Your kitchen is beautiful and I have no idea why you want to rip it all out. Your husband is right about the resale value. In 8 years someone would rather have maple cabinets and granite than some painted cabinets (in a color they will end up changing) and some covered particle board as a countertop. The money you save by changing it will be a 100% savings if you just leave it alone. While you may have gotten tired of the style it's still very nice. You are trying to save money for other upgrades, do that. Sorry but it sounds like you are just bored and want something new. If you want to change something-buy some new throw rugs or change that window covering to a pretty sheer. Normally husbands are wrong (I know I have one LOL). This time might be the blue moon. :)

You've had both. You know the pros and cons of both. The whole kitchen will be "dated" by the time you have to sell. So laminate isn't terrible. (If one likes it, the only concern would be resale.)

But why not go a little smaller? Put real marble on just the island. Redo the backsplash with a tile in the same marble.

Yes, your kitchen will be "dated" by time you sell. However, real stone will always have more value than laminate. Your husband is right that taking it out will hurt your resale value. Address the lighting and backsplash first.

Your cabinets and counter are nice. Before I would take out perfectly good granite, which I think suits your cabinets, hardware, and flooring, I would look at other ways to lighten up the darkness. Perhaps, a new curtain with a light background with light shades of greens and blues and yellows - I am thinking a light paisley. Also, a good quality kitchen runner rug, a light, colorful centerpiece on the island, maybe a piece or two of white ironstone on the counters for decor and function. Try removing all dark pieces on the counters that you can do without on a daily basis (the blacks and reds).

Look at how pretty your White Island and chairs look with the dark wood and counters. Just keep adding lighter colors in your accessories.

What color paint do you have on the other side of the kitchen. Can you share a picture of the other side??

Also, a light, glossy subway tile would add some contrast to the dark.

In our last house we had brownish granite that I didn't love, so I totally get what you're saying. However, I agree with other posters that you could remove valance, update backsplash, and maybe even update your island light fixture and really refresh your look beautifully!

I agree with Fori. Use marble on the island and marble or white tile on the backsplash. Get a new pendant over the island, remove the wood valance and change the shade to tones that pick up your pretty island color, maybe change your hardware to nickel or glass, maybe glass fronts on the cabinets to the left of the windows.

I am hoping jhmarie will chime in here. If you search for her in users, you can find the ideabook she has compiled of wood kitchens. I downloaded this photo from there to show you dark counters and wood. jhmarie's own kitchen has the Kohler short apron farm sink that fits in a regular sink cabinet. That would draw attention to your window as well.

East Hartford Country Kitchen · More Info

Yes, crazy. Instead do major, major decluttering as suggested by many responding. Install undercabinet lighting. Valence begone. Get some interesting kitchen rugs or floor cloths in golds, blacks, and an accent color. Go on a vacation.

Hermosa Indoor and Outdoor Cross Panel Gray and Gold Rug, 5'3"x7'6" · More Info

If you're really bent on change, then do open shelving on the window wall but no dark gray wall. Note the glass light--think about that or open pendant to spread light.

Soft Modern Cabin in Mammoth · More Info

I really don’t mind laminate but no I wouldn’t do it. try Painting the cabinets white n lose the teeth thing up top. I think just a simple thing like that will give the room a totally different look n one u just might feel is enough to make u happy again. :).

I think your inspiration kitchen is gorgeous. Personally, I dislike laminate because it's too delicate for my way of cooking, but I think it can look fantastic. In 8-10 years who knows what will be the latest, greatest kitchen trend. Just look at how granite was the pinnacle of countertops not that long ago, now people are poo-pooing them in favor of marble and quartz, which may be on their way out in 10 years.

I would think that in 10 years someone may want new cabinets and countertops whether they are painted maple with laminate or natural maple with granite. I'd fix up your kitchen for how YOU want it to be now, using laminate and paint if that suits you. It will look great.

Sometimes just little changes refreshes a room. Formica is the only counter top I will intentionally own, but if your granite is still in good shape and not chipped, cracked or stained I would not change it out. I don't know about resale, but our last two homes with Formica we were under contract with in 24 hours. I agree with rainyseason to just do some minor changes. I would not touch the cabinets, they are lovely the way they are. White kitchen cabinets are so over used that they are vanilla now. Try the minor changes first before you must change the counters.

Wood cabinets are classic, too! :)

I would do, in this order from cheap and easy to more difficult:

Take down the curtain. (Never have understood curtains in the kitchen. How often do you have to wash it? I know how fast my island pendants get dirty and they're not that close to my stove!)

Take everything off the counter that you don't use every day.

Undercabinet lighting. Amazing the difference it makes.

Remove the wood valance over the sink. Keep the teeth if you like them. lol

Re-evaluate. New backsplash if you're still not happy.

I happen to be a big fan of laminate in my own house, but I agree that I wouldn't put it in your kitchen.

You have a great kitchen. Keep your beautiful granite. I would do everything CRCOLLINS1GW just suggested.. And add the brightest bulbs you can find into those can lights. Create the feeling of light by adding light and clearing up space. Even your two rugs, change them to white or very light in color.

Yup. Crazy. Do the stuff above:" re: clutter and valance, and has anyone mentioned the light?? UPDATE this for sure

And I think you could really cut the brown with a colored subway tile:

I would change it in stages, if you have to go that far. First replace the pendant, add under cabinet lighting, and remove the valance/curtain from the window. Then take another look. Next change the backsplash if you still don't like it.

I have black (quartz) countertops with maple cabinets, and I love the black counters. I had white painted cabinets in my previous house and hated those - I will never have painted cabinets again. My first choice would be birch or ash, but bleached maple is nice also.

If I were going to paint, I would consider a pastel color for the bottom cabinets and island and leave the top cabinets as they are. To me, the white island is the most dated thing in your kitchen, after the pendant.

I do understand of getting tired of something and wanting a change just for the sake of change. For me, that period is about seven years. If you plan to stay there for 8-10 years, I would wait one year for anything major other than the first changes I suggested. If you redid it completely, you could get tired of it way before your next move in 8-10 years.

i agree with most suggestions:

remove valance

remove wood valance

install undercab lights

install new pendant over island, its "dark" globes are dated. lean towards glass, yes its a b***ch to clean but its brighter overall.

install glass inserts on upper cab doors on both sides of sink, it will "lighten" the feel.

declutter!!

i think one issue, for me anyway, is that the cabs and floor are the same color and everything just blends., there's no contrast there. so get some colorful rugs to break it up.

your inspiration pics are great, but they have so much natural light and i think, from your pics, your space does not. it makes a world of difference.

i would not install laminate due to re-sale. if u know u are moving in 8-10 save your $$ for the new space. put a bright colorful runner on the island if u are able.

change your hardware to white/cream ceramic.

I’m all for changing/adding lighting and painting wood, but to replace that particular granite — with anything — is just wasteful, environmentally speaking. I am the furthest thing from a “tree hugger,” believe me, but stone doesn’t just grow back, you know?

for the me its both for the pendant. too intricate, i think if u are looking to "lighten" up the room, than go more simple for the fixture and the globes.

something like this. not as busy as yours....

I am so over granite! And Formica is a lot more durable than people give it credit for. My old kitchen had the original 30 year old Formica that still looked new. We put a new granite counter top in for less than 500. And painted our cabinets with Sherwin Williams paint for less than 500 and it looked wonderful. Sold our house with multiple bids in one week. We did order whats called ideal edges for the counter top and it gave it more of a finished look. Do what you want but I will agree that everyone here is correct about the curtain and lighting. Why not do the easy things first, see how that looks, and then move on to paint and counter tops

I would start with under cabinet lighting. You might be pleasantly surprised how something so simple provides such a dramatic impact.

Mine are on all day. I rarely use the can lights.

I'm one crazy lady who ripped out granite and replaced it with laminate, much to the dismay of all well wishers around, but it was a function over aesthetic decision above all. I loathe working on stone countertops. I've lived with granite, I've lived with quartz. Never again. Too hard, too cold, too noisy. My kitchen must work for me, not the phantom future buyer.

That said, your considerations are totally different. If the granite works for you in terms of function, leave it alone. I think your kitchen lacks contrasts above all, and if you go for Calcutta marble or anything similar looking with light painted cabinets, you'll achieve the same blended look in pale gray instead of tan. I love the look of your island. I agree with previous posters regarding valances and lighting. I think if you paint the cabinets and change the backsplash to subway or mosaic tile, the granite will work beautifully.

