Thanks all for the comments---especially since I see I posted this in the wrong area (before and after instead of design dilemma).

I wouldn't paint the cabinets, they are pretty nice -- I would agree with changing the island to a single level with a marble (or marble look) top. I think I would also change the backsplash tile to marble tile, or a light/white tile. It is too busy as is -- there are so many décor elements in the room that it is kind of overwhelming.

If you don't like counters and are not going to replace them do not paint cabinets white. I did this and it made me hate my counters more as the white really cabinets really made you focus on the counters.

I would only change the backsplash. Pick one instead of having a different focus over the stove. It’s too busy. Probably expensive to change the island so I would just change the light over the island. I love the granite.

Wonderful suggestions. I really don't like the dark cherry cabinets, and the kitchen feels so early 2000s to me, but it seems like no one likes the idea of my painting them white. Easy enough to change the island countertop, light fixture and backsplash. Would a light to medium wood floor work with the cherry cabinets? The red-tone tile is just not my taste.

Your kitchen is beautiful just the way it is. Don’t paint the cabinets. Clean and polish them.

The lighting fixture is a bit fussy and so are the barstools. I would look to replace them for a fresh look.

Thanks Amanda. These are the pictures from the listing when I bought the house, and I have changed the barstools. Definitely will change the light fixture.

I think that it is all the busy details that dates the space more than the cabinets. When surrounded by the right elements the cabinets will just be classic.

Yes a medium tone wood floor will work, you just have to select the stain that is compatible/complimentary with the cabinets -- not all floor colors will work. This is always the case when mixing different woods in a room.

Dark? How do you get dark out of that?

Raee-gw, would you let me know what is busy? I want to make sure I understand. The backsplash is a natural stone/tile over the cook top. Here are some pics (sorry the cook

top pic is sideways):

Mxk3--It really does seem dark in real-life---black quartz on the island, cherry cabinets, uba tuba granite counters, beige backsplash and not much natural light.

You have so many cabinets, painting would be quite expensive. I would skip that.

If you really hate the counters and back splash then change that.

If you have that many wood cabinets and add a wood floor it will all blend together. To me that is too much wood. I like the current floor but since you do not you should try another material, not wood.

Our rule is to live in the house a year before we change anything. In that time, we see what still bugs us and also give thought to priorities for changing things. If you are set on modifying the kitchen, i agree with changing out the light fixture and island countertop and making that level. I'd also get some runner-rugs to place around the island which will help cover the floor and brighten up the space. If you really want to paint cabinets, you could consider just painting the island cabinets and leaving the others. (Though I probably wouldn't because of difficulty coordinating colors for everything as well as the busyness factor.) Then I'd live in it a bit and see if that is enough before I moved on to changing anything else.

One concern I would have is colors. I think a white-white countertop on the island will look too stark in this setting so I would veer toward a slightly off-white instead. Or I'd look for a quartz/faux marble that has brownish veining vs. true grey.

What about painting just the island cabinets? Maybe to match the vent hood? Especially if you're changing the island countertop anyway.

If this is not your forever home, I wouldn’t even consider replacing the floors. This will be a huge undertaking. And once you do that it may make everything look more outdated. I would work with what I could change. To me sometimes it is the smallest things. I don’t think the floor is horrible, so try to work around that. Redoing the island would be my focus with new lighting and barstools. Changing the backsplash for sure and updating the cabinet hardware. I know this will sound crazy, but removing the soffit around the room would be something I would consider...,if it doesn’t house operational items that help the house function. And again, I’m not sure what the rest of the house looks like, but once you begin to update one 10 year old room all the other 10 year old rooms then scream...you forgot about me!

my realtor friend told me changing/updating lighting fixtures really makes a difference. I would start there then the backsplash.

perhaps like this?

After looking at the pictures a little more, I would not change that floor, I’d use that money for other updates. I think glass cabinets would be perfect there over your beverage center. It is a great space with the dining area just off the kitchen. The moldings are beautiful. Bring focus to these things. I agree with Rachael and her realtor friend, that updating the lighting would make a big impact and I’d do it in the dining room as well. And again the cabinet hardware would make a big impact to me.

I agree that you have a great kitchen- though I can appreciate that it's not your taste.

