I think the biggest issue with your kitchen is those fluorescent lights. I'd address those first and then based on your budget think about saving money for new countertops, backsplash and stainless steel appliances. The pendant over the sink isn't going to add any visual update so I'd save your money and not do that.

What is your budget? $200? $5000? What works for you, what doesn't?

How about some cabinet pulls? You could go a bit contemporary with sleek nickel. And remove the woody color blind in the window. Try adding anything that is not wood or wood like. This is going to be your “ l’m saving for a new kitchen” design. Plants and bright accessories that you like will help. This looks like a kitchen that functions well, cooks good food, and people like to be in. Be patient and save your money. You get there soon enough

Agree stainless appliances and new hardware would be nice. White appliances can be too stark with that much wood. Nothing wrong with taking the time to save up for a redo.

You could paint (cheapest option) the backsplash area. Maybe blue, a cool tone to offset the honey oak. Or gray? Or there are those peel and stick tile sheet options. I would save as much money as you can for new stainless appliances. I personally hate microwave above the range. I lived with one for 5 years and hated every time it was used. But that is me. What is your favorite color? I would try some rugs. The blind is not really that bad, especially if it works well.

I agree with the pic @tedbixby1981 posted. I had basically the same kitchen as yours, but when I added white Corian counters and large format subway backsplash it really updated the space. My kitchen is about your size and total cost was less than $3k. (Tile was DIY)

Taking away the oak edge on your counters would help a lot, so even different white laminate counters with a white tile backsplash would improve things. It would also help tie in the white appliances better.

I agree the lights have to go. You can go stainless when you do a full renovation or as appliances need replacing. New hardware, white tile backsplash (Same white as counters), new lights. Maybe paint the wood edge of your counters to match them. Easy peasy.

My understanding is replacing fluorescents isn’t a big deal. With their placement I’d cap off the electrical and put in a cover (you can find them on amazon) Electrical is already there so having a light put above your island would be easy.

Edited to add-

obviously hire an electrician to do this!! Or you could put maybe 4 cans where the fluorescents are? I’m not a lighting expert but 4 seems sufficient for the space.

In Katie B's first photo, the floor appears to be two shades darker, and I am sure it is just the shadow in the photo. However, I do believe the darker floor color looks better than having the same golden oak tone as the cabinets. I also like the brightness and contrasted created by the white Katie B showed in her photo as well.

Spend to have the lighting upgraded to recessed cans overhead and LED's under the upper cabinets. New Formica countertops would be affordable and there are lots of cool DIY backsplash ideas you could do. Remove the wood blinds; select an accent color to pop around the space with canisters and such.

Nicole, see if this link might be any help, FWIW. She has some helpful suggestions for paint colors to either accent your wood or neutralize it.

https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/the-best-paint-colours-to-go-with-oak-wood/

Here is my wood kitchens idea book with both new and older, refreshed kitchens:

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

In my own kitchen, I replaced counters, added a backsplash, "short apron" apron front sink and under cabinet lighting. As a short person, I don't love an over the counter microwave. I would put a micro next to the fridge and get a vent hood. I have white appliances and like them just fine:)

Paint just the island like charcoal or navy; brass or silver hardware. Stainless appliances. The lighting replace & under cabinet lighting.

We've had to update our kitchen in stages while keeping the birch cabinets. The first thing we did was remove the fluorescent lights. Best investment we ever made.

Why does everyone dislike oak these days? It a beautiful wood!

Yes city is and shows Less dust And it's bright and warm

We have that same lovely fluorescent light. Replacing it with can lights means refinishing the ceiling after removing popcorn in our case.

I would add a pendant over the island and not the sink where the dome light works. Under cabinet lights could brighten things.

There are epoxy paints that could make your counters look like soapstone or travertine. You could paint the island to match the breakfast room furniture and then refinish its countertop. You might find a deal on a small slab or remnant of real stone for the island. If the base is a chalky light color a darker stone would be an interesting contrast.

I prefer light counter tops so I can see Better

jhmarie's ideabook is fantastic! SO many beautiful natural wood kitchens for inspiration!

New hardware, countertop and backsplash will help in addition to changing the fluorescent lighting. There are tons of economical options for the countertop and backsplash so look into those. Updating hardware can really change a space too.

Painting your cabinetry will have the biggest effect. Are you handy? You could do it yourself.

Great ideas. I ended up replacing the pulls with cup bin pulls on the drawers, it made a big difference. Also changed out the fluorescent lights with low profile LED panels, and love the amount of light they put out. I was able to do that myself for about $60. The house sold and I didn’t need to do anything more to it.

Happy ending! Great news.

Some times just a little tweaking is all that is needed for a Happy Ending, as RedRyder says. Thanks for letting us know.

That’s fabulous! It’s nice to get follow up!

You just gave me a great idea re: low profile LED panels! I have to get rid of my horrendous fluorescent light box over my island. I didn’t know these existed! It’s also good to know that your house sold with just those two changes. I’m in the process of deciding on whether I want to sell my house right now - or stay for awhile. I was excited to move - but - my mortgage has been paid off for 8 years and the idea of having a mortgage payment again isn‘t very appealing.

in any event - the fluorescent MONSTER above the island needs to be eliminated ASAP! Thanks again for sharing!