Hi. Congrats on the new house. Don’t paint the cabinets. They are in great shape and the color is lovely. On the cheaper side, I would remove the backsplash and change the light fixtures. For a bigger wow, I would change the non-granite countertops and add Roman shades that bring in more color.
Good luck

Agree with above. The only thing I don't like is the stove top in the island. I don't see another place for it unless you replace the wall oven with a range - but rang and sink that far away from each other isn't great either. The cabinets look nice. I refreshed with new counters, backsplash and "short apron" apron front sink - which can be installed on a standard sink base cabinet. I am very happy with the results.

I am thinking upgrading to granite counter tops- but I can’t decide which color is best. I’m afraid if I go a dark color, it will make an already dark kitchen darker. I want to stay away from beige and Brown.

The other thought I had was seeing if I can knock down that wall by the sink and open up the kitchen to the living room which will open up the space.

Thanks!

It is usually best to live in a home a good 6 months before making changes. Since your kitchen looks pretty and functional, use this time to think about the space and your budget. Think about how the stovetop in the island works for you over time. Think about such things as how much noise would opening up the kitchen add to the living area. How super clean do you want to keep the kitchen if it can be easily viewed from the living room? What other areas would be affected by removing a wall - flooring, heating /AC, electrical? If you find the kitchen functions poorly, can the difficulties be fixed without buying new cabinets. You might want to consult with a kitchen designer at that point. It is more important the area flow well for cooking then it looks open.

If the pantry gives you enough storage, you could remove the upper cabinets on the sink wall - either leave it blank and hang some pretty art or decor or put up a few shelves. Use the lower for some frequently used dishes and the upper for decor. That way only the lower shelf needs to be kept obsessively clean. Maybe just remove the cabinet to the right of the sink. You could take down the wall just from the sink to the doorway so the sink becomes part of a peninsula with seating in the living room side of the peninsula - but I'm not sure what you gain from that as there is a seating area just a step away.

I used light quartz countertops in my older wood kitchen. There are many choices so have some fun looking, but put off actually doing something till you have been in the house awhile.

Here is my kitchen - there is just a hint of beige in the countertop which helps it work with the warm wood:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~110720042

Love the cabinets. The black appliances are sucking alot of light out of the room. I would change those and the light fixtures before I did anything else.

Under cabinet lighting! Round table for area under pendent. Light countertops with sparkle. It's ok to have island that color & rest light.

Agree with undercabinet lighting! Also love the cabinets, they are beautiful. Update to a very simple, light quartz and clean-lined backsplash with minimal pattern as the wood has its own pattern/grain. If you start adding lots of colors and patterns it will look too busy. Enjoy the new home!

Congratulations on your new home! I love the cabinets but agree that you need to update the backsplash and counter (go light) and appliances and lights. How about a pretty carpet runner in whatever style you want to add a pop of color (think hooked or oriental or whatever catches your eye)?

I think changing out the hardware on the cabinets would add to your lovely kitchen. Congrats on your new home. Wishing you years of happiness there!

You’re cabinets are very pretty. The thing that would bother me is the configuration of cabinets/microwave next to the pantry door. It looks awkward. I would get a professional to rework that area and hide the microwave. When you get a new countertop and backsplash, your kitchen will be beautiful. Congrats!

Your cabinets are lovely. I would go with a light quartz for the counters - white or a light marble look. Light and complimentary backsplash - maybe a glass subway. Switch to stainless steel appliances as you can.

There is something very inviting about a wood & white kitchen!

What do you think about the pantry door? Is it easy enough to paint the door white instead of cream? How about adding something on top of the frosted glass panel?

You can paint the door trim if you use a good primer. I've had good results with Zinsser 123, but I know the Zinsser BIN is supposed to be a bit better if the surface is slick (though the 123 is recommended if painting PVC, which is pretty slick). A glass company can change out the panel to another glass - depending on how it is installed, but a big plate of glass can get pricy. You could look into the cost of a regular door if you don't like the glass.

I actually like the placement of your microwave - so glad to see it not above the range, out of the major cooking area, and off in its own space. It is a little high for short me, but it is very difficult to hide a microwave in a smaller kitchen. You can put it in the pantry if there is room and it is not too inconvenient.

You have light floors and light walls. I would go semi dark with movement. Upgrade the lighting, backsplash, counters and hardware.

Congratulations on the new house! Your cabinets are gorgeous; I wouldn’t even change them. One thing I notice that you could definitely update is your light fixture. Here are some ideas to consider:

[https://www.houzz.com/products/hale-ceiling-lamp-clear-prvw-vr~46005272[(https://www.houzz.com/products/hale-ceiling-lamp-clear-prvw-vr~46005272)

[https://www.houzz.com/products/amarillite-ceiling-lamp-black-and-copper-prvw-vr~46005309[(https://www.houzz.com/products/amarillite-ceiling-lamp-black-and-copper-prvw-vr~46005309)

A medium green or teal wall color.

Why not try updating to all SS appliances, a new backsplash and countertops, changing the top of the island to a lighter color, changing the chandelier in the dining room, and changing the hardware on the cabinets. That should give you a nice updated look without having to change the cabinets.

Any ideas on “pulls” for the cabinets?

I think over this long weekend I’m planning on painting the kitchen and cleaning the cabinets really well. Any suggestions on how to clean these cabinets or paint colors much appreciated!

Murphy's oil soap. Brass.

Search how to clean your kitchen cabinets by Leslie Reichert. Would someone please explain how to supply a link on Houzz when using an iPad?

Countertops and backsplash, under mount sink, faucet. In that order. Congrats on the house...very nice kitchen!

Thank you everyone for your comments. It helped me narrow down what my style was, and made the renovation process much easier.

So far have changed lighting, door knobs, and the island marble. We also ordered quartz countertops around the edges of the kitchen. I decided to not change the work space or the work flow because of budget concerns.

any other suggestions would be great.