Decorating and Design - Help me change my 1980's kitchen!!

I want to change my 1980's white and wallpapered kitchen to something more modern. However, on a budget I must keep the white countertops and appliances. I am seeking advice on warmer colors for the walls, ceiling, and cabinets. The floor is 12X12 ceramic tile (beige). I appreciate ANY advice!!

There is a lot you can do here. Good thing is you have a neutral background to work with. Painting is the easiest place to start. A warm tan, gold, sage or cranberry color would boost the design. Try adding large tiles on the walls to coordinate. A new faucet and perhaps sink, cabinet hardware, and painting or staining the cabinets.

Good luck!

Thanks Allison1888 - I'm not sure what you mean by tiles on the wall. I have planned to get a new tile backlash but have to be careful because, again, the countertops are white and I want everything to blend. I guess i'm worried about the white stuff sticking out like a sore thumb. I like the color Cookie Dough which is tan with gold undertones for the walls but I think I should go lighter (maybe cream) on the cabinets. What do you think? Or should i do white cabinets?

you haven't said a thing about the rest of the house. this kitchen surely opens up to a dining room and/or a family room, at least. your whole home needs to flow together - at least all the public spaces. if the rest of your house has warm stained woodwork & dark colors, you can't really have a kitchen with stark white cabinets, counters & appliances and paint the walls any randomly chosen color. rather, you should coordinate the kitchen with the other rooms. that said, is this, per chance, the first room to be done in a whole-house remodeling project? if so, then yes, you CAN choose any color you wish! :)

Annette - Thanks for your reply. Our kitchen sits on the end of the house with a small hall connecting it to a bath, family room and dining room. When we moved in the whole house was painted cream - ceiling to floor. 2 rooms have been repainted in the public areas and they are chrysanthemum (dining room) and terra cotta (sitting room on other end) with the trim in each room remaining cream. But yes, the kitchen is the first big project in updating. I really want to tie it all together. We spend a lot of time in the kitchen so that is why I am looking to warm it up a bit.

Painting cabinets the same color as the creamy woodwork would help with color flow of your 'woods.' You do not indicate if you are wanting to add a different color to the mix. If so, what other colors are you using as accessories and accents in the two adjoining areas where chrysanthemum and terra cotta are used. These may serve as an inspiration for helping with color flow.
The colors used tend to be richer and darker. Depending on amount of natural light in the kitchen, you may want to opt for a lighter color. Perhaps a richer, creamier, more yellow cream than the kitchen cabinets? Perhaps a yellow green. Neither Behr's nor Benjamin Moore's Cookie Dough appears to be a best option to complement either of the colors already used.
Pick up some paint chips in potential colors that may work for you. Once you narrow down your selections, get some same paint and paint on cardboard or square on walls and study at different times of day. Paint tends to vary from paint chips and pictures on computer screens. Paint also tends to vary under artificial and natural light. For example, paint may look great during the day, but when lights are turned on in the evening it may look completely different and dismal.

I don't agree!

I think you can spice up any space of the house with it's own personality. It's traditional to keep the same track, but not neccesary.:coffee: