Is this the actual kitchen? Do you have photos of your furniture?

The top moulding on the cabinets can be replaced with a more streamlined version. also change out the cabinet hardware.

I take it this is a photo of the prior decor in the home and not yours.

More simple less bulky seating.. taking down all the clutter from the top of the cabinets is a start. They are lower from the ceiling, yet adding a bunch of items up there really dates the room.

Are you planning any major work such as new counters or other or just seeking some decorating advice? Stainless appliances would look nice vs pure white if only one major purchase.

Yes, this is the new kitchen. Pictures of the furniture we are bringing are attached.

Yes, this is their decorating. We haven't moved in yet. Will do so in 2 weeks. We were planning to replace the appliances, sink, and faucet to SS changing out the backsplash and hardware as well. But unfortunately, that will be a major chunk of money to start with so we are stuck with the countertops.

We're going to need bar stools. Can you give me an idea of what type to buy?

What type of SS hardware would work?

If you can painting the kitchen cabinets in simply white by Benjamin Moore would definitely brighten this kitchen. Also you can experiment with Painting the counter top .Good luck.

I had thought of painting them but didn't want to ruin them. Of course, I would have them professionally done. Glossy or matte?

choose your counter stools wisely, you'll need them first thing anyway and they will set the tone. i think you'll have other fish to fry in other parts of the house going forward, odds are. dont hire someone to paint the cabinets for a couple months. best of luck.

i'm not seeing a mismatch between your style and this kitchen either.

I know. There are so many different types. Can you recommend something?

Re, stools please try them to see if they are comfortable, some of them have nice back support. Regarding hardware long stainless steel handles would look really nice.

There are so many styles. Do you have a pic of something you think would work? I like the long ss handles but I don't think they would work because of where the holes are with the existing hardware.

Regarding paint Please visit Benjamin Moore they have special Aura paint for cabinets. It's also self leveller. Or you can try milk paint which is really thick you don't need primer with this paint. It will definitely transform your cabinets . If you really want to make statement then you can paint the bottom cabinets different color depending on your tiles etc.

My head is spinning. :) So many good ideas. I need a decorator!!

Anyone have any suggestions on the type and color of counter chairs I should get? If you can provide a visual that would be awesome!

If you are painting then you can go with dark grey or black, but please sit on the to see if they are comfortable, you can look at Houzz.com to view the stools you like or wayfair.com.

Eydie Adams, you might consider refacing your cabinets. You could go with a transitional look such as in the video, or to a simple shaker in white or light color. Note, our exact method may not be available in your area, but you can find a reputable refacing company just about everywhere. Change your door style to achieve the look you want.

I love it but how expensive is it to do?

I'm not a designer so take my comment with a grain of salt:)

I agree about removing all of the decor from the top of the cabinets and changing out the hardware to something more contemporary or transitional. I would get bar stools that are transitional, upholstered and with a back for comfort. But keep it simple. Personally, I like the Williams Sonoma uphostered bar stool as it can go in any direction :)

Try to change the cabinets handles to a bit more modern look, quick and inexpensive fix.

Depends on the process the company uses, the quality of the doors and the rates in your area, but you could figure from $250 to $350 per linear foot of cabinet upper and lower. Painting or refinishing the existing doors does not change the style much but it is less expensive. Looks like it's going to be a beautiful kitchen no matter what you choose.

I had planned on changing the cabinet hardware but it looks like I might be limiited because of where the holes are now. Any suggestions?

Of the two rooms of furniture that you show, which will be most visible from the kitchen? As far as hardware, I love the quality of Jeffrey Alexander. You'll have to measure the center to center distance between holes but there are lots of options available to update your hardware.

Very nice

Who designed your current home? It looks like you can put a room together...

Once all the decor items and furniture are out of the new house the kitchen will be more or less a blank slate. The cabinets are not strictly formal and the tone can work with your current furniture nicely. I would look for white leather bar stools.

Milton Bonded Leather Counter Stool - White · More Info

Would it be possible for you to show me what you mean by slender tailored stools? Appreciate it.

The room of furniture that sits next to the kitchen is the one with the rust colored furniture/

I would suggest you move into the home and live with the cabinets before you attempt to make any changes. You may find that once you change out the barstools, and eliminate the fake ivy, the kitchen will not appear so traditional. Actually, it simply a transitional style, and without seeing the rest of the home, the style might be totally appropriate with the home's architecture.

You refer to your furnishings as contemporary, but they are 80's contemporary and in comparison to what is considered contemporary today look very dated especially the sculpted area rugs which I'm sure were very $$$ when originally purchased. Those selections are 30+ years old!!! I think you can work with some of the furnishings, but don't bring the drapery treatments or sculpted rugs to the new home. Leave them behind or sell them off.

This is more like today's contemporary.

Thank you so much for your honest opinion. It is really appreciated. We definitely are not bringing the drapery treatments. I love your choice of the counter stools. The sofa and recliners that will be adjacent to the kitchen are a terra cotta color. Would you still use white for the stools?

Speaking only for myself, in most cases when I say "white" it is with the inference of "a tone of white that coordinates with your other furnishings." Maybe I should start being more explicit...

I like the off white leather stools with the cut out backs and wood legs that Beverly showed. They're not too modern and they have a nice sturdy base with the four legs. The off white will coordinate with anything.

Eydie, to be clear, I am not suggesting white for the stools at all. I have just posted bar stools that are contemporary. Without seeing the total home, it's just not possible to make a recommendation on barstools or anything else. It might turn out that wood frame stools are better for the kitchen, but it's just not possible to make a recommendation.