How does the space function for you? Is it well designed and does it fit your cooking style? If the kitchen works for you then you might find that changing the countertops and backsplash to something with less pattern and less yellow/orange makes a big impact. I am not sure if that necessitates altering the hood as well. Neither of those are going to be low budget but a lot less than a total tearout and redo.

First we need to see the whole LR area there has to be a better spot for the TV than there . The kitchen is so formal I think you either need to embrace it or plan a reno. The problem is the whole house was done to go together and if you start messing with one piece at a time it will not work well. I assume these are listing pics . IMO you should always live in a space for a while before changing anything since houses seem to have way of telling you how you should function in them. I guess my first question, if you were my client) is what do you love about the house. You then work from there to make changes. To tell you the truth once your suff is in place it will feel different and I would not even paint yet.

If you start an idea book or 2 we can see what you like as far as style goes and that will help you and us along the way.

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><md>Yes these are listing photos! Ok I will start an idea book. I’m brand new to Houzz! Here’s another view of living room. Yes it was all done together. Perhaps we give ourselves a few years of savings and then do a full cosmetic reno? The idea of painting all the trim

Having trouble getting other photo to post.

I’m not sure there’s a better spot for the tv! Previous owners mounted it therr

Susan is spot on! Those changes will make a huge difference. If you’re keeping the lighting, I’d save $ and do a dark mirror as a backsplash to repeat the lighting metal color. Embrace the dark and bold...especially since you have so much natural lighting, it will look dramatic at night as well. Congrats on your gorgeous new home!

You mentioned painting the dark trim(windows, door ways) and that's the first thing I'd do. I don't know about you, but I hate dark trim and would paint it white.

I like your kitchen - except for the chandelier and pendants. IMO changing them to brushed nickel would be a huge improvement.

“there has to be a better spot for the TV than there”

Looking at the photos, that criticism makes no sense but is in Patricia’s typical judgey tone on here. It appears there are windows or openings on all other sides, and therefore, for a living room, that spot for the TV is great. What Patricia overlooked is the positioning and style of the sofa. It should be across from the fireplace. It also should be larger. And while I don’t often recommend a sectional, that room is big enough to handle one, and would make the room more cozy and enjoyable for the family. Leather sofa would not be good for that room if you want to make it more cozy and less grand. Do a comfy fabric. Take away the granny floor lamp and replace with something fresh. Same with living room coffee table.

If the TV doesn’t have it already, install a wall bracket for it that articulates and tilts. We have one (ours is the Peerless SA761PU but there are many others) and it made a huge difference in TV watchability. Money well spent.

For the kitchen, without making an entire re-do, I think the exhaust hood is the most glaringly elephant-in-the-room. I would recommend removing the tile on the hood in concert with replacing the backsplash with simple tile (no pencil tile and no stone tile though!). Replacing the hood with a metal hood would make the kitchen look more current, but in that size might cost at least $2000-3000. I don’t know what your budget is.

I like Shirlpp’s ideas though then you maybe would need to change the faucet and cabinet hardware as well? If you’ve ever had white base trim you won’t want to paint that beautiful wood...you’ll forever see dust and nicks in white base trim.

Backsplash, hood, light fixtures and hardware. You could also consider painting the island. I like your wood trim, and I'm not usually a fan. Nice place!

It looks like there is a wall across from the four windows where the TV can go.

@shirlpp - it’s hard to tell. I interpreted the photos as the living room is open to the kitchen, so there is no wall oposite the fireplace, and to the right of the fireplace are windows, and to the left is the stairwell wall with a window. We probably need clarification on that from the OP.

Regarding the OP’s question about replacing the fireplace facade, I did that with my 1990 fireplace. I have to say it was very expensive. I saved for a year before I did it, and used even more savings than I anticipated. I had no idea it would be as expensive as it ended up. I replaced with a stone surround and hearthstone, and custom wood surround of that. The hearthstone had to be cut “just so” and the surround application has to be done exactly so it requires a very skilled fabricator. It was about the most expensive renovation I did in my home other than the kitchen and windows. It can certainly be done for less, but you have to have a good eye and know a good contractor who can tie in the non-combustible surround (stone) with the carpentry.

Don’t rush into anything big. The kitchen looks good. It just needs a little color. I would paint all the walls and ceiling a cream which works better with the granite than the white. Put down patterned runner rugs for color on the floor. Hang some art. Maybe change the light fixtures if you need more lighting or if you don’t care for the existing lighting.
Bring more color into the adjacent rooms with art and area rugs and window treatments, maybe wall color.

There’s no wall opposite the fireplace! On one side is stairs and one side is to backyard

Okay, Julia....Darn!

The house is beautiful. The only things I would change in kitchen light fixtures the stove hood , level out the 2 level bar areas , paint island and a lighter countertop n backsplash. But I could totally live with kitchen n home as-is. It’s really pretty.

What do you mean level out the counter tops?

What kind of light fixtures? Clear glass pendants?

If you level out the bar areas, you’ll need to be super tidy in your very open concept kitchen.
The kitchen could use a little bling but only after you change the stove hood and the backsplash.

Ooo what kind of bling @lidia?

Chandelier/pendant lighting. Your place seems to have a strong but elegant Spanish vibe. You can keep the dark metal in the lighting but find ones with cut crystal. And cleaning isn’t awful, there’s a spray on cleaner available, you’d just need to place paper towel underneath because it drip dries. Your home is stunning, just needs a little update to bring it to the next amazing level.

Is this something you’d consider?

