Image comparing the fantasy kitchen to the present one: Is it feasible without significant remodeling? We have a $20k budget cap. Naturally, not every detail is required, but is it really possible to achieve this look with budget-friendly materials like Rustoleum counter vinyl paper? What about IKEA window cabinets? How much would it roughly cost? Currently, we’re working with solid wood cabinets.
Apply paint to the cabinets. Replace two of the cabinet doors with glass ones and get white appliances.
Are new appliances included in that $20,000? Without a doubt, you could install new cabinets for that amount.
It goes without saying that the cabinets need to be painted, but the lighting has really changed. Your kitchen has cool lighting, but the one you adore has extremely warm lighting.
White dove paint was pioneered by BM. An 80% of DIY painting is prep. . Sick in white. If you truly desire wood, you could definitely use Ikea butcher block counters, however existing countertops might work as well. In my opinion—which is not shared by many—I would sell your stainless steel appliances and buy white ones. It would provide a great sense of humor. Change the hood vent, perhaps. Include lighting beneath cabinetry
May I ask why is the dream kitchen better than the current kitchen you have? Is it mainly for looks? I see several things better with the wooden kitchen but the white one definitely feels more airy and modern.
The typical distance between the countertop and the upper cabinets looks to be more than your standard 18". You can also see that the upper cabinets are taller, at least 36", probably 40-42". You can achieve this look by removing the soffit and having the cabinets go up to the ceiling but if theres any sort of HVAC, Plumbing or Electric up there, that’s when the costs can begin to climb very fast.
Me personally I would pay someone (expensive) or DIY paint the cabinets with some BM Advance (low VOCs so you can live in your house). That will get you that white cabinet look. You could possibly convert the doors to be glass doors however, it might just be cheaper to go the ikea route and have two tone upper vs. lower cabinets. Replace the handles/knobs on the lower cabinets with something modern like a matte black. Spend the money you would have spent on the cabinets for the countertop range on the left on a white stove from GE Cafe and a matching white fridge. Do not pay full MSRP on appliances, you can easily get 30% off advertised price just by negotiating.
You have power outlets running on the backsplash on the peninsula, keep those, those are handy to have, spend the money on new countertops, if you want wood that’s fine but something like a quartz is superior. Budget for a sink and have the installers undermount it and get a new kitchen faucet.
Final tip, drawers are much more usable than swinging doors. It looks like you have a set of big drawers on the peninsula side. I would upgrade all the doors/drawers to be soft close if they aren’t already.
Seems doable with 20k but I would get multiple quotes. 20k does seem kinda tight
I would paint the cabinets, get new hardware and your basically are there. The hard part will be trying to match the doors, but you could and find the glass doors, but it will cost you. Also the paint can get scratched, that is a reality if you have dogs or cats that jump or claw. IE, you current wood finish is more durable. I installed wood counters in my kitchen and this too is something you can do. Don’t get them from Home Depot, try to find a lumber house. I found mine at Ganahl Lumber and they cut to specific dimensions. IE, all pre-fab stuff width cut at 25 inches, I asked for 26. I like a little overhang to the cabinets to account for hardware, plus I have thick marble back splash so I took that into account as well.
Your kitchen looks good right now. I would add some lights to the underneath of your wall cabinets and hire a professional painter to organize the cabinets. You can also replace some of the solid doors with glass to get the same effect for a lot less money and effort.