Why gray? What are your new appliances did you get a counter depth fridge IMO that island just makes no sense but if you keep it do not angle the corners You need really good lighting the least expensive would be track there are some really nice simple LED track lights . You really should have waited for the new handles until you painted but no problem I would go warm white in the space not gray

Either a very light gray that leans more cream/beige, or just white would be best (maybe the same as the white stools). And maybe trade your chandelier for one that's a little more modern or that matches the new handles.

Your dog is very cute.

Thank you! I'm not set on gray. I thought it would look best since I have white countertops. The island top is corion. The rest is formica. Obviously, I want to change these eventually. I'm open to any suggestions!

That's River dog! Thank you!

Here's an images I like.

If you're looking to update, don't go grey. All sources agree it's headed out. For trendy, go navy base and white upper. I see blue in the adjacent room so this would flow nicely.

Or use you favorite color on the walls and do white cabs, or use your fave color on the cabs and do white walls. Or keep the natural wood and just update the paint color and metal finishes.

Agree with updating lighting.

Agreed on a nice new backsplash - it'll change everything.

Now that Lindsey mentions it, blue could look really cool if you're not opposed to color.

I actually love blue and never thought about the option but I'm really considering that. . Someone mentioned the maple cabinets are fine. What color paint should I do for the walls if I decide to keep the maple cabinets? Style backsplash? Any suggestions or pics of lighting? All these suggestions are great.

Do you want to paint the cabinets? Because that is really what matters, not whether or not "we" think they are fine. I really like the navy and white option.

I actually do like the navy and white option a lot. What do I do with the wood strip on the corian countertop? It will look out of place. My husband and other family members say the maple cabinets are nice so I guess I'm torn. I want it updated as much as possible until I get enough saved to do the whole kitchen. It's my least favorite room in the house right now because to me it looks dated and lacks character.

Navy would definitely give it character! You could probably paint the wood strip to be the same white as the counter if you can't afford replacing it right now.

I think you said you're planning to replace the counters someday? In that case, it might be more practical to simply paint the walls in a fresh color and find light fixtures in your preferred style that match/coordinate with the new hardware. If you paint the cabs now, you might end up repainting before it's necessary when you replace the counters (which is a big expense), or you might feel hemmed in by the cabinet colour which would be disappointing.

You could look at the website of the Paint you used in LR or another room you enjoy, search for the name of the colour and see what they suggest for palettes to go with it. Maybe you will find something you love for the kitchen.

Paint the edge of the island to match the counter.

Oh yeah, and the hinges should be changed out to match the new hardware.

Yes!! I need to change those darn hinges. They are embedded in the cabinet and I can't locate a supplier. Thank you all so much for these great ideas. And yes, I do want to change the countertops and backsplash. I think I'll paint my bar stools white too. I'm super excited about these ideas. I'm a big fan of DIY. Hopefully I'm not taking on too much! I'll post pics with an update.

Eagerly looking forward to the updates! Good luck!

If all else fails, you can spray paint the hinges. Remove first, obviously.

I was also thinking Navy. It would look great!

If down the road you want to redo the kitchen, I would just leave the cabinets. Even if you paint them, I'm afraid you won't achieve that look you're looking for because of the door style and the exposed hinges. It'll be a lot of work for nothing. Don't bother with a backsplash either until the reno. Just paint the back wall for now. Agree with everyone about new light fixture and maybe put a wire basket (something tall) at the end of that island.

And I think that navy and white kitchen above is the absolute bomb. Save your $$ for that!

One last question! How to paint my pantry the navy and white. It's one big piece.

Paint the entire unit whatever colour you choose for the base cabinets.

I think that even with exposed hinges the look can be achieved. Maybe not the exact picture I posted, but there are thousands more to be inspired by in every imaginable style.

Different takes, all with exposed hinges:

Be sure to paint the walls and soffit to match the uppers, and have that colour match the backsplash perfectly.

The two things I dislike about this kitchen is the blah wall color and the wood stripe in the countertop. Nothing else seems to be that bad.

I agree with hockey mom, new paint n ountertop is pretty much all u need to freshen up the kitchen.

I always find it interesting on what people think of as an old, boring, etc etc room, when all a room may need is a little touch up n love to make it shine again...

I agree that the cupboards are pretty and a fresh wall color would make aa attractive difference.

But the OP is uninspired by the room, which is a terrible way to feel about a place that requires so much creativity, like a kitchen. If making a big change is what she wants, I totally get that. I've been there.

