I think you're on the right track, although I'd just donate the window treatments to Goodwill, rather than burn them. ;)

Despite the fact that the PO used quality materials for the update, he put the DW between the sink and range, with very little prep space, and no prep sink where it's needed. When you are ready to remodel, come back so we can help with the layout.

Wood is en Vogue now + is classic, and it’s a beautifully done kitchen.

New pendant lights will make a big difference. Also, I would change to stainless appliances. I think appliances there now are white, if I am seeing right. Stainless works better with this particular wood finish. I think I would also paint the window seat, not fond of the stark white. New counter stools also. Looks like there is already under cabinet lighting. Window treatment change is minor but will also make a big difference. I might also change hardware, hard to see detail on hardware... but if it’s a dark finish I might keep it.

If it were my space, the only thing I might do, aside from few things mentioned above, is at some point refinish the floor or bring in a

new floor in either a lighter or darker finish.

well you definitely need to add a subway tile backsplash to that list

Ditch the window seat entirely. (Unless you need a place to lounge while you wait for your water to boil? Don't understand it.) If it were me, I'd use the space in front of that nice large window for plants.

Congrats on your house!

Some good advice above. I'd make a few smaller changes -- remove the window treatments, change the pendants -- and I would definitely keep the window seat. When we added a dining area onto the kitchen in our old house, I wanted a window seat. My husband thought it was ridiculous, but my daughter and I loved it and fought over it. It was a great place to hang out when someone else was cooking, and there's just something about a window seat. We liked it so much we put one in the dining room off the kitchen in our new house.

Not making any big changes for at least five years is a great idea. It gives you lots of time to realize/decide what works and what doesn't work in the kitchen, what you needs and wants are. It also gives you the chance to save money toward the remodel, and get beyond whatever might be "hip and trendy" now.

Make a few small changes: remove the window treatments and MAYBE remove the pendants. Honestly, that's it. Over the next year, live with the kitchen. Trust me, I have lived in kitchens that were falling apart (drawer fronts falling off, oven coil busting, buckling floor from water damage) for a few years before doing any demo. Why? Because to redo a kitchen the right way, you need $$$. Your kitchen might not be your style, but it looks like it's in great shape. Before sinking $$$ in some changes, there may be other things in the home that are more pressing and need your immediate attention. I promise you, your kitchen does not.

In the months / year that you save your money and consider the following: Does the layout work for you? If not, what needs to changes? Will you be knocking down walls or moving plumbing?
What does your dream kitchen look like? Is it trendy? Do you need new appliances? Do your research and save your money after you've established a healthy budget.

Current appliances are stainless FYI! I know the pics aren’t great....

The one pic you posted earlier does not show appliances clearly, Now I see the stainless, of course. And now I see the cabinets even better; beautiful and the hardware actually looks good. Could always be changed to suit taste, but fine as is.

I really don’t know what to say. It’s a stunning state of the art kitchen, and you showed up here talking about burning window treatments... which is such a minor issue.

Actually, you have a beautiful kitchen. Embrace it. Quality never goes out of style. Personalize it to your taste.

I would replace backsplash, pendants, window treatments, and hardware. I love the window seat.

Come back in a few years when people are complaining about their dated white cab and quartz kitchens. It is the cycle of trends. Hating on perfectly good things.

Those kitchen cabinets are gorgeous and although it is a more traditional style, I would in no way call that kitchen "old". Many people would be thrilled to have a kitchen that new.

• Remove the window treatments. If you need window treatments, consider roman shades which are fairly sleek.
• Replace the window bench cushion and pillows. The window bench itself does lend itself to a cozy / farmhouse vibe.
• Buy some new counter stools that suit your style.
• Add a cozy rug or runners to break up the wood a bit.

I'd be all over that kitchen -- it's big and it's beautiful! Lots of good ideas for inexpensive refreshes (window treatments, stools, etc).

About the window bench, though -- I like it! I'd re-paint it a much softer color (i.e. ditch the white) and get it re-upholstered in a fun, fresh pattern. If you really want to just ditch the whole thing, I wouldn't cabinet it in -- I'd make it a desk-type seating area (countertop only with area underneath to slide in a work chair) because that large window is too nice not to take advantage of, would make a delightful laptop/workstation area.

Changing the backsplash will certainly update the space. Instead of - is that stone? - consider a glazed ceramic tile. It doesn’t have to be subway shaped, in fact there are so many great options out there. Here are some shape ideas for you. This is Fireclay Tile.

Also, if you can live without the storage, think about removing the uppers around that second window that includes the TV cabinet.

My 2 cents...

it's a nice kitchen, except the floors seem to blend in with the cabinet color too much giving it a darker heavy feel. I like the cabinets and the granite (?) seems to tie in nicely. Can't tell about the backsplash from the picture.

Start small. New pendant lights, barstools and a colorful runner will make a difference. Then update the cushion and pillows on the window seat. Pull in colors from the rest of your space. I would next think about repainting the trim around the windows white. Is the trim in the rest of your home brown? If possible. think about replacing the range hood with something sleeker in stainless steel. Finally, the two white cabinets flanking the window seat look out of place in the picture, Maybe it looks different in real life. How about removing them altogether? Alternatively. repaint those two cabinets and the window bench a softer, warmer color. Think about painting the barstool side of the peninsula the same color.

I love the kitchen. Honestly, some interesting roman shades, window seat recovered. Add a small tulip or modern table and a modern chair in sync with new counter stools.

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Your new kitchen looks cozy to me and I'd count myself pretty fortunate to have such a clean spacious kitchen with quality finishes in my own house at age 30.

What's beyond the windows seat -- could you put a patio door there.

You also have two white painted cabinets on each side of it. You could remove them as well if you wanted a larger patio door and/or glass sidelights -- or just paint the white painted cabinets your favorite bold color to ad that color to your kitchen..

Yesss I cannot stand the (in my opinion) misplaced white cabinets. If we had the funds available I would paint all the cabinets the same color and get new doors- but won’t have it in the budget for now. New range hood would be great, as wood a more timeless backsplash. For now I’ll definitely start with new window treatments, probably some trim updates, and reupholstering the bench. And love the runner suggestion. I’m thinking the suggestion of removing the pendants might be the winning tip. Thanks everyone!

We have very similar cabinets and the same hardware!! I was also more towards the modern scale before moving into this new house with a similar kitchen as yours, but I’ve learned to love it and appreciate the quality of the cabinets. Even the hardware, those are not cheap! We changed lighting, bar stools, and decor in our kitchen and I wouldn’t change anything one year after living with this kitchen. Don’t rush to change things right away... take your time in the new home and your style or needs may change in a few years.