Not expensive at all to put glass in existing cab doors, as long as they are sturdy and can be cleanly routed out and refinished (i.e. cut out panel, leave frame). Experiment first on an old door, then move to the least visible of your kitchen cabs. See if you can get a very clean cut that won't need sanding or refinishing. This is work to be done by a skilled finish carpenter but it is easy and quick for an experienced person with the right equipment. Then have glass cut to size at a local glass shop or building supply store and attached securely with clips. You can get frosted, pebbled, wavy glass etc.

I would also suggest lighting inside a couple of "show" cabinets (wine glasses, etc). If you keep some of the cabinet doors solid, use under cabinet lighting. Mount on underside of cabinet, not on the wall. That way it's hidden from view.

The deep pantry cabinet seems to be taking a lot of attention away from the rest of the room. When you do all these great things that may still happen.

Pendant lights would be nice if the bulkhead is removed.

Thanks for your help, all. We are def not married to these glass tiles. Our first choice was in fact glass subway tiles, but I'm having trouble finding cobalt in the glass. Also, we thought adding a coordinating color might break up all the white and blue. Thanks again!

Recessed lighting. Refacing cabinets if the box is in good shape saves some money but don't use big box stores for your best deal

I have just remodeled a beach house as well. One of my favorite things is the quartz countertops. We used white for some areas and a gray on others. The open shelves are working out great for things we use everyday on the lower shelves and decorative and less used things on the top. Other cupboards have glass and some are solid. I love the pendant lights. These are not the ones I planned on, but were conducive to our slated ceiling. There are so many things to think about, but I had a great contractor who began saying"send me that picture you showed me on house".

HI -- The whole ceiling looks dropped . Maybe that could and should all be removed . You should check it out when you remove the light box . Everyone seems to be removing those light boxes now . I hate them and did remove the one I had which was way too big . It made such a change with the visual space when it was gone . Mine was the size of a small boat hanging down. Then you could add some new bright LED pots or track lighting . But this depends on what you do with the ceiling . It would be an easy job to add glass to the cabinet doors . Not a fan of your backsplash choice - a lot of it would be too busy . Maybe more of a textured glass tile in one color like a greenish blue would stand the test of time . Remember - glass tiles have to be back buttered so you don't see the trowel marks through . That wall area should also be painted the same as the walls first too. Three pendant lights are a good idea - lots a great ones now , maybe in a colbalt blue ?? Is the layout of the kitchen working for you - or are you thinking of any changes with that while your at it ? I hope you do raise the ceiling , because the room looks like it's only 7 ft. high now .