Just an example

On your earlier thread, i also said get rid of the curtain valance, get rid of the wood over the window valance-- (but i like the dentil molding)......and for sure that light fixture is quite dated looking. The one that sprtphntc7a just posted above would do mega steps in updating. That is one lovely fixture ( I don't know size or anything else but that is a great fixture). Under cabinet lighting will be your friend and I also like the suggestion of removing a door or two and replacing with glass.

i have seeded glass and don't have "pretty things" in the cabs. one has our glasses/mugs and the other has bowls, measuring cups etc. everything in those two cabs gets used everyday.

we have espresso cabs and felt the glass really lighten the look.

i would look into the U/C lighting options, it will really change the whole look of your kitchen. we use ours everyday and rarely use the can lights.

Yes the light is that dated, mostly for the scrolly old world feel that also inspitlred tumbled tile.

Here are some examples of wood cabinets brightened with colored backsplash. White can be the death of wood tones so be careful. People think it brings light but sometimes it deadens a room.

I love the teeth in the molding on top. Great suggestions from everyone. You have a lovely kitchen. A little spruce up will freshen it up for you in no time. If it were me, I would get a slab of marble for the island for sure.

i agree. marble is another different element and doesn't really tie into anything.

do the other changes first, less expensive, and then see how everything looks. one thing at a time....

Devalue the house....would be to paint the cabinets. They are so beautiful! Paint would make them look cheap and less value. .You will never get finished painting them. I think the pendant is fine, maybe some new shades could be found that are clear, for it? Maybe you could paint the rest of the fixture white?

Put in a white valance or omit it altogether. Get white stoneware canisters, small appliances. Get white large appliances. Shed the kitchen of all the black major appliances you have. Install new lightbulbs, and undercounter lighting.

The brown floor, the black appliances are way more surface than the counter top. You need some surfaces to reflect light, not absorb it. Check into repainting or adding a touch of white to every other tile on your backsplash that is similar to your ceiling currently, or your island color? That might help alot? Experiment putting some white poster board squares over the backsplash and see if that helps your envision doing that perhaps?

Your tile is just for looks, so I don't see why you could not paint it on the backsplash, without removing it? You might just paint the grout lines and see if that lightens it enough?

You might consider, removing intact the island counter, and replacing it with white corian? I would store the counter in the event you want or the new owners want it re-installed? As pretty as your cabinets are, if you were to install a black and white vinyl tile floor or whatever light color you like, perhaps your sage green or greige and white vinyl tile floor or planks, it would put a lot more light into your kitchen.

I am finding that as eyes get older, Black interior decorating, is alot less desirable. In youth, Black is DRAMA. In middle age it is a rich decor addition, and & upwards...Black or Dark colors of any kind, takes a lot more light to be as nice in a work area, whether a kitchen, craft room, office, or utility room..

No, you're not crazy. Black counters suck light out of a room. I would 100x choose laminate over black stone.

The cabinets are lovely as is. The only thing I would paint would be the island. I would change the hardware to something silver--stainless, etc. Get rid of the window shade, change the island lighting, add under cabinet lighting, and replace the backsplash.

Oh my. Please no DIY mini-fixes.

Granite is one of those items that everyone says they must have but have no idea why? Lower end granite does not add to the look of any kitchen.

Formica wears like iron and is a better product to be used in a kitchen but try an tell a buyer that.

The key to using Formica tops is getting the right edge. They sell the counters with a a preformed ogee edge, matte finish and textured. I have used in bathrooms and eery single person has said nice granite. You get the look but without all the down sides.

When people think Formica they think square edge with two brown seams.

Go to H Depot or Lowes and look at their prefabbed Formica tops and you will see how good the y can look. You can have Formica specific shops make the same out of just about any of their thousands of colors.

I guess I thought of the island as more of a cart, an unfitted piece in terms of both color and style.

I thought it would be charming with a marble top, and that would also then move the kitchen more towards the style in your inspiration photo.

That style should be reflected in other elements, such as a new backsplash and a new pendant, for example, like the lantern in your inspiration photo.

That's what I was thinking anyway.

