Couple more pics Shay, please. I think you did fine, just need the right decor. Stand at your stove- do pics of living space. From sofa- larger view pic of kitchen.

I’ll find you some inexpensive decor. Cheers!

You did well.

If you find the cabinet color contrasted with the flooring and countertop a bit off, consider adding a backsplash between countertop and overhead cabinets that will link the two. Start with adding the tiles only above the sink (between sink backsplash and bar) and see if that works to link the two.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/628356680/unique-ceramic-accent-tile-taupe-tan?gpla=1&gao=1&utm_campaign=shopping_us_LunaGalleryDesigns_sfc_osa&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_custom1=0&utm_content=16273841&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1vq41p_Z5AIVA1YMCh3gUgn3EAkYDCABEgI0CfD_BwE

@Kathy Thank You!

@Kathy

Sit on couch near fireplace. Take pic towards kitchen. Looking to tie it all in.

What light do you have over your dining table?

Would adding color -- a new focal point -- help how you feel about the space?

https://www.lampsplus.com/products/pendant-lighting/type_swag/

i don't have a dining table. my space is small. i like my living area. the kitchen area bothers me more. @suezbell

@Kathy

So much of your other deco is dark which might mean you like dark better than light. So your negative reaction to the kitchen might be the light cabinets. When I hold my finger over the countertop, the cabinets and floor go real well together. When I hold my finger over the floor ,the countertop and cabinets not so much . You have a cute little place.

@lindahambleton thank you. i am thinking it really is the cabinets. i may do as @minorad suggested and have them painted. maybe espresso or white.

With a kitchen that size and black appliances, espresso may be too dark. Maybe someone with good photoshop skills (not me) will come along shortly and "paint" your cabinets for you. I'm not sure about white, but maybe off white.

@stillpitpat the appliances are slate so they are a little lighter than they appear in the pictures. but i do see your point

Okay, I’m looking Shay. Sometimes just moving things around can make a space feel more welcoming.

Do do you use the desk area regularly for computer worK? Would you get more use out of it if you set up a countertop wine rack with floating shelves for wine glasses or decor?

I only ask this as I see the wine cabinet and guess that it might have come from another apartment.

Are the stools at the counter the right barstool height? Do you use them? The fact that they are turned the wrong way makes me think they might be too short........ (Counter stool seats are about 25” high, bar stool seats are approx 29”high.

How is wide is the wall to the right of sink? Looking for happy possible decor/art.

How deep is is the countertop for dining? (Will standard placemats fit?)

what colors do do you like for decor? You have a great neutral base. I see your clock is a bit rustic country. Would you say you have a style you are drawn to? Do you have dishes that are a color or plain?

I’m thinking that wall decor on the wall right of the sink would be welcoming as you come in.

Gonna make a list. Direct me on color.

@Kathy thank you for all of your helpful ideas.

yes i have monitors setup in the desk area, but i took them down while they were doing the counters.

i dont use the stools, they are from another apt.

I actually have a picture up on that wall, but it was personalized, so i didnt want to post it.

some of my decor is blue and yellow and some hints of rust. i dont have a style necessarily. my dishes are white. some are forest green.

I think that the biggest culprit is that ceiling light! It is so harsh. I would add a couple of recessed lights on dimmer switches. You could then use the big overhead light only when you really need it.

It is difficult to accurately gauge the wall color, but it seems that something slightly warmer might meld the cabinets and countertops together.

Congratulations on your new home!

Thank you! I will look into the recessed lighting as an option.

the walls are off-white/cream.

Hi, Shay. To my eye and on my monitor, it is the floor and cabinet color that are sort of giving one another the side-eye. I think they would get along better with a rug that includes the cool of the floor and the warmth of the cabinets. It would serve as a bridge for the two - so to speak.

You seem to favor neutrals, so I found a rug that might work for you - along with a few every day cooking items. I hope my mock-up gives you some ideas.

