Replace the closet doors with a more modern style, no slats, like this. Have you considered having the cabinets painted white? If you do, have a professional do it or research DIY. I have seen many people paint their cabinets white and you could tell it was a DIY job. But that would definitely help update the look!

And the bricks might actually look cool once you update everything.

Have you considered white washing the brick (if you think the existing brick darkens the room)??

I'd have the cabinets professionally painted a shade of white, new hardware, a Roman shade of some kind in the window... what are you doing with the countertops, etc.? I'd have recessed lighting installed.

I would have the cabinets painted a white or grey, and if it is in the budget, replacing the cabinet doors with a shaker style door. A light colored quartz that looks like marble for the counters. I think a back splash that goes to the bottom of the cabinetry would also help with modernizing. The bypass door noted above is a good idea, definitely nothing with slats.

I like the idea someone gave about recessed lighting... also consider some lighting under the upper cabinets (under mount lighting or task lighting) might be of use.

Starting a remodel next month and I'm envious that you are in a position to update the cabinets (rather than replace).

Have fun!!!

Yes, we have been thinking of painting the cabinets white... and Staci we were kind of thinking/hoping the bricks might actually look cool once everything else was improved!

I like the bypass door suggestion.

no budget for totally replacing cabinets at this point!

not sure about countertops yet Bailey... definitely replacing down the road.

K2Gardens we thought about whitewashing... but most pics I have seen of whitewashed bricks look great when the mortar is not black like ours.

I think we are waiting to decide about the bricks until everything else is done, in hopes that they might actually not look too bad.

I would definitely paint the cabinets white, add color by painting the backsplash, or if your budget allows there are some really interesting tile mesh sheets available. Open up the window by removing the "bridge" trim piece from cabinet to cabinet. Replace the closet doors with wood framed frosted glass by pass doors. A good door shop would be an excellent resource. The brick is a nice feature item, I would maximize it.....put up shelves or photos, use the brick as an awesome backdrop to display decor items or family photos.

I like the brick. Of course, I almost always like brick. I'd probably go rustic on the floor.

Paint the brick wall light grey, paint the cabinets white, replace with more modern hardware and remove the trim detail above the sink. Good luck!

And then I'd tone down the yellow in the walls.

I did not paint my cabinets, though I do think white kitchens are pretty - but do replace the warmth of the wood if you do. It looks like you would have room for a small island if you removed the table - it could have a butcher block top which can be done for not too much $$. It looks like you are tight on countertop space and an island could help. What is the plan for the tile floor - wood look or light? If your new floor is light and you paint the cabinets white without replacing counters / backsplash, you will have a very cold kitchen unless you consider a different cabinet color like a soft yellow, green or some blue grays - some grays are warm and some are cool.

I cannot tell what type of wood the cabinets are - oak or maple? Maple paints up better than oak. Oak is not a paint grade wood because the texture of the grain shows through - bothers some but not others. Many are perfectly happy with their painted oak cabinets. Painting cabinets is an arduous task and you do need to be a patient and carful type person to take it on - just be honest with your personality type and skill level before you take it on. It can get expensive to have it professionally done.

I chose to keep my cabinets wood - I just like wood. I have painted cabinets in my laundry room and one bathroom - I've done it and they look OK. The powder room one needs touching up a bit. I did get new countertops, backsplash and farmhouse sink and had my DIY under cabinet lighting wired into a switch. These changes probably cost about as much as a professional paint job - so it may be a case of where you want to put your money. If possible, consider a pretty stainless hood and move the microwave - not always possible and not necessary if it works for you where it is - just not the best in venting.

My kitchen is a more vintage / French Country look so possibly not your style, but it does give an idea of what new counters backsplash and sink can do to refresh a kitchen.

[https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~58830325[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~58830325)

[https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~71048330[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~71048330)

You can put barn doors on bypass hardware, if you really want barn doors.

the cabinet door style looks old and the color is old. Paint the brick and consider changing the cabinet faces; grey or white in a shaker style for example. The sheet flooring also looks dated; there are many affordable laminates on the market you might look at.

Wow the moc up definitely helps groveraxel!! Thank you!!

I like the darker floors for sure, but trying to avoid a wood look bc it will be next to oak hardwood.

The flooring in the entryway (oaky Perego looking stuff in pic) will continue into the kitchen. To the left is the living room/dining room. Kitchen also opens up into dining room on the other side too.

