We are going to remove arch over the window. And add filler above cabinets and new molding to bring cabinets to ceiling.

I see that you would be redoing your whole kitchen except for the cabinets and painting. We just wanna share that we currently have a $3995 Special that comes with:

• Free crown molding
• Free 6” granite backsplash
• Free 2 pcs. Prefab granite
• Free stainless steel sink
• Labor, Measurement and Estimate are also already included
• Prices are based on 25 LF of Kitchens which is basically and 10x10 Kitchen

We suggest you go over your budget and check if which one would cost you less—refinishing, refacing or replacing. You may contact us at 818-764-2254 ext. 403, look for Nielle, so we can discuss more about this and maybe we can give you a rough estimate of how much would it cost you to remodel your whole kitchen with us.

First, just as an FYI, get ready for a whole bunch of people to tell you that you shouldn't bother unless you're going to do more :). I'll try not to be one of those people. I get that remodeling is expensive and you are already going to make a big investment and have a nicely updated kitchen. But I will say that if there's ANY way you can pull it off I would (a) replace the doors on the uppers to match the lowers, because the arched upper style is dated even when painted but the lowers are a good style, and (b) add additional cabinetry (if there is room) so that your cabinets run all the way to the ceiling. I'm guessing you will say that b, and maybe a, are not feasible, but I just thought I'd put it out there because those two things can make a BIG difference.

Finally, regardless whether you do either of those things, I would strongly recommend removing the bridge over the window that connects the two sides and then hanging one or two pendant lights there. This will REALLY open up the whole room and make it feel less U shaped, and will allow that big lovely window to shine. This is really important because in this kitchen, that window is unavoidably going to be the focal point whether you make it amazing or not.

Back to your question about paint - there's really no way to do uppers and lowers different colors due to the pantry cabinet. Personally I would choose white over gray just because it is more timeless and also because in a narrower space white will open it up. Also assuming you choose stainless appliances, a stainless fridge in that large bank of cabinets painted gray would be a lot of gray tones - too much I think. Benjamin Moore White Dove is an extremely popular warm white color for kitchens.

Once you decide on paint and floors (which you already have) the next big decision is countertops. Before choosing them, you need to decide whether your counters or your backsplash will be the dominant feature of your kitchen. They can't both be amazing. One should be really beautiful and the other the quiet supporting cast member. In my opinion for your kitchen shape I'd say choose an amazing counter and an attractive but quiet backsplash. The reason I would say that is that presuming you don't take the cabinets up to the ceilings, your backsplash won't show much when entering the room, because it will mainly be on your side walls and hidden by cabinets.

On the other hand if you were able to take the cabinets all the way up, AND removed the bridge, that would be different. It would allow you to feature the window by running a gorgeous backsplash all the way around the window and up to the ceiling, which would look amazing. In that case you would want a very simple countertop.

One other thing - if you can manage it, move the sink so it's under the window. I assume this would also require a dishwasher move, but it might not be as expensive as you think, and would definitely enhance the focal point and balance of the kitchen. If you can't take the cabinets to the ceiling, I think I'd prioritize moving the sink over replacing the upper cabinet doors.

Lol while I was typing that manifesto I see that you got similar feedback and wrote you were already doing half of it :). Yay!

The choice of white or grey for the pantry cupboard will depend on whether you choose a white or stainless refrigerator. The size similarity means they should probable match.

We are doing huge renovation to the entire house. Tons of work and walls coming down. We are getting stainless appliances. I will reach out to the cabinet company and see if it's possible to replace the upper cabinets that have that arch. I agree it's dated. That's a good idea to try and replace the doors.

We are trying to update it with minimal costs because of the intensity of the entire house construction we are doing.