I think your kitchen is wonderful! All I think you could do to improve it is maybe a better light fixture and a back splash. I think a nice larger cream colors subway back splash tile would looks great in there.

Thank you Verona Home Design. Yes the light fixture, I never changed it assuming I’d have new electrical done for an island someday.

I don't understand your statement that you "can't" change the cabinet color. Why not? Those cabinets look in great shape, but you have to have them painted or stained (that color is simply too out dated). Then I would put up a back splash. Update the counter tops. And then put in an island and hang pendant lights over it (remove that existing light).

Those are beautiful cabinets! I would not paint them. It looks like you need doors on the uppers above sink. I would opt for a little something special on the backsplash as your space is plain so far. i think i would do a dark base island (black, green, or blue) with the same new counters or a light contrasting stone, but not butcher block as you will have too many different wood tones for harmony.

cpaul1 Thanks, a darker wood stain would go so much better with the rest of my flooring and furniture. I wish I had a white kitchen and would paint if these were oak or a wood grain I hated, but the maple is too nice to me for painting. I’m going to seek quotes for staining.

wmacvinnie - Thank you! I’ve stared at that shelf above the sink for years thinking it was the wood colour that bothered me, but you’re right. That unit was supposed to be a window, when one couldn’t go there due to structure, the kitchen designer gave me this open display. It’s always looked unfinished to me because it wasn’t what I wanted. We already have a lot of doors happening, so I’m going to see how it looks replaced with two floating shelves instead.

forget about staining them. maple is very difficult to get much darker than it already is. Either leave it or paint them.

here is the snowy cliffs. would look nice w/your tone cabinets.

here's your non-showy backsplash. can't get much planer.

these 3x12 tiles in an Ivory (lancaster line, tilebar.com) would also look nice

doing an island something like this, in the white, would work

look into getting some recessed lighting (the kitchen is very dark over the cabinets) and possible under cabinet lighting. over the island, do a few pendants.

Thank you Beth! I love the white island idea and love the herringbone backsplash. Yes, my lighting situation needs an overhaul and what I do depends a lot on my island. I will of course seek a pro if I stain and be sure to see samples.

New light fixture, love the herringbone cream tile idea, curate the open shelves with colorful pottery, rug, cream island.

Put LED light ropes on all cabinet tops to lift the gloom of a shady ceiling. Put an oriental runner down from the fridge to the corner. Put in a 24-30” flush mount fixture with some sparkle.

I think the cabinets are beautiful, why not update the hardware, add some backsplash, an island and update the lighting. I think those changes would wonders.

Hello. I would advise you to recolour this kitchen in white color.

Rhonda, your cabinets are beautiful, the only thing you need to update is countertop and backsplash like others suggested and you all set.

Good luck

We recommend a new light fixture and a nice backsplash. Perhaps a cream color subway tile? Otherwise your kitchen seems really nice.

Try liquid gold polish on cabinets. Really cleans the them up and adds depth to wood

I think the two cabinets installed higher than the others cabinets creates an odd look. Usually the cabinet above the sink and the cabinet above the range are shorter cabinets so that you get critical work space in these two areas, the top of the shorter cabinets usually lines up with the other taller cabinets creating an even horizontal line. Your designers decision to use the standard cabinets and install them higher was an odd choice. I think if you get two shorter cabinets installed with doors matching the other cabinets it will look much better.

I would definitely install a cream colored subway tile back splash but in a running bond pattern not a herringbone pattern simply because this will be too busy a look and you will spend significantly more on tile to create this herringbone pattern.

Remove both higher cabinets. Over the range do a full stainless
steel hood all the way to the ceiling. Over the sink no need for anything. Backsplash to top of cabinets.

Above and under cab lighting. Backsplash, Flooring. New flush mount light. Cab hardware. And some kind of big kitchen cart/work table- not an island.

I think you have a very nice kitchen that only needs small updates like others have stated. I actually like different heights of cabinets but think the color differences on the one over the sink are throwing things off. I do also like the suggestions of removing those those two and putting an updated full exhaust over the stove and something decorative or unique over the sink. Cream back splashes as above look very nice. Would be nice to see something creative but complimentary for island choices.

Personally, I'd consider recessed lighting, black or pewter hardware on cabinetry, and a painted island with the same hardware on it (depending on the clearance, that is). Good bones!