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Dear Lauren,
Do you know anything about the new product for flooring. It's called Portstone tile and comes from Mississippi. They state that it is easier to install than regular tile and just as beautiful. Have you had any experience with this tile?
Thanks,
Pat

Posted by Patricia Gates – March 12, 2008 8:44 PM

Dear Lauren:

We bought this Cape Cod three years ago. It was built by the previous owner in the 1950s. We've worked outside and want to redo the inside, but MUST do the kitchen first. It's small, about 8.5 ft by 16 ft. BIG PROBLEM. The walls AND ceiling are covered in 4X4 plastic tiles. Can the tiles be removed or must the walls be taken down? Thanks for any advice you send our way. S. Bonila

Posted by Susan Bonila – March 12, 2008 9:01 PM

Hi Lauren, We just removed all the carpeting from our family room for health reason and now our kitchen looks very dull. We are on a limited budjet and would like to maximize our kitchen. Our kitchen is off white now with light beige cabinets. Very dull. Anxiously waiting for you response. Thank you in advance. Ramona

Posted by Ramona – March 12, 2008 9:34 PM

Hello Lauren,
I want to put tile on my kitchen floor.Can you suggest the type that would work best? Iwould like for it to be durable and high glossed, but not too slippery when it gets wet.
Gloria from Atlanta, GA.

Posted by Gloria Jeanice Ivery – March 13, 2008 12:08 AM

Hi Lauren,

I want to put in hard wood floors the darker brown and I'm not sure if it goes with my kitchen cabinets they are a shader darker then the light color wood and my granet counter tops have a splash of dark brown..Does it matter what color the cabinets are as long as teh brown is in the counter top?

Posted by Lupe Rodriguez – March 13, 2008 1:16 AM

Hi Lauren. I'm going to redo my kitchen. My small house will be an open floor plan. I have limited mobility and need stylish solutions for handicap design.So far every thing I've seen is ugly. I would like an island that I can work from.How do I reach things in the upper cupboards and my pet peeve is those corner cupboards with the turn tables.

Posted by Nancy – March 13, 2008 6:09 AM

I have a house built in the 70's and want to take out the recessed flourescent lights and put in cans. Which type of pot light is best for the kitchen, incandescent or flourescent and what size?

Thank you for your help

Posted by Sammy Patten – March 13, 2008 7:16 AM

Hi Lauren,
I'm in the middle of re-doing my kitchen walls. What used to be dated wallpaper, is now ready for paint. While I want paint, I'm hesitant because I have two larger dogs. I've learned in the past, that if they lean against the walls while resting, eventually you see spots. I don't want a satin finish for washing, nor do I want anything that's alot of work to apply. I don't want extra work. What paint can you recommend?

Posted by Robin Wright – March 13, 2008 8:33 AM

Hi Lauren,
I'm in the middle of re-doing my kitchen walls. What used to be dated wallpaper, is now ready for paint. While I want paint, I'm hesitant because I have two larger dogs. I've learned in the past, that if they lean against the walls while resting, eventually you see spots. I don't want a satin finish for washing, nor do I want anything that's alot of work to apply. I don't want extra work. What paint can you recommend?

Posted by Robin Wright – March 13, 2008 8:33 AM

Ihave granite counters (ubatuba- a black w/ gold and green accents) i need ideas whether to use tile w/glass accents or just glass blacksplash, also which colors and paint paint would tie in well on the walls to make it really nice.p.s. the floor and cabinets are medium color i think cherry.

Posted by Charry – March 13, 2008 9:08 AM

WHAT IS THE BEST MATERIAL FOR A COUNTERTOP?

Posted by anna – March 13, 2008 9:48 AM

Hi Lauren!
I have a light maple kitchen with almond tile floor. I'd love a granite countertop. Can you suggest a granite color and a paint color for the walls?
Thanks.
Debbie

Posted by Debbie – March 13, 2008 10:11 AM

What kind of counter tops should i purchase for my kitchen, it is a smaller kitchen.. but i am on a strict budget.. would like a good counter top but nothing that will break the bank.
Betty from Pgh. PA

Posted by Betty – March 13, 2008 12:40 PM

Hi Lauren,

I've always wanted a kitchen island but my husband thinks our space is to small. It is 11 feet long and 6 feet wide. I'd like a narrow island for additional storage and counter use. Is this a possibility?

Judy Ross

Posted by Judy Ross – March 13, 2008 12:53 PM

Lauren,
We have oak cabinets in our small kitchen that look a little dated. I was thinking of painting them white and changing the counters to granite or Corian to update the kitchen. What type of paint should I use on the cabinets? would you suggest a bright white or a more toned down white?
I love your show. Thanks.

Nancy

Posted by nancy – March 13, 2008 12:53 PM

Lauren: I have a comfortable size kitchen which we are updating by removing a hanging china cabinet which hung over the an island separating the kitchen area from the eat-in area.We have updated the counters with a beige/brown quartz tops. My problem is selecting the proper paint color. The kitchen has dark cabinets and the room sits in the back of the house which limits the light in the room. I initially thought to go with a light color paint however, it just too dull. What do you suggest? Thank you. Theresa from Apalachin, NY

Posted by Theresa – March 13, 2008 1:01 PM

hi lauren, when it comes to putting in new flooring in the kitchen, what comes first, the floor or the base cabinets?
geri from coconut creek, fl

Posted by geri thomas – March 13, 2008 1:50 PM

Hi Lauren,

How can I give my kitchen an updated look on a $500 budget.

Thanks
Sonia

Posted by sonia – March 13, 2008 1:51 PM

Hi. I am having a hard time trying to figure out what color to paint my kitchen. I am going for a tuscan color theme. We just painted it a type of yellow to try out a color but im not liking it too much. my cabinets are not light and not dark but in between;.. sort of a red oak... which also match my wood floors in the kitchen red oak... please advise me as to what a good color choice would be. Would terra cotta be a good choice? Thank you.

