Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,299
Jun 25, 2014 19:53:37 GMT
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Post by Mystie on Aug 22, 2019 14:50:55 GMT
UPDATE: We are finally nearing the end of our kitchen remodel and I wanted to share what we ended up doing with our dated molding and awkward light over the sink. We got rid of them! My husband installed a flat light fixture and made two brackets to hold it, and we had them painted when the cabinets were painted. As you can see, we also got a new backsplash (plus new counter top and floor.) My husband is installing the sink this weekend, and there are still a few finishes the tiling contractor needs to do. Then we can move the appliances back in and never, ever do anything like this again. LOL. I appreciated all your advice, I think it looks much better and the Peas are seldom wrong. I know we all like talking home decor...here's my latest pondering. I'm having my kitchen cabinets painted in a few weeks (also new tile floor, backsplash and countertop, but the cabinets are what's pertinent here) and I'm wondering what to do, if anything about this piece above the sink that bridges the banks of cabinets. To me that cut out shape looks a little dated, but I don't know what I would replace it with. The cabinets will be painted white. We could theoretically knock it out and have the whole space above the window open, but there's all the molding to consider. I'd love to have a little shelf above the window, but there's not enough room behind the light fixture. I like the hanging light fixture okay, and I know my husband would balk at replacing it. I had a valance on a tension rod between the cabinets, hanging just under the wooden piece, and I know I don't want to put that back up, though I'd be open to a different fabric and maybe a smaller size. Honestly, I don't know what I want to do with the space. I'd love to hear any ideas at all.
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Kerri W
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,768
Location: Kentucky
Jun 25, 2014 20:31:44 GMT
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Post by Kerri W on Aug 22, 2019 15:13:28 GMT
I would remove the decorative piece and molding from that space.
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christinec68
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,122
Location: New York, NY
Jun 26, 2014 18:02:19 GMT
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Post by christinec68 on Aug 22, 2019 15:17:38 GMT
I would remove the decorative piece and molding from that space. I would do this also. If it's possible, I would add molding to the wall behind the light. Do you need the light right there? Without that wood piece, the light wouldn't have to be stuck up behind it anymore. If you have to leave the light, I wouldn't put anything on the wall. If you moved the light, I'd probably put a decorative plaque/wall hanging.
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Post by Susie_Homemaker on Aug 22, 2019 15:17:56 GMT
Remove it because it looks very dated and add molding where needed.
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scrapngranny
Pearl Clutcher
Only slightly senile
Posts: 4,763
Jun 25, 2014 23:21:30 GMT
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Post by scrapngranny on Aug 22, 2019 15:19:03 GMT
I would remove it. I don’t have a bridge between my cabinets.
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TheOtherMeg
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,541
Jun 25, 2014 20:58:14 GMT
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Post by TheOtherMeg on Aug 22, 2019 15:30:17 GMT
I would remove the decorative piece and molding from that space. We had that exact same set-up and removed the whole shebang during the kitchen remodel. I love the more open look.
Removing all that 'stuff' allowed me to install a hanging light over the sink, and I love having better light there now. The light also makes the area look less bare.
ETA My ceilings might be higher, as the hanging light doesn't go below the window level (doesn't block the view out the window).
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Post by belgravia on Aug 22, 2019 15:30:20 GMT
Another vote to remove it
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Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,299
Jun 25, 2014 19:53:37 GMT
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Post by Mystie on Aug 22, 2019 15:31:06 GMT
I would remove the decorative piece and molding from that space. I would do this also. If it's possible, I would add molding to the wall behind the light. Do you need the light right there? Without that wood piece, the light wouldn't have to be stuck up behind it anymore. If you have to leave the light, I wouldn't put anything on the wall. If you moved the light, I'd probably put a decorative plaque/wall hanging. Yeah, the light has to be there. It's a north-facing kitchen, with woods outside (i.e. dark!) I could theoretically have a light that's flush with the ceiling. I m not sure how we would get the molding off the ceiling without creating a whole new mess to be dealt with (patching/painting the ceiling.) Putting molding along the wall behind the light would definitely look good if we were able to get the space opened. This is all good to think about, thanks!
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Post by auntkelly on Aug 22, 2019 15:31:10 GMT
I would remove the decorative piece and molding from that space. I would do this also. If it's possible, I would add molding to the wall behind the light. This is what I would do-just add a little molding on the wall above the window. I would consider removing the light if it's not needed. It looks like you have a pretty view outside your window. I would keep everything very simple and uncluttered around the window.