I think just changing the backsplash ( I know it's not "just") or at a minimum the one behind the range, and changing lighting fixtures will be very effective. You said you replaced the bar stools too which I would have suggested as well. I am a big fan of a few glass front cabinets, especially since you feel it looks heavy. I really think those few changes will go a long way.

If you do change the island to one tier you could consider painting that, or as was suggested, change just that countertop since it seems you will need to do that anyway.

The 1st thing I noticed is those bright lights above cabinets accenting the soffits.

At the very least keep those lights off or get a different bulb hue or dimmer. It's distracting from the more attractive items in kitchen.

Maybe even consider raising crown with filler to ceiling. A quick sketch

Example of building crown to ceiling

That is something I had mentioned to remove the soffit, but this is the best idea artistsharonva because you never know what is hiding in that space.

Agree who knows what's in there. Currently,at the least, it's hiding wiring for lighting. I would not mess with it until a total remodel happens. At that later time, a video scope can be put in there to consider the later options.

As for wood stains, at least it's an attractive neutral toned wood stain.

What is your decor in the rest of the house? Traditional, modern? How does the kitchen fit in?

Painting the cabinets properly will be more expensive than you may expect. Painting them white will only accentuate the hated granite and backsplash.
In my opinion, the worst issue is the reddish floor tile. Second is the granite.
The cabinets actually look good and have another 15 years of beauty ahead.
I would replace the flooring with something more neutral, such as wood-look tile planks if you can find something which matches or agrees compatibly with your existing hardwood floors in adjacent rooms, or actual hardwood to match the existing.
Take measurements of your granite counters (lengths and widths) and get a couple of estimates for quartz counters, if that would be your choice, or new granite. Maybe you can do that next year.

I’m a great fan of cleaning and polishing the wood. I think it beats the look of painted cabinets. This kitchen style is fairly classic too. Not the overboard Tuscan look that had its heyday 20 years ago. If you post photos of the adjoining rooms it might be helpful for advice for integrating the kitchen Into your decor.

Since this is not a forever home: fix the island levels, and consider a light counter top there. Fun pendants? Eye catching chandelier? You could have real impact.

You seem to have ample cabinets so could you remove some & install open shelving? Definitely replace that fixture. Definitely remove the backsplash.

I am not sure in a short term situation I would enclose the area above the cabinets - it would just add more dark wood.

Alas replacing the floors will be so expensive...and messy...probably not worth it until you do everything.

Although the color of the backsplash is neutral, it is highly textured = busy. The small mosaic behind the cooktop = busy. All the varying levels of molding above the cabinets = busy. The details in the floor tile = busy. The extra level on the island, with corbels = busy.

There is just an excess of details in this kitchen. The backsplash will be the easiest to tone down.

As someone who's painted her cabinets white AND has black pearl granite countertops (look a lot like ubatuba), I get where you're coming from. And I still wouldn't paint if this were my kitchen - I think everything works, color-wise, and painting cabinets is a much bigger/more expensive undertaking than most people realize. Here's what I'd do:

-- Insert glass into some uppers.

-- Update lighting

-- Build up crown, made an enormous difference in our kitchen.

After that, reassess and see what else you'd like to get done. Changing floors would be a no for me, as well.

Thanks so much to all of you for the wonderful suggestions. Raee, I see what you mean about "busy." Didn't see that before. I will definitely replace the island countertops (I think I have the space to go a little deeper so the island can accommodate more chairs). It sound like a good suggestions is a whitish quartz with brown marbling to tie in the cabinets. As far as the backsplash, changing that won't be difficult. I was considering whitewashing the stone part of the backsplash, but will test an area first. And changing the light fixture is a must.

As far as the flooring, the reddish tile continues to adjacent rooms--entry hall, into the kitchen and dining area. My biggest objection is that these elements are Tuscan and look dated. There is hardwood in the living room and study, but it's stained red. The spiral stairway is gel-stained red---I can't live with that and plan to re-stain it. I planned on putting an engineered wood floor right on top of everything downstairs--and if red is ever back in style, it will be there! Here are some pictures that show the tile and a close up of the floor:

Here's the engineered wood floor I already installed upstairs---I was considering something similar downstairs:

And while the picture doesn't show the color well, the stairs are definitely red! Thanks for the suggestions!!

