Aside from the things that are worn out, is there anything actually wrong with it? Do you like the layout? Is the lighting good? Do you want a proper hood? Do you think it's ugly?

Agree about living with it for a few months and see how you feel about the layout. If money isn’t so much of an issue, it is highly recommended you get a kitchen designer to help you. It’s an invaluable resource.

Hi. Cabinets are in good shape but the room seems very ”orange“ to me. for sure it hasn’t been updated in 20 years. I’ve not considered a hood but thats a great idea! The lighting is ok but I understand canned lights are outdated. Up for suggestions!

First you never tackle huge items before living in a space for at least 3-6 months espcecailly kitchens. First make sure it functions as it is layed out . Right now change all the lighting to LED 4000K that mimics daylight . IMO I would not spend money on this kitchen for new counters on a very dated type cabinet storage , cabinet style. This is huge space poorly planned and any space this large should have a proper vented hood not a MW. IMO this island is a PITA since it impedes travel from fridge to sink, all tha cabinets should go to the ceiling . What is your style ?

Thank you! I’ve actually been here since late May so I am getting ready :) my style tends to be classy and classic if that helps.

If money is no object, by all means gut that kitchen and replace it with one that is more functional and aesthetic. You obviously could improve the functionality significantly by having drawers instead of doors for your lower cabinets for starters. And not sure why you have two islands - given the space I think you could have a far better layout.

In terms of aesthetics, your cabinets are not my taste. If money were a significant factor I could live with them as I lived with far worse until I had the money to remodel as I wanted to. Again, since money isn't a factor take the opportunity to replace with cabinets that you love and that function better.

For starters, just start looking at pictures of kitchens on the internet and save the ones that you love.

In terms of living with the space for six months, I think it is a moot point because by the time you do research; visit cabinet stores; think about styles and layouts and locate a great designer AND a great GC more than six months will have elapsed before you even start designing the kitchen anyway.

Start looking for an excellent kitchen designer and also take the time to visit kitchen and bath stores to take a look at cabinets in person. I did this and visited a variety because they tend to be in certain price ranges - i.e. a lower end store will have Kraftmaid (or equivalent as their highest price line) and a more expensive store will have that price point as their lowest brand.

My kitchen is the antithesis of the white or gray current trend and I also spent a lot of time thinking about how I wanted my kitchen to function - so that the end result reflects my personal needs and tastes but I could not have gotten nearly as good a result without my excellent designer who was able to translate my aspirational photos and worked with me to achieve as good a functionality as possible within the constraints of y space.

Aside from the kitchen, is there anything else you want to change? When I move I make a list of everything to be done (even a well kept house has the potential to generate a long list), group like things together for efficiency, and then prioritize. If the kitchen is the thing that is bothering you the most, then by all means, start your research and thinking on it. I find it helps to have a big picture idea of all the changes I want to make in the beginning so everything goes in the same direction and ends up being a coherent whole. If you feel you're not creative enough to tackle this all by yourself then at least compile some Ideabooks in Houzz of rooms you like (everyone has preferences, even if they're not creative types) and look for a designer to help you. The Ideabooks will help you to communicate your preferences to a designer. However, don't rush yourself and do things you're not comfortable with, even if a designer recommends them.

The list is a good idea. Example: you seem to have nice oak flooring in the kitchen and carpet in the next room over. If you want to unify the floors, ideally you'd have the carpet changed out when the hardwood is patched during the kitchen remodel.

I don't think can lights are outdated, but they could certainly be upgraded to modern LEDs if they aren't already. Looks like you have some funky spotlights over the peninsula that are probably not the height of fashion. :) But lighting comes near the end.

I looked to see what you might have saved in your ideabooks, but didn't see anything. "Classy" is not a style; "classic" could refer to ANY style that is done with attention to detail and integrity, I think. Perhaps adding some photos would help people to envision what this large kitchen could be. What style is the house overall?

Your kitchen looks fine for being as old as it is -- but lack of base drawers dates it as "less functional" in my estimation. Find a good kitchen design store and a designer who will work with you. It's so refreshing to hear someone who isn't about white/white/white.

You mentioned sun -- are you familiar with sun tubes? could help bring more light into your space.

Ultimately you need to decide whether you want to do a full renovation (new cabinets, maybe new layout) or just refresh the countertops, sink, and backsplash. And no one can answer that besides you and your bank account. There is a signifcant difference in cost between doing cabinets and not doing cabinets. Personally I would want to live there at least a little while to work on a cohesive plan and decide how much I want to invest in the project.

I love wood cabinets myself and if it were my space and I were going all out, I'd hire a kitchen designer to start. I would maybe open up the wall between the living room and the kitchen (because that's how I like to live). And I would work with a designer to make a layout around that. But that's a pretty massive cost, so I don't know if you want to take that on. You can definitely do new wood cabinetry and continue to honor the wooded feel. I personally would choose a different wood, but you have to pick what you like.