Posted by Donna Acosta – March 13, 2008 1:52 PM

Lauren hey- I need help!! My husband and I added on and are remodeling our kitchen. We are putting in maple cabinets with a cherry finish and a maple laminate floors. What is a girl to do for countertops and wall color??
Please help!!
Lisa

Posted by Lisa – March 13, 2008 2:23 PM

My favorite color is red. I want some red in my kitchen, but not the walls or anything big.
any ideas?
Kristine from massachusetts
p.s. I don't like country, more contemporary

Posted by KRISTINE – March 13, 2008 2:43 PM

Hi Lauren,
I love what you do with everyones kitchens and I am having major decision problems with mine.

I am wanting to remodel my kitchen, and I have several delimas, my home is painted bold colors in every room, my kitchen needs the color changed but it is very dark due to no windows in it, the kitchen is open to the family room which is painted a bold yellow, what do you suggest?

I could use some design help as well since the kitchen is the center of my home and has door openings on every wall, hard to find wall space for anything.

Hope you can help
Thank you
Terry St Louis MO

Posted by Terry Thompson – March 13, 2008 3:03 PM

Hi, Lauren! I have an older home; the small, square kitchen has been updated with white cabinets, white appliances and a dark (kind of paint-spackled, it's busy) countertop. The linoleum floor is black and white diagonals. I just painted the walls dark granite. I would like to install (DIY) glass tiles for the backsplash with hints of red - what do you think of this idea? Would the glass be overpowering for the countertop?

Posted by Jeannine Smith – March 13, 2008 4:42 PM

Hi Lauren:

I absolutely love your show! I've been trying to decide on a back splash and a color to paint my kitchen. I have cherry cabinets, with brown/black/tan/speckled granite countertops, and a contrasting brown/white ceramic tile floor and black matching appliances. Your suggestions/help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Posted by Martina A. Taylor – March 13, 2008 4:44 PM

I have a galley kitchen currently with white painted cabinets. I plan to repaint the cabinets and the small amounts of wall space/trim and I will probably paint the hardware, which is shiny brass.

I have a red coffee maker, grinder and toaster. I have a bunch of rooster items, and artwork multi colored, especially my rooster oil painting w/burnt ochre background, browns and red comb.

It is partly visible from the living room, which is a nudey peach which will probably get repainted tan. It is next to a very large nook area, currently painted white. In the nook are 4 pieces of Ethan Allen 50's maple bookcases/desk filled with antique blue/white dishes plus blue depression glass and multi colored roosters. Also, I have a huge vintage butcher block. Above the block is a big chandelier w/black/edged w/gold arms and a painted rooster in the center.

The floor is tan squares w/white trim - linoleum. The tile is white w/tan grout.

I have 3 long brass metal potracks above the sink. I'm going to add a pendant light and a semi flush mount light to coordinate w/rooster chandelier.

I've thought of doing radical things but I have a lot going on w/accessories. I love red. I thought of doing a metal backsplash, adding mirrors to offset the narrowness. The cabinets have no detail whatsoever, old plain cabinets I took 20 coats of paint off 10 years ago. I have 2 coats of white that needs to change. I thought of adding some molding or some embellishment.

I plan to get a new stainless fridge and have a stainless faucet/microwave/convection oven.

Thanks!

Posted by CATHY PEARSON – March 13, 2008 6:07 PM

Hi Lauren,

I want to create a backsplash, but I have formica countertops and can't afford the granite at this time. What would be the best type of material to use for a backsplash on a budget?

Posted by Amy Tate-Palmer – March 13, 2008 10:14 PM

What can I do about the hinges on my kitchen cabinets. I love the look of hidden hinges, but my budget doesn't allow for new cabinets or for new fronts. What can I do to make the hinges disappear?

Posted by Teresa – March 13, 2008 11:13 PM

Hi Lauren:
I love your show!I need your help i decide to change the color in my kitchen.My kitchen color is dark red and my cabinets color is light oak.
I need your suggestions/i don't like red color i want something light.
Thanks.

Posted by maria v – March 14, 2008 1:36 AM

Hi Lauren,

I live in an apartment so I am limited to what I can remodel. However, my manager is allowing me to update my appliances to make them appear as if they are Stainless Steel appliances. How and what is the least expensive way to do this? I heard something about applying a stainless steel faceplate?

Posted by Josie – March 14, 2008 2:52 AM

hi,lauren I would like to know on a 28x58 island how many recess lights or hanging lights should i use ?
would 3 be too much

Posted by RAMONA – March 14, 2008 9:51 AM

We are in the process giving our kitchen a little face lift and have just installed a new countertop. It is a light to medium gray with black, white and tan flecks in it. The sink is white, the cabinets are a medium oak color. We have a counter top stove that is black and the dishwasher & fridge are almond. The in-the-wall oven is white - it's really old! Curently the room is painted a cream color - but I would really like to change that and we do not currently have anything behind the stove from the top of the backsplash to the bottom of the cabinets. I am looking for color help!!! I also have a very large window that looks right into the neighbors kitchen that I need a window covering for. Any suggestion would be most helpfull!!! Thanks so much.

Posted by Gennie Wynne – March 14, 2008 10:23 AM

Hi Lauren,
I live in Mississauga, Ontario Canada. We just bought a condo the kitchen is quite small, it had 2 walls facing each other, the wall that separated the living area and the kitchen includes have the stove and the hood with it. We want to knock that wall down to make the living area look bigger with open concept and for the kitchen to look a bit modern, however I don't know if it would be too much trouble to swap the sink and the stove. Do you have any idea that would save me from rebuild a complete new kitchen?

Posted by Daisy – March 14, 2008 11:11 AM

Hi Lauren -

I just bought a condo and need advice on wall color for my kitchen. The cabinet color is what I believe is still called "pickled". It is hard to describe the color. I actually like the cabinets, but don't know what color to go with on the walls. The kithcen is pretty big and the flooring is white vinyl (I will change that to porcelin tile someday). Thanks for any help you can give me.

Posted by Mary – March 14, 2008 12:32 PM

Hello Lauren,

I have a kitchen that has minimal space and, for the outer layer of my cabinets, a fake wood that looks digusting! I would like to know how to open my kitchen with colors... and what is your advice about my sick cabinets?

