If you hang a Roman shade above the half-moon part of the window and leave it down so it covers the entire half-moon, it's a very simple fix for the window. Hang a Roman shade in the same pattern/style/color on the other kitchen window; you don't have to do the same in the dining area, but it would look nice and make the Roman shade over the half-moon look purposeful.

Like Zalco, I have a strong dislike of faux Tuscan style, but I agree that your kitchen really doesn't come across as overly Tuscan.

I think the newly-painted walls, in that shade of greige, actually plays up the disparity between new trendy paint color and older, traditional cabinets. I'd pick a color that doesn't say trendy, and also that plays better with the lovely cabinets and floors. A nice warm white if you want something neutral. Otherwise perhaps a very light green.

If you do decide on new countertops, square off the edges on the island by the seating, which is a much more modern look.

New backsplash and countertop would make a huge change. I wouldn’t paint those cabinets. I like the updated rug ideas, thereby bringing in more color. Yes, changing the peninsula will mess up the floor big time, but the suggestion to change your stools was another good idea. After all of those, you can paint the walls in the cooking area to complement the new b/s-counter-stools-rug.
Your kitchen is in amazing shape.

So you all think re paint with a warmer color? even if its a white with some warm tones?

Thx again you guys are such a HELP!!!!.

So you all think re paint with a warmer color? even if its a white with some warm tones?

I can't speak for anyone else, but I think so, yes. And I know everyone always says, "It's just paint" and "Paint is cheap", but paint (and painting) isn't cheap. That said, it's cheaper and easier than some other kitchen fixes. I also think with a warm white paint and a different countertop, you should be able to keep the backsplash. I can't see putting in white or grey subway tile to replace what you have, which looks quite similar to grey subway tile.

Can you post a closer photo, maybe from about 3 feet away, of the backsplash, with some of the cabinetry and existing countertop in the photo?

I think some new paint, two Roman shades, new light fixtures, countertop, stools and rug will make a huge difference.

I actually think your paint color looks fine. I would add some color with drapery panels and a pretty runner in the dining area. A nice piece of art on the left of the window. It doesn't look like you have any window treatments... some bamboo shades the dining room, kitchen and desk windows can accent the wood tones of your floor and cabinetry and bring some texture.

https://www.selectblinds.com/bambooblinds/premier-woven-wood-shades.html 

Add some plants! Live or fake will help! For your desk area - consider a pantry unit cabinet in a complimentary style to your current cabinets but in a similar white to your trim. Choose a base cabinet with a pull out dog food drawer, and an upper to store your mop and other tall items on one side (dog leash, foos bin, etc) and then a shelf or two for your office items, etc. You should be able to cut a small cord access hole on the side.

Here is backslash. it is a cream/off white. Wonder if i can do the counter and see if backslash looks ok, or if they need to do it at the same time. I can ask counter people.

Agree on all the decorations, we just have not put anything back up from painting last week.

I agree with the others about the backsplash, though you might want to replace with something lighter if you change counters. I am so over the subway tile look myself but I would choose a single color with no border etc. but in a fun shape. White or grey would look too stark but I think you could go with a color closer to your wall paint. Or just an actual color! Handmade tiles are a great way to get a little variation with an overall consistency in color. I chose mint green in my remodel, and while I don't suggest painting those pretty cabinets, it's a great way to change up the look a bit. With your bright blue chair and fun rug, I think you like some color, so go for it (especially if you are changing out the counters)!

Oh I love that backslash with the white. I need to find a color to match mine, but that looks great on your remodel!

gr6976, thanks for posting the backsplash so quickly. It's much more rustic than I thought lol.

Love mnmama's tile. Gorgeous. Something like that, but with a warmer (less blue) green would be lovely with your cabinetry, gr6976.

Have you considered changing out the cabinet hardware? If not, that may be something on the list once you get the countertop and pendants picked out.

stainless hardware?

What about replacing all your counters with soapstone and leave everything else

Im thinking the counter top change should be the first step, sounds like it may make a big change, good call!

Wait until you pick out the "bigger" stuff to determine the hardware. You may end up with the same finish (or not) but something that is perhaps not so "heavy" looking. Since the countertop will more than likely drive whatever you replace, consider starting to look at countertop materials first and see if you find something that you love. From there you can determine what can stay and what needs to be replaced.

The backsplash should have been put in after the counter was, so it shouldn't be a problem removing if you would want to see how it goes with the new counter. Though you should double check with whoever would remove it if you decide to go that way. You just have to make sure that the new countertop won't be damaged.

Though I think you are going to want to look at a new backsplash once you get a new countertop.

