I think that white cabinets with a dark countertop would look great and update your kitchen. For the backsplash, think about a tile mosaic with some natural stone + glass and/or ceramic tile (that might make cleanup easier).

The pics attached are examples of tile backsplash with glass and stone.

Hope that helps! And good luck!

well what immediately caught my eye was the paint which seems to scream 1990s or even 80s.. Thats what you need to work on first. and then change the backsplash.. Since you cannot change your cabinetry, then go ahead and concentrate on great lookng counters. If you could afford stone or corian, consider it. I wouldn't even suggest repainting the cabinetry unless you get it professionally done. painting is tricky. every paint brush stroke would show as opposed to spray painting it.

Why not reface or refinish the cabinets for a beautiful, simple update?

Hi!
So, looking at the photos of your kitchen, you actually have a lot to work with. (Which is both good and bad.)

First off, I'd suggest repainting the wall to a natural cream colour, since the pink screams "retro". It will brighten up the space, and match the counter colour.

Then, as the other commentator suggested, bedazzling the sink wall with tiles, and other areas near the cabinets with either grey, white, black, or even earthy shades will improve the outdated look. http://houzz.com/photos/45350 / http://houzz.com/photos/242408

I would also highly recommend removing those dingy old looking chairs. As much as they're comfortable, they don't coordinate with a modern look. Replace them with either high set black or white chairs. http://houzz.com/photos/26013

Adding contemporary and stylish plants will also spice up the area. You can find great faux plants at IKEA, and some great real ones too. The modern look nowadays is in glass containers, or white pots. http://houzz.com/photos/531524 / http://houzz.com/photos/56748

Also I would loose that main kitchen lamp in the middle, it's very olden. As for the counter, the color is fine, but I would change it to marble (if it isn't already). Plus, where the stovetop is, the fan above doesn't match most of the kitchen's appearance, so I would go for a new, and shiny metal one.

That's the most that I noticed, and I hope it helps! Best of luck on renovating and creating a modern kitchen! :)) Remember to have fun

I like the paint colors...looks like you have a teal shade in the DR? So happy to see someone embracing color instead of always beige or grey!

I can't speak to painting the cabinetry except that many people are lauding chalk paint because you don't have sand and prime, only clean, the cabinets. If it was something you were interested in, I'd do a little research first. If the dusty salmon is your color choice, I don't think white would be the way to go...probably more cream or taupe. I'm pretty sure you know that already because you mentioned the natural stone backsplash, which would be the right tone.

I've also heard people speak of a gel stain that would darken your cabinets without a lot of trouble. You could try to get a richer color like your stools. Again, do some research.

It doesn't look like you have any knobs or pulls. You might want to think about installing some - would go a long way to updating and only requires some measuring and a drill! Make a template for the knobs and the pulls and you can use it - front and back - for each cabinet to get them all the same.

I know what you mean about the stone being porous. If you have a Tile store nearby, talk with them about that. They can let you know if it is a problem or not. As an option, there are so many great ceramic tiles, some that look like stone.

You love the barstools that have dark seats so you could consider that for your countertop, if you like some contrast. Of course the other option would be to match it to the tone of your backsplash. Don't try to incorporate the peach because, while it is pretty on the wall, it is TOO much for the counter. Keep it simple.

And, I would consider taking that vent and painting it black to match your other appliances.

I am presently refreshing my kitchen which also has oak cabinets - but with the simple roman arch rather than the cathedral arch. I have been to three kitchen design centers and one cabinet maker this weekend for information about a new wood stove hood - more on that later. The funny thing was that all three design centers had both roman arch and cathedral arch cabinets on display. I asked if they were still selling those and they said yes, they were. When I got to the cabinet maker, he was getting some brand new custom make cabinets ready to load - and they had a cathedral arch! Apparently, no one in my town watches HGTV, or else they are rebelling against being told what is in or out:) I will admit that the design centers did say white cabinets were on the upswing.

The walls in my kitchen are cream - with lots of light blue accents. I love the combination of browns with creams and blues, so if you wish to lighten the color up, think about those as possible wall colors. My mother has the same cabinets you do and has light blue backsplash and I think cream wall and she has a very bright and cheery kitchen.

