Have you considered putting a darker stain on the cabinets? The counter top, cabinets, and paint color seem disconnected. The kitchen has good light and high ceilings, so it would allow for darker tones. Think of your cabinets as furniture. What stain is on the piece just through the door, walnut or cherry? Also, it would look nice to have an accent color above the cabinets. When you are able to, adding a creative accent to the ceiling would look interesting. In addition, an island with seating would help pull the kitchen together. I hope you are able to use these ideas to get the look you really want.

What are the floors in the adjacent room? I would actually bring in that nice warm wood from there instead of going lighter on the floors. Agree with others that adding backsplash will help as well as adding cabinet trim (especially on top). I recently redid mine from a traditional crown to a more modern vertical flat board, like the one shown below. I think the maple cabinets are very nice and have a clean modern look.

I also agree with removing that random cabinet by the door and replacing with shelving (something floating for a more modern look). What about some color or at least an accent wall - either the angled one with the cutout or the fridge wall, depending on what else you have going in that space? Still cream/tan but a warmer tone than you have now.

I don't know that I would accentuate the black for new hardware, especially if you hope to replace your black appliances with stainless. Black always really stands out on maple. It appears your style is somewhat traditional (given the hutch in the other room) maybe something in an antique pewter color would look nice. Cup pulls on the drawers would change the look without leaving holes to fill.

Cup pulls require two holes so I wouldn't advise changing holes. But if you aren't changing refrigerator etc for several years then make the change work for now. I see your light fixture is quite modern so perhaps a stainless small bar or pull would work now and in the future. If you are going more modern, I would do some saturated color on some blocks of color on the walls.

Thanks everyone, some great suggestions. I hadn't thought about adding cabinet trim, I think that will help, as would replacing that one cabinet with some shelves, new backsplash and changing up the hardware. An accent wall with color will also make sense. Changing all the wall color realistically is out as this room flows into the rest of the open-plan living area so there's no easy way to transition. Once I have the basics in place I then plan to pull in some brighter accessories.

Actually this room DOES get rather dark. These are pre-sale photos when they caught the couple of hours of good light, otherwise it can be quite gloomy. I certainly could consider darker stain (I hadn't thought of that, but I can see your point) which I imagine would be easier than a new paint job.

What would anyone suggest about flooring color? Through the other side into the main living area is a very rich dark red hardwood. Ideally I'd love to continue that on through but would be way too dark for the kitchen area so I was aiming for a lighter, stone-look contrast (probably LVT given my budget).

Thanks again for all your constructive comments.

Staining cabinets is actually more work than painting, as it requires stripping all the old finish off first.

I understand your desire for a lighter floor, but I am afraid that a cream floor, with ivory walls and pale wood (or white) cabinets would all just be too much "beige."

Can you add more lighting to fight the gloom instead?

Thanks Carol I understand your point. Fact is I have to replace the flooring anyway so regardless I need to work out what color will work best with what I have - any suggestions are appreciated. I can't stretch to continuing the hardwood through, much as I would like to

I looked around for a lighter tile and couldn't find much that is lighter like your preference. This was the closest I found but looks pretty similar to what you have, though the larger format would modernize it a bit. Like Carol said, without adding some color on the walls/backsplash, it will be just a sea of beige, especially if your new table is lighter.

With the sloped ceiling I don't imagine anything is above the kitchen - what about adding a skylight(s) to get the nice bright light you desire?

What is your style? I understand some of the pics are from the previous owners (chickens with that light fixture is an interesting look).

Can you take a picture of the space now with your current table and light? And maybe one of your adjacent room for flow...

Thanks again. I'm not there right now to send current pics but here's the previous owner's pic of the adjoining area, for now. The dark wood floor remains. My own furniture (from previous house, so may change down the line) is a plum color (two loveseats), and I have a large ivory rug to break up the floor. I have no pictures up at all yet as I want to get the basics organized first.

