I would not paint them gray. The floor in the kitchen looks beige on my monitor. So I think the gray/black counters and gray walls are what is throwing you off. If you can live with less storage you might take the cabinets on the window wall down. The refrigerator seems too big also so maybe a counter depth refrigerator.

Most will tell you to live in the home for 6-12 months before making changes. I think that is wise advice

I agree with both earlier posts on considering different hardware and most importantly to live with it for awhile before you make any significant decisions.
Keep in mind that it will look different once your items are in place. Right now it needs the look of being lived in and some color.
Other ideas to kick around would be …..
to paint the island a color - not necessarily gray
Build box storage in open area above cupboards for added storage (of seldom used or seasonal items)

Take your time, get to know your new place first.

You could add cabinets stacked on top of your uppers, then crown on the very top. That will draw the eye up.

the cabinets are older style. you are missing drawers. the arch style is not especially great for a condo kitchen which you wnat to be efficient/pretty good looking [the space is open] . I think something like a new Ikea kitchen w a hood/ little bit bigger island or a big U shape w a peninsula are all things I'd be thinking about. the kitchen can stay for a while for sure but I'd not invest much until I considered alternative plans likely edging toward a renovation in some time in the future. Nice thing....you dont have to take down walls..its already open which is something I like about it.

here's an updated condo kitchen.

Maui Condo · More Info

I would wait and do the kitchen when you can afford to get new cabinets IMO no way would I waste time or money on those . My biggest thing is the floor not ending where the kitcehn ends and the colr for the floor with the counters . SO to me big project and best done when it can all be done together

Exposed hinges, black hardware, busy counters, end cabinet that straddles the floor transition, unattractive lighting fixture, dated shades on patio door, cabinets that stop short of the ceiling. There are many things that can throw your eye off in this kitchen. But the good news is you also have great natural light, a good layout, abundant counterspace, and appliances that look new.

Sure, everyone will tell you to live with it for 6 months to a year before making big changes, and I agree with that. But why not make simple changes now that can help you like it more, and maybe even enough that you won't want to make big changes or at least not for a few years.

Change the hinges, handles, and faucet to nickle to down the black and white vibe and make the cabinets receed instead of pop. Swap out the lighting fixture for something that hangs down, has volume, and distracts the eye from the empty space above the cabinet. Purchase stools and patio door shades that either have texture or color to them or both - even a neutral or wood color is fine, just not black, white, or grey. Add a table with a rug underneath that also has texture. Figure out if you will use the ceiling fan or just want an attractive lighting fixture.

Enjoy your new place and congrats.

Just having the floor throughout match would be a huge improvement.

Have to agree with you Makiki that the entire kitchen seems rather low end. As others have posted - you might consider saving up for a complete redo. The countertops seem to be laminate. Would definitely opt for granite or quartz. You might even consider reconfiguring the kitchen to a better layout in the future. Good luck!

Budget??

Keep in mind that there is a good likelihood that the cabinets were not properly prepped when they were painted and painted with who knows what kind of paint...so they may end up being a chipping, peeling mess within a couple of years...

So, do live with the kitchen as is for a while before investing anything beyond a nominal amount of $.

The overall color palette is extremely blah, so I think that's part of the problem. And there are a lot of warm vs cool tones clashing here - pinky beige floors with cold white cabinets and cool counters and warmer toned walls. So I think you will want to end up at least painting the walls or cabinets. The light fixture is also an easy fix to get something with some visual interest in the room, which now has none. Unless you really need and will use a ceiling fan, I'd get rid of that in favor of a light fixture too. You might be better off with diferent hardware, but your priority should be getting a coherent color scheme with a little more life in it.

Live with it before doing anything. It looks like the old wood cabinets were painted white for resale. You would benefit from scouring Houzz, magazines, etc. for ideas before you do anything permanent.

Painting the walls is not expensive and might make you happier.

The two floors clash terribly, so a kitchen floor might also be on your to-do list eventually.

As others have recommended, best not to do anything major until you live there awhile. If it's not in the budget for several years or more for a full remodel you can definitely make the space look better while you wait. Changing the hardware to satin nickel, replacing the vertical blind on the sliders with something more attractive and a long runner in front of the sink will go a long way toward toning down the glaring decorating mistakes. Maybe even a roman shade at the sink window.

Functionally, you need better lighting but I can't see an inexpensive fix for that. Maybe a linear pendant over the island, idk. The one below takes high wattage bulbs and would add a lot of light.

https://www.lampsplus.com/products/open-box/harding-42-inchw-brushed-nickel-kitchen-island-light-chandelier__69m02.html

Thank you so much everyone for your excellent points and ideas!

Congratulations on your new home, and best wishes on making it your style.

Instead of buying all new hardware try changing the color with RubNBuff.

Looks like they painted to sell. No style, just ”white kitchen.”

I bet once your things are in the room, it wont feel so stark. Instead of painting, look at cabinet refacing. Easier that a full replacement but still a nice refresh.

FYI - Metallic spray paint does cover hardware well. You have to put on another substance - like gesso - that helps the spray paint adhere, but it’s an inexpensive way to “try” different metals before buying a bunch.

Or just spray paint and see how long it lasts if a new style will be in your future.

It's hard to tell from your picture, but is there only 1 recessed light over the sink and that fixture over the island? Undercabinet lighting? You might have to upgrade lighting.

It will look better when your furniture and draperies are in your new house. Start idea books on your account. Find pictures of rooms with colors that attract you. Pictures on the walls, lamps in your living room, some green plants-these will bring life to the space. But start with your idea books.

I would see if you can find out what kind of flooring is in the other room and replace the tile in the kitchen with it.

Since you're just now purchasing this, there's a high liklihood of finding and matching it now vs waiting... that is if you like it enough to keep it longterm.

Congrats on your purchase!

I’d wait until you can afford a cabinet overhaul. Lose the uppers on the wall with the window and take the other uppers all the way to the ceiling.