The layout is weird with the shape of that island. I would at least change the countertops & add a backsplash. I wouldn't consider that a traditional kitchen, although the house looks very beautiful.

Love all the windows!! I think the kitchen just needs a backsplash. The island is perfect for the spot.

The height of the cabinets is fine - closing up the space is not necessary. The exception would be the cabinet to the right of the fireplace - It would have to go to the ceiling for me to live with it. It seems very jarring to see the fireplace and then the lower height cabinet and then back up to the transoms.

The shape of the island is okay, but I don't think it does anything for the space. I would probably change out the stools to something more classic - but that is a personal choice. Maybe live with it for awhile and replace it down the road if you find you don't care for it.

If I were going to do anything in the space, I would change the perimeter countertops and install a backsplash.

I actually prefer the current pendant lights to the one you have pictured. A more contemporary dining table, chairs and counter stools would go a long way toward updating your home. Nice house, great windows!

If it were me I would do new counter and backsplash, but honestly if it isn’t in the budget I don’t think it is a big deal. Your home is lovely the way it is!

If you don't change the countertop I would at least take down the 4" splash & then install a ceramic tile backsplash. You don't need both.

How long have you lived there? Wait at least a year to see how the home works for your family. I wouldn't spend money on pendants because if you decide to change the island they may in the wrong place. There are a lot of us out here who have lived many years with way worse kitchens that yours. The only thing I see wrong is the TV above the FP, it's too high

You will know what is a priority change and what isn't after you cook, entertain, and live in the space for awhile. I wouldn't call your kitchen dated at all. Love the Quartz countertop and backsplash choices that Jodie White pictured!

Hi Karen,

I like your kitchen! It looks like a great place to cook and watch family. And with that huge island a great place to have football party snacks or just out of the oven cookies. I like the lantern style light fixture. It mimics the shape of the squares in the glass cabinet. The only thing I would do.. and this is after you have lived there a little while, saved your money... is maybe change the countertop to something you really love. And when you do, Maybe get a single bowl sink as you might like a nice deep sink to hide dirty dishes. Use a different backsplash but all this could happen a year from now or more.

But don't rush to change anything. Enjoy your kitchen! Find yourself a kitchen table to fit into the decor. Maybe something from Craig's list or local consignment. You might be able to find a nice round table and chairs that will work in your space. These below are all pretty reasonable. Check them out... ~boxer

Round Anthropology Signature Dinette, 5-Piece Set · More Info

Homelegance Anna Claire 5-Piece Round Dining Room Set With Curved Arm Chairs · More Info

Carey Antique-Style Natural Oak Round Dining Set, 5-Piece Set · More Info

It looks like the stools, 4" backsplash, and the paint date the space. Perhaps consider painting the home a lighter color, removing the 4" backsplash and getting a creamy backsplash, and getting lighter stools.

Skokie Kitchen & Banquette Renovation · More Info

Elegant Restoration and Update - Kitchen · More Info

I'd remove the cabinet doors from the refrigerator to break up the antique white a bit.

My biggest concern would be layout. The placement of the range looks like it could be very annoying, and you'll need to use the kitchen to figure that out. IF the layout is a problem, I'd start saving my pennies (hah! understatement!) to put toward a more comprehensive overhaul rather than making minor cosmetic improvements to what's there now. Which I really think is perfectly fine. Not every kitchen needs to be au courant, or we'd all be broke trying to keep up with trends.

Like a previous poster, I quite like the existing pendants, and would keep them.

Really nice home. Like the unusual island. Might want two very comfortable stools in lieu of four not as comfortable ones.

Agree that it is that green painted wall above your existing single row backsplash that needs attention. Consider adding a solid color tile above the backsplash you have between the countertop and overhead cabinets -- perhaps the same color as your window trim.

While I find the round tray backsplash over the stove cook top interesting, a plain/solid wall cover intended for use above a cooktop would be preferable.

If you're considering changing the lights over your island, consider Tiffany style stained glass -- the sunlight from the large window would put them center stage.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Tiffany+style+lights+over+kitchen/dining+bar&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjH3YKx5afdAhWCylMKHYbUB_4Q_AUICygC

You could paint the base of your island your favorite (darker bolder) color -- a color from within your new light fixture.