i like the floors,, really all i dont like are the counters, pendants, and lack of back splash. the space looks somehow unfinished? I think its the island. it needed to come off the end of the kitchen and be much longer, helping to define the space and the long wall on the right really needed more. not sure white is the answer though.

I say leave the floor as it is (it looks nice), and yes change your cabinets to an off white or even a soft cream color. But before you do anything, try and get some samples of everything that you plan to change, cabinets/ countertop/ backsplash & even a new wall paint sample. See how they look in your space (Night & Day light) you will have a much better idea...you can always sell your cabinets to offset the expense of new ones!!
hope this helps!

Martin Hurley

The space is rather bland overall. Very neutral. That said, I would leave the floors and cabinets as they are. They provide a great base to work from and down the road will provide the "neutral" you will want when it is your turn to sell. Think about items that are easy/cost effective to change in the future when you are either bored with the decor or are ready to put it on the market.

That said, I would consider adding color to the walls, pick a couple colors and carry it thru the space. Paint is always easy to change and can really transform the feel of a space. Tiling the backspash area is fairly simple and inexpensive so you could add your particular colors/style there. Add dark/wood stools to the isalnd, some pictures, repetitive rugs, change the fabric on the diningroom chairs to coordinate, consider changing the glass shades of the pendants to ones with more pop/more presence. With a neautral background like this, you can do a lot to transform the space. Be creative and enjoy your new home!!.

You would be surprised how much better that floor will look when you paint those cabinets ,keep the floors and paint the cabinets

flair lighting and iDeal Kitchen Plans, thank you! flair lighting I agree that the kitchen seems somehow unfinished, I think a backsplash and new lighting will make a big change as you note, and I was thinking of another option to keep the cabinets the wood stain and just updating the counter tops. iDeal Kitchen, great idea to sell the existing cabinets to offset expense of new ones if we went that direction. Thank you!

yes new counters, back slash, and lighting. I like the color of the the wood floors and cabinets. I do like the idea of painting some walls too, before you take the plunge on the floors or the kitchen.

One more thought. If you end up deciding to paint the walls, consider adding a bit more to the crown molding. Pick a simply half round piece of trim and run it about 1" below the existing. Paint it, the inch and the existing crown all white, or whatever trim color you end up going with. A very cost effective upgrade.

My vote is for staining the wood cabinets to the same color as your china cabinet. The darker cabinet color will contrast the lighter counters and that should look nice.
You should also paint the kitchen walls. You can take inspiration from the color on the counters. A light mustard shade would work, I think.
Looks like backsplash and new lighting are much needed.
The floors look great to me as are the counters. I am not very fond of the rug though.
Have fun !!!

I like the cabinets as they are- do not care for the color of the floor at all. You may want to consider removing the 4" backsplash and just have the counters run right to the wall. A new paint color on the walls could also be considered? Looks pretty nice overall!

Your cabinets and floors are so harmonious and look to be in beautiful shape. The "dead" vibe you're getting is from the countertops and lack of backsplash. Consider getting a really dramatic light fixture for over the island. I would paint the china cabinet before the cabinets in some incredible color (if it doesn't belong to the previous owner). Reupolster the dining chairs in something cutting edge that coordinates with whatever accent colors you add. You have a beautiful space so you might want to live with it for a bit to see what inspiration comes to you.

Instead of buying new cabinets I would simply paint them an off white and buy new handles. That would be a much cheaper option. Also I would buy darker quartz countertops which are cheaper than granite and I love the idea for an aqua backsplash and maybe get bright colored bar stools for extra accent and color.

Hope this helps, Maddy :)

Thank you all for your feedback - it's all been incredibly helpful! The furniture is actually all from the previous owner and we're starting from scratch so have a lot of work to do, but I think giving the kitchen some punch to liven up the "dead" vibe so many of you have commented on will do a lot for this condo. I think I'm going to go with the updated counter tops, a back splash and statement lights for the island, and paint the walls, color for that TBD. Leave the floors and the cabinets as they really are in great shape. Thank you!

I do agree leave the floors , the cabinets have already been upgraded, if you don't like the color then paint them over. I think a back splash and some under counter lighting will make it pop and put your money into something else.

I'd leave those great cabinets. Do counters & splash, then decide if the floor needs a new color. Do the walls need paint?

Have you considered changing two main doors to a frosted glass look introduce lighting in the frosted cabinet by using led flextape lighting to the cabinets as well as undercounter and overcounter.

Add a narrow valence painted either dark brown or black to give it punch.

Change the window treatment by adding hanging stained glass art, like lovebirds on a branch.

Your space is amazing. Pull a colour from your chair cushions and paint your walls accordingly.

Keep the hanging pendant over the island.

I would add another set of pendants over the dining table or a narrow pendant with black banding around rectangular light fixture.

Handles on the cupboards are expensive and worth keeping. I just added this style to a few of my kitchen cupboards, especially under the sink doors, they function beautifully.

Love the cabinets and floors...their in great shape. I vote for backsplash, counters and lighting....they will make a huge difference. Specifically the lighting.

If the wall opposite the cabinets had the same style... floor to ceiling cabinets for added storage that would have been awesome.