I understand the idea behind the mirror - reflect light and make things seem bigger, but based on your picture I think it is having the opposite effect. To me it makes it look like your counters are crowded because of all the reflections. A creamy subway to match the granite might make things look less busy and crowded. You can tape white paper over the backsplash to try it out and see if the change would help.

Your kitchen doesn't seem terribly dated to me; it has classic appeal rather than the latest trend.

I agree that if it's dark add more lighting. Paint won't significantly improve the brightness.

Bringing in a fresh wall color could help make a change as well... like a neutral mid-tone green, blue, or a warm white.

Personally, I like your kitchen, but would definitely get rid of the mirror backsplash. Here’s a big assumption — the little peak at your bar stools might indicate that you lean towards modern/industrial style. If so, I can understand why the kitchen seems off or unsatisfying for you. My suggestions for “tweaking” and not a full gut job are: replace backsplash with something lighter/simpler, definitely re-evaluate lighting, replace cabinet hardware (go bold, existing are boring/small), if budget allows paint uppers a lighter color (white, cream, grey), followed by if necessary painting lowers darker. (My preference is cream upper, espresso lowers, but it’s not about me.)

Peel and stick--what a joke!

Do something about the lighting. Re-do your backsplash; it you are at all handy, it's a do-it-yourself job. I also think a more interesting paint color with some zip to it could do miracles for your space.

Thanks everyone - these are awesome suggestions! I'll try out the backsplash first (abcdlatham - I really like the suggestion of white paper!) and look into better lighting, paint, and hardware.

pamela_ruhl - yes that's right on the modern style part. For hardware, any thoughts on a colour which might work? I really like brass as it would match with some of more modern elements of my space - would this work?

Thanks again!

FIND A STENCIL YOU LIKE... MAYBE AN ART-DECO OR CRAFTSMAN DESIGN, which would be in keeping with the more modern style of your condo.... then use it to FROST THE MIRROR backslash!!! You could also wipe a watered down color or stain over the frosted glass and wipe it off so you can get a varriation in color on the backsplash, but test it out on a piece of mirror first to experiment with color and the effect you want to get, BEFORE you do the whole backsplash... if you do this or even after you frost the mirror you may want to seal the mirror to prevent staining in the frosted areas from splashed food up onto the backsplash. ANOTHER OPTION, that is also changeable... just put window film on your mirror!!! Pick one you like and apply it to the mirror backsplash... you can change it how often as you wish and clean it with a mild soap!!! DO NOT REMOVE THE MIRROR, DO NOT GLUE STUFF ONTO THE MIRROR... in the future taking the tiles off (when you get sick of them or want to update again because the styles changed) will be time consuming and frustrating, also removing a mirror now-a-days required cutting it away because the adhesive damages the sheetrock, which means either sheetrock repairs or replacement!!! You will be creating more work for yourself than it is worth. Also, frosting the mirror will look more custom and it will actually, if you choose the right stencil, stand the test of time for style and flexibility. Paint your upper cabinets a cream color same shade in your countertop... do not put contact paper on your counters it will look cheap and tacky! If your talking about a granite backsplash behind your stove then I would continue the stencil onto the granite with the same cream color paint you use on the cabinets above, or continue the etching into the granite as well (the glass frosting kit might actually work to etch the polished granite surface in the same way it frosts the glass)... Leave your base cabinets the same color. They don't affect the darkness of the room as much as the uppers do and it will add to the labor and costs to paint the base cabinets, save your money, it isn't necessary!. In the space above your cabinets (the soffit/bulkhead), where the recessed lights are located, I would paint with one of the darker tones in your granite, but leave your ceiling the same color it is now... this effect with give the room some depth. I would carry the color down the wall where your peninsula is and wrap around only to the edge and down to the floor by the stools only... do not carry it into the adjacent room. DO NOT REMOVE YOUR GRANITE!!! IT ISN'T NECCESSARY TO UPDATE YOUR KITCHEN, YOU CAN WORK WITH THIS GRANITE AND THE TONES WITHIN IT!!! SAVE YOUR MONEY AND DON'T WASTE THE MATERIAL!!! Consider replacing your track lighting with something nicer or to coordinate with the new frosted mirror stencil design... and consider adding some pendant lights (2 or 3) over the peninsula, and again... use the frosted mirror stencil design as your theme. Also, change your knobs on the cabinetry to match the theme or design you go with!!! You might also want to replace your stools as well to match the redesign.

