What are the overall plans for updating? I am not sure, is the hardware the only thing being changed?

AS YOU SEE IT:
New hardwood floors were put in. The granite is new. The sink and faucet is new. The white appliances are new.

SINCE THIS PIC:
The cook top has been upgraded. An over-the-cooktop hood fan has been installed; it is brushed nickle, I think.

THE DEBATES:
Replace the tile?

Replace the brass ceiling lights in the kitchen and matching mudroom? The sunshine ceiling (fluorescent) is trimmed in shiny brass and the join between the hardwood and new tile floor is trimmed in brass. There is a brass chandelier over the dining room table in the eat-in part of the kitchen; its a real antique.

Paint the cupboards white or cream? (This same cabinetry is in the adjoining mud room and the main bathroom down the hall.) I'm suggesting no, simply because mom is allergic to paint.

CURRENT ISSUE:
Should the 1980's antique brass cabinet hardware be replaced? If so, with which style and finish?

...Pam

I can't decide whether I love the illuminated soffit or I think it should go but I think if it were me I would love it. Looks like the back splash is going - what's the idea for it? Change the finish on the handles you need to change the exposed hinges. Antique brass is back so I would just change the handles to a different shape (mixing metals is fine). If possible I might ditch the scallop over the window and then add a new window treatment, something with pattern and colour (I'd do draperies but a Roman or a valance will work). Looks like the light might be a florescent under there - I'd swap it out for a cute fixture. I like the oak and the partial overlay so I don't think they have to go a lot further to have a very sharp update.

I'd replace the doors but don't paint. Nothing is worth making your mom sick...I think a neat slab front would be a cleaner look. That will match the drawer fronts that look fine.
Also:
lose the valance
new bs
maybe new light fixture, but keep the "sunshine ceiling"
I'd change the hardware even if you go for a similar finish

Friday night posting tends to produce vague statements for some of us. Mixing finishes in the kitchen is OK (ie brushed nickel faucet with aged brass hardware) but I wouldn't mix them on the cabinetry (hinges should match handles - I think) is what I meant. I don't think shiny brass is coming back so I would ditch it where I could (where you can't you might think about trying to dull it down). I'm almost rid of my shiny brass and it feels a lot less 80's around here (thankfully).

Yes, ditch the wall tile. It looks really dated. One of those colored glass mosaics (in light green, perhaps) in the 1" squares might look great here, against the black and the oak. I don't think subway tile would work, however--the detail on the cabinet doors is too ornate for that; the styles would clash. Here's a link--these glass mosaic tiles are rectangular instead of being 1" squares but this is mainly to give you an idea for color.

Here is a link that might be useful: Backsplash

When she replaces the backsplash, take it around and over the greenhouse window. She could (probably) get a granite piece cut for the window as well. It would help update that area.

I say "probably" due to weight, but I had a greenhouse window built for our last house (kitchen sink window that faced north) and the granite wasn't too heavy for it.

I would replace the backsplash and get simpler hardware but coordinate it with the existing hinges. New ceiling in the kitchen area, brass or nickel. I think brass *is making a stronger comeback, I have started to see it more and more on featured kitchen faucets in ads and in published kitchens.

I would turn the doors around for a flat panel door, stain the cabinets a color or darker, remove the scalloped valence and try to do something with the light soffit. Of course new hardware would be in order.

Mom thanks you for the ideas. She's looking for new handles and lights now.

The cupboards won't be replaced, painted or stained.

There tile will be updated soon.

A granite trim is in place on the backsplash.

The valance can't come down, its hiding a new, expensive blind. The valance could be replaced or covered with fabric.

...Pam

Please post pix when it is done... I bet it looks nice ;)

Latest photo

This was almost my mom's kitchen! She just replaced this exact tile and her darker brown 70s cabinets, and the scalloped wood valance is similar, too. Truthfully, I kinda miss hers, and in your mom's kitchen, I think the valance coordinates nicely with the curved panels of the cabinets. Not modern, no, but there's some nice character there, IMO. The new backsplash and cabinet hardware will make a big change. And while the lighted soffit thing is likely dated, I think I'd love the utility of it in person.

I like the idea of switching the doors so the inside is outside. Will this work?

If this works, is is possible to put in a much more more modern cab handle?

Although you need a valence over the sink, you don't need THAT one. Could you cut off the curves? Or replace with a fabric covered one that is recessed a bit so it's closer to your new shades? (a fabric that coordinates with the new countertop and the browns would be good) or....

Also, is your mom really good with putting tile on the floor? What about a laminate with some personality?

Here is a link that might be useful: $$11.16 Schaub pull as an example of a mod brass pull

prairiedawnpam: The lighting and the range hood and the peninsula surfacing are not "country." I urge you to rethink the "traditional country" label--so it doesn't trap you in choices. Think "eclectic" or "transitional" or "gently modern." This will help you in consideration of materials.

I have a white appliances kitchen. It's possible to make it rather "now" and it's definitely possible to update an 80s look without going to stainless steel. Strongly urge you NOT to go black in appliances.

What accent colors does Mom like?

try Kraft Maid and seek a valance that is arched-they could really closely match the stain color is my bet. The scallop pattern is the thing to update-not the valance itself.