An overabundance, indeed. From what I read, knotty pine can be painted. Painting walls will be easiest and make a big change. Is there anything behind the valance other than more knotty pine paneling? I'd take that out, too.

Yea, its just more knotty pine and a light fixture. Thank you.

I would paint the walls and backsplash. Knotty Pine can be painted, just needs to take the time to seal all the knots and let the sealer enough time to fully cure between coats and before you paint with color. A light sage or off white would look nice.

What are the floors? The knotty pine definitely doesn't complement them. I would paint the walls, ceiling, window trim and doors first then assess whether the cabinets need to be done.

I plan on tiling the floor. Right now its just cheap faux wood linoleum flooring. Definitely replacing.

I'd start by painting the ceiling. Then, pick either the walls or the cabs. Check for dings, spots, fading or other reasons to pick one or the other.

BTW, that drainboard sink is priceless and looks to be in good condition. I'd try to keep it.

Yes, definitely keeping the sink. I think its from the 30s and I just cant get rid of it. Am considering just replacing the cabinets though, changeing the layout slightly, and painting the walls.

I would suggest breaking that wild enthusiasm for knotty pine up a bit by covering/replacing it wherever it is on a straight wall -- eg between cupboards and counter and to the left of the door in the second pic. Between cupboards and counter you might include tiles, if it can technically be done, but if so keep them very simple, and the same colour as the paint you use on the rest of the wall (to the left of the door). White would work, or a simple and subtle light neutral that tones with the wood. I don't know what's behind it, but if you can, get rid of the doodad above the window, if you can't, saw off its artistic little loops. Enough is enough.

You might consider a roller blind in a reasonably bright colour on the window to counterbalance the extraordinary preponderance of pine brown.

However, if you replaced all the cabinets, you would have a whole different (more expensive) ball game.

Generally the walls should be attached with finishing nails. Possibly the ceiling too. If you carefully remove it and list everything with pics on Facebook Marketplace it'll go fast. Post a scale layout with lots of dimensions for ideas.

Will the back door next to the breakfast area and peninsula be the main entrance for the family or used only occasionally? The traffic pattern will affect a redesign. Removing the peninsula would allow a dishwasher to be put to the right of the big sink.

That door actually just leads to my front door entryway. That was what I was thinking if I do decide to replace the cabinets, remove the peninsula and add a dishwasher next to the sink. Just not sure if I want to make the project that big yet.

And i do like the idea of changing up the backsplash.

uh yeah, that is way too much pine! yeesh. I do think that kitchen would look way better painted. and of course consider new hardware too, including smaller hinges. note that you will have to prime the heck out of it first, or you'll get bleed through on the knots.

I love your kitchen BTW! normally I don't like 1950s wood valances, but I really like yours. and that sink! even the vent detail below it. so much potential!

as for what color to pick: are you keeping your countertops? if so, keep the color scheme simple, like below (sorry the photo is so tiny, I couldn't find a better example).

or if you were thinking of changing the counters...

I really like this look of white cabinets, white walls, and black counter/backsplash.

I would have never thought to just paint the cabinet fronts and leave the rest, but this is really pretty (they need to back off on the clutter though, and no to those curtains).

I painted my knotty pine family room in Simply White. Two things that became apparent after the job was done (I had hired a painter): some of the knots needed to be filled, not just sealed, and the gaps between the sheets of paneling, and where the grooves met the trim at the top of the wall, became very obvious - more so in cold weather - which I remedied with caulk.

Wow, what a sink! You lucky dawg. I would paint the walls. Actually remove the pine paneling if you can. I really dislike the range hood but dunno what you could get to replace it. Peninsula and floor def need to wave goodbye. But removing the peninsula will mean new countertops — which would help, but $$$. I wish I liked the window valance but I don‘t. Removing it would help the lighting situation.

Please post periodically and let us follow your changes. This will be interesting.

I'm a fan of wood, but not of knotty pine. As far as the cabinets I wouldn't replace them. You probably won't find anything as sturdy in the new carp they are selling now.

You might try breaking up the knotty pine by adding new flooring, a new countertop, and updating the hardware on the cabinets. Below are a few of our kitchen designs that might just help with your dilemma.

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I live in a knotty pine house and it breaks my heart to think of painting it. Once it's painted, there's no going back. I've covered walls in some rooms with fabric and like the look. Please, think of the future instead of caving to your present need to be trendier than thou.