The kitchen looks fine to me. All the updates it needs if YOU HAD to do it is new paint, backsplash, chandelier, and island. I would not touch the wood cabinetry.

Change out that chandelier for sure. Look into new hardware for the cabinets. I would consider replacing the island with a freestanding version in stainless or white. Might consider painting the walls, although a grey would not work so picking a suitable color would be tricky.

https://www.jossandmain.com/furniture/hd0/pottstown-kitchen-island-with-stainless-steel-top-l56-k~drbc2644.html?refid=GX266174033167-4B641C_4D384R4252&device=c&ptid=356151065707&targetid=pla-356151065707&network=g&PiID%5B0%5D=18432454&gclid=CjwKCAjw-8nbBRBnEiwAqWt1zTXpvCCtf_O2GqTPWFq8OK5eItvs9Wc_9Z_CHGsvqPKHo8wa7lToXBoCeQIQAvD_BwE

Change the lighting first. Then try out a different table in the center, one that is light colored and informal.

The rest of it will cost quite a bit to change, and it will still be formal with a dark floor.

Stick with the existing stove as long as you can! If I had an appliance that was 15 years old that was still going strong, I would keep it and they would have to pry it out of my dead hands...

What does modern, casual, and charming mean to you? Can you show of some pictures of what your dream kitchen would be?

Yes, wait for the stove to die because it may never happen.

I would not paint the cabinets except as a last resort. That is a huge and expensive undertaking. The floor is beautiful, so it's a keeper for sure. I agree with those who say change the lighting and the island.

Can't see the counters and backsplash well enough to comment on those.

Just ditching that chandelier would go a long way!

Up close and personal

Whoa....the cabinets are beautiful...ditto the stove. The backsplash seems to go with the cabinets but the counter is the massive sore spot for me...What were they thinking?

Also we love our location, our outside, our schools, our access to parks and a walkable town not to mention buying when the market was low. So we’re happy to invest in updates that make us love our home - we’ll be here 10-15 years minimum. (Within resin of course. We don’t want to over invest in the event that we had to sell, we’d lose our shirts)

The cabinets are beautiful, the stove is awesome, the floors look good, and the backsplash doesn't bother me since it's so neutral. I'd definitely replace the lighting, possibly replace the kitchen hardware island, and possibly replace the backsplash. I would also want to replace the counters - in your more up close pictures it looks like they might be contributing a lot to the dungeon feel you're currently getting. You could also repaint the walls, as they look pretty tan.

That backsplash is a pleasant surprise actually. I would consider replacing the counter after changing the light, knobs and island. What does modern mean to you. Do you want color, or all white? I could eventually see painting the cabinets a mid blue or green, but only after I exhausted all other options.

I shouldn’t have used the word modern- I’m not into contemporary at all. I suppose it means brighter, refreshed and a kitchen for a young family. This kitchen feels like it’s for posh entertainers, which we aren’t. Here are some favs. All white seems too stark.

For those suggesting new lighting and counters - that could reasonably done in budget. Any specific ones out there u would recommend? I love the cabinets but don’t like how dark the room is. What can I do to keep cabinets as is and remedy the darkness? (Ps husband thinks led give headaches)

I agree with so many others; floors are great, cabinets are great, stove is great, backsplash is great. I think the counter tops have a harsh/heavy look as well as the island and ceiing light. The hardware is not modern and eventhough the pulls are nice I think an update to the hardware would give you the chance to introduce a more modern feel. Also, go moderatly modern with a new light, island and counter top, if it is in the budget. Is it also possible that your light bulds give a yellow/gold shading to things which, to me, make things appear older and drab, including those awful Edison bulbs.

I, for one, actually like your kitchen. I can see how it can feel dark to you though. I would look at changing the lighting; that may change your mind. You didn't say how long you've been in the house but if it's a recent move, I'd live with everything a while before you make any major changes.

It looks as if you're leaning toward painting the cabinets?

