The cabinets are pleasing. No painting . The wall to right of window....are those u wish to remove? Maybe leave one and add some floating shelves if you can reposition the one very useful cab , that I would leave.

I like white kitchens, but yours looks very nice with the wood. Maybe removing the cabinets to the right of the sink, in favor of shelves, will be all you need to do to brighten the kitchen.

I like the cabinets too, and since I dislike those shelves in a kitchen, I would leave all the cabinets just the way they are. I would also pick an accent color, and get some accessories that color, and get some interest and personality in there.

First get all your lighting to be LEDs in 4000K then see how you like the cabinets. I am not a wood lover but I think they go well with the floor and the counter. I really dislike open shelving in kitchens they collect grease and dust and honestly serve no purpose.

Floating shelves look cute but in reality they just collect dust - and not ordinary dust, kitchen dust and atomized oils. It is a constant effort to keep them clean in a space that must be constantly clean. Besides, in a relatively small space you need all the covered storage you can get.

Have you ever painted cabinets before? If you had you would understand that cosmetic changes are a great idea in an ugly space, and an ugly idea in a nice space. If you were to relocate your cooking area to make it more functional, I’d be with you, bit if you are trying to brighten things up, just remove your valences - you’ll get 30% more light.

Take out wood panels and put in glass

Great idea jjiddie - and install some under cabinet lighting!

I have to chuckle because your kitchen looks very similar to mine. We recently got new counters and a new backsplash so naturally I am biased, but I think there is nothing wrong with your kitchen.

I do agree with removing the valances. Since they're just decorative and not needed for privacy, I think having the windows completely open will be a big change.

I think an accent color is all you need as well.

I understand that painting cabinets is a whole lot cheaper than removing and replacing them, but I've had painted cabinets (white) and they show everything, plus they eventually wear down near the pulls. Just a thought.

No. Just no. That’s gorgeous wood. Improve lighting all you can. Maybe some glass doors, but I’d prefer the wood. The corner valance looks heavy and dated to me. I would remove it. Might add a washable runner between Island and fridge to break up the brown and a little colorful counter decor to match it. The backsplash and granite are neutral, but very nice. I would keep them, too. Your kitchen is one that many would kill to have. Like me, maybe you’ve just been quarantined too long . . .

I would improve the lighting and add under counter lighting if you could. Glass doors on some cabinets doors may be nice, depends how organized you keep the inside. I would not remove cabinets and add floating shelves. They are a pain to clean, speaking from experience. I would also remove the valances as they are blocking a lot of light. You could add honeycomb blinds that allow light through but also provide privacy. A patterned, washable runner may be a great idea as well.

Thank you all so much for the feedback. I have since removed the valance and can't believe I waited this long to do it! Brightens it up for sure. I am going to hold off on painting the cabinets and look to make some of the improvements you all have mentioned - runner, sprucing up the accessories, and maybe a change of paint color on the minimal wall space. Thanks again!

Consider redesigning to improve the layout rather that spending money on visual only changes.

It’s always the valences....I’m glad it’s working for you!

I just painted my kitchen cabinets (probably have the same quantity as you) and it took over 20 hours. Lightly sanded, primed and painted with Benjamin Moore - has an excellent paint special for cupboards. I wish I had done years ago as it has transformed my kitchen! I have experienced two small nicks and just used a q-tip to touch up, no big deal.

Maybe start off with your island, could be all you need for a change and then decide. I would use a deep cream or grey.

Suggest changing your hardware as it has a big impact. Home Depot has some nice ones selling in bulk for a good saving. Add a Roman blind on window and a runner which will also break up all the wood. If budget allows, add lighting over island.

Here is an idea with painted cupboards and a wood toned island. Note glass insert

Start planning a safer and better spot for that cooktop. Leave off doing anything until you do that.

Your kitchen is beautiful, The colors blend. The floor matches the cabinets, and the paint and the granite, and the backsplash, etc. What bothers you about this kitchen and what you hope to gain by painting? How old is the kitchen? Did you install it?

@User - I actually really like having the cooktop there *shrug*

@dianeski - Thanks much! I think it's all the wood, but i've received some great suggestions above that I am going to implement prior to moving forward with any big changes. I didnt put the cabinet in, but updated everything else when I moved it.

I love @Maureen ’s idea to do just the island. Her first photo is perfect for your kitchen.

This is my wood kitchens idea book with both new and older, refreshed kitchens. Maybe it will give you some ideas:)

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