Painting all those cabinets properly would be expensive. Could you possibly reface the top cabinets to match the lower ones so the arch is gone- that's the part that dates the cabinets? Perhaps pry off the 4" splash and add subway tiles. Pendants over peninsula? Remove valence from window. Add runner/rugs. Change hardware.

What great storage and counters you have in your kitchen! Since you are at the top of your budget, I would suggest making some inexpensive changes now and live with the kitchen for a while before doing more substantial changes. You may find that you like the kitchen better once you have added some color and personality. Not knowing your style preference, I’ll just make some general suggestions.

I agree with Gcubed re pendants over the peninsula and adding a backsplash. Remove the 4” granite piece and install a neutral tile — with some good pictures and info on the counter granite, you could get some good recommendations from this Houzzers. Even a neutral tile in an interesting shape will update your space, and backsplashes can be relatively inexpensive. A new fixture in the middle of the kitchen would be a good change also

Consider adding color with a rug — either a runner in front of the sink or a good-sized square/rectangle one centered in the kitchen. Pull one or two colors from there and add canisters, towels and a tray to bring the color onto the counters. Even a plant in a flowerpot that repeats the color would bring some life to the space.

I purchased a home with painted cabinets, and I can tell you that even repainting cabinets is tedious. Trying to paint your cabinets yourself — since you’re concerned about budget — would very likely be a choice you would regret. If you live with what you have for a while and still want to break up the cherry cabinets, order new upper cabinets in white or another color rather than spending money to change what you have.

Happy decorating!

Suggest live with it for awhile. When purchasing a new home there are always surprises. Some can be expensive. I’d get settled in and see how well everything functions and then figure out what you are going to do.

Mainenell that is exactly what my husband said 😊.

vhamley- great suggestions. I am thinking down the road, maybe get new ceiling height uppers, reface Or paint lowers. Either keep or replace counters, and definitely a new backsplash, new lighting.

gcube- great suggestion. I think the valance really dates everything. Pendants would be a nice addition.

thank you all!

Yep, live in it. You may find this arrangement doesn't really work for you or your home.

Start collecting kitchen images that you like. Instagram is a good source for Before and After images.

beverlyfladeziner - definitely agree! I think it will be trying to decide if I want a whole new kitchen or can make due with what I have. I just renovated the kitchen in my current home three years ago and I have been spoiled to have things exactly the way I want functionally and style wise so its Hard.

The nice thing is that even though the style of the cabinets is outdated, the overall appearance of the kitchen is clean, bright, and neutral! You didn’t get stuck with a dreadful backsplash mural or a show-stopper granite in colors you hate. It’s a great kitchen to use as a planning lab for a future remodel.

I agree with other suggestions that you find a lovely rug and accessories to bring your taste into the space. I also agree that there’s always something to spend money on in a new home so you don’t want to tie up all your budget immediately. You’ve got potential there for a really awesome kitchen when you can afford to do it...we’ll look forward to seeing how it goes when that time comes!

Sapphirestitch- when the time comes to remodel would you start over will all new cabinets or paint the lowers and get new uppers that are tall/go to the celing? Any tips for a redesign? Just curious what you approach would be.

Live in it and save. Figure out what part of the layout works and doesn't. There's nothing "grandma" in this kitchen, at least not to me. I've lived in far worse, with cabinets literally falling apart, before we remodeled. Save save save... there's not much that a "budget" remodel will get you in this space.

Thank you SapphireStitch! Wonderful thoughts. I had the same idea as well. Maybe I don’t need as many upper cabinets and may want some open shelves or more drawers as opposed to cabinets on the lowers.

If you like curves you would like this house as all the front windows are arched and that is why I fell in love with it.

@aschulth Those are lovely windows!