I would focus on a new counter and some undercabinet lights...

Also you probably want to look a daylight bulbs...you can get those now to see if it makes any difference in the lighting situation.

Daylight on the left and soft white on the right...

I would add under cabinet lighting to brighten up the space more and add function. That island fixture is way out of scale, go with a more rectangular island pendant.

Start with only painting the kitchen island a white and see how you like it before taking on a full paint job.

Keep in mind that if changing the counter-top there is no guarantee on saving the splash. So budget for both just in case.

I would remove the magazine rack from the back wall, replace the current island cart with an antique, and try a large industrial pendant over it.

Here's the room empty for anyone who wants to Photoshop:

What’s your budget? 25K to professionally paint the cabinets, new counters, and a new backsplash? Add another 10-15K for a new range and hood? Or are you thinking of a complete gut and start over for 50-70K? And downgrading to a 30” residential range as part of that?

Our stove is a 48” monstrosity. So I guess the options are:

A) Nothing
B) Maybe 5-10 on lighting, island, paint
C) 25 for full face lift and later 15k for new stove
D) 50k+ to overhaul (which I would most certainly wait on) with option to reduce down the monstrosity

I just want it to feel lighter. More welcoming. Less dungeon-ess.

A few other answers to people’s questions:
We’ve been here six years
Led lights give my husband headaches

I’ve been googling pictures of dark cabinets with different counters and haven’t found anything that gets closer to lighter feeling. Would love links if you have them

Thank you all for all your input and opinions. Super helpful.

My cabinets are not as dark as yours and I just had my new countertops installed today. I went with Hanstone Kindred. I haven't uploaded any pictures yet, but I'm really happy with how it turned out. I wanted to go lighter (as in white white) but I spoke with a couple of designers who agreed that white was too stark for my warm cabinets.

I don't think the Kindred goes with your current backsplash and I'm having trouble finding a new one myself. But I think it would lighten up your space.

in this particular kitchen I would skip any hanging ceiling fixture....I would have a streamlined looking white island ….definitely transitional..maybe something more eclectic..doesn't necessarily mean modern....keep it white/light. Can you configure to have one or two stools....maybe on ends? I would place white /whitish counters and backsplash on perimeter. Paint the walls very light. Bring the feel in the middle of the space to a light/refreshing break from the perimeter. You can only do so much with windowless space and the cabinetry that will remain in current state. Pull attention to a new piece/make the middle a focus/and create usability.

How much do you cook? Could you live with fewer uppers? One option that might lighten things up would be to remove the uppers from one side - I'd think the sink side would make the most sense so the window (there is a window over the sink, right? Can't tell for sure) isn't boxed in.

What about something like one of these?

Your stove is marvelous, and if it works, keep it. If all it needs is a thorough clean, hire someone to do it.

Your floors are beautiful.

The backsplash is fine too.

Before you tear the place apart, change all the light bulbs to be more white and less yellowish.

I would paint the kitchen to a more white color.

People here can give you more precise suggestions.

I would definitely switch the overhead fixture at some point.

Do you have enough counter space?

Is the sink working for you?

Your island is absolutely not my cup of tea.

I would replace the island if you need an island.

If there is enough counter space adding in the island, then you don't need to totally remodel.

Just paint the walls, get a new ceiling fixture, get new counters.

You probably don't need to paint the cabinets.

If you really hate them after brightening the walls, you can paint them, but know that painting them is expensive.

Maybe you are not liking how fiddly your doors are now. The other thing you can do is get new fronts that are more simple, such as slab fronts, if you like a more simple esthetic. Some people like shaker. Whatever floats your boat. Then you still have to paint them all, too.

if it were me:

change/fix lighting, consultant a lighting specialist

paint walls a lighter color

change island completely to something with more simple lines and in a light color, not necessary white which i think would be too stark with everything else, or at least a soft white....

change counters., they are dated, busy and too heavy looking. good point above to be ready to change b/s if counters ruin them. hopefully u have some spare tiles to repair.

put some runners to brighten up the floors

what i would not do:

replace stove, it looks fine

replace b/s

Your kitchen in gorgeous. Painting the cabinets (which would be a sin) will still give you a traditional kitchen. I would change the light fixture and paint the island cream. Changing the paint to match the adjacent room would help lighten it. Yes, the stove is large, but it's a gorgeous, expensive piece. I would learn to love a more traditional style and take cooking lessons :-).

