I wouldn't touch the cabinets. They look good just as they are and don't need modernizing. I'm not a huge fan of black counters so I'd probably look at those and the floors as my priorities if I really felt something needed to be done. But honestly, I'd probably spend the money on a cruise instead ;-)

Thank you! Maybe I’ll just do new floor, pendants and wall paint. I don’t actually mind the cork floor but it is in pretty bad shape. The plus side is I don’t get upset when my seven year old twins play with hot wheels on the floor.

Another vote for the cruise. Gorgeous kitchen, quite stylish.

I agree, the cabinets are lovely. No, they’re not Shaker, which is all the rage, but they’re not arched, so they’re not out of date. I love the seeing the graining in wood cabinets.

I’d change out the counters and backsplash, and of course the flooring...since you said the cork looks very worn.

I might also get stools that aren’t so matchy matchy with the wood cabs.

Oh, I don't think it's dated! If the floors need work, then do that - maybe add new cabinet hardware too. Then, the cruise, definitely...

Cruise for sure . The kitchen looks great get some fun stools in a color and do the pendants in a color. Cork floors can be refinished.

I’d change the counters to something much lighter. Right now, they are swallowing the light.

Based on your photos, yes to lighter counters and backsplash.

When I look at the room photos, the only thing that pokes me in the eye is too much bland and beige with the floor, walls, stools, and beautiful cabinets (don't touch those!!!)

I would go with a floor that is either slightly darker (especially if you opt for refinishing the cork), or much lighter (ie in a high quality vinyl).

The pendants have too little presence, as well. Color would be good (the blue is very nice), but even just white glass globes would help a lot if they are much larger. .

I think the dark counters would much better with some other strong color/contrast in the room to balance them, like from the floor. It looks like some walls have nice color on them, but somehow in the pics it doesn't make much impact. Lighter counters would probably be easier to work with.

The biggest thing these rooms need is about 5K spent with an electrician for an adequate lighting plan. Its really sad that a kitchen of that level didn’t pay attention to that. It would make all the difference in the world.

I must also agree with most of the others here, I wouldn't touch those cabinets. It is a lovely kitchen, although not a fan of rounded islands, so if you go new counters, perhaps change that shape (unless it is really a hazard for your twins). But you're in dire need of lighting and possibly new paint. If you are open to new floors, see the difference a lighter large tile made just in this mock up.

Whatever you do, keep us posted, it is a great kitchen.

Beautiful kitchen. Great natural light and view, too.

Would NOT paint the cabinets.

Would not change the countertops ... unless you've decided you specifically dislike the ones you have..

Might change the flooring -- IF it's worn. Right now the flooring is neutral and visually pretty much disappears ... and that's a good thing.

Something you might consider (IF you specifically want to make a distinction between the two spaces) is changing the flooring only in the sitting area by the patio doors. I wouldn't for myself.

Would strongly consider painting the walls and changing the pendant lights (or pendant shades if you can find those that are compatible with the hardware you have).

You have blue cushions in your chairs, so you might consider a pale blue for your walls and change out your pendants to larger ones that provide both more light and more color for the room, including, perhaps, some blue.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Blue+tiffany+style+kitchen+island+pendant+lights&tbs=vw:g,ss:44&tbm=shop&ei=NgsaXvuNF66Iggfk-r24BQ&start=120&sa=N&ved=0ahUKEwj7gNqsjvzmAhUuhOAKHWR9D1c4UBDy0wMI4gc&biw=1366&bih=628#spd=17667727808136323933&spf=1578765156761 

Do find your new pendant lights before choosing your new wall paint color.

Nice cabinets ..nice cat

First - I love how LARGE your kitchen is, wow! If you changed anything ... Maybe the island countertop. I suggest that because it looks like it would be the simplest way to have a big impact and bounce more light around (assuming you go with a light or near-white) counter. And it's on trend to have one color on the perimeter counters with a different color on the island counter. If it were my kitchen (IIWMK, is that an acronym yet?) I would look at a quartzite that is light colored but with some dramatic veins to echo the perimeter. Maybe Miramar White or White Macaubus. Those might skew towards too tan (or too linear) for your taste.

It's too bad that the cork floor did not hold up, I love the way cork feels underfoot but I have heard it can be more delicate than most flooring materials. I wanted to use it in our recent reno but with 2 dogs I was worried it would get destroyed pretty quick.

Personally, I would paint the cabinets white. But, I only like painted cabinets. I am not a fan of wood in any stain. So, keep that in mind. I think black counters would be fine with white cabinets. I would do wood floors and updated pendants. You have good bones to work with.

I love the kitchen. Its huge. I also like the countertops. I would change the floor, if it is in bad shape, but, the first thing, I would do is get better lighting. Your lighting is terrible, thats why its so dark. The second thing would be to paint those walls. Thats not a good color with your cabinets, and makes the room, look very gloomy. The green I see way back in the corner, would be a good choice for wall paint.

I would change your paint color and the light fixtures over the island and the seating area near the window.

Once you have a paint color you like, you may find that you don't hate the countertops as much as you think.

And when you have nicer light fixtures that are more in your style, the countertops won't bother you as much either.

Thanks everyone- I think I’ll keep the cabinets, replace the floor and lighting,

paint and then maybe I can decide what to do about the counters. the counters are actually a greenish black. It’s hard to capture in a photo. I didn't design this kitchen, but I believe it was designed well, albeit 20 years

ago (I have the blueprints). The house is circa 1960.

And yes, the cat photo bombed every photo :) I have no idea why they made the island curved (the ceiling has a matching curve). The paint is original to the remodel. I think the cork is okay, but several tiles are damaged and I don’t have any extra tiles.

I’m not sure why I can’t post a photo of the granite

following

Your kitchen looks a bit Scandinavian to me like the kitchen below with the light wood, white and black. You may want to paint just some of your cabinets white and try gold as an accent.

Bright Organic Kitchen · More Info

Here's another Scandinavian kitchen that may have some ideas for you.

Argyle Kitchen Remodel · More Info

I apologize for the selfishness and not offering help, but can you please let me know what model fridge that is? It is exactly what I've been looking for, with the trim kit.

Troy- it’s a subzero model BI-36U/S/TH

You do have a lovely kitchen:) If I had the budget I would consider the following changes for personal preference only - may not be your style at all. I would consider removing the upper cabinets on either side of the window. I would see if it was possible to rearrange the cabinetry to put the stovetop with hood against the outer wall - 4ft or so away from the sink and off the island. Then I would do lighter counters, light, simple backsplash, rectangular island top and under cabinet lighting. Something inspired by this: