IMO the counter is no way suits the cabinets. The cabinets are really dated so adding a new couter IMO is a waste of money and quartz for a backsplash behind a cooking appliance is asking for trouble Plastic and heat do not play well together . Why not look at real stone but really if the cabinets are staying find a counter that works with what oyu have and if a bit more updated look is what you want get a good stainless hood not wood wrap

Concur with Patricia. The Izaro, solid backsplash and planned hood are a mismatch to the style of the traditional arched doors. You're adding a modern aesthetic (plus a quasi farmhouse style with the two tone hood) which will only highlight that the cabinets and layout (desk, MCW cabinet, below ceiling height uppers) were not addressed in the update.

I like how practical your husband is. If it ain't broke don't fix it. Accepting the cabinets as they are means you need to accept the style that these cabinets dictate. It isn't one that lends itself to the elements you are suggesting for backsplash and hood. Perhaps you can google search images of arched wood kitchen cabinets and countertop backsplash choices. Surely there must be others who have the limitations of your cabinets but have managed to give the room a bit of a facelift.

My first question is regarding the layout--does it work for you and do you like it? If the answer is yes, then make some cosmetic updates. If no, then leave it as is until you can plan for and budget a better kitchen. I was in the exact same situation, with cherry cabinets that were in beautiful condition but the layout was not optimal. The kitchen was also too dark. I waited and totally renovated it so that it has a better layout and more natural lighting. And I donated the cherry cabinets rather than send them to a landfill. (Some people aren't concerned with "dated" cabinets!) Sometimes the best trades are those you don't make.

If however, the layout works for you, I'd seriously consider the options everyone suggested, but it all depends on your budget. Replacing the doors and repainting the boxes is going to require a fair amount of money, and the quartz counter tops, backsplash and new vent hood are also pricey.

Perhaps Beth H will post here--her kitchen renovation is stunning!

We might suggest just doing a plain white, plain grey, or plain blue subway tile, and saving any big renovations for if you need to do a full gut in the future.

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cabs aren't the least bit modern, and do not work w/the quartz.

(btw, quartz can be fine behind the range if there is enough clearance)

have you thought about refacing and painting? you'd keep the base/boxes and just replace the doors to something more fitting to the style. That's what I did w/mine.

It hard not knowing budget and style you are going for in the rest of the house, but you could make a fun color on the cabinets the star instead of focus on the style, or maybe a fun pop on the island (if there is one?) and not so much painting. And stay simple with the counters, and maybe a slightly fun backsplash that works with fun paint - again to be the focus. Maybe consider removing some uppers to lighten the room and use a few shelves that match the the wood. Definitely a box shaped hood does not work. More traditional hood. Some colorful pics below...couldn't find exactly what I picture but I think show how color can steal the show. Good luck!

It hard not knowing budget and style you are going for in the rest of the house, but you could make a fun color on the cabinets the star instead of focus on the style, or maybe a fun pop on the island (if there is one?) and not so much painting. And stay simple with the counters, and maybe a slightly fun backsplash that works with fun paint - again to be the focus. Maybe consider removing some uppers to lighten the room and use a few shelves that match the the wood. Definitely a box shaped hood does not work. More traditional hood. Some colorful pics below...couldn't find exactly what I picture but I think show how color can steal the show. Good luck!

These 2 kitchens removed doors and used open shelving with the boxes remaining-also fun! (Sorry the above post went up twice🤷‍♀️)

Let's make the assumption that you can't do anything with the cabinets except change hardware. I would vote for refacing and painting at least the top cabinets but if that's a nonstarter, I get it.

The black backsplash doesn't work for me, just too dark and doesn't compliment the wood. The countertop and backsplash in Calacatta Izaro should be a timeless choice. It's mimicking a stone that has been around for millions of years so I think it will work well as counter and backsplash with a traditional style cabinet.

For me, the outlier is the style of the vent hood you're considering. What about a sleek vent hood that has a little bit more of traditional styling like this one?