Concentrate on improving configuration. Most people want to see the kitchen sink under the window. Main kitchen sink in island is very awkward for prep and cleanup. White electric range looks bad. You seen to have quite a bit of space and could use it lots better.

While the sink doesn't have to be under a window, I agree that the island needs improvement. Would you be able to add about one foot of countertop to the the right of the sink? (Right - from the perspective of looking at the sink.) This looks like an open concept kitchen what does the adjoining room look like?

This light grey would look good: Of course white: Black and light tan would be dramatic:

This looks like the kitchen is the heart of the home, combined with the room adjoining. Young kids have a lot of things.

I think the whole kitchen redo would benefit from assessing whether you have appropriate storage in it. The pot rack indicates that you don't have good storage space convenient to the stove. Some adjacent cabinet might be reconfigured with pull out shelves, such as the one to the left of the stove.

Have you decluttered your kitchen cabinets in the last year? Kids get bigger and don't need the same plastic items, for example.

Black countertops are a pain to keep looking good. Something lighter and more variegated would be attractive and easier to keep looking nice.

As for cabinet style or color, try pulling out a drawer to find the manufacturer's name inside. Then look at their website to see what you like. Find a showroom near you and go take a look. Swapping doors and drawer fronts in the same manufacturer's line can be easy if you have standard (not custom) size cabinets without face frames (your cabinets do not have face frames).

You might consider using an over-the-range microwave/hood combo to save space if you intend to replace appliances.

I would suggest that if you are keeping the island as is, adding on a second higher level would be an excellent way to block dishes from view. You could add some narrow tall shelves or cabinets to the back of the island and then use the new black granite on both surfaces. You'll have more storage with relatively little expense or loss of space in the rest of the room. I also second the use of a combined microwave and venting system. It will provide you with the potential for additional counter space or even some shelving to help with storage issues.

A shiny black countertop is not practical unless you want to constantly maintain it. Also, I went with dark granite and can't always see where the smudges are until I'm seated. Matte finish is the way to go or a lighter countertop so you can instantly tell where your mess is left behind. Also made the mistake of getting a black sink. Had to wax it all the time so the water spots did not show. Learn as you go or use Houzz!

I'd start by reconfiguring the cabinets I had, just a bit. Look like a door front that's common so to add a few more units shouldn't be a problem. From the picture, it would appear that you could use another bank of drawers or two. White cabinetry and black granite always look fresh and clean. A hot, clean micro-fibre cloth can do wonders for the high shine on the black.

I had a granite worktop "starburst"- and agree with rhea60 above.

Had a baker friend who had to have black countertops - never could get all the flour up!

Please be careful of matte or honed finished counter tops. There is research that suggests the hills and valleys created in solid service counter tops to have the matte/honed finish are bacteria traps. It might explain the challenge decoenthusiaste's friend has with the flour.

You have plenty of great suggestions above but I'd like to add that if you see a more intensive kitchen renovation in your future that painting your cabinets right now is a great way to change it up without a huge input of money but also consider using a laminate counter top in a dark colour as a test to see if you like this option. You could also consider painting your cabinets a dark brown, change the handles and leave your counter tops as is.

It looks like you could benefit from some better storage solutions as well.

Dark countertops will required increasing the quantity and intensity of the lighting in the kitchen due to the absorptive nature of dark objects, so make sure you include funds in your budget for more lighting or consider going with a lighter colored countertop. Agree with Mary, stay away from honed or matte finishes as their maintenance requirements may tax you and your family.
Consider the fact that refacing cabinets will not improve their functionality, only their appearance. As another poster pointed out, it is apparent you are short on storage. If you remove the soffit and replace the cabinets (at least the uppers) you will gain more storage and functionality.

Dark countertops will required increasing the quantity and intensity of the lighting in the kitchen due to the absorptive nature of dark objects, so make sure you include funds in your budget for more lighting or consider going with a lighter colored countertop. Agree with Mary, stay away from honed or matte finishes as their maintenance requirements may tax you and your family.
Consider the fact that refacing cabinets will not improve their functionality, only their appearance. As another poster pointed out, it is apparent you are short on storage. If you remove the soffit and replace the cabinets (at least the uppers) you will gain more storage and functionality.

How about a green kitchen?


http://houzz.com/photos/4723971

White is probably the safest option for painting the cabinets, however multiple colors can be a lot of fun. Perhaps you should consider putting in a new island so that you can make it a bit larger, incorporate a pull out waste bin, and add a raised eating bar. You could make the new island a wood finish, or an interesting accent color (charcoal, blue, red, etc).

If you can't reconfigure the kitchen to better suit your needs, look at other spaces in the same area. We needed lots more storage for the kitchen but nowhere to go. There is a pass through to the garage that holds the washer dryer and a closet, some cabinets, but still not enough. We're moving the washer dryer to a bathroom, and reconfiguring the utility as a pantry. Oh the storage we will have! LOL!. So look at your adjoining spaces, and see if there is a nook, a closet, or some space that you can grab for more storage.

And are the cabinets still in good shape? Rather than pick a granite and paint the cabinets, if you like them, and they're in good shape, take a door to your local granite yard/big box hardware store, and see if you like something that goes with the cabinet. Save your self time, money, and future maintenance.

Love uba tuba (not absolute) on my 2 bathroom vanities - would not have them in kitchen. Have white granite with grey-ish streak in kitchen and love it. Get 12 x 12 granite samples, not a sliver so you can really see the upkeep. Good luck.
Agree with moving sink off island. I've had it both ways (cottage came with sink in island) - it took constant attention when having friends and family over. Think abt just getting water for the coffee pot, etc. I'll leave the window placement to you. Have fun.
Ps choose cabinet color, granite, knobs, and lighting in one package. Put samples on a scrap of heavy cardboard. You can swap out samples as you begin to make your decisions. Then add the paint....try looking for an inspiration piece, first - you may have it in your belongings.....some times it art or a favorite basket, photo, or in my case it was the colorful knobs I found for the two bathrooms. One was cayenne that lead to accent wall, the other was tourquoise blue so the accent wall was carribean cool. That blue was easy to accessorize, but towels/rugs in cayenne were challenging.

Heads up guys- this post was from 2012!