Save your 7K for the complete redesign and remodel that it needs. Don’t waste any effort on minor expensive changes that won’t help it to work better.

You can definitely take your interior design in a more modern and clean lined direction:

Modern Rustic Log Home Furniture Project on a Dime! · More Info

Modern Rustic Log Home Furniture Project on a Dime! · More Info

Do you not like the island color? I'd do that. Or a red from the rug if it doesn't make it look like Christmas. But don't paint the big pantry (?) doors. They are beautiful and leaving them oak will help blend the painted stuff with the oak elsewhere.

But the actual better, cheaper, and easier option is a new backsplash. Either replace the tile and granite strip with a nicer tile or just paint it. Um...the wallpaper, too. Replace with fresh paint on the walls.

better backsplash..like subway tile in a rich white. better functioning window treatment w a simple look like a solar shade . if the insides of wall cabinets are suitable in terms of organization and condition of shelves , then swap the doors for glass doors w the same oak frames....you have this for the diag cabinet .... leave the cabinets meaning dont paint. leave the counter and island. embrace the dark green maybe w a bolder look to a runner with dark green/ gray/black pattern after you search around. my hunch is that you arent doing a big remodel anytime soon so whereas someone above says dont spend but wait for that .....I think you should do the things mentionned but spend a wee bit only. and something that is next to free is removing some of the small things around and finding spots in your organization area- a full wall of closet pantry, I see.

You did a good job choosing the island paint. I agree that could be a good color for the cabinets too, but if you want a lighter shade, look for a green that is the same undertone (gray-green?) rather than classic sage which I think tends more yellow.

A paler green-blue might also be nice.

There are whites that would work, ones with a rather gr ay undertone, maybe a hint of gray-green, or slight tan (compatible with your wood walls)- not bright or white-white.

Thank you all! So I guess painting is not very appealing for this kitchen? ὠ2 Are painted cabinets (done by a professional, spray painted) durable? I mean, is it worth it? I do not love the layout of the kitchen, I do not hate it either.  However, I can't spend more than 7 or 8k on renovation for it, so new cabinets are out of discussion.  I am a bit nervous about painting them I guess.  The island was painted white before and it looked very out of place.  With the dark green it blends in with the granite.  I agree also, I wouldn't paint the pantry (the big closet).  If I keep the granite, what color would you do the cabinets?

I would leave the cabinets just as they are. The wallpaper definitely needs to go. The backsplash goes with nothing, so should be replaced. I like the green on your island. Some new wall paint would do wonders. Also some new window treatment. Those are a bit frilly (fancy), for all the wood. Maybe a valance the color of the island, with some type of floral, etc type pattern. Make sure the valance doesnt hang down so far onto the window, and block the light. The one you have now, hangs down to far.

Are you sure that is granite and not quartz?

I would remove the 4" backsplash, replace the backsplash, remove the window valance, remove wallpaper, update hardware, new faucet, and add crown molding to the cabinets to close the gap.

The island looks nice.

Its Silestone Absolute Green. Discontinued for quite some time.

Verbo, thanks for the color name!! I figured it was discontinued.  The house was built in 1987.  Anna thanks for the tips! I am not sure, I think it is granite but I might be mistaken.  It is in great condition, just ugly ὠ2

I think it is quartz now that I look at the picture of the name Verbo sent.

I think the wood ceiling trims are very disconcerting…if you paint them out to match their surroundings..this would be noticeable improvement..and lessen the “too much wood” feel….as is…they draw the eye away from the more attractive wood features…the other out of sync feature is the ceiling lights in the kitchen..removing them and keeping within the log house vibe here will make a big difference…dont know if the soffits in the kitchen have a purpose…but it would totally open up the “scrunched” feel of the kitchen if they were removed…

I agree about just removing the window valance curtain - the wood trim alone is a nice effect, and the curtain just adds to the cluttered & crowded feeling.

Also agree about the tile backsplash - the color is detrimental to the space - and painting the beams to match the kitchen. You have ceiling lights in the soffit, so do you really need the big troffer lights over the island? maybe a single, semi-flush ceiling fixture would be nice.