Live with it for 6 months to a year and make sure what works for you and what does not unless you are planning to change the layout now.

We recommend what millwork man said when we get this phone call. Live with it for a while because your plans usually change from what you think before you move in. But before you get too far into it you have to decide how much you want to spend. Buying a Kitchen is like buying a car. You can buy a Toyota or Lexus. One cost twice the price, puts a bigger smile on your face, but they both get you from point a to point B.

As a first-time homeowner, you will discover all kinds of expenses: everything from garden tools to window treatments. So waiting is good advice. Paint the walls if you prefer different colors.

You may find the kitchen layout doesn't work for you, in which case money invested will be wasted. Save photos of kitchens you like, and most importantly save money. Kitchen renovations are very expensive!

Just commenting that the kitchen you want (shaker cabinets with quartzite countertops and tiled backsplash) is now so ubiquitous that it's increasingly stale and boring and cookie cutter to the point your original kitchen is starting to look new and original ;)

Kitchen renovations are so very expensive that I second the recommendation to take six months or even a year before doing anything. Use that time to both understand your kitchen needs via using the existing kitchen and also fo research all the design options and costs. The more you learn, the better off you will be.

Include a scale layout of your space with measurements. Include windows and doors. You can use graph paper.

This is merely a photo of similar set of neutrals.... btw, do you have undercabinet lighting ?

Modern Farmhouse · More Info

I know.. I know this isn't the crisp white... but with earthy BMoore "Sparrow" paint the lighter neutrals work in the mix, but a room full of fabrics, easier?

Oakland Master Bedroom · More Info

Sparrow AF-720 by Benjamin Moore · More Info

Congratulations! New homeownership is exciting, and most people come in wanting to put their mark on their home. But (sorry!) I also vote to live with it as it is for the time being. You won't know the ins and outs of what works or doesn't in the layout, and you'll likely find that your preferences will change once you've lived in your home for a bit. And (especially if like most new homeowners you don't have money to burn) doing a renovation too soon could lead to costly missteps.

Your current plan will have your kitchen looking like many, many other kitchens installed in the past decade. Which is fine, but it will quickly look "dated" because all of those design elements are so strongly associated with the current time period . "Dated" as an idea annoys me, because if you really, truly love Shaker cabinets and gray, then go for it! But I think most people go for choices like that because they feel safe and you see them everywhere. If you have a kitchen that screams 2021 in a house that otherwise says 2007 or 1992 (or whenever), it's going to look discordant.

For now, I would work on a vision for your whole home that reflects you and your home, and slowly make choices that work with the bones of the house that will help the whole home look cohesive. Develop a five or ten year plan to get there. Start with the small stuff that's easy to change (paint, rip out carpeting, add in hooks and shelves and features that make the space more liveable for now) and scale up from there.

Sorry, I too am joining the chorus to hold off. It may not be 2021 trendy, but it’s far from being dated enough to rip it all out. Costs are crazy right now, trades are still booked out months, and your kitchen really is very nice, even if it’s not your dream. I think we collectively agree the most important reason to wait is to find out if you have any functional issues you want to change. Change out that yellow. I love that sparrow color. I also recommend a color I used most recently, and I’m finding that it’s very neutral. Not weird color changes. It’s called “Cotton Grey” from Behr. (I don’t recommend their paint, however) Keep us posted though!

Make sure you get a counter depth refrigerator! It makes a big difference not having a large appliance sticking out in the walkway.

I’m agreeing with all the others to wait on any major changes. But you could easily and relatively cheaply (compared to a full reno) paint that yellow and it might make you a little happier with the kitchen while you live with it for a while.

If you haven‘t done so already, search for inspiration pictures and narrow down the specifics, so when the time comes, you’ll be able to more easily decide on components. Fine tune cabinet color (two tone, light or dark grey or shade of white), consider open shelving, drawers vs cabinets on bottom, extent of backsplash, etc. There are major decisions and be sure to identify your needs, workflow, etc before revonating.

Just from a practical perspective, a counter depth fridge would be better and regarding microwave location, what will meet your needs - lots of ideas on Pinterest.

When door on pantry is open, it blocks entrance so maybe consider small double doors.

Wait. For two reasons; 1) You'll have a much better idea what you like/dislike and want/don't after 6-24 months of living with it. 2) Costs for materials and labor are extremely high right now.

Also, you mentioned all kinds of stuff about aesthetics and nothing about functionality. You need to start with functionality and then tailor aesthetics to that.

Thank you so much for all the advice everyone! We’re leaning towards living with it for a few months and picking this up later. I may just color the walls white/grey/taupe and get newer appliances for now. No point getting all that (expensive) work done and then realizing that the functional aspects dont work for our needs. I am making notes of all your recommendations btw. Will try to post updates here in the future.

Here are a few different kitchen designs we did for clients. Please note the cabinets, hardware, countertops, backsplash, lighting, and various other decor. Perhaps looking at more images on here and adding them to an inspiration album will help you with your dilemma.

Modern Ranch · More Info

Casual Classic Remodel · More Info

Colorful Remodel · More Info

Transitional Home · More Info