You don't have many drawers in the perimeter cabinets; if you're not planning to replace those, I would suggest replacing the island cabinets with drawers (if the existing island cabinets aren't drawers), if possible. If the exact style of cabinets aren't available, the perimeter could be left as is, with painted cabinets on the island. If you decide to paint the perimeter cabinets, use a stained finish for the island cabinets to disguise the different styles.

If it were my kitchen I'd replace the OTR-MW with a regular hood, but that can be done at a different time, if it isn't in the budget now.

IMO all of this should have been decided before demolition . What is that piece below the cabinets ? I think the counter works well with the cabinets and if you are going new counters you not longer need those uprights for support for the overhang you can get invisible steel supports now. I think I need to see that island as it was or at least from the front. IMO having those cabinets painted will be a huge expense and I can’t see the point since to really help in this space all those base cabinets should be drawers so unless you want to start all over just leave the cabinets as they are .

@millworkman good question. The intent was to lower the tiered breakfast bar on the island and get new countertops and backsplash. We bought the home and it was HIGHLY recommended by the contractor to get the demo done before we moved in because the dust and mess would be unbearable. They were there doing other work and, honestly, I think they had a day or 2 to fill. This is our first home and I now realize how dumb that was considering we didn’t have a design plan. I’ll send pics of the kitchen before we bought it.

Pics pre demo

Here’s a crude sketch I did when measuring my countertops

Move the microwave...perhaps an under counter model in the island, and put in a proper vent hood. Microwaves are useless for ventilation.

As has been pointed out, having all drawers for bottom cabs, is far more convenient than doors, and more esthetically pleasing. If you’re not changing all the cabinets, at least put drawers in the island.

I wouldn’t paint those cabinets. It’s an expensive proposition to have done professionally, and as a DIY project, a many step, time consuming project...and even then, the results are rarely long lasting. Save your money until you can afford to get all new cabinets, with bottom drawers, and leave off the dated, staggered look with excessive crown molding.

I‘d change out the pendant lights with ones that are not so matchy-matchy in color, they just accentuate the orangey-brown of the cabinets. I also don’t think you need 4 pendants over an island that size. Three will do. And, add some recessed lights in the ceiling.

Good call on not painting the cabinets.
Good call on getting rid of the step up.
I have a similar island with back wall cabinets. I lined the back side of my island with cabinets. I LOVE those cabinets. Fabulous storage. Any chance you can match your cabinet door color?

@mama goose I’d love drawers in the perimeter and/or the island but I’d have to replace the whole lower cabinets to do that, correct? I also have the pullout trash in the island which is nice.

Textbook example of why it is best to live with what is there for 6 month to a year to determine exactly what you like and what you don't. The issue now is what if in a year you are disgusted with the kitchen as the layout is horrible for you and not working at all, yep, what you just spent is wasted.

The layout is actually pretty good, there just aren't enough drawers. Not to scale, of course:

As @mama goose_gw zn6OH suggested, if lower drawers are out of the question, install rollout trays/drawers as a second best answer. There are many companies that sell them. Installation is fairly easy, and you’ll be amazed at what a difference they’ll make in your everyday life. Do a Google search.

@Erin Barnes

Wow this must be very challenging for you. You were sort of pushed into doing this demo and you haven't even decided how you want to use the space. This can be difficult and even frustrating for you.

1) Keep your cabinets as is, They are pretty and in great shape.

2) Have you chosen your countertops? I agree with getting steel supports for your new island.

3) maybe add these since you can't get a new cabinet made.

These are from Wayfair

4) Move the MW on to the island

Kitchen Remodel · More Info

5) with the demo guys there see if they can put in a new hood above your stove. One that vents to the outside. You will love having a new hood. You can get SS or even something unique like this one.

38" Hammered Copper Wall Mounted Euro Range Hood With Baffle Filters · More Info

6) deep breaths you will get through this and next time you move to a new place you will get a plan in place. It will be easier and more enjoyable for you.

Wishing you success on your mini reno

@boxerpal I don’t know why I’m just seeing this. thank you so much! This is really helpful.

1. I think you’re right about keeping the cabinets. What about the color? It would be $3800 to paint them. I’m torn between painting them white or leaving as is.

2. I’d looove to do a light quartzite on the perimeter and butcher block on the island. However, the sink is in the island and I’ve heard that water exposure can be a problem. What do you think? Quartzite everywhere?

3. I actually already have those pullout drawers on the lower cabinets. Love them!

4. I had a cabinet person look at modifying the island cabinets to accommodate a microwave. He said if I’m going to go to all that trouble I may as well get new cabinets. I’m thinking of just putting the microwave in the pantry since I love the look of the decorative hood.

5. love this hood! From what I’ve been told it’s a bit of an undertaking to create the vent. It would have to go through the roof and would involve an hvac person. Do you think it’s worth it?

Thank you so much! This is super overwhelming!

Any thoughts on what to do with the back of the island? Just drywall? Tile? Cabinet material?

Hi @Erin Barnes

You wrote....................

1. I think you’re right about keeping the cabinets. What about the color? It would be $3800 to paint them. I’m torn between painting them white or leaving as is.

If the cabinets are good quality, keep the cabinets the stain they are and spend the money on a hood. You could paint them but I worry that at that price it might not include the extensive prep work and good quality primer paint etc.. Get a hood in a different color stain.. Note images below

2. I’d looove to do a light quartzite on the perimeter and butcher block on the island. However, the sink is in the island and I’ve heard that water exposure can be a problem. What do you think? Quartzite everywhere?

Yes wood and water don't mix. Instead of painting your cabs use that money to get all new countertops in the same material. Granites are affordable and you might find one with a light color you like, or splurge and go with a quartz. Quartzite is wonderful too but can be very expensive.

3. I actually already have those pullout drawers on the lower cabinets. Love them!

excellent

4. I had a cabinet person look at modifying the island cabinets to accommodate a microwave. He said if I’m going to go to all that trouble I may as well get new cabinets. I’m thinking of just putting the microwave in the pantry since I love the look of the decorative hood.

Great idea. move the MW to the pantry.

Get the hood and hire an HVAC person to pump it out. You will LOVE LOVE LOVE having a hood to take away grease and fumes. Your kitchen will feel and smell better.

5. love this hood! From what I’ve been told it’s a bit of an undertaking to create the vent. It would have to go through the roof and would involve an hvac person. Do you think it’s worth it?

Yes every penny.

Thank you so much! This is super overwhelming!

Any thoughts on what to do with the back of the island? Just drywall? Tile? Cabinet material?

Have an island built with shelves on the sides and plain on the back for seating. This one had the wood top you are thinking about. Notice the hood is a different material making it look lovely here.

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here is a mix of wood and quartz and shelves

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Have you considered replacing the light fixtures over the island?