I agree countertops and backsplash will make a huge difference.

Where are you planning on putting the microwave?

consider induction instead of gas and put that money savings towards a new floor too.

I am planning on putting microwave in pantry closet for now. When I replace my double oven, might only put in one oven and microwave/ convection on top. I also want to change appliances to stainless.

I have not considered induction but I will look into it

I like the cabinets and would not paint them. Take all items off the top of the cabinets. The backsplash, countertops and flooring are what dates the room. Of course, square off the corners of the peninsula when you replace the countertops. Consider a more modern pendant light over the sink.

I hate the floors, but kitchen runs into the sunroom and living room is next to kitchen with wood floors. I think I would have to run the wood floors into the kitchen. Not sure about wood floors and water leakage in kitchen.

I really like the black countertop with my cabinets, but unsure if it will make it look to dark. If I use black can I go with white backsplash

In an earlier post I stated how I hated the tile floors in the kitchen. This I the layout.

I need a pendant suggestion

I might try to get rid of that glass front corner cabinet. If it’s possible to reconfigure or full in that space. Might replace the sink . I would put a recessed light over the sink. No pendant

Match pendent metal with new appliances.

I would run that hardwood into the kitchen. It will be such a nice improvement. Our hardwood has been in the kitchen for 34 years, and we still love it. IMO, doing the other improvements without doing the floor will be a waste of money.

I think the granite tiles on your counter are just like the ones we removed from our kitchen a year ago... except that yours look level! Your cabinets are lovely. I vote for the black counters per the posted image above. Good luck on your project!

I’ve had hardwoods in my kitchen for 20 years - I like the look of running the hardwood throughout the entire downstairs (at least all rooms which are connected by the flow of the house). I experienced my first issue about 2 years ago - there was a leak under the kitchen sink - and due to health issues, I was not living in the house at the time. My daughter and two friends were living there, but did not notice immediately (it was a slow leak and water went under the wood for awhile - but there wasn’t ever water just laying on the floors so no one noticed). I was really upset - but because I had health issues that took priority - I did not immediately make any decision regarding what to do. Obviously, I had her remove the floor rug in front of the sink and had the leak repaired. My insurance company (I’ve had the same insurance agent for over 20 years) told me to let the area dry completely. My brother set up a couple fans for a little while.

When I saw them a few months later, I was unhappy. There was some buckling and gaps between planks - HOWEVER - after several more months, they have improved to the point that the boards are flat again, and almost all of the gaps look fine. I had a contractor come out last week to put together a bid for refinishing all of my hardwoods. He said that none of the boards need to be ripped out and replaced. He told me that there are just a couple spots where he will need to fill in the seam.

Until I started coming to Houzz.com in the past couple of months, I didn’t realize how adamant many people are re: absolutely NO HARDWOODS in kitchens. I have two sisters who also have hardwoods in their kitchens, and neither of them have had any water damage issues (my oldest sister has lived in her home for almost 30 years). I also have dated a man who lives in an extremely nice home in Santa Monica and he installed new hardwoods (expensive) in his master suite - two huge custom closets and in his MASTER BATH. He has a claw foot tub in the bathroom - the hardwood runs under the tub and he’s never had any issues either.

FYI - I wish I was starting my kitchen remodel from your kitchen vs mine. I think it would look great if you did the black counters with a white backsplash! I definitely wouldn’t paint all of your cabinets. Apparently, I waited long enough to remodel that wood is coming back into kitchen. I’m planning on having mine sanded down and some other modifications done to them, but the only thing I’m having painted is the island (thinking about a moody blue). My cabinets will look as close to the natural look of the wood when sanded with a non-shiny sealer/topcoat. Obviously, they won’t look exactly like unfinished wood - but as close as possible. I haven’t completely decided on what to do for my perimeter countertops - BUT - I am thinking about having a huge, thick walnut countertop on my island. My SO is trying to talk me out of that - but when we stayed in Beaver Creak, CO last summer, the house we rented had the most beautiful walnut counter on the island. It was love at first sight!

Good luck!

Black countertop and white back splash? Maybe subway tiles or what?

Something light, for sure... but maybe hold off on that until you do the flooring?

Sidney, you’ve asked twice about black countertop and a white backsplash. I can’t answer that question asI ‘m not a designer but with stainless appliances and new door handles it may look like Tozmo’s second photo.

Yes white Subway tiles look good

Your floors are not ideal but they aren't bad at all. In fact, there's a lot to like i.e. they are a neutral color and look like they are in great shape. In your OP, you said you wanted to update with a "new countertop and gas stovetop and wall stainless hood top."

Of course we all want to update everything in our homes but if you're like me, you have this thing called a budget. You're getting a lot of good advice here, but it would be most helpful if you could identify your budget and priorities. Your countertop and backsplash are dating your kitchen the most. Your cabinets are great. The small pendant lamp is dated too, but that's an easy and inexpensive fix.

I think your instinct was good to start with countertops and backsplash, cook top if you don't like your current one and vent hood. If you do go with induction, you may not need a new vent hood, but if you like look of a stainless hood, go with it.

Decide on the cooktop, then do the counters. If you get a new cooktop, it will affect the installation of the counters. The cooktop you select will impact the vent hood decision. You said you wanted gas cooktop. Do you have gas somewhere else in the house? If so, how close? Running gas lines can get pricey, depending on location. Why did you want gas? Will induction meet that need/desire?

Don't let all these great ideas confuse you.

Do the things you originally wanted to do and the backsplash and you won't even notice your floors. Certainly do more if your budget allows, but until we know that, we're all just throwing out ideas to spend OPM (other people's money).

Honed or leathered black granite is always nice with your color wood cabinets (these are cherry but close in tone to yours). Check out the article posted on Houzz today of this kitchen - yes you can do dark counters with light backsplashes. I like how they coordinated the finishes on this project - the white backsplash is a dirty white leaning beige but still looks crisp and fresh with the dark counters and wood cabinets. Of course we all have budgets but what we all need and sometimes don’t have is patience and a plan. I really question the renovation dollars being spent if the floors are not addressed. Hardwood is used in the kitchen all the time. If you ever have a leak that is significant your tile floors are ruined just like hardwood since the subfloor would be damaged. I’d argue that having wood floors in the kitchen actually alerts homeowners of leaks quicker than tile floors do as the damage becomes visually evident much quicker. I’d get a handle on all the trades you need and budget and lay out a plan of attack. Good luck!

Thanks so much

The floors aren't bad - maybe regrout... Here is a before and after of one of my customers

Before

And after

Soften the color

She did cream colored quartz and off white bevel subway tile. I would have done dark tops but she was too nervous...

I would also suggest painting - that color is doing nothing for your cabinets..

Good luck!!

Color suggestions?