A few super quick ideas. Maybe a rug under the dining table, potentially paint the walls a shade of white and then add some modern artwork.

Changing lights could also help but you are right that the colour of the cabinets does dominate the view and softening them may help.

Having them sprayed is a lot less than a new kitchen and there is no harm in getting a few quotes just to see.

It looks fine to me - I don’t think the cabinets look dated and professionally painting them would be expensive. The light fixtures look fine to me too. What is it that you find not modern?

New lighting - check out West Elm lighting for moderately priced options that often have coordinating pieces for pendants and over a table. You could also consider changing your knobs to pulls, which may give you a more contemporary flair. (Order a few samples first and tape them up to see what you think, before drilling the extra holes needed.)

I would paint the wall/ crown molding, some kind of silver, or the colour of the cabinets cabinets look fine, as the appliances.

Lovely kitchen!

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change out the light fixtures and replace the drapery panels with an interesting abstract or modern colorful fabric. ... a modern dining set down the road?

https://www.wayfair.com/Folk-N-Funky--Mid-Century-Modern-Abstract-Butterfly-SemiSheer-Curtain-Panels-WC062-L6260-K~W002969106.html?refid=GX685127181995-W002969106_1999855754&device=c&ptid=777311493248&network=g&targetid=pla-777311493248&channel=GooglePLA&ireid=109446713&fdid=1817&PiID%5B%5D=1999855754&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqM6j9pbChAMVWzbUAR0BaQu6EAQYDSABEgL-uvD_BwE

fix the mismatch between wall color and floor.....new floor would do wonders but the wall color isnt helping at all with general looks of things. the wide gliding door and seating zone is a nice area to focus w the view of your rear yard so 1. new fixture for table 2. rug under table 3.

bring in bar stools to have company while you cook or you can sit w coffee/ email etc 4. tailored window panels is a more modern look . you can do things but "cheaply" is what you have to determine. I dislike the floor the most so Id save and aim to replace that pink tile.

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I like the way the cabinets match the tree. Would lean into that with some natural elements, like botanical artwork.

I agree with suggestions to change the wall color to off-white. Paint is not expensive but painters can be. It's not terribly difficult to paint walls but you need the time and patience.

I don't have window covers on my kitchen sliders. I suppose that depends on what is in your yard & how private you care to be in the kitchen.

Lights are not too expensive, but electricians are, if you don't think you can manage changing a fixture. It's not really very hard.

I've also had success with metallic spray paint and new shades on light fixtures. But you would need to take them down and apart in order to paint properly. Very low cost however.

It doesn't hurt to get quotes for painting the cabinets, but a few other things I would do first.

1. Paint the walls a lighter color, I'd go a soft white or off-white color.
2. Definitely swap out the light fixtures. I'd recommend something with clear glass. With such dark cabinets & countertops, the current fixtures make the space feel heavier.
3. Raise the curtain rod & install longer curtains, again this will trick the eye into making the space feel larger. Swap out the window treatment in the kitchen as well.
4. A new modern dining room set could also bring some modern elements to the area. But if you don't want to replace it, I'd at least add a large rug underneath the dining space to ground that area.
5. Have some fun with the space! Olive greens & blue pair really nicely with cherry wood, so don't be afraid to add those into the decor. But even some additional artwork can add some creativity & individuality to the space.

thanks all for the amazing ideas!

Remove the Roman shade that's on the window over the sink.

1. No curtains on the slider or above the sink. It is fine and more contemporary to leave them without.

2. Paint the walls, ceiling, and trim the same simple white that is going to look ok with the floors, back splash, and cabinets.

3. New light fixtures for bar and table. Larger, more statement pieces will take the emphasis off the cabinets.

4. New chairs for the table and new counter stools. Check Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for good deals.

5. Counter, backsplash, floor, and cabinets all look good together. Don't open the expensive can of worms of painting your cabinets.

6. Depending on where your knob holes are, replace knobs with chrome pulls. (See pic.)

7. Nice piece of contemporary artwork to left of narrow (pantry?) door.

Cherry Wood Kitchen · More Info

I agree about new wall paint that better harmonizes with the floor and new lighting.

New wall paint.

New light fixtures.

Clean floor tile grout (usually darkens over time).

New curtans for doir, mounted higher to the ceiling.

Nice kitchen, but your are right, it needs updating.

The first thing is to paint the walls and upper soffit of the kitchen. You have good light and not that many walls, so my suggestion is to paint a dark color, not light, to extend the kitchen cabinets and have them blend in the room. Keep the white ceiling. I always like Benjamin Moore Decorators White for ceilings, as it's a bright white with no underlying color tones.

First paint preference is a raisin color close to the mahogany color of the cabinets. See below for color palettes for reference. The kitchen pics below show how a similar color to the cabinets highlight the overall room and not just the cabinets. You already have a great kitchen, countertops and backsplash and this will enhance them.

If you prefer another color than the raisin, consider a dark navy blue.

I agree to remove the curtains and consider sliding fabric panels for privacy. I always bring window treatments from ceiling to floor for a cleaner look.

Replace the dining chairs with something light and modern, like the Wishbone Chair or Breuer Chair.

Add a colorful rug, either in the kitchen area or under the table.

The lighting is something I'll do more research on for you.

Hope this helps.

On the following pics, note how color to match the cabinets update the space V V V

Notice this black cabinet and the black wall behind it. The black wall brings the cabinet to another design level. V V V

Replace existing chairs with a lighter wood and style. There are tons to choose from at decent prices if you are not looking for the originals. V V V

A colorful rug in the kitchen area or under the dining table. Make sure to look for a silghtly pink tone to the rug so that it doesn't clash with the existing tile floor. The existing paint you have, fights all the tones in the room. V V V

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