To think my 40+ year old kitchen is adequate?

[FarrowAndBallsUp]

My 35 year old kitchen is very elderly compared to friends' ones. I worry a bit about what people think when they see it when the norm seems to be (correct me if I'm wrong) to have a new kitchen every 10-15 years.

The doors all hang very slightly squint.
It was originally fitted but as some units have failed over the years they've been replaced, so there are three different patterns of fronts.

The linoleum is ancient, doesn't quite fit (from having been lifted periodically through the years when underfloor pipes have burst), and has some stains that don't scrub out.
The sockets have been added to over the years so are different styles, heights.
The wallpaper was replaced in the 80's and has an attractive teapot pattern.
It's a positive spider metropolis.
Some units were removed to make space for white goods and some of the panels are just plain unpainted chipboard.

But it's serviceable, and the appliances are all fairly new.

The rest of the house is reasonably modern, tidy, clean and reasonably aesthetically pleasing.

AIBU to let it limp along?

Mine was put in during the 1970s. It does need a bit of work now but just cosmetic. It is solid wood and carpenter made.

I have no plans to replace it with a new one that will be tatty in 5 years.

I agree. Sounds grim, would put me off eating anything from your kitchen.

I compensate for it's appearance by being extra picky about cleanliness, I really don't think it's unhygienic. The floor is stained, but that's despite it being regularly scrubbed (hands and knees with scrubbing brush) with bleach.

Ours is an 80s kitchen. I don't care neither do any of my visitors.

It was in when we moved in. Its solid honeyed oak probably cost an absolute fortune when put in with granite tops. it's a big kitchen with more space then we can use. floor tiles are probably just as old too.

there is nothing wrong with it so why would I waste thousands on a new one? although I have thought if I get bored of it I'll probably just paint it white and put new tiles or splash back up.

I only know one person who regularly changes their kitchen, but she seemed be stuck on some kind of loop, she 're does each room one after another, completely revamp new furniture the lot, then the next room. Every single room, walls knocked down, walls put up, doors moved then moved back, when every room is done she starts again! she must have wasted absolutely thousands upon thousands over the years.

most people see it as her strange little quirk.

How do people afford these kitchens? 20k! I would love a new kitchen but it’s going to take me years to save up that much money.

tryingtosortmylifeout

Several of the lower cupboards only have half backs so you can see the dirty (and in some cases mouldy) plaster behind.

Mine are like this, motivated by the chat on this thread I've spent an hour this afternoon with a tube of builder's silicon and some leftover Christmas wrap (the plasticky sort) fixing these and sealing any small gaps, hopefully will keep the spiders out. I now have holly patterned cupboard backs.

Maybe mumsnet should have a 'tips to tart up my elderly kitchen ' area

My kitchen is well over 30 years old but it was well fitted and being white has never really gone in or out of fashion. I have had new flooring and the walls decorated in this time however and I am now thinking of renewing work surfaces as I want a new hob and sink.

It sounds disgusting.

Our house still has its original kitchen (got new worktops around 5 years ago, but thecrest is original). house was build in the late 50s, the kitchen is handmade and solid wood. it will last a long time!

It sounds horrible but I don't have to be in your house so if you like it then crack on

Sounds hideous.

My old house had a kitchen that was over 60 years old, my new one is about 10 years old. It has less storage (although the room is physically bigger), less usable storage and has needed bits gluing back on and repairing.

If your happy with it, keep it.

Sounds a bit like ours, been in since the house was built (I think, we’re second to live here but certainly looks like it 80’s built) My Mum wouldn’t mind a new one but she knows my dad would want to do it himself rather than pay someone so she won’t have it done. It doesn’t look great but it’s clean and fit for purpose that’s all that matters really. We’d rather spend our money elsewhere.
If you’re fine with it then that’s all that matters. YANBU.

Sounds hideous

Yes it is!

Our kitchen is over 20 years old and I hate it with a passion but we don't have the money to change it. We did however change the floor earlier this year and while the kitchen is still crap, new flooring has made a massive difference.

This reminds me of watching Home Alone and the expensive oak kitchen featured in that upscale house. All I could do is giggle
and point and all the tiles surfaces... oh dear god, did you have those!? Hours of scrubbing with bleach and toothbrush to get the grout cleaned! I can’t imagine the hell that would be maintaining that 80s trend. Regardless of how quality it was, it was just madnesses.

My old house had a kitchen that was over 60 years old

That sounds amazing @SaveKevin. What was it like? @ChippyMinton yours sounds fab too!

"lilifer because the 35 year old one hasn't just cost me £20k "

But you don't have to spend £20k to get a good durable practical kitchen!

But you don't have to spend £20k to get a good durable practical kitchen!

No, but I'd need it to be rewired, plastered and a couple of dg windows replaced so it'll be more than just a kitchen iyswim

I’m someone else who doesn’t know anyone who changes their kitchen every 10 - 15 years.

Our last kitchen and main bathroom lasted over 25 years.

I’m with you, OP, I just wouldn’t spend that kind of money on a kitchen that I spent most of my time not in, iyswim. I imagine in a small modern kitchen the outlay might not be so big, but if you have lofty Victorian or Georgian spaces they take a lot of filling, especially when you add on all the trims and extras.

I’ve just repainted our 28 yr old oak units with cupboard paint. I took my time to get a good finish and I’m very pleased with the effect. It cost me £100.

Sounds unhygienic.
Kitchen and bathroom should be kept clean and updated imo.
I would feel uncomfortable in an old kitchen such as this. I like the fresh look

Myimaginarycathasfleas

I’ve just repainted our 28 yr old oak units with cupboard paint. I took my time to get a good finish and I’m very pleased with the effect. It cost me £100

Ooh, what sort of paint, and is it properly washable?

It was Ronseal One Coat Cupboard and Furniture Paint. It’s a cooler bright white than the attached pic shows.

I had to put about four thin coats on but it looks good and you can still see the original oak grain through which I like. It seems to wash down well. We haven’t chipped it yet but I have plenty in reserve if needed!

Who cares what anyone else thinks about it. If they are in your home and judging you for it they need to do one. If you aren't bothered leave it. If you would like to update it do. It sounds as though you would like to change it but can't be bothered with the hassle yet. You'll know when the time is right, don't be worried about anyone else's opinion.

Myimaginarycathasfleas That looks lovely!