I think the cabs/countertops are fine.

for now, replace the backsplash w/a less busy tile. can you show a better pic of the granite? can't tell what it is.

post another pic that shows the cab, countertop/backsplash in a closer shot.

most importantly, please, please get rid of the boob light! That's horrible lighting.

go w/any flush mount or semi flush mount w/3-4 LED lights in a 4000K temp.

since this is your only overhead light in there, you want something w/some output in a cooler temp. nothing in below 3500K though. too yellow

if you want more modern, do something like this

lots of ideas. YOu could also do some diff counter chairs

maybe try some pendant lights over the seating area

I'd also switch out those over-used pulls for something diff. if you liek the silver, try these

or something like this in the gold is nice

Cosmas

Or Koofizo. Both on Amazon

BTW, Painting cabinets professionally will be more than replacing that granite.

shop around for Pre-Fab countertops and see what your price will be. (measure out the square footage)

Don't do anything for now. Why the rush? It looks perfectly usable for a year or so while you decide what changes you need or want ... and it gives you time to save up some money.

I would want more drawers and lighter counters, so I would be inclined to wait a couple of years and gut the space.

In my previous house I lived with dark counters and backsplash for 7 years. The kitchen was functional and I had other projects (bathrooms, etc) to tackle first. By the time I got to the kitchen I decided to do a full gut, instead of a refresh.

I agree about doing something about the backsplash. If you are inclined to tear it out and replace, I would agree on a solid or very subtle variation; your existing counter and cabinets will work with several shades of blue, green, cream, white, or warm gray - stick to warm tones to be compatible with the flooring and cabinets.

You can actually paint the tile if tearing out isn't in your budget right away - search both here and internet for examples and how-tos.

A big yes to improving the lighting. If you have either the skill for DIY or the money to pay an electrician, it isn't as hard are most would think to put in disc LED ceiling lights, properly spaced and located.

I also see that you have track lights in the adjoining room - that would be another option to improve the lighting in the kitchen - the fixture can replace the existing light - if you like the look of the track lights.

Any replacement light, I'm not too sure about bare bulbs, especially clear ones, for fear of too much glare off the polished granite.

Agree with taping paper up to see if white will work. Post a close up of the countertop.

Agree with replacing kitchen light, update track lighting, ensure correct LED. The cabinet pulls are very jarring to me so I would definately replace those. I also do not find the color of bar stools complimentary so I would replace those. After that, use the taped paper along the existing backsplash to see if white will work. I think your cabinets are very nice and would not paint them.

A bigger tile, perhaps an interesting shape, in one color, would make a big difference.

What are your plans for the wall of mirrors? Best to have a whole vision of the space as don’t know your furniture style which could effect metal change, fixture style, etc

Congratulations!!! Can we see more pictures of the space since it’s open? From what you posted, everything is beige, brown, or something in between. Maybe we can come up with a cohesive plan for the whole space, and you can implement changes when you have the time and money. You call it your “first,” so if it’s a starter condo, you will want to make changes that will stand up to a future resell, while having it be your happy home.🙂

adding more pictures of space! all these images are from old tenant. my style is much more organic modern, clean and neutral but still cozy.

additional images

inspo from current apartment (minus christmas decorations)

Love the exterior view in the new space.

I agree with thinkdesignlive, you will want to have all of your furnishings in place and (at least tentative) decisions made about the adjoining spaces - if there are changes that you want to make.

One thing that strikes me from the additional photos, is that the elements (cabinets, floor, bath tile) in the new place are quite warm toned, while it seems that your current space is done in cool, gray/black/white (if my computer is rendering the colors accurately).

I always find that kind of juxtaposition unsettling - something always seems "off" or "wrong".

It will take careful color selection to bridge the two color temperatures.

this is a great point, and naturally i trend towards cooler tones. one of the very first projects i had discussed with my parents was actually staining the floors to change the feel of the entire place. while not a small expense hopefully it wouldn’t be too bad given it is <1000 sqft, and would make a big change. just wasn’t sure if that would then look strange with the kitchen cabineys

It will depend on the stain you choose. I wouldn't go with the current gray toned fad, but a cooler wood tone on the floors will likely work with the cabinets. Be sure to get a good sized sample board to test the two together (to get an accurate idea, you will need to cover the current floor in the kitchen with something neutral.)

Wow! After seeing that view, I might try to mimic the skyscrapers with stacked vertical tiles.

is this type of backsplash able to be painted or would that just downgrade the look better off investing in replacing? unfortunately can’t grab a closer picture

I’d say move in and then post the photos - no need to rush this decision as it’s move in ready.

I like both your cabinets and floors. If you can take the backsplash out without wrecking the counter that would be great. Lighting fixes as above. Nice place!

don't paint the backsplash tile.

DIY if you like. remove it carefully. get a diff tile.

Did you even read my first comment way up top? I gave you plenty of suggestions for you to try before tackling the tile.

If you paint your cabinets, you will want to paint them again in a few years. I have no idea why anyone paints cabinets unless they have bottomless money. If a space is bright, and yours is, dark cabinets can be really nice. Yours are. Plus, and who cares, dark cabinets are going to be "in" again soon. In a dark kitchen they are not good, that's part of why people began to sour on them because most kitchens are either poorly lit or dark. Of course, ABC is right as usual. Invest money in lighting - read online to learn how to place, or get free design help at a good lighting store. You will want several ceiling lights - can you put in cans at all? If not, unercabinet lights that are bright - yours look dim - and on dimmers. If you can't cut into the ceiling, you can do some kind of track or multihead. Overall this will make giant difference.