How can I update my 1956 farmhouse kitchen by relocating the stove, improving ventilation, and possibly addressing the dark ceiling?
Asked by Yente Hoorn 
4 weeks ago
Last Updated: October 25, 2024
I just bought a 1956 farmhouse and I’m thinking about giving the kitchen a little update. You can see in the video that the fridge sticks out into the entryway from the mudroom, so I’m thinking about moving it around. I also want to switch out the electric stove for a propane one and move it to the wall next to the window for better ventilation. I’ll have to keep the tiles for now, but I might need to do something about the dark ceiling making the room feel a bit closed off. The cabinets are all wood, but I’m considering refinishing or painting them. Any thoughts? The photos with furniture were taken before I bought the place.
Let’s try moving the fridge and small cabinet above it to the wall where the small table is, and add side panels for a finished look. Do you have wood ceilings in other rooms? If it’s the only one, I would consider changing it. The floor and cabinet colors are too similar, we need more contrast.
Mentioned having wood panels in a few rooms, but I suggest painting them white. Have you thought about using a sage or darker green for the lower cabinets and adding floating shelves?
I think the ceiling should be painted white to match and brighten the room. Maybe consider staining the cabinets a tad darker to create a contrast with the floor.
Hey , I totally agree with you. Even a counter depth fridge will stick out 1-2 inches. The fridge definitely needs to be repositioned.
It seems like the wall by the fridge may not be 24 inches deep. If it is, the simplest fix would be to get a counter depth fridge. If it’s not, you could consider leaving that area open or stacking wall cabinets on top of each other to create a pantry or coffee area.
Hey , feel free to make your suggestions. This is just a temporary second home for now, so I can make improvements gradually until I can live in it full-time.
You could go for a counter depth fridge. In my opinion, everything else looks fantastic.
I think it’s a good idea to move the fridge where the stove is for better ventilation. Painting the ceiling white would look nice. Just keep in mind the importance of kitchen flow when making changes.
Recommends giving it a shot. This is like a second home for now, so I can slowly work on it until I am lucky enough to move in permanently.
Consider getting a slimmer fridge and check the location of your circuit breaker panel. It’s not ideal to have the fridge blocking access to the panel.
Mentioned that it’s in the mudroom.
Swap the fridge and stove locations. Upgrade to a counter depth fridge and adjust the cabinets accordingly. Instead of white, consider adding recessed LED lights to brighten up the ceiling. Get rid of the fan to create a more spacious feel in the kitchen.
I suggest trying out an induction countertop stove and adding a smaller oven unit to go in an upper cabinet. Most of us don’t really need a huge oven that comes with a freestanding stove, and in my opinion, they’re not very attractive and take up way too much space.
Consider painting the fan fins a lighter color or removing them altogether. Focus your gaze on the ceiling and extend the trim above the cabinets. Install can lights in the ceiling for extra brightness. You could also have pine paneling on two side walls, with the paneling running vertically in the same color as the ceiling to create the illusion of a never-ending ceiling. Opt for white or cream on the other walls. Use tall cabinets or vertical paintings on the walls instead of horizontal ones.