To update it I would replace the counters and get new hardware and paint the walls. These cabinets are classic and very expensive. To me that black galaxy granite is what dates the space the most. But I’d be interested in what others Houzzers have to say!

And the black appliances.

I think it’s style specific, not dated. I agree that I might change the countertops, not because they’re “dated “, only because I’m not a fan of dark countertops, especially with your cabinets, I’d change your appliances too..

If it's in your budget: change counters and appliances and knobs and pulls. Beautiful cabinets don't need paint.

I also love your cabinets:)

I am not fond of black appliances, though I don't mind them in your kitchen and realize it would be expensive to change them. I actually like white appliances with my stained cabinets because I am also not fond of stainless and white brightens things up - though I think stainless would too.

My older kitchen also benefitted from light counters, subway tile backsplash and Kohler Whitehaven "short apron" style farm sink - which can be installed on a standard sink base cabinet. The farm sink functions wonderfully and has the added benefit of helping merge older country with todays farmhouse - though in my case I went with a vintage look.

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

Cream subway tile with black countertop:

Thank you everybody!!!

So don't paint the cupboards for a change
Which is a great because every French door and window frame is distressed pine
Should the handles be black or satin?
Black appliances out? Or oven area stainless
Because of course the dishwasher and fridge aren't old
I love all the pictures you sent, very helpful
BUT 10 years ago I got into the granite trend and as you can see
Put it on counters and backsplash it's not black galaxy
It has a lot of green and gold (owba tuba is its name, something like that, the picture just shows black
I do see what you are saying... soften the room
I showed you the other side without a black counter
Softer not as dated, I see what you see
could I just do this by
Say changing the backsplash, I can talk my Husband into anything and I never ask him about our house decor
But removing the granite no way
Shoot wish I had you guys 10 yrs ago
Oh what to do
I do love my home and want to do the right thing in hopes I live here another 30 yrs

Such a pretty kitchen. I'd change to a cream backsplash and barstools. I like the black counters and appliances. Make cream your accessory color. I'd consider taking out the appliance garage just so more light backsplash would show.

I like the suggestions from athomeeileen above. I also see nothing dated except the knobs. I'd replace them with metal -- either black or stainless/nickel would work, depending on your taste. I'd consider changing some knobs to pulls, especially where that would allow you a more modern placement extending to the corners.

Otherwise, I'd consider (but not urgently) an alternative to the sage walls -- maybe a cream or a warm greige -- and to bring in a bit of color with brighter art and/or a few accents (colorful rug by the sink, matching dish towel, stool seats, whatever). Just to lighten and brighten a bit. Generally a pretty kitchen!

Your kitchen is beautiful. I wouldn't change a thing!

Your kitchen is very beautiful and such a breath of fresh air from thousands of trendy gray and white kitchens! Lucky you!

I would go with warmer style bar stools and remove the wine rack ( I am very anti-booze on display).

I agree with changing counters, appliances and knobs...similar to Briana's after pic.

I love your kitchen!

If you want to change the appliances to stainless there is actually a link somewhere on houzz on how to do it. And it actually works, which is even better!

http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/kitchen/how-to-update-your-kitchen-with-stainless-steel-paint

I think a cream backsplash would be lovely and brighten it up. If you do not have under cabinet lighting, consider it. I just have it in my prep area and I just love it. I would especially need it if I was working on a dark countertop - my eyes are getting older.

With wood cabinets it is important to keep the backsplash simple. The wood has movement due to grain and knots, and if the backsplash also has a lot of movement, it can look too busy, even if the 12 x 12 sample is lovely. I really like my simple cream tile backsplash with my wood cabinets. The subway has a "old fashion" feel which helps it work with older cabinets.

Here are a few kitchens with dark counters and light backsplash:

Another possibility is bead board. Here is an older kitchen that did a refresh and used beadboard for the backsplash:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/4512247/finally-finished-with-kitchen-updating

I totally understand not wanting to change out granite that is only 10 years old. You could change out just the island if you can find a light stone that would coordinate well with the Uba tuba. I had a butcher block island and kept it that way when I put my quartz in. A year later I did the island. That is easier to do with a quartz because it has less variation from slab to slab then different slabs of granite.

This refresh has dark counters with a light island:

I really like your kitchen!

Try getting stainless steel appliances, changing the hardware, and updating the countertops. Otherwise, the kitchen looks great.

Ok
I finally got rid of the black appliances
Does lighten up the room with stainless just like most of you said
The counters are just too expensive to get rid of
Which aren't black galaxy like someone thought
It's Uba tuba which has warm colours in it
So do I change the Drawer knobs to pulls
Leaning towards black now
As worried about all the small knobs looking like satin dots
Black?
Wood?
Satin nickel?
Dark brown?
Please and thank you for your advice
In helping me with my 30 yr old kitchen

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