Laurin

Posted by Laurin – March 14, 2008 9:03 PM

Hi Lauren! I know this says Kitchen Design, but I am desperate with a bath question and don't know who else to ask. I am redoing my small (10'5 x 6'7) master bath on a restricted budget. I can put in either a tub/shower combo or just a 1-piece shower. Which is the best bet for a master when thinking ahead for resale? I already have a hall bath with a tub/shower. Can you offer any insight please? Thank you! Jane

Posted by Jane – March 15, 2008 9:12 AM

Hi Lauren:
I want to give my kitchen a fresh brand new look without having to change the cabinetry. I was thinking of purchasing custom doors and then refacing the body of the cabinets and then adding crown moldings to enhance the look. Is this a better idea that would save me tons of money or my best bet is to go with all new cabinetry? Your advise is greatly appreciated. I love your show!
Thanks

Posted by Maria-Elena – March 15, 2008 3:14 PM

Hi Lauren...we bought a newer used mobile home and the kitchen cabinets are white with a hard type finish. What can I do to update/improve them? Thanks & keep up the good work!

Posted by Robyn – March 15, 2008 7:47 PM

Hi Lauren,
Love your show. I have been taking a lot of mental notes for when I buy my house(want a fixer upper). Right now I am in a townhouse where the washer and dryer is in the kitchen also. It is not tucked away in a closet. What can I do to camouflage them, but not do any major renovation??

Posted by Torya – March 15, 2008 10:42 PM

Hi Lauren, I have a small galley type kitchen which leads to a small laundrey room. There is a pocket door that can be used to close the laundry room off but I'd like to close the view to the laundry room without a door. I keep my cat's food dishes in the laundry room so I'd like him to have easy access. Pamela San Mateo, CA

Posted by Pamela – March 15, 2008 10:52 PM

Hi Lauren:

HELP???? We have updated out kitchen and here's my dilemma. I have beautiful refinished honey oak cabinets with polished nickel pulls, new black appliances, and a black quartz countertop with a fairly prominent fleck of a caramel color. It's subtle, but busy. We want to tile the floor and a backsplash. Do we go with a neutral color on the backsplash and floor and tie in with a small black tile insert for the backsplash or go with a dark color? We have had so many opinions from tile distributors, friends and family, I'm confused!! I want it to look compliment the quartz countertop not take away from it as that was the most expensive item in the kitchen. Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Posted by Carol Simpson – March 16, 2008 10:48 AM

Hi Lauren,
I am on a tight buget less then $400.00. I have dark brown stained cabinets,white back splash ties, tanish counter top, and a white tied floor. I can't aford to change these things. I am selling. with all this info. How can I make my kitchen look more then Great? What color paint for the walls... Thank you T.

Posted by Tessie Russo – March 16, 2008 1:56 PM

Hi Lauren,
I have a small kitchen with 3 entry ways. It has a black/white floor, black/white counters, the walls and cabinets are white. I have no counter space. It is dull and dreary. I want to brighten it up and have been told to paint it blue. I don't like the color blue. I want to add color to the walls, add a backsplash behind the stove and sink and some new small appliances. Right now, I'm leaning toward staining the cabinets and painting the walls yellow with a red backsplash. I'm not sure the color of the stain. What do you think of these colors? Help me get out of this dull, outdated kitchen and into something with some color. thank you.

Posted by Denise Alverson – March 17, 2008 9:33 AM

Hi Lauren,
I love your show. Do you have any suggestions for a quality doormat which is both functional and elegant. I really the plain ones (some folks call them coco others coir) but can't seem to find them any more in stores. All that u get are mats with designs these days. Any idea where I can get these plain mats? Also, please let me know if you have other suggestions for making my entrance look elegant.

thank you.

Posted by Rachel Adams – March 17, 2008 12:25 PM

I wood like some tips to fix up my small space. It is all in one living dining and kitchen well it is so small i don't have a dinning space and wold like one.

Posted by raquel chin – March 17, 2008 12:31 PM

hi lauren,
like i told you i have a small space i wold like to paint it as well what color to paint it in i just paint the cabinets in white and the counter tops are white farmica laminates old and outdated the floor is tile that are gray and white. white am i to do.

Raquel from Spanish Town Jamaica W.I.

Posted by que – March 17, 2008 12:55 PM

Hi Lauren,
I am interested in updating my Kitchen. It is an 80's style kitchen with melamine cupboards and countertops. ( I think it is in desperate need of a makeover becauase I hate melamine) I don't have a large budget but I am wondering if there are ways to update such a kitchen. Any suggetions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you

Posted by Tara Wilkinson – March 17, 2008 2:34 PM

Hi Lauren, My old oak kitchen cabinets are in terrific shape but they've turned orangy over the years. Is there any way I can darken or change the color on them and still have the wood grain show through without removing the original stain?

Posted by Laurie Hazen – March 17, 2008 2:50 PM

Hello Lauren ,
My name Anthony Thompson Im from Santa Clara , Ca .Me and my wife are looking for a home in California and i seen one of your T.V. show about that copper countertop and that oil brush bronze refrigerator and oven that was tha bomb !
And we was wondering what's the best steriling silver refrigerator & oven or bronze ? or copper countertops or lamin ?

Posted by Anthony – March 17, 2008 3:59 PM

Hi Lauren
We are in the process of planning a complete kitchen remodel. I plan on having a very dark (black) counter and am trying to decide on flooring. I heard the horizontal surfaces in a room should be similar in color. Do you agree?
thank you for any advice you can provide.

Posted by Roberta – March 17, 2008 5:05 PM

Lauren, in my "dreaming in my head" kitchen, the floors are wood (extended from dining room), the cabinets painted ivory/beige, the walls cinnamon, BUT what to paint the wainscotting and rail around the breakfast area?

Posted by Dianne Talyor – March 17, 2008 7:43 PM

Hi Lauren!
I saw an episode on HGTV where a product that looked like aluminum sheeting (with adhesive backing) was used to make a dishwasher match the rest of the stainless steel appliances. Where can I find that sheeting? What thickness do you recommend, and how are edges sealed if there is a potential for water splashes?
Thank you bunches!!!

