I would get an up-to date doors hardware.

Dallas | Willow | Kitchen · More Info

and not busy pattern countertop and backslash

Cherry Kitchen Cabinets · More Info

Some inspiration for pendants, depends on what pulls and knobs you get (gold/silver color)

Minka Lavery 4066-660 Liege - 6 Light Pendant · More Info

Chandelier, Matte Black With Polished Nickel Highlights · More Info

Project Design by Kirby Foster Hurd · More Info

So dark! Yes to light counters, backsplash, and SS appliances.

Thanks all. And thanks @celerygirl

I agree to change to a simpler, lighter backsplash. I would also consider changing the over the range microwave to a hood - think about that when you consider backsplash. If you do change the backsplash, but are not sure about a hood, take the microwave down and tile behind it then put it back up, or be sure to reserve enough tile to fill in if you ever change to a hood. Under cabinet lighting would help so much - it was the most functional change I made in my kitchen refresh. Here is my wood kitchens idea book with both new and older, refreshed kitchens:

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

Thank you @jhmarie! I was giving thought to a hood. The vent fan within the microwave doesn’t work for beans! LOL

Love your countertops, and I sure wouldn't put hardware on those beautiful cabinets. Just a new less busy backsplash would be great.

Undercabinet lighting, new backsplash (remove 4") +/- new countertop (if in the budget), new window treatment, +/- new wall paint. New vent hood if in budget as well.

Yes to stainless appliances. They'll make a big...and lighter...difference.

You could consider a two tone kitchen and replace the jelly jar pendants with a fixture that makes more of a statement in the room.

Thanks Beverly. Much appreciated. May i ask what program you use to alter pictures?

Backsplash, lights, pulls.

Those are gorgeous cabinets. I'm painting mine right now (two tone), but I probably wouldn't touch these. I think you'll see a big change just lightening the backsplash. The granite is fine unless you just don't like the pattern. You can also paint the walls a lighter color.

You could just replace the uppers and go all the way to the ceiling. Do a s/s side-in range with a stainless backsplash. S/S micro. Remove the rest of the backsplash and paint.

Maybe a new light.

Down the road do the rest.

ETA; i see BEV was thinking the same as I was doing my mock-up.

Because the kitchen is not large enough for counter seating, you are smart not to offer any stools. Anyone seated on a stool would be in your way.
If the island is free standing, I would have the counter recut to the correct size (no overhang) and the island centered between the refrigerator and the sink counter. If the island is attached to the floor, at least you can have the top reduced to fit, which will give you more space on the refrigerator side.
When and if the budget permits, stainless steel appliances would allow the kitchen to feel lighter and brighter. The black appliances make the room feel dark.
Slightly larger and brighter pendant lights will also help with brightness.
The vent in the microwave over the range is totally useless...all it does is lightly filter the air and blow it right back into the kitchen. If you put in a proper vent hood (if it is even possible depending upon the structure of your home), it could be vented to remove smoke or smells and send them outside through the wall or the roof.
An over-range microwave also makes it possible to spill hot food on yourself when lifting it out of the microwave. A countertop microwave is much easier to use and is actually safer.
The backsplash is also on the dark side and has a busy pattern. If you used solid color tiles in one of the light colors in the counter material, it would appear much lighter.

djb10 , dont tear out those floors! Refinish them. It will be much cheaper and will look fantastic. Take a look at a light whitewash finish or something similar. That part of the value of wood flooring. It can be refinished again in the future and look like new.

I’d try under cabinet lighting first before removing the current backsplash. If the lighting didn’t refresh it enough a new backsplash would be my next step. I wouldnt mess with the counters or cabinets.

I certainly would remove the BS. You won't be keeping under counter lighting on all day long.

A light cream simple BS is really all you need at this point.

I agree to beef up the pendants.

I agree if you can afford to replace with stainless appliances it will help lighten things and reflect a bi of light.

Hey All,

Work starts in 1 1/2 weeks. We’ve picked out a light countertop- called Snowy River Quartz (I’ll post a picture below). And plan to go with a calm/unified light backsplash. Here’s my question: since our new countertop will be mostly white and the cabinets are staying a bold cherry, will the look be to dramatically different? Should our backsplash be a calmer color to bridge between dark cherry and bright white?

SS appliances are ordered, as well as a SS hood (taking out the cabinet/microwave above the stove). Also a more neutral/less warm floor will be installed.

Thanks Houzzers!

Here’s the countertop

Change the appliances to stainless steel. Remove the two backsplash materials and replace them with a solid color tile backsplash matching one color in the counter material. Add some coordinated color in a simple valance or a fabric Roman shade over the window. Add some art if you have any empty wall space. Use slightly brighter lighting if possible.

Yes felizlady, many of your suggestions are planned. I’m looking for backsplash suggestions and lighting/window treatment ideas. Thanks1

I think you are right -- the white could look a bit jarring with your existing cabinets and flooring. Honestly, I prefer the counters that you have, since they bridge the light and dark gap. If I were you, I would keep those counters and find a plain tile that is the color of the lightest part of your counter for the backsplash.

Thanks Kariyava! I was considering keeping the countertop, but after removing the 3 inches “backsplash” that matches the counters, there are some gaps. I think this is why the builder put the 3 inch granite backsplash in place to begin with. So, based on feedback we received, we are installing a new countertop.

I agree with kariyava - the Snowny countertops are not a good match with your existing cabinets.