I'm not sure I have developed a style (first house) but I'm definitely more traditional than modern and really not a fan of busy patterns. I actually am not fond of beige but the granite has to stay. I prefer natural colors to bright, and typically prefer warm to cool colors, though I do prefer silver/nickel to gold/brass. I was aiming to keep the basics simple and add accents of color in accessories that can be changed in and out as needed- but here I'm not sure which colors to introduce nor how to tie in the countertops with the floor. I'm wondering if I'm trying too hard to tie things together and that's why it's becoming too much of the same. The kitchen is very visible from the main living area so I need to make sure nothing clashes too much. Again, it's pretty dark much of the time, I'm aiming to add some form of skylight. Single story, ceilings are 14ft at apex.

This is close to the existing granite.

And the LVTs I was looking at are these (DuraCeramic Taffeta White, Celestial and Blanched Almond, in that order- they actually look fairly different in real life). I'm not convinced but these are the best I found thus far and at least I felt they were neutral enough that any would enable me to keep options open to elaborate on other details.

Any suggestions for a backsplash?

Thanks so much everyone

Painting the cabinets would be my last choice. Putting white trim around door and windows would help.

Can you run the wood floor from the living room into the kitchen?

for potential backsplash, this would incorporate your browns and allow the addition of the stone lion/or another greige paint..you would remove 4" granite return

https://www.wayfair.com/MSI-Tumbled-Tuscany-Mesh-Mounted-12-x-12-Natural-Stone-Mosaic-Tile-THDW3-SH-CHBRI1X2T-L2970-K~MVP2424.html?refid=GX174524563373-MVP2424&device=c&ptid=276442421208&targetid=aud-307622557841:pla-276442421208&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqYPLwteO1QIVjkoNCh0YkAM2EAYYBSABEgJKevD_BwE

Thanks jdgail. I'm glad not painting them has come out to be a consensus as that seems like a tricky job. I'll look some more at those backsplashes

Realistically I cant extend the hardwood in through the kitchen as it's beyond my budget. I've looked into it and finding something that matches in well enough is difficult (it's no longer made)

I found this online as a suggested palette for Santa Cecilia granite, all of which I like as colors. Do these really tie in with the countertops (even the green)?

Waltonglade - the best way to know for sure is to get cards for yourself first and see how they look in your lighting. Then if you think it looks promising, buy those little sample pots of paint and paint a small area and see how it looks in your space - day, night, lights on, light off. Then you will know. I liked the first color palette you printed but be careful with tans - they can end up looking too brassy. They are better with a little green or brown in them to take the tone down a little. BM Jamesboro Gold is a color similar to the Mossy gold and it really complements a Brazilian cherry floor and the tan tones in your granite, which means you could carry your accent wall from one room to the other. I can't tell for sure what your floors are, but they look like jatoba or a very red-toned stain.

Thank you- apparently the flooring is curupay

Thanks that's very kind!

I found this backsplash online, which to me looks quite nice with the granite. Maybe too busy but I like these colors

Honestly; your biggest problem is your wall color. It makes everything seem a blank shade of beige. I think painting the walls (an actual color, not neutral) would give you the update you are looking for.

Thanks, I quite like that combo, looks similar to the Rainwashed shade mentioned above. I would never have thought of that. I don't think I can do the whole room but certainly an accent wall and some accessories for starters

Flo did you happen to come across that backsplash idea you mentioned? I'd be very keen to see your suggestion. Thanks so much

That backsplash will look too busy with your granite in my opinion. You'll grow tired of it quickly.

Paint isn't going to fix the issues with this kitchen. The selection and placement of cabinets fights with the poorly expressed architecture of the room. I might tackle the doorway and the poorly articulated pass through before I even considered addressing anything cosmetic with the cabinets.

I'm not sure what specifically you don't like about the structural element but I definitely don't have the budget for that kind of alteration- it's my first house so not worth investing a large sum. I'll guess I'll do what I can with paint, backsplash and flooring. Any better suggestions on a backsplash would be appreciated. Thanks

Sorry, been super busy. No don't freak

out with this idea, but I think it would give your kitchen a funky attitude! And it would be fun to do too. I like the strong accent wall, and then a wavy look using confetti penny tiles. You would paint the wall, then draw your curvy line (accommodating the wet area and range area or wherever you need extra coverage) and then put the tiles (they come in sheets) roughly in those lines. I think it would create that edgy feel you might be looking for and make your kitchen cabinets disappear! Everyone will be looking at this great look!

