To be honest, I would be delighted with your kitchen. You did a great job in 2001 and I think it's pretty timeless. I do think the wall color and some of the extra corbels and columns, could be removed but they are not really overdone.

Honestly I think I wouldn't do anything..........but if you MUST do something then maybe a drum pendant or something a bit different for the lighting. I am really reaching to make a suggestion (other than the changing the wall color which looks fine but I agree may be past its charm) and I think I would so enjoy this kitchen!

You could change the look a lot by repainting, changing the light fixtures, removing the valances (maybe Roman shades?) and if you want to change the pulls and knobs, and faucet, etc. just do something a little simpler and not so intricate, however I’d stick with brushed nickel and not do dark.

First of all your kitchen looks great! I might suggest removing the valance entirely - fabric valance as well as the wood one. I would leave the hood valance but maybe remove the appliques. A lighter color of paint might freshen up your cabinetry. Rather like your faucets as they are. Might suggest new bar stools in a more contemporary style that still maintains your Tuscan look. Would definitely recommend updating your lighting fixtures. Good luck!

lighter walls, change to transitional light fittings and simpler window treatments...beyond that ...change the backsplash and/or remove the wood valances with the filigree detail.....one is above the cooktop...maybe that filigree can come off while retaining the hood aspect. The cabinetry itself should work as you re move "old world" themes and shift to a more simplified aesthetic. Counter replacement involves more money but I could see an island counter change and that is time to remove the support corbels as well. A wood top for the island could work in quite well. If nothing else: change the fabric valances, paint the walls and get new light fixtures.

You did a great job back in 2001. Your kitchen does not look dated. It's worth studying as far as I am concerned!

Another chiming in with love for your kitchen! It’s beautiful!

I agree with: taking down/changing valances, possibly repainting, changing rugs to something fresher, taking away the little faux boxwoods on either side of kitchen sink (or putting them in something a bit more modern). Honestly, a few small changes would refresh this lovely room well. The biggest thing would be painting the walls ... and although I love gold colors, I think a cream or something lighter would make an amazing difference.

I can’t edit my post for some reason, but if you do a google search for ‘updating Tuscan kitchen’, lots of ideas come up ... including some good threads from here. It might give some inspiration. :)

What a pretty kitchen! Remove the fabric valances and see how you feel. How does it look without the runners?

A friend of mine built her house around the same time and her kitchen had similar finishes to yours. Including the same cabinet color. She too wanted an update and had considered having the cabinets painted. Instead she painted the walls first and that alone made a huge difference. She doesn't have as much wall space as yours and decided to go dark using SW Peppercorn. She also updated her lighting to drum lights, removed the valance on the window above the sink, leaving it completely open and more contemporary art work. I swear it looks like a completely different kitchen and these changes were a lot less expensive than painting the cabinets.

Funny I was checking back to see what the responses would be and I think it's pretty much unanimous that you did a great job in 2001. I liked Zalco's comment that this is one for the books lol to be studied on what TO do to avoid the dreaded timestamp.

I agree with the others that it does not need much. I would change the light fixtures - they are very dated.

Looks great. I would make some updates, solely because I like my house to be an evolving expression of my likes/feelings at a given time -- not because it looks bad or dated.

What I would (enjoy) doing to your kitchen to bring some new life:

- paint walls a very light color.

- Update light fixtures

- update faucets

- get rid of the wood and fabric valance

- update hardware. I would stick with rubbed bronze, but something a bit more modern.

It’s interesting to me that you noted that you weren’t going to change the light fixtures, as they were the main thing that jumped out at me (aside from the valance). I think that your kitchen looks wonderful as it is, but that if you were going to put effort into updating, the lighting is one of the first places I’d start. Definitely keep the adorable puppy. :)

Your kitchen is so light and bright and timeless. What jumps out to me is the dated lighting and the rugs are a bit traditional. You may not need them unless you like having them underfood. Lose the window valance. Remove the urn and some things on the counter and it will look fresh and new. I would remove the gold-ish paint color. I had this in my dining room in 2001~!

If you want to move away from Tuscan, start by removing all the fabrics, textiles, art and accessories. They are what cries "Tuscan." The dining set also is in the French vein, so you might plan on replacing it once you've steered the kitchen in a different direction. You're right to start with hardware. Then put LED lighting underneath the upper cabs so you can highlight your countertops. The two wood trim pieces that will be stuck in Tuscan mode are the valance above the sink and the "hood" above the range. Perhaps you actually have a downdraft system and the hood is not functional. At any rate, the backsplash design there is relatively neutral, so you can work with it. You might see if your cabinetry source has something else to replace the hood with. I fear removing the detail may ruin what you already have. The same may be so with the island corbels. Fresh paint will do the trick on the walls, and if you decide to paint the cabinets, here is a lovely, pale greige that would look nice. The crowning touch will be new light fixtures at the very end of the process.

