Change floors and countertop.

To start with this
The first question comes.
What is your budget?
Everything comes down to that.

5-7k

Nice space---lots of potential. Pic for inspiration. Good Luck!
[houzz=]

Replace your sink water lines and valves check for leaks
Before installing new floor.

You will have a really nice elegant modern kitchen when you're done.

Agree with Dytecture, the most benefit will come from floors and countertop. If you only change one thing, change the floor. I'd go either mid-grey Italian porcelain tile in a large format, or hardwood.

I do like sstarr93 suggestions for the floor, especially the hardwood. Here's a kitchen I like that would keep the white cabinets but has some texture and contrast which is what I think is lacking in your space. Also replace the hardware and faucet with something a bit more contemporary. You have the start of a very nice kitchen, nice efficient layout.

Wood-looking porcelain tile for floor. Practical, affordable, and pretty much maintenance free. CheerS!
[houzz=]

In my opinion wood looking porcelain looks cheap.

Stone Age, I've found that some look better than others. Have you looked at the Emil Ceramica products, Golden Wood and Wood Talk? Very nice.

It depends on the tile---some are absolutely Gorgeous!
[houzz=]

Beverly is on a budget
Really nice looking tile costs a lot
I don't think she wants to spend an arm and a leg on fancy tile that looks like wood by the time you buy that tile you can easily install hardwoods.

Stone Age, I was suggesting that to save money, she could *only* do the floor, and leave everything else as it is.
And I am not suggesting that she should spend 5K on the floor.
I have installed hardwood, and I have seen several laminated wood flooring installations. Some laminates look good, others look fake, especially the ones with beveled edges.

Hello Beverly
what did you come down to?
which idea did you like at the end?

Got time and elbow grease? Some are getting good results for their cabinets at rustoleumtransfromations.com.

THat page doesnt work at all

You have a beautiful kitchen! I love white kitchens! And galleys. The white cabinets look in great shape and a classic design. Is the hardware new? Now there's a money pit! Great light.

I would change 3 things: floor, countertop and backsplash. Well, 4. I would also drop down some lights. Two over the sink. It will make it look less spartan and give it more character no matter what you choose. (Aren't you just dying to put in a light!)

Countertop: A contrasting tone. Darker rather than lighter. It anchors the space and provides contrast. Backsplash. You can go nuts trying to decide that! There are so many stunning tiles in every color and type known to man! I dispair of ever choosing! If you want to add any color, this is the location -- realizing that any color you pick will ultimately become dated. But if you love it, go for it! Personally (and what do I know?), I'd pick something for its texture and/or light quality that coordinated with whatever countertop you choose.

Recommend granite. Do your research on all the types for hot pots, stains, maintenance and durability. Granite pretty much comes out on top. Go to a place that sells huge slabs of stone. It's a different experience to see the whole stone. Pick out what you want "in the raw" and have it cut to fit your counters. You can sink some money into this, so be realistic. But it's worth getting good quality workmanship. That is key.

Floors: Depends on what vibe you want your kitchen to have. Country? Cottage? Sleek modern? Contemporary? Go through houzz photos and find the floors you love. The floors will set the tone for the whole room, almost more than the countertop. Consider a tone (as in how light/dark) halfway between the countertop and the white, unless you go with really light countertops, then you do want to go darker, just not black. Take a look at cork, laminate, porcelain tile, remembering the "if you drop it, kiss it goodby" rule. (Don't know your age, but for older people, stone floors may not be the best option. Or for small children.)

Response? We can suggest till the cows come home, but we need to know what direction you're leaning in.

Darker floor and a nice backsplash would be my next step here.

@inkwitch: Great advice. Love the lighting idea. I agree: granite is likely the way to go. Right now, it's Corian, but it can't handle heat. I also agree with the backsplash; I don't want anything too busy or loud. The rest of the house is bamboo floor: What do you think I should put in the kitchen, which leads right into the dining space (not formal room, but connected to the kitchen; dining space has bamboo floor)? I do like the suggestion Madden, Slick & Bontempo, Inc made above re the backsplash.

@Stone Age Crafters: Thanks for your suggestions. I really appreciate your estimates of costs, too. We are looking at changing the floor and putting in granite. I think we will also add backsplash, though this is probably my lowest priority.

Bamboo continued into the kitchen is a terrific idea. You will like the consistency of flow.

I had a similar problem, having wall presses on both sides makes it look and feel crampted. Just remove all the wall presses on the sink side. Best to leave that side with nothing above the counter, just like in the photo Natalie posted. Spending money doesnt always solve the problem.

stuartcampbell500: what is a wall press?

in Ireland we call the thing on the wall that you store dishes etc in a 'wall press" maybe you call it a cupboard. Its the two wooden things high up on the wall either side of the sink.

Your kitchen actually doesn't look too bad. I just think it needs either a backsplash (I think this would look good http://www.glasstilestore.com/shop-by-colors-now/beige-cream/filigree-maize-marble-tile.html) with some color or accent tiles. The light colored wooden floor ideas also seems good.

This is my very similar kitchen dark griege paint silver hardware and dark tile and counter tops, it was very close to yours originally, I added some red accents but mostly black white silver and grey

i love the cabinets.
id see the floors made of faux wood tiles just like on the picture.
if you have the budget,change the counter for granite counters,darker colour to add more warmth.

Get more juice for your cell :)