Can you give us a better picture in better lighting? Kind of dark to offer much.

For your countertop: Look at soapstone options. A deep gray soapstone countertop would look gorgeous with your natural wood cabinets. There are several black/deep gray granites too. Virginia Mist is one (all stone places use whatever name they like.). Silestone has a “soapstone look” countertop as well if that product appeals to you.

Pick your countertop and lighting BEFORE you think about the backsplash. They can’t be chosen all together, so be patient with each step. Too many backsplash dilemmas come up here because the tile doesn’t look like expected when it was chosen early.

The light fixture over the island will also need to be changed...

Here’s a picture with more daylight

Your island can handle a lot of your less-used pieces, but you still have too much on your counters. I would replace the basket light fixture with something which gives more light and goes better with the other ceiling fixture. Is there space next to the fridge to put a tall cabinet with a door and interior shelves?

Can you give us a better picture of your existing counter? From what I can see it isn't a problem the way it is. That is if it's really gray. Or is it green? What is it that you don't like about it? The backsplash definitely needs to be changed, but maybe that's all you need to do aside from thinking about some of the good comments above.

Hi. The countertop is gray. I feel it makes the whole area just very dark.

Well if the grey is too dark i certainly would not choose black! i actually like the grey as you have it. i would replace backsplash with something simple and light (although i favor a bit of color but white subway would be fine).

I was told my most of the experts here to leave the cabinets as they are

Agree. Your cabinets look great -- I'm assuming they're in good condition. But your cabinet handles are dark, and you say you want to lighten up the room -- something silver tone would be a small step in that direction, and it won't break the bank. Your cabinets are very simple, so I'd like to see something with a bit of bling and personality.
My island is going to stay there.

I hear you on keeping the island, but it's the first thing you see, and it's kinda clutter-y. Ideas:

- It looks like the back side might be solid? Could you turn the island around so the open part is towards the kitchen?

- Could you add baskets to the island to gather up those bottles, etc.? Baskets look neater than random stuff.

- Could you move some of those not-so-great things (are those beer mugs?) to the cabinets and store something pretty like large colorful pots or serving bowls to the island?

Could I have some suggestions on what color should I get for the countertop (I was mostly thinking white, but thought black might look good too). Also thinking a white subway tiles backsplash, matte black faucet.

Since you want to lighten up the room, I agree with white ... but your cabinets are already simple, and you're talking about super basic choices (especially the subway tiles, which are so overdone). What if you go with recycled glass counter tops, which have some sparkle ... or white with a little bit of color mixed in.

Can you give us a better picture in better lighting?

I'd replace both the track lighting and the over-island lighting. Multiple light bulbs, silver tone to tie into the cabinet handles. I don't think you have a light over the sink ... while you're at it, this will be a great functional update.
I would skip the black faucet - it is dated.

I agree that black is wrong for this room, but don't do /not do anything because it's "dated". Do what you like and what works in your overall room.

Is there any way you can get a cabinet depth fridge or recess the one you have?

A counter depth fridge would be a great idea. If it's not in the cards now, at least get one when it's time for this one to go away. If "too much stuff" is a problem, could you add a storage cabinet just outside the kitchen? Or could a good decluttering session take care of it?
Last thoughts:

I'd like to see some carefully curated color ... in a curtain, in linens, in a floor rug.

It's not the grey counter that's pulling light out of your room. It's the dark backsplash. Depending on your budget, this is what I'd prioritize:

• harmonized lighting in a light metal (nickel, chrome...). Your fixtures don't go together and the black pendant is obtrusive
• light coloured backsplash with a bit of sparkle. You might consider a stainless steel mosaic or sheet.
• if you don't have them, add under-cabinet lighting.
• reconfigure your island. Hire a carpenter to either install drawers or doors. The storage is useful but it isn't attractive, so hide what you're storing.

Contemporary · More Info

Agree with others that a lighter backsplash might improve things alot. Try taping plain printer paper across the backsplash for a day, and see how that feels.

Great ideas. I will fix the cluttering on the island, first thing.
I did black hardware because of the black on the island, otherwise I thought it would look out of place.