Are you familiar with Fireclay tiles? Here is a thread that talks about them and other similar ones that you may want to check out. https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5312783/ceramic-tiles-fireclay-and-other-options#22276404

That's a great link Ted! I checked out Fireplace and heath ceramics for our handmade tiles, but ultimately ended up having them homemade by a local tile maker who was able to match pricing (still not cheap) and allow me to tweak to exactly the right color. The variations in color come from the custom process and give it some interest. Make sure if you go with handmade, you: 1. find someone who is experienced in setting it as they are not always cut evenly or of same thickness and 2. lay out the tiles in the shape/size of your backsplash on a drop cloth prior to install so you can adjust coloration to your liking and 3. allow for up to 25% overage. There will be some lighter and darker ones and some with a slightly different tone. Pull out the ones that you don't like and adjust the rest hiding not as desirable areas behind toasters etc and making sure the focal points look best. Under cabinet lighting might help your tumbled travertine backsplash stand out. I agree with a soapstone LOOK counter, which will give you a nice dark charcoal grey that can work with the cream, I found real soapstone to be more maintenance than I was comfortable with and chose cemento spa silestone to replace my verde butterfly granite.

I think the back splash is a must too. Those Fireclay ones look like what I want. As much as I like the handmade ones, that sounds like its a bit of work. Thx for help both of you!

The island is Jet Mist honed granite. Photo is the actual honed slab. Many who want the look of soapstone but not spend the money will go this way. This is in a rental home and my client tells me that it does not show fingerprints and has been easy to upkeep. And it being a natural material you can find a slab based on what you are looking for in veining.

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great idea and that is a nice rental!!! I will check it out at the store

where did you get those chairs, i think they would go in my kitchen and I like that look.

I have a similar cabinet style but in a much smaller / simpler kitchen. I love my new lighter counters. I do not hate your backsplash - I looked at something similar, but when I picked out my counter, cream subway tile was the best choice for me. I do think your kitchen looks lovely now. If it was mine and I had the budget, I would change to lighter counters because I prefer to work on a light surface, but I've seen many pretty kitchens with dark counters. If you do not have under cabinet lighting, consider it. I love mine and it was the most functional change I made. It might not be your style, but I also had a "short apron" Kohler Whitehaven sink installed. I really like that sink! The "short apron" style can be installed on a standard sink base cabinet. I think your kitchen has a bit more French Country than Tuscan look. French Country is not the hottest thing right now, but I often see touches of it in especially pretty kitchens. You also have a really great layout along the perimeter cabinets.

My smaller kitchen:

https://www.houzz.com/hznb/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~110720042

I actually really like your hood. It is way more expensive then a stainless hood.

I would use a a warmer paint color but I just haven't taken to the gray trend - my problem, not yours:) I have noticed that many of the newer design pics have warm wood cabinets and lots of white and/or cream. You might see somethings in these newer pics that you can use in your space. This is my wood kitchens idea book with both newer and older refreshed kitchens. I don't think your kitchen needs much work at all, but you might see something you like:

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

I found 3 on Craigslist and the others where picked up at Target. If you live in a 2nd home market place, there are great deals on Craigslist and Facebook Market Place though it takes some patience for that "right" piece to show up. Also, we found the Pottery Barn table and 8 chairs on there, too. If I remember correctly she paid $1500. for the whole set and was like new condition. And the original horse painting, too.

It's best for you to pick out your stools after you have a better idea of the direction you are going.

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Call me crazy but I would not cover up that half moon window. I would, however, swap out your light fixtures, your hood if you can, your counters, hardware, and your backsplash (once you figure out your countertop). I would NOT paint your cabinets. Update your rugs as well. Repaint your walls if you can afford to do once everything else in place.

Taj Mahal quartzite would go great with your stained cabinets and really lighten up the kitchen. There is some color range in Taj Mahal slabs, so you would need to look for the slabs that are more cream/beige and not too gray.

Here are some photos of TM with stained cabinets:

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Change up the hood exterior to something simpler

If you like marble, a Calcutta Gold would be stunning with those cabinets. I'd leave the hood and see if you can remove the carvings. I'd change out the backsplash as it reads rustic and a polished or shiny surface would bounce more light around. If you can't straighten the island, can you get rid of the weird angle and make it just an L shape? New light fixtures are needed as well.

I love Chispas idea about Taj Majal. if you find the right color slab, it would go beautifully w/your cabs/flooring. Taj is a true quartzite, stronger than granite, and no issues w/etching or staining.

as for the backsplash, you really should wait until the countertops are in before choosing anything. it's always last.

as for the hood, I'd do something a little more updated. either get a new one made to match the current stain, or go w/stainless. Another option is to remove the dated appliqués and either re-stain it, or perhaps painting it black.

If you went w/soapstone, the black hood would look great too. you could always do a different color quartz for the island.

