My oh my. That's a lot of stuff! It's difficult to take on a huge project like that all at once so I think it's best, if you want Houzzer's help, to narrow it down to your most pressing dilemma to begin. Without re-reading your entire post, what I remember is that you were wanting to change the kitchen cabinets. Frankly, I think they are all right. Different colors of wood go well in a mountain cabin. In fact, I think the more wood tones, the better. You don't need to change your cabinets right now. The refrigerator is all right too, for now. If you want to change your counters, you could go with butcher block, although they need a little more maintenance than laminate or granite. Granite seems to be the choice for residential kitchens these days, but I think it's too much for your small kitchen and an unnecessary expense, It's supposed to be rustic. My cousin has a log home and she and her husband just added a wrap around deck that is so attractive. See picture below. I think you should paint the exterior of your cabin a color found in nature, such as brown, or very dark green, or both. A medium tan would work well too. I would try to blend into the environment. The current colors are quite bright. When you've figured out which part of the home you'd like to tackle, submit a much streamlined dilemma and I think more people will jump in.

i agree with sassy, there are so many things in there, that i think you should start with a decision regarding the kitchen and DR situation. Some measurements of everything and where openings are located would be a big help too.

so upfront, just for your background thought to mull over, my vote for trim or possibly the bottom floor, though i think trim it would be perfect for. i call it p.allen smith green. He is an international gardener -sorry, i am on oxygen, my brain burps from too much or too little and i forget my words. Anyway, he uses this on his estate and farm.

this is a green, so dark it often looks black, but it is a great trim. with white, cream, green-like sage, brown, etc. Think dark forest.

Next I am for the external doors to porch, anything to get more light.

Kitchen, do the two of you work in there? does it feel cramped, are you updating, just cause you think it needs doing? I have very old cabinets that have grooves something like yours. I am going to paint them creamy white, bright to dark blue in the main groove, yellow in the narrow ones. Probably chalk paint, it is supposed to be easy to work with? i think that when i do that to the wood walls-same wood as the cabinets and the wood cabinets, it ought to give my kitchen a whole new life!

Knocking out the wall to the bedroom. On the surface - great! have you thought of resale? is that a problem? If that is not a problem, how about maybe using it to have a half bath, a pantry, enlarge the kitchen, maybe move part of the living room over there, so your dining table can be in front of the counter? It does not make sense to me to walk from the kitchen through your living room to a dining room when there are only 2 of you? a lot of times we watch in front of the tv, or playing a game. I would surely want to spend time eating on the porch. I leave you to ponder these things, then maybe you can narrow down, what you think the first project should be? Have fun. talk soon. if you say something we will come back in.

Thank you both for your suggestions! I realized after posting that I had included too much information. I got so inspired after reading about the Ward Clever cabin kitchen renovation, I finally saw a posting with some of the same issues I am having. You both helped me solve some important key points.

You both helped me decide to keep the existing kitchen cabinets. I like the idea of butcher block counters. I'm replacing the carpeting in the kitchen, and adding a farm sink.

I like Classy's cousins deck that's exactly what I'm thinking, and I like your suggestion to paint the exterior to blend in with nature. Thanks for suggesting Rookwood paint too. It's a good accent color.

As for the archway from the living room where I'd loose a bedroom. I don't think it will be an issue for resale. I'll still have 4 bedrooms left and it's just the two of us. It would also help with light flow, and crate more living area. I'll post a floor plan so you can see what I'm thinking.

Thanks again!

anytime, just post here and we will come back.