'm going to change the floor tiles out to black and white tiles, fresh white paint on the ceiling/cabinets, bring the missing cabinet in between the stove & fridge to break that "blob" of black up, and get this fabric (see pic below) for valances. I'll wait until I get everything together in front of me before I choose a wall color (still thinking about gray) It's not my "dream" kitchen but it'll be fine until I can redo it. I'm kinda excited about it now.

mb, what great fabric. The colors and the retro-vintage pattern will pull your whole scheme together. Well done!

And, if you've been good (or naughty, depending) Santa might bring you this:

Love your fabric choice and your plans for the kitchen re-do.

A pink toaster (or 2) for you!

I say keep the pink for now, and get rid of the valance. Modernize it a bit, with new hardware. I like the ideas the other people have offered.

http://www.remodelaholic.com/2...nets-white-and-gray/

http://beautifullycontained.bl...flat-panel-door.html
I love the grey and white, with the added detailing. You can add detail to flat doors with cheap trim.

(I love pink!)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jovtfam4,

So... It's not what I would choose for my kitchen, but while it's there, you could go with it.

Just balance it with gray and white. Could you get the new appliances now?

Cool chandelier maybe?

Another...

Simple trim, you can even use salvaged trim, cut old furniture legs in half to use them.