With your backsplash you would have to pick a penny tile or any tile that worked with your countertop granite of course.

I would find a solid ceramic tile that matches the lightest of the 2 colors that match your granite. Your granite is beautiful and has a little movement, so you want to keep the backsplash as simple as possible. That way iit won't compete with the granite,and you won't grow tired of it as quickly.

Beverly's advice is spot on above, but because you said your budget was tight, those structural issues are costly. I would do cosmetics until and if I wanted to make major changes. I wouldn't even touch the floor. Because, Beverly is right, spending money on cosmetics now will probably be lost with a total renovation. So think about what your long term plan is and only do those things that fit into a long term plan. Flooring wouldn't be best, because if you change the layout one little bit the whole floor would have to be redone anyway.

Here`s a posting of a gal that just painted here dining room Sandy Hook by BM.

Its not green, as she stated, but a grey-brown and might go with you cupboards.

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/dining-room-advicerefinishing-furniture-dsvw-vd~4755692?n=1

Thanks Flo (and Beverley) that makes good sense. I don't anticipate ever making structural changes to this house, since I don't think the value of the property would ever warrant that kind of investment and I anticipate only being here a few years. The cabinets are actually in great shape so I'm happy to feel I can leave those as is

I completely understand about the floor too, but the existing sheet vinyl is damaged (it's far worse than it looks in this photo) so I have to replace it regardless. My goal was to go neutral with the floor so that it keeps options open down the line, right now I'm leaning toward the Bleached Almond LVT mentioned above.

I agree some bold paint will help a lot (as will removing that stray cabinet) and I'm liking that sage-green-type option.

Flo I love your backsplash suggestion! I have never seen anything like that. I will look into it more.

AC LB, maybe I can look at some ways to combine the colors you suggested with the shapes that Flo mentioned, and see how that would look.

If I can find flooring that fits the scheme I think that all your suggestions for paint and backsplash would make this something I can live with and enjoy within my budget, while leaving options open for the next owner.

Thanks again everyone, it is kind of you all to take time to advise

Thanks Angel 18432, that looks quite similar to the SW Stone Lion and Perfect Greige mentioned above. I like it

I have very similar granite to yours. My backsplash is a sage green crackle subway tile. My perception is that it has worked out pretty well.

Thanks smit2380. Would you be able to send a photo? I'd love to see how it looks

I think the rainwashed is a really cool color as well... Below are the open shelves I suggested..Not these specifically but would create some personality - to replace the cabinet by door.

Trust you will be getting a counter depth fridge. It would not be that expensive/difficult to utilize the extra length you have on that wall by adding a pantry cabinet..Doesn't require any more counter expense.

Wall paint will make a huge difference.

When do you get in to your new place?

Thanks jdgail, I'm keen to try that Rainwashed accent now, I would never have thought of that color combination. I really like those shelves too, that's a great idea and would definitely make that area look more attractive. Also a great way to introduce some more Rainwashed accents with accessories.

I definitely plan a counter depth fridge, stainless steel. I'm not sure what you're referring to in terms of utilizing the extra length on the fridge wall? Do you mean the space at the other end, by the window? I'm fortunate in having a built in pantry (it's just out of shot to the left in the main image in my original post) but if you have a suggestion I'd love to learn more.

I'm embarrassed to say that I have lived here almost a year. In my defense I work crazy hours. My budget for the house has become tighter since I moved in (long story..) so I'm having to scale back on my plans and spread them out over a longer period. So all your suggestions about minor updates are greatly appreciated.

So- to complete the picture- do you think that Duraceramic Blanched Almond would work with this plan? Along with a colored rug or two?

This was my other pick- Taffeta White

Do you have samples of either of these tiles? It will be a lot easier to determine how well they match when they are up against your counters and floors. take a picture in a few different lighting situations too.

