What is your budget for changes at this point?

If the remodel is not too far down the road, I'd say save your money until you can do it the way you want to. Unless you paint the cabinets yourselves (which is a huge task given the level of sanding and prep that goes into it), your money is better spent toward a redesign when you're able. There's nothing wrong with the layout of this kitchen and it appears you have great storage.

Live with it for now. Then start doing your research for what a kitchen remodel will cost in your area so you can plan ahead.

Painting the cabinets dark gray would be a bad decision. You don't paint cabinets to match the granite. You will have a dark, dreary kitchen and you'll never get the shade of paint to look okay with your granite. Wait until you can redo the entire thing, and you should live with it for a while. You will find that your ideas gel over time about what would be the best choices in a renovation.

"As someone who always loved older homes, especially the Victorian style...I always wanted subtle sparkly countertops"

These two sentences seem a contradiction. Victorian style does not include sparkly countertops. Maybe I don't understand what you mean by sparkly countertops. But the real point is that it shows that you still need time to figure out what you like, and even more importantly, educate yourself on kitchen renovation, including a lot of the terminology. It will really help you, and save you a good amount of money if you have more knowledge when speaking with contractors and are articulate about what you want. Hang out on this forum in the meanwhile to get more versed in kitchen renovation. You will learn a lot just from reading the posts and the responses here.

I agree that I should deal with it for now and live with it as it is. It could be worse. Thank you for helping me to realize I don't really need to change it to have a center island. I do agree that the peninsula is a nice feature to have. :)

And I should have phrased that better, M Miller. I meant that the exterior of the home reminded me of a Victorian, because of the wrap around porch and turret balcony, which I always admired, though I fully acknowledge it is actually a traditional style home. So it will be fine to eventually have the kitchen I dream to have. I didn't mean I wanted a tacky glam look when it comes to the 'sparkly' counter tops. I just meant a little hint of sparkle. I'm just not a fan of dark, splotchy counter tops like this one. I know they seem to be very popular with a lot of people and that is perfectly fine.

I didn't mean to come off as ungrateful for the house. As an older first time buyer at almost 40, I'm just excited and looking forward to putting my own stamp on it. I do want to keep a lot of what is already in the home and hopefully add even more charm to it over time.

Thanks for the responses.

I think you're ideas are fine for now. but,painting the cabs will be a long hard process (or expensive if you have it done). If down the road you remodel it I would change the LO. I'd move the fridge to the left (to the end of that cab run) and put the sink to the right of the fridge. In the pic it looks like a long haul from the fridge to where the sink is now. It might not seem like a long space to walk taking produce from fridge to sink or even containers / stuff when cleaning out the fridge but as you age it'll seem like a mile. Age isn't the only thing to consider, if you sprain an ankle or break a leg it'll seem like more than a mile.

If it's going to be more than a few years before a remodel you might just replace the counter with less expensive laminate in a light color. that'll break

up all of the brown / darkness in the space as it is now. I think just doing that

would make a huge difference.

“...temporary backsplash as there isn't one already..”

You have a backsplash. It’s that 4” piece of counter material stuck to the wall. Consider that your temporary backsplash while you get your ideas in order.

You have oak cabinets. If you‘d had maple you’d be all set. Oak is notoriously difficult to paint. The process involves using a grain filler and an oil based primer. Were you to pay to have this done by professionals you’d be approximating the cost of new cabinets (at the lower end of the spectrum, admittedly). If you are considering doing this yourself, buy a sprayer and use the correct coatings - you’re looking at $2,000+ and loads of time.

I feel for you. It’s a depressing combination of finishes. But before you paint everything gray and make it worse:

• gather inspiration images - Google images of kitchens with gray counters and save the ones you like. They will help you to figure out your way forward.
• do your homework on what is involved in preparing and painting oak cabinets. Even if you hire a pro, at least you will be able to discuss coatings with your contractor.
• improve your lighting and get some under cabinet lighting if possible.
• paint your walls once you know your color scheme. That two toned wall and the beige soffit - just getting those re-painted will make you feel better, truly.

Once you get to the point of doing the big remodel, be sure that you check inside all sides of the soffit to make sure there are no pipes, vents, etc before you start planning (don’t ask me how I know - surprises are no fun)