Remove the Valences and consider replacing the windows.

Oh, and don't put anything over the cabinets as the previous owners have done.

Live with it and find out if you like the layout - do this for at least 6 months. Of course, you can get rid of the valances and if you're painting the living room that is attached, you can paint the kitchen walls as well. But leave the rest until you find out whether or not the layout works for you.

There is no point in doing what will be expensive cosmetic changes if, in the end, you don't like the layout. If you hate it, then you will know that you need save a bit more and re-do the kitchen when you can afford to do so. Not easy when you hate, it - been there, done that.

no plants or junk above cabinets. remove valences. change cabinet hardware. see if the other side of doors are more square Shaker style.

I have one suggestion: move out and let me move in. I love it. Right down to the mural behind the stove top. However, I would take down the valances since I'm not too into the floral thing, and I'd probably put up bamboo shades if I need the privacy.

Lose valences, put nothing above cabinets, paint, change light fixture over sink. Live in it for a few months and then decide on the more spendy changes.

Hi Naz,

Wow, beautiful kitchen, the elderly couple took pride!

#3 and # 6 would be a must for me.

I'm mostly with hateoshop across the board -- I'd prioritize a light/white backsplash over most of the other small tweaks to cabinets; the hood seems fine; and once the racing stripe and junk above the soffit are down, it will all seem much better.

Now it's just a bland kitchen waiting for your accessories, art, and signs of life!

Take out the bulk heads or at least paint them. Change the paint color to a light airy color, leave the windows, leave the cabinets, take down everything above the cabinets, change the backsplash to a light subway & remove the granite splash, remove all the roosters & grape decor.

I donno...remove valences, remove behind range wine glass backsplash remove pendants. Go to lowes and get cheap industrial pendants. Do a chalkboard paint on some walls and others white , add some industrial look runners on the floor.

for now, I'd remove valances..the hood is modern enough..if you can't stand backsplash-I'd simply remove it(you still have your granite backsplash), and paint the color of my choice as all the rest of space. I wouldn't try to match the tile at this point..live sometime there, figure out what really bothers you, and what doesn't, in the end of the day.

Very well maintained kitchen..no reason to hurry.

You'll introduce your own decor, accessories..tthis kitchen can be nice background for variety of color pallettes and styles. I'd just make sure to lean warmer..in shades of colors whatever they'll be.

I happen to like the current stain a lot, but that's obviously personal preference. One thing for sure-they're versatile and quite easy to work with.

If you have a desire and opportunity to make some of the uppers glass-that's a nice change..or would be to me since I like displaying my favorite mugs, glasses, teapots, etc.

I agree with hateoshop and acm -- I think after you remove the stripe and replace the backsplash with something lighter and more modern (some sort of soft white tile, I don't love subway for this space though), it will make a huge difference.

I hate the bulkhead why is it there ?I would live with it for now see how you feel in 6 months ..its not a bad looking kitchen

In addition to all of the above, maybe change out the cabinet hardware.

what's little money? nothing on your list alone is going to make a difference (except maybe paint), so little money leads to big money. Live with it it's workable for sure

Strip out the valances and every thing else that is moveable. Paint all of the sheetrock in all rooms within view one shade of white with a hint of gray. Install an architectural (clean, spare) fixture over the island. Change out the other pendants with simple modern. Later you might update the backsplash......

The bulkhead is the most offensive. I really wonder why it is there--it is not the norm for '98. The rest, well I am just not seeing what is so offensive. The backsplash shows they embraced the Tuscan vibe--I never did so would want that plainer but that is no quick/cheap fix. Painting the cabinets, removing the crown will decrease the value. The hardware is modern, but it does not match the style of the cupboards. The granite and cupboards themselves are to die for. The windows are very modern, and again do not jive with the cupboard design. I think you need to think about a unifying aesthetic, more than modern or not.

Wow, thanks every onefor the Great feedbacks n suggestion! The valsnces are long gone! The bulkhead is painted over but will have to go!

@acm, thanks for the extra time you took to send this pic!

Those bulkheads are weird but taking them out may be complicated and probably will not be a low cost update.

I'm a kitchen snob but I could easily live in your space while I prioritized what to do with the rest of house. Well, I'd have to blow out that silly wine mural behind the cooktop or cover it up with stainless tile or something.