Nice kitchen, I would do tops and backsplash leave everything else.

Hello, time to focus:

I agree with Pam98 and Hockeymom84. Consider that your maple cabinets are very nice, (not oak, which would date the kitchen.) Get some bright beautiful rugs to warm up that floor.

What your feeling is the blahs with the overall view of the kitchen. You said Budget, well unless you have a professional paint the cabinets, forget it, unless you are an experienced DIYer. Could turn into horror story. Get some color on those walls, maybe a lighter blue or periwinkle that works with the dining room.

But First: Head out for a fun shopping trip, and pick colors you love for rugs, new kitchen towels, and chair cushions. Keep the receipt. Play with all the pieces and see what makes you smile. No kidding here, you said Budget, this will help your process. However, it doesn't look like you have a back splash? Is that just paint above the counter? The stainless lip at the base of the wall that seams the counter to the walls dates the look as much as the island. Can't do the counters now, fine, but new paint and some rugs/towels/fresh flowers and fruit is cheap. Lemons/Limes/Oranges or Granny Smiths with some Pomegranates will add some real pizzaz! Pale Yellow, Periwinkle, Blue, Green, Cranberry, all colors in nature are your friend.

All stone fabricators have remnants from jobs that use full slabs. You might be able to find something unique for the island. The island and color will take your eye off the counters until your ready to make the investment. Total budget, including island, paint and accessories, $1500. and that is on the high side. Depends on your island. Pier 1 - Bed Bath - Home Goods and Paint will run you less than $350, depends on where you shop. Christmas is coming, get that big candle off your island and add a large low bowl of pine cones, red/silver/gold ornaments will do wonders. Oh, and you do need a new light above the island! I'm tired. LOL

The counters have to go. The island needs to be modified. What is your home color scheme? No to the gray - you have warm colors. I could stand leaving the maple cabinets if that darn island was rebuilt and painted along with the walls. So here is my suggestion, ditch the entire island and have a nice one built that is the star of the kitchen and put a granite, quartzite or marble counter on it that compliments the perimeter cabinets and counter. Paint the ceiling and walls and call it a day. I truly belief that if your island becomes the star of the kitchen then your problem will be solved.

Some photos.

More photos

Hello njkrx, my response was being respectful to a Budget, without knowing what that is. Although, I agree with many of the posts, new counters, island and such, but that will be the most expensive.

A recent Big Box store quoted $71.00 a square foot, including fabrication, for granite. The granite selection was minimal and mostly dark colors, which I would not recommend for your kitchen.

Just a guess, but from your pictures, it appears you may need at least 55 sq/ft. At this cost, you would need to budget at least $3900. Would not recommend Marble, as the highest cost, and an over design for the kitchen. Could be double the cost or more.

When we post for suggestions, my responsibility as a Designer, moves to my integrity, to insure we address all your concerns. My sincere regards.

If your main goal is to update the space, I stand by the recommendation to keep the cabinets, change the countertops to quartz, with squared edges, and add a back splash. That alone would update the space. Maple cabinets are not outdated. And yours look to be in good condition. Get white countertops and use blue for rugs. If you have more money in the budget, update your light fixture.

Yes, I am on a budget for now and I really just want to give it a fresh look. I plan on eventually redoing the entire kitchen so I probably have about a $1500 budget. All these ideas are great! I truly appreciate each and everyone's ideas and suggestions. The island for now is staying. The backsplash is actually a thin piece of white Formica With silver trim that I despise. I'm wondering If I remove that. I'm going to play around with colors for sure. My dining room is navy and my family room next to the kitchen is mainly reds. I'm torn on the color paint as well. Can anyone give me a suggestion or idea of the style light for above the island? I'm looking and I'm stumped! I like the idea of bright accessories. I'm going shopping tomorrow!! Thank you all.

Well, I disagree with the granite counter top idea - too hard on dishes. Corian or wood are much more friendly, and except for the trim on the island, your counters are fine as is.

Like the cabinets as is. Like the paint and new towels, etc. ideas. A new island would be good. Or better yet a very nice large farm table, however with a table you would have to fix the floors where the island used to be. Looks to me that you don't need the island for storage.