On my monitor, your walls are pink, your cabinets orange, floors brown, counters gray. It's a bit of a mess. Before doing anything drastic, try changing your light bulbs to a warmer temperature, something in the 2700°K range.

It definitely seems like the cabinets are the issue here. I would paint them a nice white like Grover suggested.

I really like Grover's first pic! It really ties everything together!

Paint the cabinets white, change appliances to stainless, with same in counter depth fridge, when you can. ...............

I would also remove all the 4" backsplash pieces and put in a "back splash" once you have painted the cabinets Grover's #1 pic.

I vote for grover's first pic. A beautiful light taupe goes so much better with the tones in the floor and counter - it stands apart from the popular white kitchen.

I agree with other posters - painting the cabinets will eliminate a "third" color (floors, countertops and wood cabinets). Much better look and the painted cabinets actually tie the flooring and countertops together much better. I like both of groveraxle's color suggestions. As far as painted cabinets negative affecting resale - there will be lots of unsold condos and houses because painted cabinets have been so popular. Good luck!

The fridge is much too large for your kitchen. Visually, it dominates the entire space. Try swapping it out for a shallower version. If you do paint cabinets, I think a forest or dark olive green on the bottom would go with your countertop and also help conceal the appliances a bit better. You could do white on the upper cabinets to keep the whole space from becoming too heavy.

I love the floor! Nice start. Don’t worry about those saying replace the appliances. You already told us they are new.

IF you decide to paint your cabinets have it professionally done. Unless you are a very skilled painter nothing looks worse than an amateur cabinet paint job. That will affect resale value, not the fact that the cabinets have been painted. Since your kitchen is small I think it would be well worth the money to have it done right. But I think your kitchen looks fine anyway If you decide not to.

Another vote for paint the cabinets white. Everything else is nice.

Thank you all! I am having someone come over today to give me an estimate on refinishing my cabinets and changing the to white.

I love your floors!! I have the same cabinets (& similar counter-tops) in my first condo -- which I kept as a rental. The other 2 units in our 3-family complex (same kitchens) just had their cabinets painted & they look amazing. It was expensive -- I think $7K -- if I still lived there I'd do it, but no way I'm paying that for a rental. My vote is for the 1st pic that Grover posted.

A small runner may look good.

kitchen rug runner in tan and blue - Bing - Shopping · More Info

following

I'd live with it for awhile. I think once you get your stuff in there, it may not be so noticeable to you. And if it still bothers you, try a rug. I think the mock up shows the rug helps break it up. Work with what you have, ideally a counter depth fridge would have been better in your space but I'm sure it could have cost twice as much..

If you decided to go ahead on painting the cabinets, the most important part is the quality and professionalism of the trade that who would able to do the job probably otherwise everything will missed up. These type of job is vert tricky and not every one can make it happen probably!

LOVE Groveraxle's first pic.

following

You might consider painting only the base cabinets the same color as a color within in the floor and then pause and decide what you do and don't like about what you have before painting the overhead cabinets.

Wow, it's amazing how much more cohesive the space looks! Great choice!

Perfect. I didn't want to say it because people seem to "put down" white kitchens. I love, love, white kitchens and yours look fantastic.

At some point, if you want to tweak, I agree to remove the four-inch BS and tiling.

Very nice, shay!

That looks wonderful! Kudos!!

it does look really nice white although I'm not normally a fan. just curious how you like your appliances. I really like the slate and am considering it when I replace my appliances. hoping for a major deal black friday.

Well I for one LOVE white cabinets. They look amazing. I bet you smile every time you look at them now instead of feeling like you made a big mistake. I definitely want to have mine painted but that means new countertops, backslash and of course new matching appliances LOL...you know, if you give a mouse a cookie...

Wow! Great job!

@Cheryl Smith I like the slate. less fingerprints on the body, but same amount on handles. I got a deal on the ge website.

@always1stepbehind yes! it's like a rabbit hole. but a good one

Well done!

Please post your before and after pix in that section of the site! Real improvement!