I think you need to sort out some kind of budget first.

Sorry, I forgot that part. I'm new here!

We have 43 square feet of countertops and our top budget all-in would be 6 grand. We went to Home Depot last night and they were pricing us out at about 3,500 for the countertops, so we'd love to stay well under the 6k, but will go up to it if needed.

Is it just the two of you? Maybe a counter depth armoire-style fridge with roll out freezer underneath. You could splurge for a farm style sink, and do some serious investing in lighting. Is the burgundy pink room next door staying that color? I think the two rooms need to share color, so think about that. The fabrics and textiles next door will influence your paint colors.

Those are all great ideas that I never would have thought of - thank you!!

Moving the microwave would be great and putting it on the end of the peninsula makes so much sense.

I am waiting to hear back from a contractor and will add this to my question list!

The room next to our kitchen is the dining room and painting that is kind of up in the air. It would make sense with wanting to do a backsplash- we've been debating where to end the backsplash since the wall color changes.

We love farm house sinks and our lighting definitely needs to be upgraded!

Hi Ashley, I have one suggestion that will help update things without costing anything. I would remove some of the items from above the cabinets for a cleaner/fresher appearance. Maybe a couple nice baskets for storage but that's about it. Less is always more when it comes to cabinet top decor.

I have to admit I love my farm sink. It does a great job of connecting the old country kitchen with the new. But more than that, I love the way it functions. It is deep which I had to get used to, but I think that is true of most undermount sinks, and my previous sink was an overmount. My sink is the Kohler Whitehaven "short apron" style which can be installed on a standard sink base. It is a great sink, but it bit me in the wallet ($960 online). I put off my refresh three months to save additional $ for it, but I am so glad I did!

This is probably outside your budget - but before adding expensive countertops, look at your layout. Consider moving the stove to where the fridge is, the pantry to where the stove is and the fridge where the pantry is. I don't like a range next to a fridge, but I also don't like a range next to a wall even more - fire hazard? The expense would be running the electrical and venting to the range.

I did my sink, 31 sq ft of countertops and backsplash for $5000. I did use an upper tier quartz (about $100 sq. ft. installed), but I did install my own backsplash. The hood and plate rail were a separate project done earlier.

In that case new counters, sink, new appliances, new light fixture and paint. That should be in budget

I would definitely change the light fixture first. Farmhouse pendants or Edison would look nice. Two for the size would look good. Stainless for sure. Counters is a personal preferance. Depending on your taste. Gray and marble are both really in. Granite Quortz and Stainless steel all would look nice. Another good one would be to do a undermount or apron sink with industrial faucet. :-) Cabinets if you want to be budget savvy, there is alot of amazing paint kits out designed just for cabinet painting. I've known people who have done it. Turns out just like brand new. Maybe put some frosted glass in a couple to update cabinet doors.
Backsplash is a personal choice too. It Depends on the new cabinets I'd think. I'd start there. Maybe go to Lowes or Home depot and get a couple kitchen catalogues. or search here on Houzz. :-) Kitchen small spaces.

We rarely advise putting brand new countertops which aren't inexpensive on old cabinetry, even if it appears to be in good shape. A few years down the road you may feel that you've wasted money if the cabinets show too much wear and tear, drawer fronts come off, or the inside organization no longer works.

New upper cabinets that go up to the ceiling will provide more storage and a cleaner look!

More great ideas - thank you!!!

I agree with Shelton Interiors. I did a granite overlay on my countertops because I didn't realize that the seller had painted them--badly. After a while I wanted to replace the cabinets but didn't want to waste the money I spent on the countertops.

I would definitely raise the cabinets to the ceiling if that's in the budget.

Well - the cabinets have not been painted badly and if they are sturdy there is no reason not to work with what one has - especially since new cabinets may not be in the budget. My mother did have a refinisher touch up some of her worn stained cabinets and they look very nice - I cannot tell the touched up ones from the original.

Here is a nice refresh with original cabinets:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/4512247/finally-finished-with-kitchen-updating?n=21

I appreciate all the thoughts and advice! We really don't have new cabinets in the budget and they are still super sturdy and in good shape so we are going to stick with what we have there.

But I love all the ideas and ways of thinking!

Jhmarie - your mom's color scheme is pretty close to ours - I love what she did with it!

Sorry to not have been clear - that is a different kitchen then my mother's.

I love her dearly, but don't think I could be on the same forum - she might call me out if I get snarky:)

I did use my original 70's cabinet in my basement kitchenette - refinished some of the lowers that had been in storage - very sturdy - except some of the doors:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~65270573