I think the wall color, which appears on my computer to have yellow tones, is dating the space. Repainting the walls white is probably your easiest update. And replacing dated lighting fixtures. The stair railing could be painted black. That would provide a nice contrast against the white walls. Although painting stone is a last resort, I agree that whitewashing it might give you the updated look you want without the demo involved in replacing the backsplash.

What a pretty kitchen. I have cherry cabinets (natural) and really like them. I think I would change the island to one level and put a lighter countertop on it.

My walls are painted Sherwin Williams Kilim beige and they look very nice.

I can't see the red in the stair rails, but the shade looks nice.

The lights bouncing off the top of the cabinets are annoying to me. I don't know if they are like that in real life or if it was a camera mishap.

If you are not into a Tuscan feel, try to update with modern artwork and furnishings.

A cleaner backsplash would help too.

I agree w/you justme----replace the tile floors, they do date and restrict your space.

Use the same hardwood you used in your upper level for consistency.

Agree w/other posts: Do not paint your cabinetry---reasons shared by others.

Suggestions::

1. NEW backsplash-- consider at range only--which is busy and dated area/focal. Larger backsplash insert to coordinate w/new island top. This area could be improved w/a new hood (one finish) vs stainless, white trim, and wall paint.

2. ISLAND: revise to one level and extend out for stools on three sides. I would be careful on selecting more stone w/existing three in setting (ubatuba, backsplash one and backsplash two at range). Ensure island and new range backsplash have same or think about a butcher block stained similar to cabinets w/new off-white enameling of island base. Other option depending on your budget would be to replace all counter tops to lighter.

3. Add Glass inserts to cabinets at beverage center.

4. Update all of your hardware!! The contour and finish of existing is dated and new will really impact your space. I'd think about a polished nickel. New oversized faucet in same finish would bring some sparkle.

5. Lighting: Update island with larger oval or rectangular. I'd select new for dining area as well. Another big impact.

Re: "red" stair--switch out finish--black would be my choice.

Make a list, get a budget and have fun w/selections!

Island designs:

Interesting mix of stain and enamel cabinets and open table ht end if you would like in kitchen dining.

I won’t be in this house forever.

What do you mean? Will you be in this house 3 years, 10 years, 15 years.

I think that this is important to know to give pertinent advice, because people will find things that they would upgrade even in the nicest and uptodate kitchen. People have different tastes.

Your kitchen is very nice (and I am not even into Tuscan kitchen). If you will stay here for 5 years or less, do not change anything but small cosmetic features, like the light fixture, or, if you feel like it, making the island a one-tier island and getting a brand new countertop for the island.

For up to 10 years, you could probably consider changing the countertop and/or backsplash, but you do not need to do that quickly. Take your time and make sure you do not have anything more important to update.

If you plan staying long term, sure, make updates, but once again, I am not sure why, except for small updates, you should rush and do these modifications soon. Once again, it is a very functional kitchen.

Good luck.

Here’s an inspiration photo you might like. White+ black+ natural wood. I think this is doable in your space...

Great points---and terrific suggestions. I'll be in the house for at least 10 years I would think, perhaps longer. And I may have overstated the budget issue---while I don't want to spend 100K on a new kitchen, I understand the changes I am considering will cost some money--that's OK. I got a quote on painting the cabinets before I posted this--and while pricey, I'm willing to do this. But overall I'm hearing that people think this kitchen would not look good with the cabinets painted white, so even though cherry cabinets are not what I like, it sound like it's not a good idea overall to paint them white. Here's an idea of a kitchen I like: that I imagined I could fairly easily accomplish in my kitchen:

Love that white kitchen imhofan!

Anybody could accomplish that in their kitchen if they want to spend the money and go through the effort. Have you ever renovated a kitchen? Will you be able to recoup your investment when you sale? What you are wanting to do just with the floors is a monumental task in itself. Removing tile is not easy. And personally if I did the floors, I’d do the counters and back splash. One without the other may give you an updated floor, but still not an overall look. Then will you be happy? Before I did anything, I’d get a quote to do exactly what you want for the overall look and go from there. Good luck!

Thanks Sandra! I've done two minor kitchen remodels and one major one (gutted to the studs). I've looked at it and believe that I could float the engineered floors over the existing tile floors, but you're right that new floors will really highlight the dated look of the kitchen. It sounds like floors, counters, backsplash and lighting is a minimum of what's needed here. I so appreciate everyone's advice!