I suggest you start checking out different cost and see if you can put a little away every month to make your changes. We usually recommend people have their cabinets professionally painted. With your budget, you would need to paint the cabinets yourself. If you are not a patient and experienced DIY person, the job could not meet your expectations. You have a lot of cabinets and painting cabinets is hard work. If it doesn't come out well, you would be looking at the need to replace them. I don't say that to discourage you - just go into the job with your eyes open. I do like the white and blue colors.

You also have a lot of countertops - wonderful for cooking, but not great for cost of replacement. I have about half your countertop area and spent $3000 (installation included) on quartz. I also put in a backsplash and had a Kohler Whitehaven farmhouse sink installed. The total cost for the refresh was about $5000. (pictures are in my "my pics" idea book.) My kitchen is smaller and my style may be different from yours.

I did notice trim in other rooms is white - you could paint the window trim white.

You really have a pretty nice kitchen:) I would save up till you can get new countertops because even if you paint, I think the countertops are going to bother you - though they look fine in the picture. One of the cheapest things to do is turn off HGTV and take a break from design sites. Suddenly, your kitchen will seem so much nicer.

One last time:

For lighting please check George Kovcacs Alecia's Necklace. Very moderate in price and you have options of semi-mount flush and others. Purchase online or lighting store, not available at BigBox Stores. A contemporary look that works with almost anything. Would pull the appliances and such together. I agree with JHmarie, turn us and HGTV off, you have many options. Further comments will just confuse the design. Have a great evening and great shopping day. Don't be torn on the color, if you like the red, you can incorporate that in the kitchen. Just remember reds are funny. You have blue reds and orange reds. Blue reds are true, like a poinsettia, while others have yellow/orange undertones. Good Luck on your shopping trip.

I echo those that recommend keeping the cabinets. They are lovely!
I too would change the counter top to a new hard surface - go the granite yard or to a corian/quartz manufacturer near you and bring samples home. Trust me you'll only know when you see it in your room, unless you can bring a cabinet with you. Ditto for new backsplash. I see nothing weong with you island...you need a third chair, that is why it is extended (we have the same extension with 3 matching chairs). Personally. I like your chairs, but I would go a. It darker eg leather. It depends too if and when you change your counter tops - the white chairs IMO are too matchy-matchy. Last, bring various paint chip samples home and try them in different light. Ensure the colour flows with the other rooms. ;)

Ps. I would remove that large votive from your island, keep it clear because it is small.

I mean the Island is small.
Also, a lovely colourful rug, would liven up the space. Search on house "kitchen rugs"

You can get a remnant counter from the fabricator bone yard for cash under $500 for that island. And a carpenter can fix the island by modification. Then you have paint which the homeowner can do along with decorations. I would leave the perimeter counters for now.

Here you can see one of our designs with white cabinets and white subway tiles. Maybe sharing it will help with your dilemma?

You could put a small bookcase on the end of the is island or have the island reworked instead of replaced. Then paint the island navy blue or whatever color you chose. Keep the perimeter counters and get a remnant piece of stone for the island top from a fabricators "bone" yard which is so much less expensive than buying a slab. Hint offer to pay cash. A good carpenter could make some modifications to the existing island without breaking the bank. Then with paint, towels, etc., you would have your new look.

I also think the cabinets are very pretty. They do not look 80's dated. They look classic. New counters (eventually), a backlsplash and an new island (painted perhaps) will accentuate the lovely cabinets and make the space feel more current.

I do think that new counters and hardware would go a long way in this room without touching the cabinets. Of course, painting would work fine too. I'd keep it light one way or the other...

How did the kitchen turn out? I also have maple cabinets and light counter tile that need some life infused into them.

Hi! I finally redid my kitchen! I ended up painting my cabinets, installing new granite countertops, lighting, and subway tile. New decor. I have seagrass chairs and other elements in my home (I included a picture of the kitchen table with the kitchen behind), I know its not perfect yet but its slowly getting there. May need to change the chandelier above my kitchen table and paint the table as well! I also need advice!! Should I tile all the way up where the range hood vent is? Also, I am still deciding on grout color. I'm thinking either frost or warm grey. You have all been so helpful and I feel so happy with the turnout so far on my strict budget even though it took so long to update

! Thank you!

Yes, I would continue your backsplash tile behind the vent. Use a grout that matches the tile - you don't need more contrast there. I would leave the table as it is. The stain is a nice contrast to your white cabinets. I also think the dining table light is fine, but I would switch out the cream, dripping "candle" parts for plain white ones. You can find them at lighting stores. The one thing I would change is the island color. I think a taupe color would work better than the blueish grey.