This was what I was talking about in my post above. It will take some nerve but its just paint. This bold look will get rid of the monotony without touching the cabinets. The other kitchen change is stainless steel where the ole behind range backsplash was. Add some cool rug runners (your choice but with some BLACK) and inexpensive stools. Down the road you could address the tile.

ETA: The light paint color is meant to be an off white taupe but didn't come out exactly right. Similar to what you have but a bit lighter and a bit more taupe.

You could change just the countertop on the island to an antique matte Stainless steel ( with overhang). Looks modern but the antiqued would mesh with the kitchen. You could do the same finish for behind range Stainless Steel.

https://www.specialtystainless.com/residential/sample-features-in-custom-stainless-steel-countertops.php

Not sure if stools are in order. There is no overhang and maybe not enough room.

Personally I would not touch the cabinets. It is so nice to see cabinets that has style and appears to be of quality workmanship . I am tired of seeing white shaker cabinets. Looks like you got yourself a well maintained home.

I agree with hatetoshop's suggestions, but also think Anglophilia probably has the right of it--if the layout is such that you will want a major overhaul, any money you spend on cosmetic touch-ups now is just wasting money that could have gone toward a full remodel in the future.

But, if the layout is okay and you are committed to cosmetic changes only for at least a few years, hatetoshop's list is a good one. I would also add runners for the kitchen floor to break up the unremitting beige.

That's my biggest complaint about the kitchen--the floor is the same color as the cabinets is the same color as the counter is the same color as the backsplash is the same color as the accent paint. The previous owners must have REALLY liked beige. Runners would break up the beige floor, and changing the backsplash would break up the wall o' beige.

I would remove the valances and paint the brown the wall color and also the fireplace wall. Adding some silver accessories to the kitchen would be nice. If you want a more contemporary look for now don't do too many as it would look cluttered. Larger pieces would work nicely.

I'd remove valances. I think I would keep the cabinets and hardware as is. I like the combo of the cabinets with counter and flooring, they all relate nicely. I would change the backsplash to something quiet and solid - subway tile in the lightest color of your countertop. Something creamy for sure. I'd paint that bulkhead. Then I'd add an area rug and accessories (though nothing on top of the cabinets). For me the biggest thing is wash up 'blend' that's going on. I really think a different backsplash would make a big difference. I also wouldn't do a feature piece above the stove.

I also like Justerri's idea above.

To me it is just too monotone, but gorgeous elements. What's up with those walls sticking out above the cabinets? Are they needed for the heating or cooling system?

What's that picture behind the stove? Is it tile? Unfortunately I am not one for "scenes" in the kitchen and am a totally messy cook, so if it was a painting or something not ceramic or glass, it would get messy fast in my kitchen. I would paint the walls some color that went with my housewares, or something that matched a color from that picture behind the stove if I was keeping it, or redo the backsplash behind the stove. Maybe take out the tile in the other spots and carry the wall color around the kitchen, or redo the backsplash tiles to something less BROWN. Maybe see about getting some matching cabinets with glass doors. Put some bright area rugs down. Live with the rest, it is high end.

I think it all depends if you want more light white or grey color scheme that is like ACM showed, or something more dramatic like Justerrilyn pictured. Are you a Neutral Nancy or a Boho Granny like me? Inquiring minds need to know, lol!

the soffit is there to give the upper cabinets a 'top'. why they brought it so far forward is a mystery. if you do leave it, at least take it back so it's flush w/the cabinets. a drywall finisher could do that.

I'd leave cabs as is, get new hardware (what's there now is too modern looking for that style cabinet) and look into replacing countertops with something like a quartzite and redo backsplash w/something of this decade. (no 4" piece w/the new tile!)

of course new wall paint and crap or roosters on the top! otherwise, it's actually a pretty decent space. If you avoid painting the cabinets (which would be well over 6K) and put the money into a new stone top/tiles, I think you'd have a fabulous looking kitchen

look at this same wood tone, with the black accents and new quartz top and lighting. gorgeous.

here is a kitchen w/a similar soffit like you have. see how they made it flush and hardly noticeable? this is what you need to have done

If it were my kitchen, the only change I’d make right away, besides painting the bulkhead, is to somehow cover up the mural over the cooktop. A super cheap, temporary fix would be to hang something over it. A simple metal frame with glass and a matted piece of artwork would cost very little. A piece of wallpaper, poster, or fabric adhered to the tile picture and coated with several coats of mod podge would be moderately washable and give you time to live with the kitchen and decide how you like the layout. Or, screw a piece of stainless steel over the tiles. You could even coat/cover the mural with a chalkboard/ chalkboard paint or chalkboard contact paper if the farmhouse chalkboard look appeals to you.

