its not considered a great idea to embark on expensive changes until you have used the space. Like 6 months of use. But some people get hooked on their vision no matter the consequence of the short term expense. A tuxedo look fo the space would be how I'd interpret your comments. Its good to get your exact inspiration image or photoshop the exact colors you come up with if you are going to do this. There is no reason to coordinate a fireplace surround with a kitchen. I'd leave that alone.

this is more what I'd do if you want to change the colors of your cabinets....based on your comments: ..... [a closer in image of the kitchen would help....of course the details will be more commented on]

Tuxedo Kitchen · More Info

Tuxedo Kitchen Remodel · More Info

Thanks so much for your insight! Instead of the white cabinets, would I need to paint them cream because cream is the dominant color in my countertops. Also, the great room and kitchen are in the same space is why I thought I should make them coordinate. And I do not wish to keep the dark cabinet color in the great room either.

there does not appear to be any cream in the backsplash....in fact it looks chalky white and grayish.......this is why you need a close up of the space and an inspiration board with your exact color selections and all the surfaces that are adjacent.

Thanks for your comment! The backsplash is going to go as well. My main concern is that there is a lot of cream in the granite. Will it look bad If I put white cupboards next to a sea of cream? Thanks!

IMO the whole kitchen needs so real work unless you love everything about it That wholw hod contraption is weird but do you love the layout,the style of the cabinets ( BTW all base ones should be drawers) everything. To hve thos epainter by a pro (there is no wother way) will cost a ton of $$$$ so IMO live there for 6 months then see what you want to do. I happen to love that granite but if it does not work in your style do not try to save a bit by keeping it . IMO BTW those cabinets will not suit white at all so cream is the way to go.

I'd not do a thing until I lived there for a while. You have a lot more to consider than just the kitchen and the countertop with the fireplace, built-ins and whatnot. Right now it all looks good together, even though you don't care for it, but it's better to have a vision for the whole nine yards in place before embarking on piecemeal changes that mess up the cohesiveness of the space.

ETA: Oh wait, I would do one thing, though -- replace that butt-ugly light bar over the table. It's just kind of hanging there with no visual connection to anything.

Don't do anything yet. You might get into the house and decide that the whole kitchen layout doesn't work or that the light wouldn't work for a cream or white kitchen, or...

Personally, i'd save up for a better layout so my island isn't a barrier between my sink and fridge. Yes you have a prep sink but it's so far on the edge of the island, where do you put food you take out of the fridge? I'd also want all my lower cabinets to be drawers. I'd also not like that cabinet to the counter. I'd hate that i have to turn 180 degrees to take food out of the oven and place it on a counter.

i know you want to put your stamp on the house, but live with it for 6 months to see how it all works and then make decisions.

What a lovely view out your windows! I'd live in the space for a while as others have suggested. I'd then start with painting the cabinets in the family room. I would use a color found in the fireplace stone. Then I would tackle the kitchen.

Realtor photos are altered and do not show true colors.

Try to follow the advice given above and live in the space for a year before making changes. Painting the cabinets won't make your kitchen look like herbflavor's inspiration photos because the configuration of your uppers is dated and a little strange. If it were my house, I'd wait until I could afford big changes.

If you really can't live with the color of the cabinets and decide to paint them, you should remove the entire section over the cooktop and the two narrow cabinets that come down to the counter and install a statement hood.

I like your granite and cream colored cabinets are trending right now.

I love the granite.

I agree with your desire to eliminate the arched medallion. I would also eliminate some of the rope trim. There are threads on here about people tired of their Tuscan kitchen and what they did.

Go with the cream for the cabinets.