Posted by Erin – March 17, 2008 8:46 PM

Hi Lauren, My name is Kelly and I need your expertise. I am building my first new home.I am so excited, but, I am getting opinions left and right. I need pro help. My kitchen is not that big I want to make the most of the space though.I'd like a little WOW factor, and a little, wow she did a good job when people see my new home.Color is the biggest prob. My kitchen, greatroom,and breakfast room are all open together.Can you help me please.

Posted by kelly – March 17, 2008 9:21 PM

You are a great designer and personality - I am confused though - I could have swore I saw you as an attorney expert on some serious issue on Nancy Grace recently - what gives?

Posted by mercedes – March 18, 2008 11:07 AM

Hello Lauren:

My husband and I own a 1960's ranch home. The kitchen (13' x 13'), is completely dated; from the cabinets & fixtures to the dull, ugly lanolium floor. We don't have the funds to redo the kitchen. Can you give me advice on how to spice up my kitchen with a limited amount of funds?

Appreciatively,
Marilyn
Manchester, Connecticut

Posted by Marilyn – March 18, 2008 12:46 PM

Hey Lauren, I see you that you have a million emails but I'll take my chances (ha,ha). I am in desperate need of HELP! I have a house that was built in 1959 and I do LOVE IT! One Problem. The kitchen looks like 1959. Don't laugh. Okay,go ahead. I need an updated kitchen. I stand in the hall and just stare into the kitchen wishing and dreaming that it looked different. It doesn't have to look like one of those kitchens in a huge mansion but I want somewhere I can cook and just enjoy doing it. Please help if you can. Thank you. Joyce in Memphis, TN.

Posted by Joyce Williams – March 18, 2008 1:34 PM

Dear Lauren
My kitchen is quit old the stove itself is about 45 years but still work.
My question is about my cabinets they are wood and in pretty good shape just need to spruce up. do i have to sand them down first or is there a coating i can brush on them to make the wood look brighter.

Posted by Lynn Zak – March 18, 2008 2:57 PM

I was wondering if you could help me. I saw an episode on Spice up My Kitchen HSUMK-212. Liked the kitchen hutch and was wondering if there was a picture anywhere that I could look at.

Posted by Nancy – March 18, 2008 4:03 PM

HI,MY NAME GABRIELA I HAVE 5 KIDS AND WOULD LIKE TO REDO MY HOUSE I JUST GOT TAX WOULD LIKE TO THERE ROOM. THEY HAVE BEEN BEGGING ME FOR A REDO. PLEASE HELP ME.PLEASE... THANK YOU SO MUCH..

Posted by GABRIELA – March 18, 2008 4:20 PM

Hi Lauren,
I watch you show almost every week and would like to know why the cabinets and appliances removed from the kitchens to be remodeled are thrown into a dumpster rather than offered for recycling? Many of these things could be used by families less fortunate than those able to afford a remodel.
Thanks for your comments.

Posted by Jean Slatten – March 18, 2008 9:10 PM

Hi Lauren,

I have a "postage stamp" sized kitchen that needs some serious help from the ultimate source-YOU. Function and style is needed but the area is so tiny!! I love to have my family over but it's really cramped.

Please give me and other condo owners some ideas on how to make everything work in a small space. I really love a French country motif or something with a little Italian flair. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you so much,

Sandy from Redwood City, CA

Posted by Sandy – March 18, 2008 9:14 PM

Lauren,
You and your crew put so much spice into the kitchens you SAVE! I'd like to know how to finish up a kitchen my soldier husband has been "finishing" for five years. He laid ceramic tile, but some of the floor isn't level and the dark grout (he chose) looks nasty all the time and some of it is missing because he rushed to finish before being sent to Iraq for a second tour. I have lost my love for cooking because the kitchen has lost its savor. (On top of that Lauren, we live in a split foyer and the kitchen is the first room you see. HELP!!!

Posted by Zelda Miles – March 18, 2008 11:37 PM

I have a open floor plan in which the kitchen, dining and great room are included. My problem area lies in the choice of kitchen lighting. Currently I have a octagon built in light made out of maple and oak (same color as the custom cabinets) that has fluorescent tube lights (3 of them). This is placed in the center of the kitchen on a slanted vaulted ceiling. This is not enough light. I also would love pendant lighting over my island that separates the three spaces but can these be hung on a slant??

Help!

Posted by Marlo Burns – March 19, 2008 12:47 AM

Hi Lauren,
I am interested in art deco style. How would a modern art deco kitchen look? What would be the major design elements of such a style?

Posted by Angela McLemore – March 19, 2008 3:38 AM

I have a 70's kitchen and am retired and cannot afford new kitchen.I like my kitchen just hate my counter tops they are that groved garbage from the 70's every thing gets in the groves no matter how many times you bleach it still looks bad.Is there any kind of paint or what ever to fill in the spots and have the top flat and still be able to prepare food on it and put hot dishes on it with out it staining or burning. the top I have now may have groves but it is very heat resistant.Just want to know if I have any options ? thank you very much for any help. Elaine

Posted by Elaine – March 19, 2008 10:00 AM

I need new countertops and thought about granite but some friends have had trouble with it chipping. What is the best material and as pretty as granite?

Posted by Peggy – March 19, 2008 11:08 AM

Hello Lauren, first I must start by stating that I am on a serious budget and my kitchen needs many updates. My cabinets were custom build and appear to have a dated unfinished wood look(if that makes sense). My countertops are black granite, all appliances are black and the lighting is poor. I also attempted to put a cola stain on my floor. What can I do to give this kitchen life while on a budget.

Posted by jane – March 19, 2008 12:03 PM

DEAR LAUREN
MY KITCHEN IS AWKWARD IN SHAPE. IT IS ABOUT 7FT WIDE & 20 FT LONG. I PAINTED IT A BURGUNDY/WINE COLOR. I WAS JUST WONDERING IF THIS WAS A MISTAKE. SHOULD I GO LIGHTER IN COLOR.

