A new, lighter floor will help the space feel better, but I'm afraid it's going to make those cabinets look and feel even more outdated. If you absolutely cannot replace the cabinetry, then paint and new hardware are in order.

It also depends on what style you prefer. The raised panel (at least that is what it appears to be) doors are always going to look traditional, but painting them will subdue some of the profile.

Maybe an off-white or a mix of colors - like off white and this green-gray.


You can also leave the island stained and go with off-white on the rest of the cabinets.


Good luck.

as far as cabinets go, it all depends on your budget.
Installing new pulls can change the look a bit for -$
or just paint what you have now for -$$
or new doors and crown molding can drastically change the look for -$$$

what about a skylight? bringing in natural light will make a room feel larger.

rustoleumtransfromations.com may have the product for you. If your countertops are laminate see "Instant Granite" for another solution. The posts I've seen here and at HGTV's Rate My Space are in the 4-5 star range.

Thanks, the countertops are granite. This is the "upgrade" the sellers put in the house before we bought it. The countertops are ok, venetian, i think. I have thought about new floor, staining, new hardware and don't know what my options would be or if I could add the a "top row" of smaller cabinets with glass doors or replace a few cabinets to add some dimensions? I may paint in the future but for now do you think restaining would make things worse?

Like this?

I suspect restaining would be an incredible amount of work for minimal return. You have to looove the style and shape of the cabinets in order to go through all that trouble of stripping, staining, sealing.

Just curious: do you find yourself feeling concerned over the fact that these are "custom cabinets?" If so, it's important to remember that these are someone else's custom cabinets...from 34 years ago - - not yours, now. Do what will make you happy and what will work best for your home and lifestyle (and budget).

A backsplash could help enliven our space as well, for an affordable price! We can help you custom match tile to your counters (subtle complements are our specialty, and we offer free design consultation!) or you could go with something very modern like stainless steel or mirror. These choices will reflect light around the room, which would help your concern with the dark cabinets.

1. Backsplash
2. Lighting (pendents above island, cans above the counter-edge, something nice over the sink, and perhaps some on the cabinets (lighting the ceiling) hidden by #3...
3. Crown Molding
4. Replace doors flanking window with Glass doors (easy, relatively inexpensive)
5. Work on the island - theres plenty of room with the counter overhang on the sides and back... perhaps add some columns (you can find them yourself at a number of websites, google kitchen columns), then add a framed panel across the back and sides. Ask someone to recommend a good finish carpenter if you're not handy enough to tackle it well by yourself

All doable, will freshen the space considerably without gutting it.

Thank you okmrazor!! All things I have thought of at some point, but wonderful to hear from someone else and in an order to start!! THANK YOU!

Great space! How do you want the room to feel? Clean and bright, rustic and warm, modern and fun? Find an inspiration piece: an antique corbel, a great fabric or rug and go from there! What were you thinking for the floors: wood or something lighter?

Here are some thoughts I have..
It appears that your fridge is stainless. If the budget allows I would rip out the old hood over the stove and put in a stainless one in it's place. There are many options to choose from here, but I would stick to a traditional style that matches with the rest of the space.
Definatley, change out the cabinet hardware and update that.
To the top of the cabinets I would add a thick crown moulding. Continue the crown moulding over the sink area and under the crown add an arch to unify to left and right cabinets. This will also soften the long horizontal line that is there.
The island being dark adds to the older look of the cabinetry. Try adding columns under the over hang and a base moulding to ground it. Finally, paint the island a creamy white to brighten up the space. Use the same hardware to unify the look.
To tie in the cabinetry to the island add a creamy backsplash behind the cabinets.
I would also lighten the whole kitchen with a fresh coat of light paint. I would stick to creams or mochas that are very light in a satin finish to add more reflective properties to the room. One option would be Benjamin Moores' Grey Mist. Its a soft tan that matches different woods very nicely.
For the floors, a vinyl flooring that looks like wood would be practical, easy to clean, warm on cold days, doesn't scratch from dogs, kids etc, and is easier on the budget. Choose a medium light flooring to offset the dark cabinets and bring in the sunshine.
To end you may want to address the lighting. I think recessed lighting in the kitchen is essential. It would add warmth and practicality to the space.
Here are some pics to help demonstate the ideas:

Good luck and post the photos when you finish :-)

Fantastic ideas here...love the lower right hand corner photo for this space! Simple changes like painting the island, pendant fixtures, a vibrant window treatment and I think the cabinets go from looking dark and outdated to a warm rustic look that will look wonderful with the countertops. Changing the floor will make a huge difference...maybe a creamy limestonish looking tile.