Yes I have one of each sitting in my kitchen, along with this one (Duraceramic Celestial). The Taffeta White has more of the beige, the other two are more towards the cream. I'm back and forth between them. Right now I'm heading towards going with whichever one the cat seems to spend most of his time asleep on....but I would rather have a more scientific approach. I'll take some pics at different times of day. Would appreciate insight on what people think given the wall and backsplash suggestions above. Thanks

These aren't great pics as the light isn't good but hopefully gives an idea. Will take some in the morning too. They are all very similar, one just more beige

Concur - gotta see it in the space. You can purchase and return samples. Honestly, both of the above look to gray and bottom looks rosy as well.

Yes, I was referring to the space on the other side by the window. Sad builder didn't add a bit more cabinetry and move fridge away from entry. Great to hear you have a pantry. Can you take a picture from the door over toward table etc.?

Also, purchase a sample of the paints you want to consider and paint half a piece of poster board so you can test it out. Black would be a good accent color-like for shelves.

Thanks- by rosy, you mean not good?

Agree about the cabinetry- I'm in a community where every third house is pretty much the same on the outside and I know from sellers pics that they are also very similar inside- including this wasted space. There's another 'interesting' design element in the bathroom that is even more frustrating - but that's for another post- I'm trying to solve one thing at a time....

I'm not able to take pics of the existing pantry right now but here are the same tiles against the cabinetry and countertops from this morning. As you can see, the available light is so limited that they look quite comparable throughout the day. I'm really hoping one of these will work....

Since you are keeping the granite, it becomes the "boss" of your decor. All other colors must coordinate with the colors in it. Because it's a pattern, that should be the only one. All other surfaces should be as plain as possible. See the blogger Maria Killam (color expert) for advice on choosing colors.

My cabinets and granite are very similar to yours. My cabinets are a little darker. I just put in LVT (wood look) that matches the granite really well. Not sure how this LVT would look next to your existing wood floor, however. Also my tile backsplash is very basic (I didn't pick it - already in house when purchased). Just thought you might be interested to see what others have done with similar starting points.

Thanks that's useful. I think that having two styles and colors of wood-look will be too much for the space (given that the hardwood is so dark and there is a lot of it in the main living area) so I need to keep the kitchen floor light. What I'm aiming for with my flooring choice is probably close to what you are using for your backsplash, which looks very nice. Seeing what others with similar materials have done is very helpful, much appreciated.

Even though you are wanting to go very light with your flooring, the countertop is still clashing with the three tiles you are proposing. Too cool. There is a lot of warmth in the granite? Consider choosing something with the tan tones in the woodgrain above. The colors in the woodgrain example are perfect although I understand the wood grains will clash at the threshold connecting the living room to the kitchen. Maybe you could consider a simple border at the transition, but use the woodgrain flooring for the main flooring in the kitchen. Here are more flooring examples with more warmth.

I'm not a designer so consider this just a consumer opinion. Why don't you go with darker floors in your kitchen? I know you need to replace the current floor as you said earlier. Consider a LVT in one of the darker colors of your granite or a large format tile in a darker color. This is what I am thinking (the first photo is your granite and the colors that coordinate with it shown earlier in the thread):

This LVT is shown in a bath, but I think the color works with your granite. Click through on the photo to get the LVT details.

The photo below is tile rather than LVT.

waltonglade, flo gave you some great ideas. (also consider popping out the middle piece of one or two upper cabs and replacing with glass. if you guys can do it yourself, it's about $50 or so. plenty of how-to's online too)

I agree about those ceramic tiles. don't like any of them. I wouldn't do ceramic (use porcelain instead) because if a tile chips, the color is not consistent and will show. porcelain is the same all the way through. something to consider.

maybe this large hex type tile? Somertile large hex12"x14". (overstock carries them)

look at some nice porcelain tiles at Floor/Decor or maybe Lowes. some inexpensive ones can be had. bring home some samples. A slighting darker floor may work well. (not dark brown, but a darker tannish shade)

some backsplash ideas

crackle glass in Flax (floor/decor)

or since your room is so open, a glass tile in a large format. these are a 2x16 in a smokey taupe

or this smaller arabesque (or you could do the penny round tile in same color) in an off-white. this is Merola from home depot

looks like this when up (obviously this one is blue, but you get the idea)

comes in many colors and sizes

Thank you all.