Ok Pinky, this is for you : )

I added colorful rug runners on each side of island lol.

Anyhoo, there's a lot that could be done but since the op said change "with little money" most is just paint.

p,s reminder...those light newly painted walls are meant to be more light taupe.

BEFORE

My daughter purchased a home with one of those awful tile murals over the kitchen sink. Because there was a border around it, we were able to get smaller, complementary tiles to place over the mural and they didn’t protrude past the tile border. Made a world of difference.

I might just paint it dark gray and leave it at that.

Are you planning to attack the kitchen at a later date? I might minimize changes if so and only remove what is easy to take out, and paint. Can the backsplash be painted?

Remove the soffitt, change out backsplash to something light and creamy. Have your island cabinets painted a creamy white to tie in to the backsplash and break up the overwhelming dominance of all that lovely wood.

Yes paint. I would find out what is inside that header and remove it. I would then replace just the top cabinets with taller cabinets, perhaps that are staggered. Another update would be the backsplash. But otherwise, the cabinets are nice.

Not a good rendition but I hope it conveys what I’m talking about.

As I said before - DO NOTHING until you've lived with this kitchen for at least 6 months and see if the layout works for you. All this other stuff will just be using up your money if you find it's not a great layout.

If nothing in them, remove the bulkheads/ soffits or at least push them back to match cabinet line. Whether you do a total remodel or not, the space would feel more open & modern without.

I like the cabinet style.

Late to the party,but the soffit might contain heating/AC duct work or possibly beams for upper floor if there is one and might need to stay in place; a possibiity.

I agree paint declutter and then decide what you want to have for the next ten years as that is about the time line for any major reno.

Lovely home!

I don't see anything glaringly bad about the layout and not sure how you'd change it with the current wall configuration. There isn't enough prep between the sink and stove, which means your island is very important for prep. However, the island looks very small and the aisles look very wide, so is it possible to replace the island with a larger one? My goals for the island would be a larger prep sink, seating, and dish drawers because you have no wall cabinets near the DW. Then you can change to a painted island and replace all the granite and the backsplash to tone down the brown and beige.

I hate it when people want to paint cabinets for no good reason. But if ever there were cabinets that needed painting, these are them. Just sayin'. That finish is very dated.

But...failing that, you could improve them a lot by having glass panels inserted in the uppers in place of the raised panels. Install a clear patterned glass (not frosted) that allows some sense of depth by allowing hints of the insides to show through. Paint the insides a light color if they are dark.

As others have said - there must be some reason those bulky soffit thingies are so crazy huge - beyond what is normal if it was just design considerations. Did you have inspector - should have gotten some idea of how the plumbing/AC all fit together.

Otherwise its just fine I think! Nice light beigey beiges that would be easy to add any colors and take it any direction you wish. Good color - none of that orangey oak that people seem to object to a lot.

I think those cabinets are beautiful and wouldn't paint them...but that's me.

If the soffit thingies can be taken out ignore the upper charcoal in this photo. Look how different it looks with a change of backsplash, new hardware and an antiqued stainless island top with overhang. You could also add a very cool light over island and runner rugs.

The house is Adobe style and the senior citizens who owned it clearly wanted French Country.

I am guessing the aisles are wide so they would be ADA accessible?

Same with the windows (love the black frames on them too)

Besides removing the bulkhead and valance, and painting the window frame, there are two items to focus on, the stove elevation and the island. Consider the following:

1. 1. At the stove area, remove the four overhead cabinets. Add open shelves where the far right and far left cabinets are and have a stainless steel backsplash cover the entire wall to the height of the sink window. See pic below.
3. 1. Consider not painting the cabinets dark, which will again date and confuse the space. Paint all the cabinets a light grey (as suggested above) or off white, no antiquing. The satin nickel bar pulls can stay, or you might want to consider brushed gold at a later date, an easy change.
5. 1. Add cabinets at the top of all the cabinets on the oven wall to the continue the horizontal line of the top of the sink window > stainless steel backsplash wall at the stove top > cabinets over the oven wall.