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Post by mimi3566 on Aug 22, 2019 15:33:18 GMT
I also vote for getting rid of the bridge, use the molding to fill in against the wall. I would replace the fixture with a flush mounted LED light which would open up the space, but still give you the light when needed. You could then hang a cute piece of kitchen art on the space above the window.
Don't forget to come back and show us the finished results.
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Post by gar on Aug 22, 2019 15:33:44 GMT
I would remove it, maybe a different higher light fitting and a simple blind at the window.
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TheOtherMeg
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,541
Jun 25, 2014 20:58:14 GMT
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Post by TheOtherMeg on Aug 22, 2019 15:40:33 GMT
I m not sure how we would get the molding off the ceiling without creating a whole new mess to be dealt with (patching/painting the ceiling.) You might be pleasantly surprised and find that the molding isn't actually attached to the ceiling. It might only be attached at the ends. Ours wasn't glued or nailed to the ceiling.
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Post by femalebusiness on Aug 22, 2019 15:40:35 GMT
An easy fix would be to just cut it straight across the bottom and remove the gingerbread. Then just leave it and paint it like the cabinets. The board doesn't look bad, just the curve. I do think the curve is dated.
You don't have to take it down to do that.
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christinec68
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,122
Location: New York, NY
Jun 26, 2014 18:02:19 GMT
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Post by christinec68 on Aug 22, 2019 15:42:09 GMT
I would do this also. If it's possible, I would add molding to the wall behind the light. Do you need the light right there? Without that wood piece, the light wouldn't have to be stuck up behind it anymore. If you have to leave the light, I wouldn't put anything on the wall. If you moved the light, I'd probably put a decorative plaque/wall hanging. Yeah, the light has to be there. It's a north-facing kitchen, with woods outside (i.e. dark!) I could theoretically have a light that's flush with the ceiling. I m not sure how we would get the molding off the ceiling without creating a whole new mess to be dealt with (patching/painting the ceiling.) Putting molding along the wall behind the light would definitely look good if we were able to get the space opened. This is all good to think about, thanks! Gotcha! Our apartment faces north with houses across the street so we get very little natural light. I can see where moving the molding opens up another can of worms.
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Post by auntkelly on Aug 22, 2019 15:50:11 GMT
I m not sure how we would get the molding off the ceiling without creating a whole new mess to be dealt with (patching/painting the ceiling.) Putting molding along the wall behind the light would definitely look good if we were able to get the space opened. This is all good to think about, thanks! That's the problem with redecorating-one thing always leads to another. I do think it will make a dramatic difference if you remove the decorative arch and molding above the arch, and it will be worth the trouble.
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Post by refupea on Aug 22, 2019 15:55:57 GMT
Remove it because it looks very dated and add molding where needed. I agree, for what that is worth. Have fun with your project!!! Be certain to share the after pictures!!
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schizo319
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,030
Jun 28, 2014 0:26:58 GMT
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Post by schizo319 on Aug 22, 2019 15:59:57 GMT
You could try to slide a piece of paper under the molding to see if it's attached to the ceiling. If it is, I think even just chopping the bottom curly junk off to leave a straight edge would modernize the look. It'd definitely be the least labor intensive option. Depending on what color you're painting the cabinets, it might be much less noticeable after chopping/painting.
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Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,299
Jun 25, 2014 19:53:37 GMT
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Post by Mystie on Aug 22, 2019 16:01:44 GMT
I m not sure how we would get the molding off the ceiling without creating a whole new mess to be dealt with (patching/painting the ceiling.) You might be pleasantly surprised and find that the molding isn't actually attached to the ceiling. It might only be attached at the ends. Ours wasn't glued or nailed to the ceiling. That would be wonderful, lol.
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Post by questioning on Aug 22, 2019 16:03:52 GMT
Does the trim piece fit with the age and style of the house, and other cabinetry? I might leave it for charm.
Without seeing the whole house what looks dated might actually be character.
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Post by littlemama on Aug 22, 2019 16:07:12 GMT
Im not great with trends, but that looks dated even to me! Take it all down.
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Post by Darcy Collins on Aug 22, 2019 16:16:19 GMT
I agree it looks dated. Even if the trim is attached to the ceiling, they use little brads, it's really not damaging to remove. Your bigger issue is you're going to have to remove the entire piece and then miter the corners to match the trim coming from the side of the cabinets. It's not difficult, but if you don't have experience or miter saw - could look less than clean. I agree that the easiest fix is to just trim off the detail and paint to match the cabinets. It will give you an update without needing any cabinetry skills.
