Pictures, please.

I think the kitchen looks fine. There IS a back splash, but it's only 4" high, which is usual in condos and new builds (not custom). If you want to put in a full back splash, then take out the 4" one. I would put the money into a new tile floor and just paint the wall above the counter with a semi-gloss which will be easier to clean. I assume this is a condo which you bought? If you are just renting, I wouldn't put any money into it.

New hardware is needed.

I think what dates the space the most is the flooring, but that is $$ to replace. For low-cost, add some rugs, and update the hardware, add some color (bowl of fruit, flowers, etc) on the counters. When you build up your funds for appliances, I'd start with a counter-depth refrigerator.

The cabinets and countertop are nice enough. Updating the flooring will have the biggest impact and showcase your kitchen and tulip table and chairs the best.

Please show the other side of the kitchen so we can see the entire space you're dealing with as well as the tulip table and chairs you like. Making recommedations piecemeal will just result in a mishmash. The room seen through the pass through also has to be taken into consideration.

A couple questions:

--Is that tile flooring? If so, leave it. The color does coordinate with the granite.

--Do you have the budget for new kitchen (pendant and undercabinet) and dining lighting? If you get all your lighting installed at once that will save on the electrician labor.

Since tulip tables are modern, modern pendants might enhance your style. Here's a Nelson bubble lamp over a white tulip table, but there are other versions of white pendants you could find at Ikea and elsewhere. If you change out the lighting over your table, then also change out the chandelier seen through the pass through.

Transitional Dining Room · More Info

The white appliances somewhat date your ktichen, but they're fine for now. Stainless appliances, when budget allows, will give you a more updated look and cut down on the contrast between the cabinets and appliances. Then you can add nickel hardware. Try to coordinate finishes in lighting, hardware, etc. that will work with nicke/stainless and/or the dark cabinets since it's all one space.

Agree on the cabinets/granite being nice. The flooring would be the update, but you can put a large rug down. I would also consider a backsplash, you can do that for a few hundred so much less expensive. In my first house i bought these peel and stick tiles and DIY'd it on a weekend and it was great. Perfect? Ideal? Custom? no but it make a HUGE difference on a small budget.

Once you eventually replace the appliances (assuming not to white) it will feel way different also.

Thank you everyone

. Yes this is a purchased condo. The floor is vinyl and the table is being shipped. The rest of the house is also a work in progress.

Congratulations on your new home. You are lucky in that it is move in ready.

Take your time and collecting inspiration pictures.

Eventually you will meet your neighbors and get ideas about what they have done in their units. Sometimes ideas can be something quick and simple.

Oh! If that floor is vinyl you can put LVT right over it yourself for super cheap! That is WAY better than it being actual tile.

It is a really great place and you will be super happy as you get all settled in

Put the flooring in, put some knobs on the cabinet doors, put in a backsplash - it will feel brand new!

You have a backsplash and if you want a tile one you need to remove the one you have,I would deal with the lighting before doing anything. it should all be LED in 4000k before deciding anything else. The floor is easy to even DIY and will totally change the look of the space so I would start there right after the lighting. That flourescent in the kitchen has to go for sure the rest you could just change the bulbs for now.

It’s a very nice kitchen. Beautiful cabinets and I like the counters, also. And it’s right near that great outdoor space/balcony!

I think when you bring in new appliances you will have an automatic update. I believe that your cabinets, the particular finish, tends to work better with stainless. And stainless appliances would definitely work better with your counter tops also. Under cabinet lighting would be a nice addition, too, if it is not already in place.

If you're looking for a temporary fix, try covering your walls with a delightful, removable wallpaper. Add accessories, a rug, curtains and lights. It's important that you install some good lighting too.

Make sure the flooring works with the granite countertops as well as the cabinets.

I like how your beautiful dining table complements the kitchen cabinets from the dining room. If you want to upgrade that side, then put white slipcovers over your current dining chairs and add a new modern pendant overhead that will work with whatever pendant you put in the kitchen.

Sandy House- Dining · More Info

Round kitchen pendant coordinated with an oblong one in dining room--something like these but in proportion to your tables:

Now I see carpet in the dining area. Will the budget allow to tear up the carpet and vinyl kitchen flooring and replace both/all areas?

if the floor is vinyl, that would be the first thing I would change!!

That is not your kitchens idea book

2 houzzers posted your woven blue/white chair with Saarinen-type table... You have a child-proof lock.... I think your kitchen is fine. and floor. The beauties are coming as you accessorize. how old is young one?

We have a one old, 4 year old, 6 year old and 2 teenagers.

Coincidence that this color of chairs is in your rug - possibly a fresh change for yours? Chalk paint they say is easy ....

with your current table I guess.

Bookcases course are a 'heavy presence.'

David Sharff, AIA · More Info

To me, children make a home different - maybe you could chalk paint chairs 2 colors, from rug, or not....

Vibrant Santa Monica Cottage · More Info

Earthy-plain floor like yours - could borrow this look with repeat of your cabinet color in the chairs. Your light is fine, transitional.

Washington DC Residence · More Info

Budgeting - take balcony chairs inside, with cushions -

Tulip Table collection · More Info

https://www.houzz.com/hznb/photos/tulip-table-collection-midcentury-dining-room-new-york-phvw-vp~90746115

Idk if brainstorming includes altering DR table - dark bookcases are ok, like here with white table. But with dark furniture too, a bit much but do you think so?

Fort Greene Condo · More Info

Plastic,,,, or nylon like these - it's a kitchen! open back if you sweat [hey that's for my age group] ---

GDF Studio Ernie Outdoor Plastic Nylon Dining Chairs, Norway Blue, Set of 4 · More Info

https://www.houzz.com/products/gdf-studio-ernie-outdoor-plastic-nylon-dining-chairs-norway-blue-set-of-4-prvw-vr~99349898

Your cabinets aren't so dark, like espresso or even black. Get as good lighting, undercabinet as you can...

4 for $207 - other color/styles -

Set of 4 DSR Light Blue Mid Century Modern Dining Shell Chair, Steel Eiffel Le · More Info

https://www.houzz.com/products/set-of-4-dsr-light-blue-mid-century-modern-dining-shell-chair-steel-eiffel-le-prvw-vr~19547509

Or buy 2 at a time, for $88. Same chairs as above....?

These neutrals blend with floor, nice with rich cabinet stain-maybe nice with red / your DR rug's red?? - shields light and noise -

So sorry - I usually proof read better than that - my husband is a doctor and I sent him that link - not trying to be political:)

Here is the idea book:

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

One of the OP's photos shows one of her French Serena and Lily bistro chairs to go with the tulip table she's getting. (It's off in the corner in one of her photos.) She mentions she wants to keep those chairs for the eating area in the kitchen.

Added to your blue chair? - try colorful, patterned curtains 'behind' the set?

https://www.houzz.com/products/dining-chairs-set-of-4-34-white-bentwood-with-chrome-white-prvw-vr~47988332

New Hardware and appliances will make a HUGE, immediate update! :)

Just over half an inch depth (1.75 with driver). Uniform edge-to-edge illumination for a clean and modern aesthetic that eliminates shadowing and spotting of any kind... among the most efficient LED products --- over 125 Lumens per watt. Ready to install / available in 1x4, 2x2, and 2x4 ft. configurations / optional accessories for surface mounting .... ?

NICOR TPE1014SMV40WH 1x4 Ft. Flat Panel LED Troffer With built-in Driver, 4000K · More Info

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