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" We just bought a house that has 1960s cabinets built-in. It would be too expensive and time-consuming to rip them all out. They have chrome cabinet pulls that have a latch release in them (which I actually like since I have a baby). The countertops are cream-colored Formica. What type of flooring and backsplash would update this kitchen without clashing with the cabinets?   Lauri Whitted  Dear Lauri, Bead board is a great, clean country look for a backsplash and a simple update for your kitchen. You can buy off-the-shelf bead board panels in 4&amp;#039; x 8&amp;#039; sheets at almost any home-improvement center. Cut them to fit the backsplash area and apply a simple trim to the bottom, where the bead board and countertop meet. Also adding bead board to another wall in the kitchen will give the room more continuity. Apply the bead board to a chair-rail height or even higher -- like 4&amp;#039; to 5&amp;#039; -- and paint it to match the bead board in your backsplash.   Another option would be to tile your backsplash. You can find simple 4&amp;quot; x 4&amp;quot; ceramic tiles in cream to match your countertop -- or combine cream tiles with another color that coordinates with your existing collections and decor. You may want to hire a handyman for this project, however, since it will require tile cutting and fitting.   Since you have a young one at your feet, and crawling and falling on tile and wood can be quite uncomfortable for children in their early years, I would recommend either vinyl or cork tiles for your flooring. Being a busy mom, you&amp;#039;ll probably also appreciate these materials for their warmth and resistance to stains. Both are easy to install and to clean, as well as forgiving on the feet. Check out www.expanko.com to see a sampling of different cork styles, colors and eco benefits.  I also like the look of inexpensive 12&amp;quot; x 12&amp;quot; vinyl tiles, laid in a 24&amp;quot; x 24&amp;quot; checkerboard pattern. This gives a great custom look to any kitchen. Check out Congoleum&amp;#039;s Forum Solid tiles at www.congoleum.com.   If you&amp;#039;re also considering dressing up your 1960s cabinets, I suggest adding a little accent color. It would be easy to paint a section of your cabinets in color that coordinates with your existing collections, bowls or fabrics. You could also mix up the look of your cabinetry by taking the doors off one of the upper sections and painting the interior an interesting accent color or the same color as the cabinets. Then, line the shelves with vintage fabric or paper trims and arrange your interior china and collections in an eye-catching way.   Good luck with your project.   Jennifer "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.countryliving.com/remodeling-renovation/expert-advice/q-and-a/a311/updating-kitchen/>