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Aug 22, 2019 16:19:23 GMT
I would take it down. If you're having walls and cabinets painted anyway, surely the painters can easily and inexpensively address any small issue that would be left if that piece of wood did attach to the ceiling.
Do your walls have molding at the ceiling elsewhere in the room? If yes, I'd move that strip in front of the wood back for consistency. If no, then leave it open.
Adding art above the window seems 'crowded' perhaps -- the clean line of your pendant fixture opens it up more.
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Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,299
Jun 25, 2014 19:53:37 GMT
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Post by Mystie on Aug 22, 2019 16:35:20 GMT
Does the trim piece fit with the age and style of the house, and other cabinetry? I might leave it for charm.Without seeing the whole house what looks dated might actually be character. Nah, this is a generic late-80s-build Colonial. Whatever character it has (minimal), we've added. I'd probably not mess with trim in a genuine vintage home.
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Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,299
Jun 25, 2014 19:53:37 GMT
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Post by Mystie on Aug 22, 2019 16:37:28 GMT
I agree it looks dated. Even if the trim is attached to the ceiling, they use little brads, it's really not damaging to remove. Your bigger issue is you're going to have to remove the entire piece and then miter the corners to match the trim coming from the side of the cabinets. It's not difficult, but if you don't have experience or miter saw - could look less than clean. I agree that the easiest fix is to just trim off the detail and paint to match the cabinets. It will give you an update without needing any cabinetry skills. Fortunately, my husband has a miter saw and some experience using it. Could still be tricky, though. I called him at work to discuss it and he seemed optimistic at least. We'll poke around up there tonight and see how firmly it's all attached.
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MaryMary
Pearl Clutcher
Lazy
Posts: 2,975
Jun 25, 2014 21:56:13 GMT
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Post by MaryMary on Aug 22, 2019 16:39:39 GMT
I would remove the decorative piece and the molding, find a shorter light fixture and add a shelf above the window.
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Post by Darcy Collins on Aug 22, 2019 16:49:49 GMT
I agree it looks dated. Even if the trim is attached to the ceiling, they use little brads, it's really not damaging to remove. Your bigger issue is you're going to have to remove the entire piece and then miter the corners to match the trim coming from the side of the cabinets. It's not difficult, but if you don't have experience or miter saw - could look less than clean. I agree that the easiest fix is to just trim off the detail and paint to match the cabinets. It will give you an update without needing any cabinetry skills. Fortunately, my husband has a miter saw and some experience using it. Could still be tricky, though. I called him at work to discuss it and he seemed optimistic at least. We'll poke around up there tonight and see how firmly it's all attached. It's really not hard - especially if you're painting. If you were leaving it stained, it takes more precision. Your picture doesn't show how the piece on the side of the cabinet connects to that decorative piece. It's highly possible you're going to need to replace that if it's too short to miter properly. Be very sure you know you have sufficient length (including at least one oops piece) before you start chopping or KNOW where to find more molding.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 3, 2024 21:34:26 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 22, 2019 16:51:14 GMT
I'd remove it and the crown molding. Looks like the crown molding already wraps around the cabinet (behind the piece). If you feel you need something to replace it with, I'd install a valance, sheers or a roman shade.
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The Birdhouse Lady
Drama Llama
Moose. It's what's for dinner.
Posts: 7,159
Location: Alaska -The Last Frontier
Jun 30, 2014 17:15:19 GMT
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Post by The Birdhouse Lady on Aug 22, 2019 17:50:41 GMT
I am with everyone else, that piece needs to go!!
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Post by wezee on Aug 22, 2019 17:53:59 GMT
I'd remove the center piece. Can the pendant light be shortened? This way you could still have the shelf and the light.
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smcast
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,303
Location: MN
Mar 18, 2016 14:06:38 GMT
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Post by smcast on Aug 22, 2019 19:48:54 GMT
I would remove the decorative piece and molding from that space. We had that exact same set-up and removed the whole shebang during the kitchen remodel. I love the more open look.
Removing all that 'stuff' allowed me to install a hanging light over the sink, and I love having better light there now. The light also makes the area look less bare.
ETA My ceilings might be higher, as the hanging light doesn't go below the window level (doesn't block the view out the window).
This is exactly what I did too.
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