2 cents for getting rid of the window curtain which feels heavy and blocks any light; the wood valence could go as well ideally; - put in a pendant over the sink; change the pendant over the island- it was the first thing that stuck out to me as dated, and limited in brightness; then after the agreed necesssary decluttering of counters, would change the hardware to something that has less contrast; the small black dots of hardware make the backsplash dots stand out more I think; could then change the backsplash. Agree with some bright rug that could be changed out; UC lighting would help; I tend to like the two-tone cabinet look (considering that for my reno) but something about the pretty tone of the wood with the white island is dated. since your are consider painting cabinets (DON'T!) what if you painted the island a new color, that would coordinate with a new backsplash (and hardware and pendant.... :))

look forward to your decision!

barncatz was sweet to mention my kitchen:) I post it at the end - I have a similar layout.

Many have mentioned under cabinet lighting. Do not underestimate the effect of under cabinet lighting. A friend of mine is slowly refreshing her kitchen and all she has done is a new stainless hood and under cabinet lighting. It already looks so much prettier.

I was desperate for more light so bought 3 DIY under cabinet lights ($75) which connected together and plugged in. The set up was a bit awkward - but I loved the light. Here is the original set up. I only have it between sink and range:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~48485162

Then when I did my backsplash, I had an electrician wire it into a switch:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~81033766

The DIY lights can help you see the effect if you are unsure if you want it - you will want it.

Consider replacing the over the range micro with a stainless hood. It will look better and a dedicated vent will work better. Notice how many of the really pretty kitchens have a hood.

I don't have any problem with laminate - I also noticed some very pretty laminates when I was walking around kitchen displays recently. I have difficulty working on a dark surface so I would want to change the countertops too, but that is a personal prefference thing - the dark look fine.

I have to say I love my new quartz though. They have been in 2 years and still look new. My laminate had a chip and lots of scratches and a few stains when I replaced it - but it was old - the countertop I raised the family with. One of the main reasons I went with quartz was I wanted an under mount sink. It is one of my favorite things in the kitchen. I have the short apron Whitehaven - cast iron - and it has to be under mounted. The sink was more than I ever intended on spending on a sink but as I had a functioning kitchen, I just put off my refresh till I had saved up for it.

There is a top mount short apron stainless sink - the Kohler Vault comes in many configurations and one is a short apron top mount. The short apron makes it possible to install on a standard sink base cabinet and with laminate - one way to blend the old with the new.

I don't mind your tie up shade window treatment. You might tie it up a little more so more light gets in. If you can untie it, you could redo it into a faux roman shade or make a faux roman shade out of a different fabric if you want a change and can sew. Faux roman shades are not difficult to make.

My wood kitchens idea book - it has both new and refreshed wood kitchens:

https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75202366/list/wood-kitchens

My kitchen :

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

The short apron top mount vault:

That ^ sink installs in laminate in 4 hours.

I think it is insane to dump your counter tops 10 years later. At their cost and the hassle that should have been a lifetime decision. You need to stick to swapping out throw pillows and new paint colors if you have to "update" every 10 years. If that is all the longevity you want then yes laminate is a much more cost effective answer, but too late now. I disagree that resale $$ will be affected. If what ever counter-top you put in is fresh and without blemish your kitchen will not greatly affect the price of the entire home. I think if stone surfaces continue to be in favor it will make your home more desirable than another i.e. sell faster but that doesn't transfer into cost of/value of the home. Your kitchen is to die for AS IS. It does not SCREAM any fad or decade. That is a good thing. Unless or until your cabinets show horrid wear I would not paint them. Follow the suggestions above to lighten the space. Lesson learned the more you individualize a space the faster you will out grow your choice. The dark counter tops were an opps but swapping them out now is just silly.

Oops sorry, “dental”. Lol.

To me, that’s an old dated look but if u like it..

;).

And laminate IS Very durable. Contrary to what some here think...

good luck.

One of my favourite kitchen redos here used marble look laminate adn it was gorgeous. Still, I don't think it's right for your kitchen. I also don't think you should paint cabs. I've very rarely seen the afters look better than the befores when painting old cabs white.

I'll jump on the bandwagon with others who've said, change the backsplash, get rid of the valances and, if you still think necessary, change the island top to marble (and, yup, the light could be better).