Julia more modern for counter high bar area vs your kitchen has area higher than counter for bar seating So I would bring it all to counter level for more modern look But the current older style does hide kitchen mess :-). But its a outdated look It really is what works for your family. The home is very nice even if u did nothing imo

And soft reflection of a sparkly pendent and chandelier. And add some shine to the]one gorgeous cabinets. Mirroring the backsplash with a greyed mirror will inexpensively alter the look for immediate gratification, go right over the current backsplash if there’s room. These small changes could get you adoring the room immediately, while you live in the space and refine/curate your family’s style.

This one might be a little over the top but adding a soft metal will bring some drama and light into the kitchen in the evenings.

What is mirrored backsplash?

A window/glass company can cut the mirror to fit perfectly. I have offwhite cabinets with a black granite countertop so I went with a greyed mirror instead of the typical mirror which would make the space too mirrored for my tastes. The photos below are regular mirrors without a tint. They also have bronze tints but I’d be careful with that, it could look too garish but a greyed tint just softens the mirrored look. I like it because then I can see behind me as I’m cooking and not feel so isolated or back to my family.

I would invest my money in an interior designer who could make the most of this gorgeous house with fabulous furnishings and no renovations. Otherwise save up about $200k for a gut reno that will make it like every cookie cutter Houzz project.

That house is beautiful! I would maybe put in a lighter back splash and put the sofa in front of the fireplace. Guessing it was always there but moved for the real estate photos to make the room look more spacious. The wood is nice.

Thank you everyone!! I’ll post again once we move in and people can give me updated ideas!

Paint kitchen cabinets in a light neutral high gloss paint. Add brushed brass cab hdwr. Paint all those white walls or do wallpaper selectively. Again, a light to medium neutral. Adding lots of textiles (rugs, draperies) in vivid colors will do wonders. And, paint those dark brown beams in the coffered ceiling to match the rest of the ceiling

Don’t do a mirrored backsplash, even a “grayed” one. That is because a mirrored backsplash reflects the torsos of everyone in the room, and without the head and legs to balance them out, the torsos appear amplified. You will be seeing that every where you turn in the kitchen. Also a mirrored backsplash just reflects children’s’ heads floating and bobbing around the kitchen. The adults’ headless legless chests and stomachs and the children’s’ floating heads are not something you will get accustomed to. I had a mirrored kitchen backsplash in the ‘90s so I speak from experience.

I think the elaborate chrystal chandeliers that Lydia posted would do the opposite of addressing your OP‘s specific complaint that “it’s all too formal“. But in any case, your kitchen has a lot of pendant lighting, and I think replacing those should take lower priority than backsplash and hood. See what your budget is after that, and what lighting would look good after backsplash and hood have been updated.

When you post again - post to this dilemma. Please don't create another dilemma as you might not get the same folks who responded on this one....Best Wishes!

The only thing I don’t like is the multi-toned floor. I reiterate my suggestion to use colorful runner rugs for color. Then pick a color from the rugs for an accent color: towels, canisters, pot holders, window treatments, special serving pieces....

That is a gorgeous house! The wood is one of the features that makes it look so special. Why would you want bland white like everyone else has? What difference does is make if it's got an early 2000s vibe when it's done well for the most part? Every decade has its look, and there are things that look good from all ages. Are you going to change things every few years to keep up with the latest decorating phase?

Live in it for a while, add color throughout using rugs, drapes, pillows, art, etc., and think about what you like about it before you make changes that you might regret.

Think about what you like in people's homes that you visit, gather lots of pictures of things that you like, decide if those things would look good in YOUR house, and take your time.

Anne

You see "brown, brown, brown," because that is the only color you have.

Add other colors by painting the walls, adding large area rug(s) and/or window treatments. Due to the many windows & natural light, dark colors may work well.

I would not change a thing.

It is a classy high end kitchen and gorgeous family room.

Might not be your favorite style.........but, it is what it is!

It does not look totally outdated or cheap......so, this is a good thing for now.

The thing is that you have A LOT of kitchen......!

Consult a professional and figure out a budget. Then do a complete remodel to your dream kitchen whenever you are ready. Right now spending money to pick apart a few things ....makes no sense....when you can put that towards the kitchen you really want.

I do agree, with the fireplace. Something slicker would do wonders in that room and to accommodate the TV in the new set-up. So, it is just not a flat screen on top of the fireplace.

Something custom just for you to give this gorgeous room justice.

I agree with others.

You should invest your money in a decorator.

High end furniture and color to make these 2 rooms razzle-dazzle!

@shannon_wi...the OP asked about bling in her space which is why I proffered the lighting ideas. And I love my mirrored backsplash, especially if I can see my hubby’s 6 pack and I don’t mean beer :) but it also reflects under cabinetry lighting beautifully.

Move in and live with it for awhile before changing anything you're not sure of. Just moving your things in will help make it feel like home. You have time to see how it works for you if you plan on staying there awhile. We bought our forever home a couple years ago. There were a few things I didn't really care for but more things including the floor plan that were perfect. The layout of the kitchen and the rustic knotty hickory cabinets were not something I would have chosen. But they have both become a part of this home I love. Totally not a popular choice now but fits our small town montana home. We painted everything but haven't changed to much else.

Change out the light fixtures to something more your style. Do not paint those kitchen cabinets, however so they don’t look so heavy have some of the upper cabinet doors replaced with a glass insert. Much more cost effective then tearing out. In the living room add a large colourful area rug and furniture that has no browns. Also change out the light fixtures there to tie into the rest of the space.

Your new home is beautiful. Your space is traditional, but it doesn't scream dated.Your space is traditional, but it doesn't scream dated. A few minor changes could lighten up the feel - as others have said, new lighting in the kitchen would go a long way. If it's possible to remove the dark tiling from the range hood (replace either with smooth stucco or tiles that blend with the creamy color) that would also make a big difference. If you're really still feeling 'too brown,' having the island painted could be worth investigating. All the family room needs is an amazing rug and some furnishings.