Check out this discussion, it may answer some of your questions:

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/kitchen-with-too-much-oak-dsvw-vd~285063

For a few more specific ideas, I'd say: use a cabinet transformation kit to take the cabinets several shades darker, add a tile back splash, take down the curtain and the wood valance over the window, new lighting fixture, new cabinet hardware, and, if budget allows, stainless steel appliances. You could give this kitchen a totally new look without breaking the bank.

Ok take down that granny curtain and switch out handles and knobs to more updated sophisticated knobs and handles. Also take doors off and have a carpenter remove the centers and put glass in them. You will be so happy you didnt pull off all of those cabinets and just changed the doors.Paint window trim white. Thats it your kitchen is cute already.

I say add a glass tiled backsplash with a new in stock counter top from home Depot. You can make that kitchen look totally new for under $500 just by doing that!

Great ideas. With a countertop I have noticed new styles do not have the 4 inch edge on the wall comments on that back edge also should I remove that bulkhead built in look on top of cupboards..not sure what would be in there? Trying to modernize on a single fathers budget. Thank you for all the help

When you ask about cabinet color Greg, are you considering painting or was there another plan?

If painting, I recently saw a light gray painted kitchen here that was amazing! It would work beautifully with your white appliances. I agree with Jennifer re: a new countertop from HD or Lowes. Some of the formica type tops right now are gorgeous.

I'm not a fan of the 4" backsplash. I'd skip that and find a tile blend to go from the counter to the cabinet. If you were to go with a black/dark gray countertop, there is one stone blend that HD used to have that was a mix of light color stone, black glass, dark brown glass and one other material. It would tie everything in beautifully!

thank you everyone...great ideas and comments
I did pull down the granny curtains and also cross board above the sink...looking better and more modern already.........now need a new over the sink and kitchen light.....wow this is fun creating a look...thanks to all who shared their ideas

Wow, that gray kitchen is beautiful! I also agree with new hardware on the cabinets. Cheap fix that gives you a lot of "new look" that is super easy and fast! Funny how something so small has such an impact. I think your idea of a new light will also update the kitchen quickly.

Here is another re-done kitchen

Here is the next phase......

What is the cabinet color? Is it white..or a pale grey? Looks white.

Jayme....they are white with stainless steel rod style handles...I am thinking a blackish granite for the counter top...ideas?

The cabinets look fabulous...which white paint did u use? Yes, blank granite would look great...How about your backsplash? I like these...think they would work with black granite.

What a difference, great job!

jayme..i like the second one..however have never did tiling before..kinda thought of pure mirror..i have never seen it before...but it seems like i could measure and have someone cut it to the size....crazy thought probably?

Greg, it looks like a whole new kitchen! Nice work ;-)

Re: tiling - check Home Depot or Lowes. I think they make tile sheets now that are peel and stick. Personally, I'd stay away from mirror. The thought of keeping it clean and streak free just doesn't appeal to me.

@Greg...IDK about mirror either..have not seen that myself..we are too messy at our house to use that! LOL..

Just found some pics on HOUZZ

Greg, you have done a amazing job so far!!!

Phase 3.....granite countertops

Our new line of ultra thin LED under cabinet lighting would really help to upgrade your space as well. All of the lights have built in diffusers too so you won't get a glare on the tiles or countertops. And best of all, it's very user friendly to install so you might not even need an electrician's help if you wanted to install the lighting yourself.

It has interchangeable LED light bars and LED puck lights that you can choose from, in two colors of white (soft or neutral). Soft white is definitely preferred in kitchen lighting - and since they're dimmable too you can create a any atmosphere you want.

Complimentary design advice from our lighting specialists at (888) 880-1880 if you need any help!

http://www.environmentallights.com/led-under-cabinet-lighting/environmentallights-premium-modular-led-under-cabinet-lighting/led-under-cabinet-lights.html

You're just clicking right along Greg! It looks great. Backsplash next? Youve got to be closing in on the finish line ;-)

Would love to see an update! My current kitchen looks like your original kitchen. We bought our place two years ago, and I need to do SOMETHING.

Yes , Greg.....where are you? Your kitchen was coming so nicely....