I would update the backslash with a tan subway tile and a mosaic accent that can also go up and around above the stove. Also, if your island is butcher block, the gloss on it looks a little dated, so I would sand it down and refinish and stain with a very light color, or a darker color to match the knots in your cabinets which are gorgeous! :) You have a nice kitchen, but too much wood. If you decide to upgrade the counters, keep a similar color because that tone works well in your room.

A mosaic and tan subway similar to this. Good Luck selling!! :)

Assuming your market is heating up as it is here (due to low inventory, low interest rates), I don't think it's necessary. You have beautiful cabinets and floors and the island is great. There are some buyers who might be turned off by the needed updates and others who will offer a little less, but the pluses of your kitchen far outweigh the minuses. If you haven't already done so, I would meet with a few real estate agents that specialize in your neighborhood and get their opinions (they will gladly meet with you and walk through your home for free). Obviously, a good local realtor will have the best idea of what buyers want and expect in your market.

I hope you get some opinions from some of the real estate brokers on Houzz - and there are many. You might want to search the "Professionals" section of the site and find a few who seem good to you, and direct them to this post. I say this because I think a lot depends on where you are in the country, and also what price range you're expecting for your home.

That said - I think it's a pretty nice kitchen with good solid cabinetry and RIDICULOUS appliances. ("Ridiculous" in this case being a good thing.) I wouldn't change a thing, unless a real estate broker told me I needed to in order to sell. For example, in many communities buyers have come to expect granite in the kitchen and won't settle for anything less. But IMHO your kitchen has a definite modern rustic vibe, and if that's what folks are used to in your area, I wouldn't expect them to have a huge issue with tile countertops.

That's my two cents - but again, let a local realtor guide you in your decision. You could end up saving thousands. (Granite ain't cheap.)

Thanks for your help! I do have a realtor and she too is on the fence. We have someone coming by tomorrow to offer suggestions.
My house is 13 years old. People love the island.
I am thinking of using a stager (im frightened by accessories) and could probably use nice place settings on the bar area.

Jubi- I wasn't crazy about the cabinetry but that dang stove called my name!

I would suggest changing the top on your island, as you have a professional oven and range hood set-up. Perhaps quartz stone(off-white), or corian free floating on the top.

I would be easy to phone around and get a price on doing this: installation would be easy.
Perhaps another alternative is stainless steel sheeting.
The tiles and splash back are fine- I wouldn't change.

The "rule-of-thumb" for spending on your home improvements (in Australia) is to not exceed more than 5% of the total value of your home. Therefore if your kitchen replacement would cost $30000, then spend around $1500 in the kitchen.

I would also suggest adding colour with some new window blinds.
Perhaps a pattern that replicates the diagonal tiles. both a new island top and new roller blinds would give this lovely kitchen a visual lift.

I would try to sell it the way it is first incase the buyer likes it that way or has other plans before you spend your money on it. If it is having a hard time selling then you might want to look into putting in new granite counters because buyers LOVE granite.

I say .....leave it alone. Very classic looking.

You could also add a backsplash like this one as well. http://houzz.com/photos/744203

The layout of the kitchen looks great too.....I wouldn't worry too much. Someone is going to walk in and love it and see all potential I'm sure. They may even love it the way it is...you never know. And if a man buyer saw it, (a husband perhaps)....he would probably fall hook, line and sinker....men seem to love wood! lol
if you are just putting it on the market, then i would just wait a bit first. If it doesn't sell right away, then listen to some feedback from your realtor from potential buyers. You'll get your answer.

Mp- yes when I first was looking to change things, most men suggested leaving it. My hubby too couldn't understand why anyone would suggest painting cabinetry :)

We are listing for 3 months, then will relist next spring if it doesn't sell. We are downsizing to have a more simple time.
Thank you!

Leave as is - looks fine. I'm sure buyers will find other reasons to give a "reduced offer"

The island butcherblock top is gorgeous. The only thing I'd change would be to replace the undercabinet fluorescent lights with puck lights to get a warmer effect. Cost less than $50. Be sure the recessed lights have incandescent bulbs rather than compact fluorescent. No need for expensive LEDs in each can.

Although the countertops are not the latest fashion, replacing them all with granite is not cost-effective in fast-moving markets. If it were a tiny kitchen, I'd say go ahead and granitize it, but this kitchen is huge, and not worth the risk of installing acres of expensive granite that the buyer will rip out.

If you find a good stager with references that are solid, then do consider hiring her. You've already done the hard work of decluttering most of the normal everyday stuff, if the kitchen is any guide. The stager will add icing on the cake. Be sure all the lights are on when the photos are taken for the MLS.

if you don't like the mosaic you can paint tile--cheap easy fix with the thought that they will redo it in the end.

I think we all agree you have a charming kitchen. apple pie is right. Undercabinet lighting and hire a good stager for the house and it will sell as is.

Maybe I am not normal, but I would buy your house as is. Later I would change the backsplash to white subway and sand the gloss off the island. Don't worry, it is wonderful.

I agree with everyone who says to leave it alone. Yes, some people might not like the tile. but there is always something that someone won't like. I think that if you list it and start to get bad feedback on the tile counters, rather than replace them, I would offer an allowance to the buyer to replace them.

I like the way it is

In regard to comment on under cabinet light color- you can change out the bulbs to a 3200 kelvin and get the warm light vs the cool "blue" you have now. That will bring the lighting "color closer to the warm incandescent "spots" over the cook top.

I am a real estate broker and I would say definitely replace countertops and backsplash with something warm but light with a tone on tone contrast with counters and backsplash. A lot of buyers don't necessary want a project!