What do you think is wrong with it?

I think it’s looks pretty nice now. You could paint the cabinets white, add some hardware, new countertops, paint, backsplash, and new floor without changing the layout.

All of my above suggestions could be done in any style as well. What style are you going for in the rest of the house?

I honestly cannot think of what 1974 vintage is. I would however suggest you live in the space for a min. of 3 months before tackling any changes.

The things I would change are simple personal preference things. I am not fond of cool grays with warm wood and would probably change the wall paint though I realize the rest of the world loves gray. Not loving gray, the flooring is not my favorite, but again, I am out of step with the trends:) I am too short to comfortably use an over the range microwave so would probably switch that out for a vent hood - also my preference for cooking as I like decent venting which rarely is done by a microwave / vent. Black is not my favorite appliance color. Most would recommend stainless - but I have to admit a fondness for the easy care of white which would work with the maple (I think) cabinets. I love my single bowl apron front sink and it might take me a bit to adjust to different, but I probably could. At some point I would see if any of the bulkhead over the peninsula could be removed. However, none of things except the microwave would prevent me from enjoying the kitchen. It does have a very good layout and looks to have good lighting.

Photos of the exterior and lake view for inspiration. Does the kitchen open up to other spaces? Photos of that as well.

Kitchen looks good to me.

I agree that I’d live with it for a few months first. Honestly, I think that it looks super clean, bright, and livable. I’d buy myself some nice flowers and settle in with my favorite cup of tea and just enjoy the place for a bit.

Congratulations!

Was 1974 a big year for wallpaper borders ! ;)

yes as to the grey [?] paint above the cabinets - I wish for photoshop of a paint, or subtle wax - to match cab stain, so the cab color extends up to the ceiling...

White walls, actual range hood instead of over the range microwave, and a slide in stainless range.

Forgot to add: new smaller knobs in a finish that matches the faucet.

You make sure you love the floors everywhere. You leave it alone until you have lived in it and used it for six months. Have to do something? change the cabinet hardware that has over taken the door faces. The soffit over the peninsula was unnecessary, the recessed lights are dated. But you can churn out a great meal........indefinitely. You decide if you want that range/micro, or if you want a hood and real venting........you wait and save. You make an idea book. You save......$$$$ : )

Leave it as is for now. Changing anything but the paint color on the walls or the hardware is going to cost a fair amount of $$$, cause a lot of disruption, and you still may not love the result. Moving into a new home inevitably comes with unforeseen expenses, so your savings may need to go for necessities instead of cosmetic upgrades.

Once you live in the house for a while, you may find that the layout either does or doesn't work the way you thought, and may want to make some more permanent changes either in the kitchen or other areas of the house.

Live in it for a year. While you are living in it, plan, plan and then plan some more.

See what you like, don't like, what works, doesn't work.

Then come up with a plan of what you want the finished product to look like. Then, come up with a plan on how you will get there.

Here are some articles to help you on your journey.

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5500754/new-to-kitchens-read-me-first#n=533

http://starcraftcustombuilders.com/kitchen.design.rules.htm#.Wq1aeWrwaM8

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/2767033/how-do-i-ask-for-layout-help-and-what-information-should-i-include

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638270/faq-kitchen-work-zones-what-are-they

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638304/faq-aisle-widths-walkways-seating-overhangs-work-landing-space-etc

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638376/faq-how-do-i-plan-for-storage

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/2699918/looking-for-layout-help-memorize-this-first

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/4273188/things-you-added-or-removed-that-you-love-regret-in-your-kitchen-renov

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5332686/10-tests-for-you-and-your-contractors-first-meeting#n=25

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/10-common-kitchen-layout-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them-stsetivw-vs~116563485?m_refid=us-ocnt-reg-ocnt-stories-ktichen-116563485&fbclid=IwAR2VNIFLSZEN3skfRbCDsZdylbGcyCVJO5cRAEvIJyyMAgPz0PLdReOkX-s

Houzz is great but it takes a bit more than photos and a back pocket full of design opinions to design a space well. Great custom design takes into consideration the architectural period and detail of the property, the owners preferences and styles, and the budget and timeline. What will remain, what will be removed, and what will be added? Does the architectural footprint change? It is best to have a design vision and plan for the property as a whole and then design each space, embracing that design plan, that moves that vision toward reality. This will help assure that the design will be cohesive, can be planned in phases if need be, and, come possibly come in on budget.

Based on this one photo and the info you provided:

The house was built in 1974 but the kitchen looks later than that. The lines of the architecture looks like it may be a bit more contemporary, many homes in the 70’s were, and it looks like you have a Mid Century piece of furniture in the adjoining room. If you do not plan on replacing cabinets then I would paint them. The maple looks very yellow, which happens with age. If you plan on replacing or refacing the cabinets I would recommend slab doors as these are keeping with the typical design of that era. I would change the countertops to a quartz with an eased edge as the double pencil edge is to traditional. I would change the backsplash to a true subway tile, not beveled, or continue the quartz up the wall for a seamless look. Save choosing the wall color until last as it will be easier that way. If you go for a light cabinet/countertop I would choose a medium tone for the floor either in wood or wood looking tile.
Lastly choose your fixtures and fittings.
Again professional designers look at the space as a whole, even if you are only doing one space at a time, so that the end product is consistent with your overall vision.
Good luck.

Looks great as is. This is a kitchen that you should use a while before deciding on any changes.

Definitely would not paint the cabinets.

Unless you need it for privacy and/or light control, I'd not even put blinds or curtains on the bay window. You might consider a sun catcher.

https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/august-grove-tiffany-glass-sunflower-window-panel-augv1365.html

That kichen is later than the 70's. So don't worry about deleting any 70s vibe.

I like the kitchen. You could always bring in the 70s vibe with color and accessories without it screaming 70s if you want to. Of course if they had black appliances I sure don't remember them.

White glass front fridge and matching stove/dw. new brushed brass hardware, two pendants in brushed brass over the peninsula.

The seventies didn't have a "vibe". Other than UGLY. The kitchen isn't ugly : ) At all.

^^^^ lol

Perhaps replace appliances with stainless. Another recommendation would be to replace some of the solid doors in the upper cabinets with doors with glass and muntins. Doing so seems to add more depth to a kitchen than most anything else I've seen. Good luck!

Add a stand mixer and a bowl of fresh fruit and go enjoy the lake!

I have to agree 70s magazine kitchens were ugly, but every era or style has a vibe or you could call a feel. Like when you do a costal vibe room do you fill it with seashells, fishnets, surf boards and the long John Silver Fisherman? No, you can do it with color, and accessories.

I have a 70s house and the foundation of the kitchen does not scream 70s. I brought in the vibe through the color of turquoise which I love with accessories and a little paint. Turquoise was popular in the 70s. No it doesn't scream 70s , but gives you the vibe.