P.S. I ALSO USED A SEMI-GLOSS SO IT WOULD BE EASY TO WIPE OFF.IS THIS TO A NO-NO??

Posted by JAN – March 19, 2008 1:09 PM

Hi Lauren,
I'm planning a redo of my kitchen: new cabinets, new flooring, new counters - everything but new appliances. I have a high-end range that I love and that's only a few years old. My problem is that it's white. Is there anyway to make my kitchen look sophisticated without stainless steel appliances? I've looked through dozens of design magazines and books and none ever feature white appliances anymore. Will I be stuck with a kitchen that looks hopelessly outdated because my range, refrigerator and dishwasher are white?

Posted by Cindy – March 19, 2008 4:26 PM

Hi Lauren
We have an open concept kitchen. Our house was built in 2003. We have a very light sand color corian countertops with almost the same color floor tiles. Our cabinets are ligh maple. The builder did not install a backsplash or lights under the cabinets. I would like to install a glass backsplash but do not know which color to select or if this is our best choice. Also, when my husband was ready to install the under cabinet lighting we noticed that if you are sitting in the family room, which is part of a big room that includes the kitchen, you can see the lights. What is the best way of installing the lights without someone seeing the lights while while you are sitting in the family room. Thanks!!

Posted by Milly – March 19, 2008 8:49 PM

Hi Lauren, I live in a one bedroom apt and I can't paint the walls and have very little storage in the kitchen. Any suggestions?

Posted by Mary M – March 20, 2008 2:20 AM

Hello Lauren,

I want to paint my refrigerator. What type of supplies I should be looking for?

Thank you.

Posted by Charlotte – March 20, 2008 10:13 AM

Hey Lauren

HELP!!!I want to fix up my kitchen but i'm on a very limited budget. My cabinets are very ugly. They are from the 80's and I can't afford to replace them and I heard refinishing is very difficult and not for amateurs. They have a stain on them that has a yellowish, goldish tone to it.What is the best color to use on the walls to make my cabinets look better or make my kitchen feel updated.

Thanks,
nikki from Georgia

Posted by nikki – March 20, 2008 3:49 PM

Lauren~ I love your show and the great ideas & solutions that you share.

I'm wondering what your opinion is on the granite countertops that slip over an existing formica (or other type) countertop. The floor has a variation of taupe/beige/terracotta colors of rectangle tile and the cabinets are contemporary (no gloss) white oak. Does the granite sound like something that would work & what backsplash material would you suggest to go with it?
Thanks so much!

Posted by Sharla – March 20, 2008 4:22 PM

I don't know what color to paint my kitchen walls and cabinets. My appliances are black and stainless steele my floors are black and white checker board tile. please help!

Posted by alfretta – March 20, 2008 7:54 PM

Hi Lauren, I am in a wheelchair, have very little money, but love to cook. My kitchen is 11 x 11 and I have a horrible time working in it. It is way to crouded, I can't reach the counters, and many other problems. Do you have any advice for helping on a very limited budget? Thank you, Tim

Posted by Tim Hammel – March 21, 2008 2:41 AM

We have recently purchased a fairly new home with a poorly designed kitchen (as far as color). The cabinets are a mid-range color oak with beige, laminate countertops. All appliances are white, and the floor is a vinyl white and biege pattern. Right now the walls are painted yellow which makes the oak look even more yellow and almost cheap. We are looking to replace the countertops, floors and change wall colors. We do not want to replace the appliances because they are in good shape, and we do not want to paint or replace the cabinets. I do not know what colors work with the oak and white cabinets. I tend to like warm colors. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Posted by Leslie – March 21, 2008 8:58 AM

Hi Lauren-

Quick question, I can't afford to put up some new cabinets in my kitchen, I just got new stainless steel appliances tho, but I want to see if I can paint the ones I have now they are the cheap laminated compressed particle board type (that is used on apts) Any ideas or thoughts on that...What type of paint is used on that kind of material? MANY THANKS HAPPY EASTER!

Posted by Jackie – March 21, 2008 11:13 AM

Hi Lauren
I have painted my kitchen a pea green color (I am not pleased with) I am wanting to do a glaze on top of it. How is the best way to apply the glaze? I am also wanting to do a backsplash (cheap). My cabinets are a oak color the floor is the medium brown vinly wood floor look and my counter tops are a blueish, with a little bit of burgandy in it. Can you give me some suggestions?
Thanks

Posted by Kathy – March 21, 2008 11:25 AM

Hi Lauren. I am finally putting in my dream kitchen! I want a Tuscany feel. I choose a tuscany gold laminate for the flooring that looks grouted and like stone. I found a tumbled tile in stone that looks exactly like the floor. I have creamy white cabinets, 10 inch crown moldings all around the kitchen and breakfast nook with a chocolate cherry rope in the center of the moldings. The appliances are covered and some are stainless. The island is chocolate cherry. The glass stovetop sits between two pillars and a large arch. I have a light granite counters and a black granite composite sink with oiled bronze fixtures. My big dilema is I have idea what color to paint the walls!!! Everything is how I always dreamed it would look and I don't want to ruin everything by choosing the wrong color. Please help. Thank You.

Posted by jo – March 21, 2008 6:03 PM

Hi Lauren. I am finally putting in my dream kitchen! I want a Tuscany feel. I choose a tuscany gold laminate for the flooring that looks grouted and like stone. I found a tumbled tile in stone that looks exactly like the floor. I have creamy white cabinets, 10 inch crown moldings all around the kitchen and breakfast nook with a chocolate cherry rope in the center of the moldings. The appliances are covered and some are stainless. The island is chocolate cherry. The glass stovetop sits between two pillars and a large arch. I have a light granite counters and a black granite composite sink with oiled bronze fixtures. My big dilema is I have idea what color to paint the walls!!! Everything is how I always dreamed it would look and I don't want to ruin everything by choosing the wrong color. Please help. Thank You.