This is the oak under the carpet in the pic. Sooo based on that color, what flooring for the kitchen/entry??

Would you consider running the present hardwood into the kitchen? One of the positives about oak hardwood is that it has been around so long it never gets discontinued so it is always available. It would warm up a white kitchen very nicely.

In addition to what everyone else suggested, I would remove microwave and cabinet and replace with stainless steel hood. Then, hide microwave in pantry assuming you need it.

Why did you put carpet over the hardwood? It appears to be in great shape!

Jhmarie, yes to an island!! We are definitely lacking on counter space, and have contemplated a small island. The kitchen is an awkward size/shape... not quite big enough for that table but too much space that it would look awkward when left empty.

We did not put carpet over the hardwood. It was like that when we moved in. The picture of the hardwood is from our upstairs... which had carpeting at one point, but was hardwood when we moved in. We have only peeked at the corners of the living room/dining room, so fingers crossed that it doesn't need a ton of refinishing. The corners look just like the picture.

How deep is your pantry? I think I would change the access to a side entrance even enlarge it if budget allows. It might even work to bring out an island that would run parallel to your existing table. You could mount your microwave in the island and install a larger updated stainless range hood. I don't know what your budget is but would also consider a tear out on the soffit and replace the upper cabinets extending to the ceiling. Hang a large black board on the brick wall with daily inspirations and quotes. Floating shelves would also work there. Good luck.

Love the brick wall! We just had our honey oak cabinets painted white professionally. I would never take on by myself. Good luck on the project

Since the rest of the house has oak floors, you could continue it right into the kitchen.

I like the storage that Sammy had a pic of.
White is ok, but I would try a gray for the cabinets, at least for the bottom and white for the top. It would tie in with the storage doors Sammy has and may tie in better with the brick. (Pick a warm gray to play off the brick) then wait to see if the brick needs toning down. Instead of washing the brick down (which could help or not) embrace and use as an accent wall. You could also use some light art or maybe a reclaimed wood cabinet or shelves (or a navy or green one-depending on your preference) to make it less of the elephant on the room.
Making everything all white will make the wall stand out even more. The match the table or get a table to match. The floor could be cork or wood tile.

I didn't see the existing floor, before I posted. I like the continuation of existing floors. Also seeing the angle from the other room. I would use some higher shelves on the brick wall or art/metal piece to accent. You can use the table horizontal with the doors of storage or get a little larger one to double as an "island". I believe a permanent island would be too much and awkward. Maybe on wheels that can serve as a island when needed and put back in place for eating? Backsplash needs to be simple to not compete with the brick and wood. The barn doors are great, but I do think they will not be as timeless as the gray doors.
A color of choice for towels and other pieces will bring it all together. (Yellow/blue/green)
Quartz will always be my first choice for counter tops, at least until something comes out even better. :)

I had a similar wall and actually used a mixture of mortar with a couple of drops of beige latex paint and thinned it with water to wash the brick. It was gorgeous when I got done. White can be too harsh. Change out the hardware and test the cabinets to see of they will take a darker opaque stain.

Britt, to update your kitchen it will cost any where from $25K-40K. If you are unhappy with your cabinets, do not get a new countertop.

You need to come up with a plan. It is possible to do it in stages, BUT, you have to have a plan. You need to consult with an expert. If you do things willy-nilly, you will end up with a hodge podge that you will be unhappy with and it will not be what you want.

Planning is the key. You need to know what you want the end product to be before you start.

I love the brick and suggest a more loft style vibe for your space. Inspiration picture below:

Maybe try a modern spin on a rustic look? Here is a renovation we did below to help you with your dilemma.

Good day,

This is a cabinet that we applied window frosting to what I would
suggest is perhaps you could paint the wood making the cupboards more modern as well as add window frosting.

I specialize in window frosting and should you have an further questions please contact me via Houzz https://www.houzz.com/pro/o2designsrsa/o2-desdigns-non-permanent-window-frosting my website www.o2designs.yolasite.com or my social networks via my website.

Keep well,

Elouise

Even as someone with painted white cabinets, would you consider a beautiful pale teal that would bring out the warmth of the brick?

If you do go white, make it a buttercreamy white.

What about a vinyl floor in reddish/gold tones to tie in with the brick and the adjoining oak floors: