Thanks for all the help! We are going to keep the structure of the kitchen as it is. We plan to get rid of the pot rack, fill in the gap in the ceiling above the island, and enlarge the island and center it in the kitchen. The cabinets have to be replanned due to some issues with the way it was last renovated. Any thoughts in terms of a new island, ie color of both island and counter? Glass backsplash is a great idea too.

I personally like white cabinets with grey walls to brighten the space up a bit more, but I always love the way a dark grey looks against a lighter grey wall color. Check out the photos for some inspiration. Good luck!

N A : I have no idea why people take the time to try and talk you out of what you want to do. I had an oak kitchen everyone “loved” - except me. So I changed it to ivory and couldn’t be happier. You need to get poster board and start trying out various ivories and soft whites in your house. Hang the poster boards on different cabinets to see how they react to different light at different times of day. Hold onto the referral to the good painter and get a quote. After painting the cabinets, you can brave another post for changing the countertop and backsplash. Remember, the lighting may need some changes even after your kitchen is a lighter, brighter color.

It would be for the adjoining dining room. We are knocking out walls to make an open plan kitchen and dining room so I don't have photos of the space. We haven't selected a dining room table yet but will likely go with a harvest-style table.