Your wood cabinets look like they are in great shape. I know painting them would create the most immediate change, but I would update several other things before going that route. I would first update the countertop to a brighter color (forgoing the 4" backslash). Something similar to this quarts counter...

Then, I would...

• Update the lighting in the kitchen and in your front entry
• Remove the floating cabinets hanging above the island.
• Depending on the width of the floating cabinets I would mount them above the fridge. Then, get a slab of wood (finished the same as your cabinets) to encase your fridge, giving the illusion it as a built-in.
• Get a classic tile for a backsplash staying neutral and bright
• Update the window treatments to either a roman shade or bamboo shade
• Purchase a large rug to anchor your dining table in the room
• Purchase bar stools that match the finish of your black hardware
• I (personally) would paint/update the trim to white but that is such a large job, since it would involve the whole area, I understand if that is not an option.

Also, I feel like there are different styles going on with your furniture and lighting fixtures; dining table is traditional, lighting is contemporary, side hutch is farmhouse. I think trying to narrow in on the look/feel you're wanting will help offer direction for the new lighting fixtures, and bar stools and unify the space overall.

Hope this helps!

You have very nice cabinets. I would remove that light box, repaint the burgundy walls in a beige color, remove the window valance. Could that small wall, attached to the bar, be removed? That would be very refreshing. You could then add an island.

That red color in the dining room is sucking away the brightness.

I agree with the above. For a paint job to last requires a patient and experienced DIY person or a professional cabinet painter - even then there will likely be the need to touch up occasionally.

Here are some refreshed wood cabinet kitchens.

I think these counters are laminate - very pretty and light with the backsplash. Contrasting grout on the backsplash works here - but be careful as it can be too busy in some kitchens.

I am not sure if this countertop might compete with the floor, but a pretty oak kitchen:

The colors in this kitchen are too dark for me personally but it is pretty. I like the use of the beadboard for backsplash and wainscot. If you want a country / farmhouse look, using beadboard for the backsplash and wainscot on the red walls - could be pretty and lighten the kitchen.

Consider replacing the microwave with a stainless hood and get a countertop microwave or since you have lots of space, consider an old fashion microwave cart or cabinet - you could get one in a farmhouse style or do something clever reusing a cast off piece of furniture.

If you don't remove the cabinet over the peninsula, you might be able to build it down creating a space for a microwave.

My own kitchen is older oak. I did mine in a vintage style. I have new quartz counters, subway tile backsplash and farm sink. My cabinets are in good shape. I would not invest that much if your cabinets are not in good shape.

My kitchen - more pics in my "my pics" idea book:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~93784356

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~93784291

My not very modern microwave:)

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~47408852

I did paint my trim, but not interior doors. Some other ideas - remove the center panel of one or more cabinets and replace with glass - about $50 a door in my area. I did rework a cabinet into a plate rail - there are kits for that.

My Kohler Whitehaven "short apron" farm sink is undermount, but can be installed on a standard sink base cabinet. The Kohler Vault is a stainless farm sink that also comes in a short apron style and also comes in a overmount, so could be used with laminate counters.

What is bad is low ceiling lack of light and the floor.
The cabinets are good. From what i can see paint the kitchen and the eating area a warm creamy white yellow. Look into the cost of lux vinyl plank or tile. An easy diy project. Think the cost would be less than having cabinets painted.

Now more drastic change is to bring more light in. The wall i cant see is the refrig wall buy i think it is an outside wall. Move frig to the end of cbinets on the sink wall. Put windows/slider in on the exisitng refrig wall. take out the ‘eat’ wall if it isnt load supporting and put in a large island that can incorporate storage lost by moving frig.

thank you all for posting. I would agree with all of the comments. Here is another picture where the frigerator is. someone mentioned the cabinet knobs as being black they are actually hunter green which needs replaced. I would also like to know what to put in this open space by the door. the previous owners had the dining room there and where the dining room table is now they had a living room because they were older and couldn't go up the stairs. we are not sure if the wall attached to the island is load-bearing but it does have light switch and a plug in it. what kind of lighting should I replace the fluorescent with? my husband was wanting to put whitewashed pallet boards where all the red is to brighten it up. I think we are wanting to go more farmhouse style. would painting the table and chairs white with a dark-stained top look good. Also would the shutters on the window look good because my neighbors can see directly in when they are outside?

I feel Glo European W&D nailed it.

With the open space by the door, I would do a large round rug and two comfy arm chairs with a table in between. Make it a cozy space to sit and for people to hang out while someone is in the kitchen is cooking/prepping.

I don't recommend doing the wood shutters (that you posted above). I think it will add too much wood in that space and confuse the design of the space even more. I would keep it classic for the window coverings. Add in the "farmhouse" style in other areas, like a new seating area or the material/pattern of the window coverings.

Good luck!

I am not real keen on the pallet wood - I think you could go through a lot of work for a look that is trendy and the wood is rough and not the best. However, a beadboard or board and batten wainscot is flexible style wise - and has been around for ages. Do a board and batten with a little ledge at the top and you would have a place to display some vintage china or other farmhouse decor.

For a window treatment, consider cafe curtains or lace cafe curtains. The lace would let the sun light in but usually it is difficult to see into the home unless the lace is very sheer. Another thought is to put a window film on that would allow you to see out, but not for anyone to see it. I've never used a film so do not know if it would darken the light coming in.

lace cafe curtain:

If you have extra space you might create a sort of kitchen keeping room - a cozy spot to relax.

You don't have to have a fireplace - just some cozy chairs, maybe a footstool.

Also, if that back door is used a lot. you might want to create a mudroom area/ space:

I totally agree with JHMarie's suggestions!

After trying some of the more costs effective ideas, ask yourself “do you like cabinets that are wood colored or color (grey, white, blue, black, etc...) cabinets”? Always do what puts a smile on your face & makes you happy.

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I did paint the room. what do you think? what colors should I use in the room? someone said red bwcause of the cow picture and door but we were thinking Navy.

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