TRACK LIGHT options to consider: https://www.clevelandlighting.com/lighting/10-487-659-0-479698/Quoizel-Lighting_Track-Fixture-120Light-TFIK1404VA.htm

https://www.lightsandhome.com/lighting/10-487-659-0-479700/Quoizel-Lighting_Track-Fixture-120Light-TFAS1404VA.htm?utm_source=google&campaignid=710528067&adgroupid=45518068028&adposition=&keyword=&network=g&matchtype=&device=c&devicemodel=&source=GOogleshoppiNgLH&kw=Quoizel-PLA_71;Quoizel-allproducts&ac=&d=784fj6Oo8t0l1337leO915g0DJj048&gclid=Cj0KCQjwt4X8BRCPARIsABmcnOqgrzsyBXuBdJpFDohhhk5ijKVOObz-1nh0EklpNYX59pXkRHxlF88aAveyEALw_wcB

PENDANT LIGHT options to consider:

https://www.clevelandlighting.com/lighting/10-298-866-0-209964/Quoizel-Lighting_Inglenook-Mini-Pendant-1-Light-TFIK1508.htm?bid=familytab

https://www.lightsandhome.com/lighting/10-298-866-0-392804/Quoizel-Lighting_Asheville-Pendant--1-Light-TFAS1507VA.htm?bid=familytab

FOR THESE LIGHTS THERE ARE MULTIPLE SHADE OPTIONS YOU CAN CHANGE IT TO:

https://www.lightsandhome.com/lighting/14-238-854-0-240689/Landmark_Mix-N-Match---6-Inch-Glass-999-4.htm?bid=familytab

https://www.lightsandhome.com/lighting/14-238-854-0-240690/Landmark_Mix-N-Match---7.5-Inch-Glass-999-3.htm?bid=familytab

https://www.lightsandhome.com/lighting/14-238-854-0-240691/Landmark_Mix-N-Match---5-Inch-Glass-999-1.htm?source=rr

I believe these options will actually allow you to have a very small budget and still get BIG change! Enjoy!!!

Hey Linda, re brass “bigger” cabinet hardware, love the style (have same in my home). Brass is nice/trendy and you can use it, just don’t hesitate to replace it a few years down the road if brass falls out of favor. My thoughts went more modern.

I like your cabinets and counter! I do agree with the others about some simple changes (backsplash, hardware paint) that can make a big difference. (If it makes you feel better, you've got way better lighting than I do...)

Add pendant lighting over the peninsula. I think that was said above(sorry - too much to read).

Is your lighting LED/high Kelvin rating? If not, upgrade there, first. You may or may not need dedicated dimmers. Can you bounce any light from the adjacent room? Ild probably opt for two glass fronted cabinets-too much wood can give a more closed in effect, particularly in small kitchens. Switch the backsplash to a shade of cream/tan. Daltile made a tile with an artisanal wave effect that really bounces light.

I think you are on the right track to replace the mirror with tile. Under the cabinet lighting - it looks like you have some, just not sure you have enough. Why are there recessed lights above the cabinets above the sink, but not the stove? I do see the lighting higher up on the ceiling, but it doesn't appear to be adding as much light on the stove/refrigerator area.

Your cabinets and granite counter look expensive, so if you do anything to the counter, not only will you make it look cheap, you will create an issue with using the counter and cleaning it. Painting good looking wood cabinets can be a solution in some instances, I don't think so in this case. You have nice cabinets.

I think tile on the backsplash is the only way to go.

Question - the stools below the counter, are they the correct height? They look uncomfortably high. They do offer, counter height and bar height. Maybe it just looks that way in the photo.

The only misstep in your kitchen is the back splash. I can't imagine the nightmare it is to keep it clean. DO NOT compound it with temporary fixes. As stated over and over your kitchen does not scream dated. I love that FINALLY in these "my kitchen is dark" threads someone suggested improve the LIGHTING. LOL It's not a cheap fix but adding sky light cans brings amazing light into a space!

Thanks folks! Appreciate it

We might just look at replacing the hardware and adding under cabinet lighting that is bright. Here is a kitchen design of ours to help you envision what we mean:

Contemporary Kitchen & Bath · More Info

Randy - I really like that kitchen and I don't always enjoy a high contrast between dark and white, but you have a good balance between the two.