I had a very similar looking kitchen and I chose to paint my cabinets (and reface them). the stain was wearing and the overall look was very dark and 2004. I changed my granite to a gray quartz and a calacatta marble on the island. The painting was done by professionals and look and have held up perfectly. I have no complaints w/that. the key is finding the right pro to do it.

however, If you like your cabs the way they are, then redo the counters and splash. when you redo you island counter, have them remove your corbels and do a steel brace for the overhang. I got rid of my corbels when I redid mine. looks so much better.

I also made them remove all of the rope trim from my crown and around my island. I was tired of looking at it and cleaning it.

bring in new pendant lights, and new stools. what you have now is very heavy looking w/all of the wood. try something 'lighter'.

you could always choose to paint afterward if you think it needs more.

Great ideas. taj majal looks like a great fit for my lighter color theme, everything is too heavy and dark

How did they remove the rope, i was wanting to do the same thing. Did you replace it with trim and paint it? Im talked into keeping my same color cab based on my research today.

Ill try and figure out a way to do an "L" (Kudos design girl) and remove those Corbels. The ones under the hood HAVE TO GO!

Jhmarie, like that idea book, and what a cute kitchen you have :)

gr,,,here is a before and after on mine. (the trim is held on w/tiny finishing nails. they should be able to remove and do a very light touch-up w/the same stain if it needs it)

(And I'm not saying you should paint your cabinets if you don't want to. I just wanted to show you how mine turned out. my cabs were custom made over 15 years ago and were in excellent shape. however, the stain and finish on half of them were worn off. you can't tell from these pictures. anyone looking at it prob thinks i'm crazy for painting them. but they were all worn. and to redo the stain properly would mean all of them would need to be done. very expensive. basically the same as painting.(spray lacquer actually) I wanted a lighter brighter kitchen. there is nothing trendy about white or marble on my island. when I get tired of the gray quartz, I can switch it out for a few thousand. not a big deal)

you can see the rope trim up top, and the horrid fluting and square trim pieces. and below. (I had a hood made and the micro was moved under my oven) You can also see how my drawers were two diff styles. (no backlash yet)

I wanted them all to match so that's one of the reasons I went w/refacing of the doors too. Plus, the new ones have MDF center panels which hold up better w/paint. They did a beautiful job spraying these.

you'll notice how dark it was. A lot changed.

see the corbels and fluting on the island overhang? I couldn't take it anymore! it all went away.

This island is actually a dark charcoal. it looks blue in this pic. (and my window isn't completely done either. i'm waiting on my backsplash, which I'm still deciding)

( There is also a coffee bar and pantry off to the left.

It is a traditional look. Light colored travertine style backsplash with a focal point behind stovetop may go well with that look. Also under cabinet lighting should make that much brighter. You have 3 pendant lights. If you change the countertops to a lighter color, and also change island stools to a lighter color that should fix any dark undertones the kitchen has. Cabinets and hood look great.

I think the floor and all the cabinets being a similar color makes the place uniform and overwhelm a focal point. Not easy to fix that. Changing countertop and backsplash and under cabinet lighting are probably better value for the money.

Love your kitchen Beth!

Hi gr6976 - I would encourage you to start this project by starting an IDEABOOK on Houzz and collecting photos of all the kitchens that you like. Take your time - give it no thought - if you like it, save it. After you’ve amassed some photos you’ll start seeing trends - what you like and are drawn to! That can be your launching point for decision-making. Good luck! Fun stuff!

Beth, wow, what an amazing kitchen remodel, you are a pro! The before pics look just like my space. I would love to have that office/ desk space vs what I have now.

Ill take a close look on pieces I can remove. The rope is so high minor touch ups would be hard to see anyway. I’d love to get the decorative parts off my hood, I feel like that would help also.

Ill have to get started on my idea book. I feel like I have somewhat a plan now...well for the kitchen.

Anybody done the wood beams, or faux wood beams? I’m sure i can search for a topic on here also.

You have a lot of great ideas here. The ideabook is the perfect next step to narrow down what you want. I reread your original OP and hopefully this will help:

Your OP said the kitchen is Tuscan. As others said, the cabinets are traditional. The things I see that look Tuscan are: the backsplash, the hood, the bar stools, and the pendants with all that. The backsplash has typical Tuscan colors you may not want anymore like peach or gold. I liked the hood but it now seems like you may want to change or replace it.

Once you have your ideabook together, I would start with these areas. I would also decide if the current greige stays or goes, this will drive the rest of your choices. Finally, I would start thinking about inspiration: how do you want the kitchen to feel? Do you want it to remind you of a place? Do you want it light and bright or cozy and comfy? (For example, I have seen coffee shops with warm cabinets and dark countertops like yours.)

Keep us posted on your choices! I can't wait to see the finished product.

You are picking at a thread on a sweater that is going to start unraveling fast. I would start an idea book and see what simple changes you can make that would go a long way. While there might be more perfect paint, yours is fine and repainting would involve lots of repainting because your space is open and contiguous to the dining, tv, and entry area.