Beth that's a great idea about popping out the panels in the upper cabinets and replacing with glass- never thought of that. I really like the last backsplash you showed too, with the granite, and the sage-type accent wall idea? Perhaps the tiles are a little too pink, so maybe the off-white version.

Actually to my very untrained eye those backsplash tiles look to have quite similar tones to the warmest of the three floor tiles I was looking at?? Here's the manufacturer's pic (they are Duraceramic BTW, not the real thing).

Bottom line is it looks like these tiles are probably out - back to square one, but far better to know now. Darn it, I really hoped these would work.

I'll look at the other suggestions- again, thank you very much for your advice.

I like those two together. but look at all of the colors they have. bring the samples home to see how they look.

if you do the glass doors, and keep it clear glass, consider painting the inner backs w/a cool color. really looks nice

you could also leave the doors off completely or perhaps do some open shelving somewhere, if room permits

(Black would really look nice w/your colors you have. So would a dark peacock)

http://www.hgtv.com/design/rooms/kitchens/update-kitchen-cabinets-with-glass-inserts

couple of how-to's

http://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/how-to-add-glass-to-cabinet-doors/

waltonglade, I think the problem you're having here with the colours is that you've got several different undertones going in this room. The granite, in pretty much every pic you've posted has warm greenish undertones, the cabinets have a yellowish undertone (maple?) although in some other photos it veers pinkish and the existing floor and the samples you'd selected have a pinkish/peach undertone. (Bottom line - the granite doesn't go with the cabinets, if you ask me...) That is why none of them seem to quite work together. Since the counter and cabinets are staying you need to work to incorporate their undertones. Have you taken pics with you when visiting the flooring store? Some stores have really good staff who can guide you - others not so much. (Big box stores are often useless, btw, although occasionally you'll luck out with a good staff person who actually cares and is knowledgable). The paint sample has actually nailed the colours in your granite if that granite in the photo is actually the same as yours. You might want to try a darker slate type LVT that brings in the various colours - including possibly the colour of the hardwood. Armstrong have some nice ones. I don't think a really light floor is going to work - not with the general heaviness of the granite colour-wise. However, fooling around with it in Photoshop or similar might give you a better idea there. Whatever you do, don't get something so light that you end up spending half your life trying to keep it clean. (Did that once with a 2-year-old and 2 cats...in the house. Never again!)

Your granite is busy - you don't want a busy backsplash, IMHO. Keep it simple and light - subway tile sized, and NOT with a busy contrasting grout. You are also going to have to figure out the backsplash layout - i.e.: does it go part way up the wall on the passthrough to the height of the underside of the cabinets or....?? LED under cabinet lighting, if you don't have it now, will help brighten things up at night, btw.

Another thing you should consider - when the flooring is redone, change the toe kicks to maple to match the cabinets. The white is just odd.

Thanks, yes I agree that there are several similar but not matching tones in this kitchen as is. The cabinets are indeed maple. All are identical, and actually the toekicks also are maple (albeit slightly lighter tone), which I guess goes to show how photos can give a false impression- but yes I see what you mean and can replace them with a closer matched maple. Backsplash- agree, needs to be simple. Under-cabinet lighting- agreed, adding that will also help.

I have taken photos with me when looking at options, I guess though that again they don't always give a good impression of how things really look. In fact the guy I am using (local small business, but expanding) comes to the house to advise in situ, and then to give input when he picks up the samples to return them, so I feel like he is giving me as much input as I can expect.

I think partly it comes down to 'inheriting' a color scheme that never worked in the first place, and not being able to start from scratch to make it right. Plus the problem of very restricted natural light coupled with very dark hardwood that again doesn't really fit the kitchen colors.

On the plus side, it's a great opportunity for me to learn from all this advice, which should help me when I do eventually get chance to make more choices with my 'next' home - assuming I win the lottery!
I really appreciate all your constructive input and patience