I think your grey counters look great with the wood. I'd change things one step at a time instead of all at once. 1.) New hardware. Not black. 2.) Paint the island a lighter color. 3.) Play around with new backsplash. I think white could be too much of a harsh contrast though I agree that you need to lighten it up. 4.) New light fixture.

And remove the 4” countertop backsplash when you change the entire backsplash.

Your backsplash definitely makes the room darker. A horizontal surface doesn’t make the room darker as much as the vertical one. So a soft grey soapstone with a white/ivory backsplash will still get you a much, much lighter kitchen. To save money, do this in stages.

Take off your backsplash and the 4” piece, fix the wall and paint it white. You may be done at that point. Doing it piecemeal might be the best idea, and the most economical. I lived with a painted backsplash for over a year in o e house because I had no more decision making in me. It was fine.

If your floors are staying I could see a counter that is a bit warmer - the floor and counters clash to my eye. Have you budgeted quartz, honed granite, etc?

I agree on trying to get a counter depth fridge or recessing the current one. That would be a big improvement.

I would do white/light counters and backsplash. Don't choose a splash until counters are in. When choosing counter, bring samples home and look at them with your floor tile. You want the same tone (either warm or cold) so they don't clash. If you are keeping the floor, I'd get a grout colourant (lighter) and go over the grout lines. The dark grout, while easy to keep clean, is dating the look of your space.

I'd leave the cabinet hardware until new counters and splash is in. Like you say, it helps to tie the island to the rest of the kitchen. However, it might look out of place once the lighter elements are in.

If you can't or don't want to invest in the new fridge, see if you can find a carpenter to make you a side panel to match your cabinets. It will hide the grey side of the fridge, lighten things up and make it overall look more cohesive.

I'd also do a slide in range without the raised back and get a new more modern hood. That is where the eye is drawn and a slide in range will open up that space and make it look lighter.

I'm going to be counter and suggest that you paint your cabinets. That, in itself, should brighten your entire kitchen. Would also suggest light colored countertops and light colored backsplash. You kitchen seems small - so whatever you can do to lighten the colors should also visually expand the space. Would also suggest you install downlights to replace the current fixture. Would also suggest downlights over your island instead of a pendant. The pendant, right now, just adds to the visual clutter. Good luck!

It's not the grey counter that's pulling light out of your room. It's the dark backsplash.

Well, both are sucking light from the space, but -- agree -- the dark backsplash is the main culprit.

And remove the 4” countertop backsplash when you change the entire backsplash.

Good catch.

Here are two photos of kitchen with silimar cabinet color. Perhaps you can find something in them that will inspire ideas for your kitchen.

Kitchen · More Info

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I think your cabinets are nice and I think the counter color is o.k. I would first change the backsplash to a white or off white, put stainless hardware on your cabinets, remove the track lighting, replace that heavy black lighting fixture. If in the budget, a counter depth fridge would open things up so much more. I would also declutter and get baskets or bins for the island.

If a counter depth fridge is not in the budget, maybe some lightweight canvas art attached with magnets to distract the eye.

Hey @Manya Kaur! I think the answer to this question comes down to your budget and the design aesthetic that you are trying to achieve. Since you are "renovating" let's assume you are going for a more modern, contemporary, or transitional look — in which case, the tan-orange hues of your cabinets will really limit what you can do to update your kitchen. As someone else already mentioned, white or light, neutral-toned cabinets will dramatically brighten up your kitchen, and make it simpler (and more forgiving!) for you to match everything else, like countertops, backsplash, and hardware. If you are trying to conserve budget, you can paint your cabinets, update to lighter countertops, and then once you a bit more $$ saved, replace the backsplash and hardware as a close follow-up.

But definitely follow-up on those accents to your kitchen, either by hiring a contractor or even via DIY. Don't underestimate what new cabinet hardware can do for your kitchen!

Transitional Style Kitchen - Before:

Transitional Style Kitchen - After:

Knurled Knobs:

https://potterandclay.com/products/knurled-knob-brushed-brass

Free Samples:

https://potterandclay.com/products/knurled-knobs-pulls-samples

Hope this helps, and best of luck to you!

Flip your island, so stools are on the side with trash can, put trash in cabinet, get white subway tile back splash with grout to match counter, new hardware on cabinets. For under $500 your whole kitchen will be transformed lighter and brighter.