I think there is a heaviness about your space that I would try to lighten. New stools, new lighting in kitchen, and new chandelier could go a long way. Also, do you need that many chairs at your table or could you store some elsewhere? It just feels like a lot. I would find two of the same rugs that you love or two complimentary ones and put one under your table and one to replace the current rug in your kitchen.

There is a ton to be done that is just superficial and can go a long way. Congrats on bucking the trends and keeping your cabinets as they are.

I will start my idea book, Im new to this site and it has so many helpful features. And sounds like i need to take things slow like Beth did. Pick the major things to change, see how it is...then update the next thing (chairs, lighting, etc). Im glad you guys talked me out of painting my cab, i like my look and feel, just want to update it. THX!

I want it to feel warm and inviting, light, clean and cozy. I do use the chairs, but only like once a month, we have plenty of seating if i shorten that table. And a rug is a great idea to bring in what i do in the kitchen area.

I do like the color so hopefully i can coordinate what i do with the paint. The TM counter seems like it may be a good fit and i can find colors to pull in the paint and cab. It is a Grey-ige so there are warm tones to it.

Beth, love your space! The artwork is my FAV! Once i get all my stuff together i cant wait to get some fun cool artwork like what you have.

gr6976- Below is a link to a Midwest wholesaler of countertop materials. I always find it fun to look what they offer in their granite and other materials. And thought you might like to take a look to get some ideas when you begin your actual search. Many of their granite slabs have multiples of and it is amazing how one slab can look so different than the next even though they have the same name. So make sure you click on the slab so you see how it can be different than what is shown. This is why it is important to see a whole slab and not pick out something from a small sample. Keep in mind, too, that names of granite can be different in different parts of the country and not all wholesalers will carry the same so you want to go to all the granite yards you can. And when you do go look, don't forget to take a cabinet front with you. And when you find a couple that make your heart sing, see if you can bring samples home so as in your light it can look a lot different. Or at the very least, take photos.

https://www.montsurfaces.com/

thanks i have been meaning to drive over to the west side of indy to check them out!

Just a FYI- I believe that they will also transfer slabs from one location to another if you don't find that perfect slab in Indy.

Gr, thx! That’s a litho from Mark King called Leopard, I think (the bright color one). The other one is a Mangelsen photograph.

Such great ideas and suggestions here. I haven't seen this mentioned. I think I would keep the hood ( the top part of the hood,) take off the scrolls and reface the horizontal potion at the bottom with a material which would tie in with whatever you decide about the rest of the kitchen. Some ideas are panels in stainless steel or copper or an oxidized/patterned copper or contrasting wood or ???? I would dispense with the arch on that panel. I actually think that hood is a great shape without the embellishment and arch.

Redoing the granite, the pendants, backsplash and stools will take this kitchen to great.

What about replacing the doors on the upper cabinets flanking the cooktop with glass doors and lighting the interior ( glass shelves inside maybe?)

Great IDEAS! Im going to try and keep this hood.

Beth, I looked at my "rope" and its glued on, so i cant take it off.

Im meeting with a company that sells my cabinets tomorrow. Hoping they have the same style and color so that i can expand and do a built in desk and storage area where it is empty now.

I would ask a contractor if glued on rope design can be removed. As you said, it’s high up so if the redoing of the mounding isn’t 100% perfect, it won’t be obvious. Your hood details might be glued on as well, so those would need to be done carefully.

Work on getting new counter top, back splash and lighting. New appliances where needed. Also I would change sink too and new faucet. I agree you need to do something with the desk area and have it tie in more to the kitchen. For sure get a new rug.

Hi GR,

I scrolled through the fantastic comments, so many good ideas.

Unless I missed it one thing I personally would do?

Swap out one of the doors on the upper cabinets for glass with sexy, simple, in cabinet lighting. Put your pretty dishes, wine glasses, etc in it.

gr6976- came across this tile company on another thread and thought you might like to take a look as their tile is quite pretty. https://www.wizardenterprise.com/wizard-tile/

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gr,,,are you sure?? i've never known any cab company to 'glue' on any trim. there has to be teeny tiny pin size holes. they're so tiny, you may not even be able to see them w/o really good light and super eyes! try magnifier.

ok I'll check!

Just read through this thread, have you made any changes @gr6976 ?

slow process. i picked out appliances, decided on doing a large fridge and a desk space. picking out countertops this week.

I'm just getting on here, so you have probably made all the changes.. I agree with most all who said the cabinets are beautiful. Was going to suggest the same as many above: Replace countertops to light color marble/quartz; replace backsplash with light color also. Replace hardware and a MUST is UNDER CABINET LIGHTING--for any kitchen! So easy to do too.