I think an improvement would be to paint the wood trim on the cabinets the same color as the cabinets ( I assume they're laminate) & add hardware. I believe they could be painted also with a specialized product. Don't know what your budget is for the countertops. ( are you thinking laminate, Quartz, granite?). New ceiling lighting (recessed) to replace the box light.

The cupboards are laminate, trim is oak. Thought about painting the oak ~ uncertain of wearability. Like the idea of adding pulls! Thinking of quartz, light/neutral without a lot of movement or that busy spotted look. And yes, that ceiling light must definitely go!

This is a white quartz with minimal movement but quite beautiful. (Statuario from Pental Quartz)

Thank you! That is the minimal movement look I am seeking ~ hopefully with slight color to connect to the crazy oak trim on the cupboards!

The right primer on that oak --BIN by Zinsser-- and a good coat of a satin enamel, and those cabinets would look entirely different. I'd paint the oak a metallic gray, to echo stainless pulls. A light gray concrete looking laminate, Formica Concrete or Pearl Soapstone and you'd have a great modern look that would be very today. I would not put quartz on those cabinets.

Formica 4X8 8830 58 20 Laminate Sheet, Elemental Concrete · More Info

Sounds lovely, though labor intensive. Something I can do myself? Why no quartz?

BTW - thank you for this idea!

Other side of the kitchen!

Very good points! Currently so overwhelmed with the entire change, that these common sense approaches escape me! Thanks so much.

I think it's super easy to paint out all the oak in the cabinets and the trim around them. Bin and paint. The concrete over laminate counter top treatment is another diy, but replacing the laminate with new might be a better fix for now. There are lots of new patterns and textures and colors. I personally don't like anything that is trying to replicate anther material, like faux granite or marble (do like the conceret above!) but love the circles/retro's/linear patterns. A new backsplash to perk it up and you are on your way. Probably for less than the cost of just the 1/2 a countertop of quartz.

Since you have so many cabinets, lucky you, you might take some out and add some open shelves for an updated look.

This looks like a fun project keep us posted!

Thanks so much! I agree with you on the faux look Formica ~ prefer to stick with reality! Some open shelves are a great idea, too! Also like the idea of glass front doors with inside lighting. So many ideas!

Jane don't let them confuse you about the price of quartz. sure you can easily spend thousands of dollars but realistically I could help you find a color and style of quartz or granite that you would love and could be a reasonable price. Don't get formica. judging by the size of your kitchen in the photo I bet I could do your kitchen for about 2,600 give or take. Not matter what you choose you will be spending money on this project, I just want to make sure you understand all your options so you can make an informed decision.