Posted by joene – March 21, 2008 6:03 PM

Hi Lauren!
My husband and I watch your show every night, we were thinking about giving a little update to our kitchen. The glitch? We rent an apartment. We can't paint, change the appliances, or do any structural work.
Any ideas??

Posted by Leana – March 21, 2008 10:16 PM

Dear Lauren,My Kitchen is about 32 years old,originaly my cabnets were dark walnut,painted them white,still have the original orange counter top,everthing else beige tones, It's a real plain Jane,need new appliances & lot's of help. Patricia Ann

Posted by Patricia Ann Keravich – March 22, 2008 1:21 AM

Hello Lauren
I need the biggest help ever. I just bought a beautiful 2nd home, and I would love to do a spanish feel to the kitchen, but I clueless where to start. What colors to use. How to decorate it. I dont want this house to end up like my old one "PLAIN!". The family room is connect to the kitchen and I would like to do the family room rustic. Since the kitchen and the family room wall is connected what colors is good to seperate it would out looking so dramistic. Please help.
Thank you

Posted by andrea – March 22, 2008 5:46 AM

We will be building our own house (3,500 ft rambler, with 500ft bonus room and about 1,000 basement) that we designed. I haven't had anybody work with me on the kitchen design. It is a big kitchen and I know we can do fantastic things with it but I would love to have somebody who is a professional help. The trick is that we are also trying to make it a handicap accessible house (in case wheelchairs are in the future, but also arthritis in the wrists). The size is about 17 1/2 by 15ft. It is open into the great room and has the eating area as well. It is a big house. Can anyone help us?
Thanks. Elaine Carreno

Posted by Elaine Carreno – March 22, 2008 12:23 PM

Lauren: Hi - thanks for your help. We have a small condo with open rooms in the living room, dining room, kitchen and breakfast room. The space is small and all walls currently are painted white with white woodwork. We'd like to contract all this white. What is a good color to use/paint that won't make the space look smaller.
Kathleen

Posted by Kathleen Geist-Eskew – March 22, 2008 4:59 PM

Hi Lauren,

I've seen your shows plenty of times and often wonder what can you do to spruce up my kitchen. My husband and I just purchased our home about 2 years ago and would like to incorporate some garnite tiles onto the countertops and bar area. We would like to jazz it up with some color because I have an apple theme kitchen just about everything is apple and I really do love looking at it but have no color. My backsplash is already tile kind of in the beige family along with the floors and I'm looking for some type of granite to just give it some punch. Can you help?

Posted by Octavia Ben – March 22, 2008 5:40 PM

MY KITCHEN CABINETS ARE FORMICA (BEIGE), NO HANDLES BUT SOME OF IT IS STARTING TO CHIP. WE ARE RETIRED AND CAN'T AFFORD NEW CABINETRY, SO I KEEP WATCHING HGTV HOPING THEY WILL SHOW WHAT TO DO BUT NOTHING THAT I HAVE SEEN ADDRESSES MY ISSUE. THANKS, CT

Posted by C T – March 22, 2008 10:05 PM

My kitchen has wallpaper from the 70"s. I was told that I could do something to the wallpaper and then be able to paint over it. What is your suggestion?

Posted by Marian Hatcher – March 23, 2008 12:35 PM

Lauren,

We have vaulted ceilings and I want to change the fluorescent light fixture in the kitchen. I was thinking of track lighting but I'm not sure how it will look on the vaulted ceiling. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Steve
Clermont, Fl.

Posted by Steve – March 23, 2008 4:48 PM

Hi Lauren I love the kitchen designs and the challenges you have tackled thus far here is my problem my husband and I have been planning to remodel our kitchen we took measurements and everything we have been doing this for 4+ years and nothing has become of it we are stuck on the issue of not just color but have 4 openings in the kitchen and are trying to match colors to the dining rooms furniture not walls they are white and the living rooms walls they are light green hues and a faux finis in the shades of green. We stopped there and we have a small budget because we already purchased the appliances. Question is should we close a wall oprn it up all the way and match the colors to the living room, help help help.

Posted by Tracey Porter – March 23, 2008 7:11 PM

Hi Lauren,
I really need your help. We recently updated our kitchen by installing hardwood floors and refacing our cabinets. We also installed a dark granite w/some blue and green in it. My problem is the paint. I've painted my kitchen 4 times and am still not happy with the look. My favorite color is blue and I have blue accents with yellow walls. The yellow just isn't right. Can you give me some advice?

Laurie Kihle
4260 Cottonwood Lakes Blvd.
Thornton, CO 80241
303-255-9947
kihlels@yahoo.com

Posted by Laurie Kihle – March 23, 2008 7:15 PM

Lauren - we built a nice but basic house 5 years ago. My kitchen has oak cabinets and my husband does not want me to change the color of them. The walls are light yellow with a gray blue "granite" laminate counter tops. Is there a better color for the walls that will make me like this light oak color?? This is open to dining room and living room. I like the yellow walls in those rooms. Any suggestions?

Posted by cecelia – March 24, 2008 2:10 AM

You show tin ceinlin tile for backsplashes--Great--but can you tell the audience (me) if I can glue them over EXISTING wall ceramic tile??Please help!! Becky

Posted by Rebecca Hersman – March 24, 2008 3:22 AM

Hi Lauren,
I really enjoyed your show. I need help- planning
to redo my kitchen cabinets, floors, countertops,etc. I have a small galley kitchen about 10x10 with eat in kitchen. I like med. dark wood
cabinets but have been told because kitchen is small should pick light color wood for cabinets which I will not be happy with. Do you have any suggestions. I'm on a budget just retired.
Thanks

Posted by Sandi – March 24, 2008 8:11 AM

Are white kitchen cabinets making a "comeback"?

Posted by Roz – March 24, 2008 11:25 AM

Hi Lauren,
I am remodeling my small kitchen; the counter tops are black granite, my cabinets are a light beige. I want to change the color of my cabinets but I can't afford it what can I do to make the kitchen pop. I want to put teracatta tile on the floor to bring out the kitchen. Can you please give me some advice. Thanks so very much for your creativity and designs on your show.

Posted by Sharon – March 24, 2008 12:00 PM

I believe I know the answer to this question, but I will ask anyway.

When you measure a kitchen for sq. ft. do you measure from wall to wall or cabinet to cabinet? I know it sounds like a silly question. But I have been looking at a lot of remodel books. They seem to have twice as many cabinets and better flow than mine and my kitchen is much larger.

Posted by Mildred – March 24, 2008 1:55 PM

I have light color maple cabinets. I do not want to change the color. How can I use them in a cottage style kitchen? What colors should I use on the the walls? I would like to get away from the neutrals.

Posted by Kathie L – March 24, 2008 2:12 PM

Would it be a good design decision to have two different countertops in the kitchen? i.e., granite and another surface. My kitchen is small and to put the granite on the Island (non-free standing) would reduce the size of the island. Thanks in advance.

Posted by Julia Council – March 24, 2008 4:47 PM

I want to redue the countertops in my kitchen, but i'm on a tight budget. Countertops these days are getting more and more expensive, but is there a way i could redue my countertops for under 500 dollars?

Posted by Margaret – March 24, 2008 4:52 PM

i need to know how to build a wall cabinet for a oven.

Posted by karen – March 24, 2008 4:58 PM

Lauren ~ Why not ask a Kitchen Designer ? I'm One, We all have our specialties(and it's Free) Your larger Home Improvement warehouses offer free design services. If your lucky you'll even get more than you bargained for. The Designer that's work for larger chains are usually verse in more than one area. Ask your friends. I've worked with Several Designers, it's a team effort.

Posted by DANIEL – March 24, 2008 11:54 PM

Lauren, I really need some help. I moved into my home just over a year ago and my kitchen is connected to my family room. The family room has a 1/2 vaulted ceiling covered in medium stained pine and the floor is light bamboo parque - my kitched has medium stained oak cabinets with a white tile that was never properly protected and is a pain to clean - I would really like to get my kitchen redone but in the meantime how can I make all these different woods work together? I really love the pine ceiling and hate the bamboo and medium standard oak cabinets. Thank you.
Cheryl
Plainfield, IL

Posted by Cheryl – March 25, 2008 2:55 PM

hello, laura
im remodeling my kitchen and i think im going to the same grante counter top and bacl splash. how do you think that will look I counld not picture something diffrent on the bacl splash.
please help thanks

Posted by gina calabrese – March 25, 2008 4:56 PM

HI LAUREN,
i'M JACKIE FROM REEDLEY, CALIFORNIA. I JUST FINISHED PUTTING BLACK ZODIAQ GRANITE, AND HAVE ASH WOOD CABINETS, AND DID A NEAUTRAL BACKSPLASH, ALSO JUST FINISHED PAINTING THE BACK WALL TO A RED WINE COLOR AND AN ACCENT WALL MUSTARD YELLOW, NOW i'M NOT SURE IF IT LOOKS RIGHT. i FEEL THERE'S SOMETHING MISSING, I FEEL UPSET, CAUSE i SPEND SO MUCH MONEY ON MY GRANITE, AND DON'T FEEL LIKE I HAVE THE RIGHT COLORS IN MY KITCHEN, PLEEASE HELP ME, DON'T KNOW WHERE ELSE TO GET HELP? THANKS

Posted by JACKIE – March 26, 2008 6:03 PM

Would you like to come to Barbados to design and build my kitchen

Posted by Kurt Austin – March 28, 2008 5:03 PM

Hi, I have a large kitchen with white wall manilla colored countertops. The floor is beige and the kitchen island is beige. I have a large wall will a large picture on it so the wall did not look so huge. My kitchen is made as an eat in kitchen. How in the world do I choose the right color to make it look cozy. I am on a budget. Have been here for 4 years. Have not touched the kitchen. I am afaid to do it wrong the space is seen from the front door.

Posted by sophia – March 29, 2008 10:44 PM

Hi, Lauren:

I am interested in knowing which paints you used in the Fabulous 50's Kitchen Makeover. Did you use the Dutch Boy Lambswool White on the cabinets and the Dutch Boy Popcorn on the trim? I love the whole look you created for that kitchen, and I am trying to reincorporate it into mine.

Thank you!

Posted by Shirley – March 30, 2008 12:20 AM

Hi Lauren. I have a green kitchen. At least mostly so. Why do you not cover more about cooking that involves quick recipes which save energy? I found this new site, it looks like almost done that has recipes from all over America as well as world wide, and almost all of them are 30 minutes or less. I had one heck of a time for a long time finding such a thing until I found it on Yahoo blogs and my space blogs. It is a great site. I sure hope that HGTV will understand that quick cooking means less electricity which means less pollution! Anyway, here is the site. http://actuallycookingshortcuts.blogspot.com/

Posted by susan – March 30, 2008 11:28 AM

Hi Lauren, I love watching your show. I wondered if you could help me with a color in my kithen? My husband and I are great diy folks..We are restoring 1917 home...fka a school. The rooms are large 14X22. We have already done a lot of work in the kitchen/dining area. We have DROPPED the ceiling to 10 ft. and are going an Oak Exposed beam and trim. The floor is going to be tile in a light grey with accent tiles in a molted rust.We are going to do a oak hard wood inlay under the table only. The cabinets are oak...I would like to add decorative crown moulding..and I would have to paint them...color,glaze.etc..The other big element is a beautiful cooper stove hood that my husband built. The lighting is a antique fixture over the table/dining area, a black wrought iron pot rack over the center island(that I hope to repace with a island that looks
more like a piece of bucky furniture(table). We have many family antiques that are in the room...oak china hutch,primitive corner hutch.The door way leading into the livingroom has a panel of stained glass in differnet colors.I love warm colors,but I not afraid of color. We are very casual people but love beautiful spaces.

Posted by Debra Elmore – April 4, 2008 5:26 PM

I live in a 40 year old home with a long, thin kitchen. It is very dark-dark cabinets, one window and the old fashon lighting. Floor is light laminate. I can't knock out a wall as one side is on edge of lot and other side is a fireplace. Husband doesn't like painting wood but he has had it this way 20 years-my turn. It connects to a eat in kitchen with dark panelling. HELP!!

Posted by Joanne – April 5, 2008 10:25 PM

Hi Lauren. I don't have a question, but a suggestion that was given to me as I renovated my 1960's kitchen. I was about to order the tradional looking bottom cabinets with the two pull-out trays inside to go on each side of my range, but the lady in the cabinet dept at Lowe's suggested I try the deep pull-out drawers for my pots and pans instead. She explained that as I stood in front of the range and wanted to get a pot out, I would have to move over and open the two doors of the cabinet and then pull out the shelves to get to my needed pan and if I just put in the drawers I could remain standing in front of the range, bend over and pull open the drawer and whaalaa there would be an assortment of pots and pans to choose from. I took her advise and installed the drawers in varying sizes to accomodate pots, pans, baking dishes, utensils, foil and plastic wrap, etc. This was the best design idea and I am so happy with the way it saves me steps in preparing my dishes. I just wish I had of done the same thing with the island. I put the pull-out shelves in the island and I can only get about 1/4 the items in the island. I'll keep watching and I hope you will give my suggestion a try.

Posted by dee – April 6, 2008 2:35 AM

Hi Lauren, would you come to Racine Wisconsin if the price was right to spice up my kitchen?

Posted by E. Green – April 9, 2008 6:31 AM

My partner and I bought a classic 1960's ranch some 6 years ago. We revamped vs. redid the kitchen because we dearly wanted to keep the 1960s feel of the house albiet modernize it. Our problem is color. The rest of our home is soothing greens, yellows, and shades of brown. The kitchen is blus/yellow french country and it AIN'T workin". Our woodwork and cabinets are white base with a plain, natural wood cabinet doors which we intend to keep. The floor is terrazzo and we will be covering it with new tile.There is only one windowq in the kitchen but it is still surprising light in there. And it flows into a 16 x 32 sun room with 16 foot ceiling and a row of window which face east. What might we consider for color?

Posted by Steve – April 9, 2008 11:56 AM

Hi Lauren,
We just bought our dream home and want to start personalizing it. I have always wanted a kitchen with 1 red wall. We purposely purchased black appliances for this reason. we have the red wall, but what color should the other 3 walls be? It's a medium sized space, but very open. Any suggestions? Thanks:0)

Posted by Cathy – April 9, 2008 9:54 PM

Hello Lauren,

I just redid my kitchen with no budget, I actually spent a total of $22.00 dollars on accessories and and a lamp. The other items were given to me. I am a single parent of two girls age 8 and 11. I used left over paint from my sisters' living room for my walls (light sage)and the paint my brother had left over from doing his ceiling (oat cream color)for my kitchen cabinets. I also had a donated carpet that I cut to fit around my bar to cover up an old vinyl floor that is turning yellow with age (was off-white with small taupe diamond print). I really need to redo my kitchen counter top wich is 30 year old laminate in a butcher block print. What would be the most cost-effective solution? It does have water damage by the sink which is placed in awkward corner position and the laminate had to be cut to fit the corner. I will have to save money before I can finish the counters, I am trying to do all the work myself. I do have brain cancer and cannot work outside of home, do you have any practical solutions? I did see one remodel on HGTV where they used a new process of covering laminate with a concrete mixture with color added, would this be to difficult for a novice to try? So far, I have managed "Little to no cost Renovation". I know the countertops may bust that out of the water.

Thank you,
Faye Knight, Harlem, Georgia.

Posted by Faye Knight – April 10, 2008 2:46 AM

Dear Lauren,
Love your show! You have some great ideas!
Q:
Would like to know if we put pull handles on our kitchen cabinet doors and knobs on the drawers.. would that be okay or a turn off if, or when, we sell our home. We like the look(put one of each on to see how they looked), but wonder from a designer's point of view if this would be a mistake?

Posted by Jean Dodge – April 10, 2008 12:07 PM

Hello Lauren,

I am a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Russellville High School in Russellville, KY. Our kitchen is in extremly poor condition and is not safe for our students to be participating in learning activities. Our school system is not financially able to renovate the kitchen. It would benefit our students to have a new kitchen. My students have even gone to the extreme of writing you personal letters in hopes of getting a new kitchen. So, I was wondering if you guys would consider "Spicing up" our school's kitchen. Thank you for your consideration.

Thank you,
Dyan Byrn
Foods and Consumer Sciences
Russellville High School
Russellville, KY 42276

Posted by Dyan Byrn – April 10, 2008 1:26 PM

Hi Lauren,

We recently purchased HI-MACS countertops- item # G30 Ivory Quarts. We have medium oak cabinets and plan to install light oak wood flooring. We are uncertain as to what paint color to use on the walls.

The upper cabinets have frosted glass windows in them with a pale rose pattern trimmed in a light grey. Our appliances are a bone or eggshell color. There is a sunroof in the kitchen which allows lots of natural lighting. Our dining room and kitchen are separated by a counter covered with the ivory quartz . The walls in my dining room are semi-gloss eggshell. I have white sheer curtains hanging over the double-window with a burgandy sash drooping over the sheer curtains for color. Our dining table and china cabinet are a medium oak as well.

The kitchen and the dining areas are separated from the formal living area by an small archways. The walls in our living room are also semi-gloss eggshell. The curtains are formal-deep burgandy with tassles and tie-backs with white sheer curtains underneath. The carpet is a deep burgandy with a rose pattern throughout that includes a rich green and the butter cream as part of the flower design.

I am even considering doing something differenct with paint color in the dining room and living room. Do you have any suggestions?

Posted by Vanessa – May 1, 2008 12:49 PM

Hi Lauren,

I watch your show, Spice up my Kitchen, all of the time. I LOVE IT! The biggest issues with my kitchen are a lack of storage and counter space and with a new baby and all of the bottles and gadgets for him we are REALLY tight on storage. How do I find more storage, or better yet how do I spice up my entire kitchen with a limited budget?

Posted by Tiffany – May 4, 2008 10:54 PM