Closer look at layout and a few factors like windowless space means set aside cosmetic appearance initially. For the large mass of cabinetry it lacks appeal but layout and use of space need attention before anything. Maybe live in it for a year because you may have to take it all apart. It's okay because you have storage and good condition of things as is. Your observations are valid but avoid jumping in right now.

Thank you for your response. Just to clarify there is a bay window across from the kitchen. :)

If you like lighter granite, you could have the cabinets sprayed white or light gray. In my opinion, new silver or chrome cabinet and drawer pulls can make a world of difference as well.

I agree! Hardware can make a huge difference.

That is a dark, heavy kitchen. Do you like the layout? The different cabinet heights? With the castle-like trim?

I might replace the granite but stay away from the brown family. Or paint the cabinets two tone with white uppers.

While you're deciding, maybe try out some of those new peel and stick backsplashes.

I wouldn’t paint white. White is so boring and may clash with your warmer tones unless you do a creamy white. Plus it’s a downgrade from what you have. The wood cabinets are lovely. I’d replace the countertop and do a coordinating backsplash and fun hardware/jewelry lighting.

If you must paint only do the uppers and inject color! You know what goes great with warm brown? A nice sage green. Or even a pastel blue. Anything but white or grey.

I recently saw a gorgeous kitchen with butter yellow cabinets and pastel blue scents. So cheery!

I think your cabinets are nice. I do think replacing the granite with a white solid surface and white backsplash would improve this, plus under-counter lighting and remove the 2-level bar, making it one level.

I cannot speak to the layout and I’m not a pro....

So much spamming lately

I would paint the cabinet white charge handles to metallic , keep the counter , and put some nice back splash to match

Remodeling a kitchen is a huge, huge expenses. Do not rush the planning process. I spent a full year after we moved to plan the changes for our remodel. Get a notebook, measure your space. Jot down things you like, things you hate (or dislike) about what is there now. Be aware that trends are changing and woods are becoming “ in style” once again. Do not spend thousands of dollars replacing a countertop only to regret it in six months when you decide a different look would suit your style better. I walk around with my cup of coffee in hand and listen to my house. My first two plans would have been far short of the kitchen I now have. Desperate to make my kitchen brighter, my first thought was creamy white cabinets. But the longer I lived there, the more we cooked and ate there, the house told me that plan would be dull considering the house’s personality. I had time to mentally try out different combinations of storage and workspace. We now have a kitchen that functions very well for two cooks and looks perfect for our house. Best of all, my husband loves it and cooks often!

I usually suggest living with the kitchen for six months or a year before changing anything when it appears to be in good condition like yours does. I see what you mean about the cabinet doors seeming to be slightly different in tone...close but not exact. The brown counters don’t add any real color, and you don’t want to put money into a counter-to-cabinet backsplash if you want to change the counters, either. Do you intend to use the raised bar? Are the stools comfortable? Are the stools blocking the traffic zone? Do you have a breakfast table or dining table nearby? Do you have the money put aside for kitchen changes or do you need to save up more? Is the kitchen workspace and storage space large enough for you? Can you load and unload the dishwasher easily? The answers to those common questions will help you decide if the layout works for you. The flooring may be plain, but it probably extends into other areas, so replacing it would be costly.
Do you have an ideabook of pictures of small kitchens which you like? Spend some time coming up with a plan for changes you definitely want to make. Don’t rush into anything now.

First I would even out the uneven moldings , take them off and perhaps put a stainless Steele molding to the ceiling ..to even it all out ....the different heights are not attractive at all . Then I would look again , i.e. Live with it . The kitchen is very dark ...but with a new countertop it would be lovely . If you don't like the cabinets ..but you like the countertop ..then change the cabinets.. But go slow ...the tops of the cabinets is what bothers me the most ...I can't even suggest anything until that is straightened out and made all one level . Either with a large molding of steel ...etc. ( ps. I would paint the kitchen a warm white ..looking through your pictures ...it's all heavy furniture ...with muted colors ..all around ..even the curtains ...? Bring in some white ...for now ...and take your time ..

What is your budget range for current changes?

Are the granite countertops near the sink a different color than the ones near the fridge?

I don’t love the backsplash in this pic, but you have nice cabinets. I would change out for a white counter, a light backsplash, new brushed nickel hardware and new window treatments. I think it would make a huge difference.

I’d like to stay around 4500 if possible. The granite is the same throughout. Does it matter to have nickel/ silver hardware If all the other hardware in the house is dark bronze (door knobs, light fixtures, etc)??

In my opinion it doesn’t matter it’s all tide with your kitchen appliances so yes it’s okay to have different color nope through out the house

Try the polished nickel knobs to see how you like them. Do you want to change the lighting or add undercabinet lighting?

Wallpaper can distract from features you don't care for. If there are a couple walls that could be wallpapered (not the ones that continue through other rooms), they could be wallpapered with regular or removable wallpaper.

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Thanks everyone for your advice and opinions, we have decided to do some inexpensive changes for now...hardware, paint, and curtains, then our first big change will be the countertops and backsplash. My husband didn’t like the idea of removing the four cabinets above the desk for open shelving and painting the uppers, so I’ll wait until all the other things are done to revisit that. :) But in the mean time we will just make some small changes and live in it. Your advice and ideas helped me get creative. :) thank you!

Good decision(s) Kelly.

You may end up loving it, Kelly. I like the cabinets, they appear to be quality cabinets, and I don't have a problem with the different levels. The molding is really nice. And, sometimes plain flooring is ideal.

There is one thing that would drive me crazy -- those cords. :) I bet you've got that fixed by now.

When we moved I really disliked the granite. But, we have so much of it that it just didn't make sense to get rid of it. I can't tell you how many times people have told me that they love the granite. I think my real issue with the granite is that I liked the granite I put in the previous house -- a lot. I hardly got any compliments on the granite I chose so .... I'm not sure how to take that. LOL

Enjoy your new home!!

Thanks Gina! The cords! I know! They’re still there unfortunately. But I’ll get them fixed! They were worse...the previous owner installed under cabinet lights and the wiring hung down all around the kitchen!

I’m glad you came to a decision. Your kitchen will look so much different with these changes! Take pictures along the way so you will see how much progress you are making!

Paint the cabinets white. Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is a great soft white. Get rid of those dark counter tops. A white quartz would be good. Then pick a nice backsplash tile that goes from the counter all the way to the bottom of the cabinets (that little four inch piece of matching counter top is a dated look and doesn’t serve as a real backsplash). Marble subway tile or a pale blue or green might be nice. Or if you want to be bold pick a painted concrete tile . This kitchen looks dark and although what I am recommending seems like a lot of white it will brighten the space

I would urge you to wait before you replace your countertops. If you are going to replace your cabinets in the future, the countertops would be replaced, too. Think about the logical progression of a new kitchen. Countertops go in after the cabinets are replaced. It would be a shame to spend money twice. I think it is nice your floor is plain. Otherwise it would dominate your kitchen. Several of the pros here will tell you there is only room for one star in the room; everything else is a supporting actor.