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Thank you minemine. I'm tending to agree with you on the valance. Anyone else have input?
Until a few years ago, my house was almost like a museum. Lol. I have been going room by room and trying to update, but still have a problem getting rid of ALL my old stuff. Plus some of it is family pieces or were gifts from special people. I love a modern look but seem to have too much old that I can't get rid of yet. :( On the Nate Berkus show, a lady once said that she was tired of her house being full of dead people's stuff. I agree with that so much. I want it to be my stuff! :)

I wasn't sure which was the before and after initially. I would get rid of all the dark wood if you want a more updated look. I'm not crazy about the blue with the dark wood molding and cabinetry. Also get rid of your antique sign if you want to have a more updated look. I actually like the original look because the paint, floors and cabinetry were compatible. I think you need to make more changes to make the new look work.

I would lose the valance.
It looks dated and the cleaner window would update the space.
Add a fabulous framed poster (maybe vintage?) or knockout canvas artwork to the bare wall space.
Pull an accent color from the artwork for an area rug as well.

The valence is down! :). Great ideas! Thank you!

I agree with everyone about the valance, (and the shelf above,) it dates the space. I think the new color is a very good improvement. I'm usually not a fan of such a bold color on walls but I think in this space it is great. I wouldn't worry too much about having "dead people's stuff", lol. I think Nate Berkus would agree that pieces with a story are so wonderful. (Like in his latest book, which is fabulous.) New isn't necessarily better, you just need to continually edit and ask yourself if what you have is meaningful to you. If the Antique sign stays I would hang it. :) Yay for new washer and dryer!

If you are interested in more modernizing, perhaps paint the cabinets and trim moldings a crisp white. I think adding some industrial looking accessories (like some wire Baskets) would help mesh the antique / country items and still update the space. I agree about the valance and I think either paint the shelf or change it out to a thicker floating shelf in white or metallic silver. Also, the antique sign would look great hanging on the wall as someone else had mentioned. Good luck! You are on the right path!