I’m going to echo most everyone else. Those cabinets are beautiful and suit the house. I would not paint them as the finish will not hold up as well as what you already have.

I would focus on lighting and the countertop. I think the backsplash could also be in play. It’s nice, but lots of other things could be nice too and I think may be hard to replace the countertop without damaging the backsplash anyway.

Given what you’ve said about your preferences, I would look for a light colored quartz countertop and a coordinating glossy ceramic tile backsplash. Both would suit the house but be lighter feeling.

Lighter walls, counter, and backsplash:

There are so many possibilities. They are beautiful cabinets, but if they are dark and don’t fit your style, change them. You could get new doors and have everything painted too. Painting shouldn’t cost too much. Quotes around here run $2-$5,000. I would go with white cabinets and then paint the island a darker gray. Countertops could be white or gray. The Backsplash has endless possibilities. You could add a splash of color or just a hint with grays or light colored glass tiles.
Over the island, you could choose a fixture like the one pictured so you don’t have to add new electrical.
As for a stove. They have new gas ranges around $2500-$2800, you just have to look.

If you don’t want to break the bank, start with a few things. White countertops with a white subway tile backsplash would make a huge difference if you’re scared to paint cabinets.

Be aware that cabinets expand and contract based on the humidity in the room. This often leads to paint cracking at the "seams" in cabinet doors. We've seen many complaints over the years about this issue.

If you do go the paint route, don't go cheap -- get someone who is an expert at painting cabinets.

Here's a question re: the island.

How many feet is it from one counter across to the other?

Do you really have the room for the island?

A lot of kitchens have islands but don't really have space for them.

Next, if you do have the space for the island, and you do need it, do you need it on a daily basis, or do you only need it when you entertain for parties?

Maybe you can replace that island altogether and get a very sturdy one on locking casters that can be moved around the length of your kitchen. You can get it in stainless that will ties in with your marvelous (yes, I said marvelous!) range, helping your kitchen look more cohesive and it will give you the contemporary look you want.

Even with that sort of island, keep things in bins and baskets to reduce the visual load so things don't look like clutter.

You can install some contemporary hanging light fixtures along the length of your kitchen as well as lighting under the cabinets.

I am not a fan of recessed lighting, it looks like pock marks to me, but I understand that some people really like it.

It looks like you are using your wine rack for papers. That is a waste of valuable real estate. Turn that into something else, a place for your microwave, a slide-out tray for your toaster, or just a cabinet storage for anything.

I would get rid of the magazine rack. That will give you that restful feel that contemporary new kitchens have where everything has a place and everything is in its place

And I would replace your counters so they are lighter in color and don't have a lot of movement.

Corian works well, doesn't stain, a lot of people are very happy with it.

As others have suggested, change to daylight bulbs, it make a big difference. Please don't put another heavy looking light fixture above the island. Find something that is clear or a light color. Don't exchange the dungeon for a factory.

The backsplash is fine, but as someone else said, it may not survive having the countertops changed (which are not appealing). You could either get a white or light quartz or quartzite.

Definitely replace the island. Get one more streamlined and maybe stainless.

Here's a kitchen with a white countertop and light fixtures that do not look heavy.

Stained wood cabinets are coming back into vogue so leaving the cabinets alone may be the smarter choice for future resale. Plus it's less expensive so you're less likely to get dinged at resale.

I'd definitely focus on improving the lighting, a lighter wall color and counters. If you can salvage the existing backsplash, great. If not, look for one that is more light reflective than your existing backsplash is.

Consult a lighting designer. It's hard to tell in the photos
but it looks like your kitchen is underlit. I also have a hard time
with certain LED lights but I've discovered that I can handle soft white
light better than bright white light (those give me a headache). I've
also discovered that not all LED soft white bulbs with the reported same
lumen capacity are the same. Some bother me while others don't.
I
think I read that you replaced the island chandelier. Good. Hopefully
you replaced it with one that is more in scale and lighter in feel and
tone, and one that directs light downward, not upward towards the
ceiling.

Hiring an interior designer or a kitchen designer would also be a smart move.

I love the examples of dark cabinets with light counters that Kristin S posted. All the kitchens seem to have more natural lighting than your kitchen does, though. Can you eliminate some of the upper cabinets on the sink wall to accommodate a larger window?

If that's not possible, consider replacing some or all of the solid doors on the sink wall upper cabinets with glass to brighten the kitchen.

White interiors (repeats white counters and backsplash) and glass shelves:

This is a job for a pro but judging by the photo of the inside of your door on your other thread, it should be doable.

You can leave the inside of the cabinet as is but if it's not finished nicely, you could hire someone to paint the interior. That would certainly be a less expensive job than painting all your cabinets.

It might also be possible to have a skilled professional replace the cabinet side with glass, without adversely affecting the cabinet's structural integrity. Or that might require a new cabinet. I've no idea. But if that's possible, glass sides on the cabinets on either side of the window will allow more light from your window to enter the kitchen. That's what we did for the upper next to our window. We love it!

A new island in a lighter color with drawer storage (kitty might object to losing his or her perch =) ) would be a nice addition, too. Your island is and would continue to be a barrier island between range and sink but short of redoing your lay-out or losing additional storage and counter space, I don't see an alternative.

Anyhoo, a new island with drawer bases may provide enough storage to allow you to remove one or more
uppers on the sink wall in favor of a larger window. Or maybe it would
provide enough storage for you to remove all uppers, install a larger
window and add floating shelves for glassware.

Good luck!

I meant to add that another option would be to only change the upper cabinets to white and leave the base cabinets alone.

This would be a less costly update than repainting all the kitchen cabinets.

One more idea: Add light colored runners on each side of the island to break up the big expanse of dark wood floors.

My sad attempt at showing you how that might look, repeating the island counter to the perimeters. I also brightened the wall color on the left wall.

If you change out the backsplash and you don't use the wine cubbies (it's not ideal storage for wine any way), you could remove that, run the tile to the angled ceiling line and add a floating shelf or two in that area. Or hang a piece of art work or large clock instead, something that breaks up the expanse of wood cabinets.

That is one dim and dismal kitchen. :-)

I concur with everyone else: replace the island with something that doesn't look like a refugee from a German restaurant, lighter countertops, white or near-white paint on the walls and ceiling, better lighting. Keep the stove, even if you only use one burner -- it ain't dead yet, and it's probably better than anything you'd replace it with.

To me, "daylight" bulbs inside look harsh and weird for anything but my sewing work light. I discovered that "cool white" light bulbs are a nice compromise: not too yellow, not too blue. I replaced most of the non-bedroom lights in my house with them and my SAD is much better in the winter.

It is a nice kitchen.

Well, I like it. I like the island too.

If one is going to redo one's home and if one is not independently wealthy, then one may wish to learn to paint well.

If you can't paint, then get a furniture painter to paint the island old white,

Replace that light fixture with a chandelier. Something light and bright that you can see through, like crystal.

Take all that clutter off the island, except for the cat of course!

Put down a couple of pretty runners on either side of the island.

Then live with it for a while. Take your time to think.

But get that light fixture out of there as soon as possible. That thing is just so oppressive. Just removing that will change the whole look. JMHO.

If you decide to start "messing" with the island...Do you have extra flooring stashed away, or can it be still ordered, i.e. is not discontinued? Something to keep in mind...

I'd look into getting some glass inserts for your cabinet doors. I'd choose two symmetrical uppers for that. What color is the inside of your cabinets?

My goodness you all are amazing.

So we changed our light fixture, which I’m pleased with altho there are alternatives I would have considered now that I see all the amazing examples people posted. And we did it ourselves so if we decided to do it again, we could relatively inexpensively. We’re not equipped to change to independent pendants unfortunately (skill level and repairing the ceiling.. Oof) and I picked this one because it’s pretty style-flexible. If i end up with my dream kitchen or if it stays traditional I think it works either way. Going to give some thought to going cream on the island and hardware. Had been leaning towards a sage-y green but greens are tough to work with in my experience. Likely will have a professional do it. Will also lighten paint on walls and look for runners. (Current paint is the same color as the rest of the house - what a difference lighting makes!)

As for questions- yes we use the island (and yes it gathers clutter, so cleared it off and going to make a better effort). There are 39” on either side which I think?? Is ample? Perhaps the biggest reason we need it or some version of it (its free standing) is there is a live electrical box above ground that the flipper used the island to cover up, and we’re on slab. My guess is there was an island there before and rather than investing correctly he just hid it from the inspector. I also think it’d almost be too wide with out one - 9.25 feet across. Not to mention our games of chase with the kids wouldn’t have a big box to use to fend off others and my cat my have my head if I take away his perch.

The light change is huge!. I really like the suggestion of runners as well. It reads traditional, but you can easily being in color and modern prints. Painting the island whatever you pick for wall color would help it feel less heavy as well.

What a wonderful improvement! I think you'll be able to make additional impactful changes without going to the expense (it costs $$$ to paint cabinets correctly) and hassle of painting your cabinets. Start with the ones that are easy and fairly expensive - changing the wall color and adding runners - before moving on to ones that are more permanent, such as changing counters, adding glass uppers, etc.

Do you know the wall color? If so, have the paint store mix it up at half strength. It will blend well with the rest of the house but will suit the less well lit kitchen better.

Painting the island is a good place to start on more permanent changes but IMO, you won't get as much impact from that color change as you would if it were a solid piece. I know what it's like to be owned by cats (I have 2) so maybe you can keep the peace by finding one similar to the one I showed above: mostly solid but with open shelving at one end.

wow, change in lighting really helped!!

i still would change out the island completely. the style is just too fru-fru and heavy for the kitchen.

maybe something like this... just more streamlined and simple.

i think even with it painted, its still not right for your kitchen.

another example:

How is your husband liking the lighting now? Is the over the island light too glaring for him? I would find the exposed bulbs too much for me. If and when you think about replacing it, you might try opaque globes, round or oblong that will shield the brightness of the bulbs.

I love, love the fixtures that are called something like school room fixtures, but I think that is just my own nostalgia.

lisa_a showed something like them in her Colonial Revival photo, but they can be used in many styles of rooms.

Any idea what type of counter is on the island? I think something light like that on the perimeters would lighten up the room a lot. That perimeter counter is, I think, Santa Cecilia which is builder grade granite that any flipper would love, nothing special about it.

Changing out the backsplash for something more reflective of light would help, just a regular finish, not a matte finish.

I'd want an island, too, but a simpler style. Keep the top light. Don't paint those cabinets.

Also meant to say, do some research on those cabinets, if you don't already know what brand and model they are. You'll need to decide when you're ready to do it, but you could feasibly go with a smaller stove and hood and just replace the section to the left of the stove where that awful wine rack is. Would save a bazillion dollars over having to replace all the cabinets, with the added bonus of getting rid of the wine rack. And you'd def want to do that before doing anything else to the countertops or backsplash.

The island looks like a crema marfil and is a great tone to look for when replacing the kitchen countertops. If you cannot find something just like the island top, pull out a solid color from the veining and install a white quartz countertop.

Looking good.