On the other side of the kitchen, pop out those panels on the overhead cabinets only, and install clear glass and lighting. Replace the interior solid shelves in those over head cabinets with glass shelves. This to be done on this side of the kitchen only.

1. 1. For the island, consider a vibrant color or navy blue. Add a 15" deep wood counter ledge at the back end, mounted under the stone top and add 2 to 4 stools.
2. 1. Remove the hanging light over the sink, and install some overhead ceiling lights. Add great pendant lights over the island only.

Grey and tan always look fresh and smart. With the tan floors and stone tops that color combo will work nicely. Focus on the stove area and the island and let everything else fall back.

^ ^ ^ Stove wall only. Backsplash on this wall can be stainless steel, dark tile or small "chicklet" glass tile.

^ ^ ^ Pale gray cabinets - dark island - interesting island pendant

^ ^ ^ Off white cabinets - medium gray island^ ^ ^ Navy blue island

^ ^ ^ Note great idea for ledge at island: Simple wood parsons table slid over island.

^ ^ ^ Note wood ledge detail

^ ^ ^ Consider bright color island and off white cabinets^ ^ ^ On opposite wall consider glass doors on upper cabinets at this wall only with interior lights, glass interior shelves and undercounter lighting. Paint lower cabinets same as all other painted cabinets (pale gray or off white). The reason to consider off white, instead of bright white, is to soften the transition to the existing floor and counters. Focus on the stove wall and island.

Its very nice. I LOVE all the windows. For now, I'd just paint out the soffets and fireplace.

Justterrilynn, can you tell me the source for that first black and tan runner?

I think it might be just what I’ve been looking for!

Lose the brown racing stripes on the wall and above the cabinets.

Ditch the valences - yikes.

Remove all the clutter from above the cabinets.

Paint the cabinets (cheap) dark or very light for contrast to the counter tops.

Like the silver pulls.

Nice kitchen. Don't go crazy :-) It's expensive!

There are way too many planes in this kitchen. Even removing the soffit the uppers do not reach the ceiling so there is useless space catching dust. If you do not need the upper cabinets I suggest removing them altogether. If you need some I suggest replacing them with cabinets that have frosted glass doors or open shelving. The replacements should go all the way to the ceiling. If you need access to the highest ones on a regular basis install a contemporary library rail and ladder. If you need access only on rare occasions, like certain holidays, a portable ladder or stool should be sufficient, In any case I would remove the uppers above and to the sides of the range and install a contemporary range hood reaching the ceiling. I do not know how adventuresome you are regarding colors but the brown cabinetry is very dated. I suggest you google colorful kitchen cabinetry and go with a color combination that stimulates your creativity. I personally prefer high gloss oil as it is easy to clean. I would make the island a different but complimentary color, The granite is dated but replacing that may not be in your current budget. As for the backsplash, I suggest inexpensive mirror tiles which will be easy to clean and reflect light. I would replace the window valances with relaxed roman shades in your choice of fabric. Please replace the current light fixtures with something more in keeping with your taste. It appears there is a severe lack of task lighting. I would definitely add that as well as some ambient lighting. Please put all lighting on dimmers so that task and ambient lighting can be interchangeable. Consider a couple of rugs of your choice so ease pressure on your feet, ankles and legs as you stand working in the kitchen. You mention painting the windows a lighter color. If you are looking for more modern I would not lighten them, not would I leave the cabinetry any shade of brown. You have good bones with which to work.. Enjoy the process as you evolve into your new home!

In my opinion, the only things that need to be done are: replace the light over the sink, paint the shelf over the cabinets the same as the wall color, and get rid of or change the fabric on the valance. You have a gorgeous kitchen!

Visually painting the bulkhead and the walls all the same color as Beverly suggested does minimize the hugeness of it. Try that and see if you can live with it will doing all the other things mentioned. The cabinets do not look offensive to me so I wouldn't paint them.

Where are you and how long do you plan on living here? Are the cabinets out of the norm for your area? If you do not plan on being here more than a few years I probably would not go to a lot of $$ and effort for huge changes. Do the low cost , low hassle changes and see if you can live with it.