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All I can say is “wow“!! Thank you so very much to each and every one of you for taking the time to comment. Your comments are all so helpful. I believe I will replace the light fixtures even though I still like them but I see now that they will need to go with the de-tuscanizing. I will make sure they find a good home. (: I hadn't thought of removing the wood valances simply since I don’t notice them now. That’s what happens I guess over time. The one above the sink can go but I will have to keep the one above the cooktop which hides the fan. Will see about getting the appliqués off. I am getting new dining chairs since my little darling puppy has chewed apart the rush seats - thinking of purchasing the Dayna chippendale side chairs in black or brown from Ballard Design. Love the photo in the last post - looks like this kitchen has a busy granite pattern like mine. Our house is a 1936 brick, center-entrance colonial and furnished in the traditional style so I know I will have to be mindful of that with this update so it still goes with the rest of the house. Thank you again - I am so appreciative of your suggestions!

I have to agree with everyone else - new light fixtures, remove appliqués, remove valance over sink, new hardware and repaint. Then have fun with new accessories, art and rugs. Just do not go for a theme. I look forward to watching this progress.

Yes - for starters, I am meeting with a painter tomorrow!

What a beautiful kitchen. I see you said that the paint or glaze is wearing off some so then it does make sense to consider painting. I agree with all the other comments that you just need some small changes like with the lights and trim and wall color. It was so tastefully done. For sure please do keep us posted.

My first thought when looking at your kitchen was that you could benefit from new lighting although you stated that wasn't in your plans. Based on the comments here, are you reconsidering?

Your kitchen is very nice but with a few small changes (as someone else suggested, new counter stools) it will be even better. Please post pics along the way.

Yes I am reconsidering changing the light fixtures now realizing even that one change will make a big difference. Thank you!

Hi! I’m not a designer but am going to echo what others have said. Your kitchen looks really nice. I’d definitely start with a lighter paint color and new light fixtures. I think drum shades would look nice for that. I would also remove the fabric and wood valances and replace with a Roman shade. If you’re repainting/repairing the cabinets, I would see if you could remove the detail on the hood. If this were my kitchen, I’d probably prefer a simpler backsplash too.

I hope you post pictures when you’re done!

This is all just great - thanks again! Will keep you posted!

Agree with others. Change the “soft” stuff first. Runners, balance decor etc. Change the pendant. Paint. I can’t tell if it looks a bit yellow bc of the colors or bc or the light temperature. If it’s the lights, try something a tiiiiny bit cooler like 3000k

You do have a beautiful kitchen and I love what the others have suggested. Lighter, fresh paint, remove the valences including the wood valance, some classic light fixtures, update a few decor items will all likely make a big difference. The rugs stand out the most to me, changing those out or removing entirely for a cleaner look would be an improvement. It is always easy to come in and critique someone else's space. Good luck on your journey! :)

Agree with remove window fabric valance, change pendant light, paint the walls to a more cheerful color, and possibly new hardware. It is a really pretty kitchen, but a bit dark. Maybe some brighter lighting.

It seems no one heard your finish has rubbed off so you NEED to update a bit here and there. How are you on DIY? Back in the day I took all my doors off, sanded them lightly, applied a coat of stain followed by coats of new poly. That was the refresher they needed. Not sure if you can remove the doors/drawer fronts and have them resprayed..DIY be sure you clean them well first. Since your 'professional' finish didn't hold up I would be hesitant to think a DIY would!! It's interesting and HONEST to hear it did not. Be glad you didn't go black or navy--imagine how horrid that would look!! Your hardware blends so well now. Do you want the look of "Hey they have bronze hardware" screaming at people when they see your kitchen? Some people do. Something to think about. Your version of a tuscan kitchen reads more like a very formal kitchen. Removing the bling will make it more casual. Is that where you want to go? Only you can answer that. As said over and over, it's a very beautiful space. I would tread slowly so as not to kill that!!

Great kitchen and great advice here, but just want to say I love seeing an actual print newspaper sitting on your island. As a former reporter in my younger days, I'm happy to see people still read them! :-)

arcy_gw: Excellent points. Hmmm... Our home is formal overall and actually I feel quite comfortable in a formal setting. Even in "over the top" formal. Back in 2001, I was considering a traditional crystal chandelier over the island but didn't go that route. jay06: one of the true joys I have each day is sitting at our island in the early am with coffee and reading the paper. We are lucky it is still delivered to our home. (I tip our carrier well!)