Well if you can float that floor over that tile that would change things for sure. I think you’ve got it figured out. Cheers!

IF doing all the following :

floors,

counters,

backsplash

lighting.

Then, that's the best time to get new painted cabinets of your choice.

Basically a whole remodel from the floor up to get the total look of your kitchen style & wish list.

I would not invest expensive countertop unto cabinets, unless you really like the cabinets & layout.

If you are not ready for a total remodel, totally understood. Then I would wait to do any of the list of things above until then, because that's funds that could go to your dream kitchen.

You'll save $ by doing it all at once and get a more cohesive design and look anyway .

So, The kitchen is fine and workable for now, but from what I read, it's just not your dream kitchen style which hopefully you can get that sooner than later.

A kitchen remodel is expensive, however a beautiful kitchen adds value to a home. I personally think the best time to do a remodel is as soon as possible for a permanent home to start enjoying or 4-5 years before resale. The reason why is the user gets to enjoy the kitchen and most kitchens look still good in that time period. It seems every 10 years kitchen trends change. I have been in the real estate remodel & resell business over 10 years. When doing home walk throughs for purchase, a 80s,90s, 2000s, kitchen is apparent.

Right you are artistsharonva! You make some excellent points. Thanks.

I agree with you ! The kitchen looks too dark ..too old fashioned , mainly because it's too much wood . Yet , it's wonderful wood ...and many are always offended painting wood . ..I like white kitchens ..and I would probably paint it white with a slight gloss ....but what about a light grey stain over it all . It would brighten it up and still give you a grain ...( if that is what you like ) over the stove area I would cover the backsplash with a fitted stainless steel panel ..., and put a great lamp or chandelier in the middle of the room .. Leave the floor for now and look again after a year ..you can always rip the whole thing out ...but why not try different scenarios first ..
Definitely change all the handles of all doors and drawers ...
If you decide to rip it all out ..make sure you get WHAT YOU WANT !
Is it : A high tech-kitchen ? An all black kitchen with gold or silver handles ? An all white kitchen with gorgeous unusual granite in striking black and white stealing the show ? Or a country kitchen with green or blue country colored cabinets ...so , you have soooooo many choices ....what do you like ???? Stunning , comfortable , stainless steel , country .. Modern , White ???????????????
You choose ...!!!! you seem to know what you don't like ...so, don't live with it if you can afford it ...change it and be happy ..and maybe put a divider in front of the kitchen entrance ?? Or , do you like looking into the entire kitchen ..??? Are there doors ...is it an open kitchen ? It looks like everyone can just look into the kitchen ...THAT I would change also ...but would need to see more photos . Good luck ! AND enjoy all that wonderful space !!!!!!

You can’t just lay engineered flooring on top of your tile and wood floors. It will raise your floors up almost an inch and will change how your kitchen looks and feels. Plus tile is an uneven surface and for engineered wood floors, the flooring underneath must be perfectly even and level. Either you pull up all the floors or leave what’s there

In regards to painting cabinets, I would only do that by a Pro refinishing company that has been in business for years & specializes in just that backed by a solid warranty. It will cost starting at $6000+. I would not put new countertop on until 3+ months, until the paint job has proven to be resilient. I have seen too many cabinet paint jobs fail. That way if something unfortunate happens with paint job, the messed up cabinets can be ripped out without losing $ except for the paint job. I have met a few poor homeowners that did not wait to see if paint job held up to daily use, and had to buy countertop twice when they had to replace the botched, painted cabinets! They said never again they would paint cabinets.

New factory painted cabinets have a unique factory & chemical process that makes the paint surface harder and more durable. New cabinets will cost twice as much than resurfacing, but will probably last twice as long, generally.

The only time I suggest painting cabinets to my clients is for resale staging or a quick flip. Even then I rarely suggest. I don't suggest when putting new counter top on. The best time to get new cabinets is beforehand.

In this particular kitchen, I would do new cabinets and get the soffit to cabinet area improved as well.

Hope that helps.

Whatever you choose I wish you success :)

Very helpful tips Sharonva. And skunst--thanks so much for your detailed suggestions. Thanks to everyone who resonded--I'm so grateful for all of your thoughts and suggestions. Though it may take some time to get some of these ideas done, I will definitely post my progress! Many thanks again!