I am refinishing my cabinets - I prefer wood to white, though white is pretty. I got about one-forth stripped this week working in my spare time. It will probably take me a month. I am not sure of the new stain because I do want to keep things light. The old finish was failing and yellowing, so I am thinking of keeping them light, more natural. I am replacing my metal range hood vent with a wood one - unfinished. I will finish it to match the cabinets.If you wanted a more modern look, you could remove the two cabinets above the stove and instal a stainless T vent. I am short and have the same microwave cabinet. It is too high for me and my daughters so I plan to put the microwave on the counter and retrofit that cabinet with spice box drawers and possibly a plate rack.

I already have a glass door cabinet - you may want to consider having the panel removed in the diagonal corner cabinet and replaced with glass, or other cabinets too.

If you paint your cabinets, just be aware that oak is not a paint grade wood because the texture of the wood shows through the paint. You can still paint oak, and many do not mind the texture showing through, but others do.

If you keep the cabinets wood, be careful about choosing a small glass tile backsplash. The grain in the oak adds movement to the wood. A small tile backsplash also adds movement. Too much movement can make a busy looking combination. The small tile backslashes look best with white cabinets or dark cabinets. On top of that, my tile guy thinks they will be dated soon and lack timeless appeal - however go with what you love.

light blue and cream with oak:

I love the combo of wood and white. My kitchen does have white window casings and baseboards like this one:

Glass in doors, simple backsplash, updated hardware:

Modern stainless vent:

I actually don't mind oak cabinets, and would probably want to keep them or re-finish versus painting them. Everyone is doing white cabinets. I think that blue looks nice with oak, a grey countertop, and light backsplash.

Looks like you kind of like modern craftsman. The light over the sink and the flush mount both have that and the table in the dining room could swing that way too. I'm thinking new door hardware is all you need as far as the cabinet they fit your style. The wall color has to go it just doesn't work now or with anything really. Look through some photos in that flavor..

Maybe stain them darker?

Since you like color, I'm going to point you to a blog where the woman completely redid her kitchen for $900. It's gorgeous and looks expensive.http://blog.toolboxdivas.com/2015/04/900-and-1000-hours-later-finally.html

Don't be afraid to paint your cabinets!!! Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is so easy to do! I'm doing my bathroom cabinets right now. No sanding, no prepping. Just clean and paint! I had horrible laminate kitchen cabinets, painted them, and love them now! Painting would make you fall in love with your kitchen again. If you want a stain, Java gel.

I'm not quite done yet, but 100% better ! Ugly old laminate!! Kinda wish I had gone with the lighter color I'm doing my bathroom cabinets in, bit it's so easy, I can always do over!

There is a Facebook group that gives you some great ideas of how easy this is to do yourself. It is, Grillo Designs Home Decorating, Upcycling and DIY Group. Hope I'm not breaking any rules posting that here!

I have those oakcavinets in my kitchen and we love them. I would paint the walls a different color. We have light gold walls and the walls look great with those cabinets. A middle shade of green (sage) would look very nice. I would paint the bar stools white and reupholster the chairs. In addition, granite is much cheaper now. A speckled or black granite with a glass mosaic backsplash would look great. Don't forget the undermounted sink, and black iron knobs that would fantastic. I wouldn't paint those cabinets. Just because they are not as popular now, doesn't mean they won't be again in 5 yrs or so. The important thing is the granite and sparklie backsplash.Good luck!

another option is to pick an upper cabinet and remove the doors - paint the interior wall an color that pops and have some open shelving

Your layout is really good. I think a fabulous countertop and backspash will make a huge difference.

This is Cambria Windermere. I love the movement and the warm colors. (I have it in my kitchen with stained maple cabinets. My friend has it in her kitchen with espresso colored cabinets.)

Your cabinets and layout are in great shape! I suggest....

- Professionally painting cabinets white.

- Add a darker counter top (forgo the 4" backsplash they suggest at the countertop store) in a dark grey. Silestone is easy on the budget and easy to maintain.

- Add a backsplash similar to what @melissa suggested.

- Add new hardware and a vent hood to match your stainless steel appliances

....and you'd have a "new" kitchen!