" I feel sure that the countertop could stay up without legs "

No way without major steel stretcher bar structure. Way to much of an overhang for any stone.

I think the Taj suggestion from millworkman could be so nice, along with a different backsplash. Great pix from Beth, too.

freedomplace,,,,

Beth H. that is your ”opinion” that the granite is ugly. And that is all that it is, your personal opinion...

This is what the OP wrote

Well it’s 20 year old Baltic brown granite (I think that’s the name). I feel like it looks way outdated.

so yes, it's both of our opinion that it's dated. If you like it, great.

2004 is over” is nothing but an ignorant comment

hate to tell ya, but 2004 is over. Not sure how it's 'ignorant'.

Design trends of 2004 are over but, Apparently I hit a nerve:

"But that granite is beautiful and I am a granite lover. I have a new place that has similar granite in the kitchen, and I could not be happier! Classic. Ancient granite stone cannot be ”dated”."

Ancient granite stone cannot be ”dated”."

Plenty of things can be 'dated' depending on their application. In my opinion, your comment is ignorant.

Exactly - I have similar granite in my kitchen now and I love it. But I understand the value of the stone, and I understand that ancient granite stone cannot be dated. I like just about any granite... and especially the earthy tones. And I am not personally trying to keep up with the latest fads - whatever they may be at the current moment. I could really care less.

freedom, and that's fine.

I understand that ancient granite stone cannot be dated. I like just about any granite.. I am not personally trying to keep up with the latest fads - whatever they may be at the current moment. I could really care less.

(ancient granite stone is an oxymoron. all stone is ancient. And it's Couldn't care less)

I'm merely responding to the OPs wishes. I didn't say it was dated, I said it was ugly. . Have I seen worse? yes. does her kitchen look bad? not at all. I actually don't mind the stone that much with her kitchen design.

Could her kitchen look better w/diff countertops/backsplash/ diff lighting, island design? 1000%. I think the Taj or one of the other quartzite selections would be beautiful compared to that basic entry granite she has currently. nothing to do w/fads, just opinions.

Here's baltic brown Marley

That is your opinion that it is ugly. Period.

Could care less / couldn't care less...

I am really not interested in your nastiness and disrespect.

i dont think its a dated granite at all..in a modern sleek white kitchen it would be fine. problem is the dreariness in her space.... . when people say "dated" it means different things and sometimes people dont even know exactly what they are reacting to in their own space except they want a different feel and are ready to contemplate options. Dated used in a "catch all" fashion implies dissatisfaction and indicates motivation when someone throws the term up....its all okay. She has a nice big space.....windowless however... a nice island which will handle a change up very beautifully. Inspiration pics / searches are needed/ she should be digging in for some herself too , as that helps the process of narrowing what to do.... ...I think she can use a refresh.....it's discretionary, so personally I would be careful but the good bones are there ....the counter top change will produce excellent results , but I wouldnt say its a dated piece of material.

In my opinion, the current granite works well with the current color and style of the cabinetry. The legs work well with the style of the kitchen as well. Not everything that is dated is bad, nor does it turn automatically ugly. Frequently it's worse to try to halfway update a kitchen to make it more "current" because the new just makes the old look older. It looks like you are apologizing for something. This kitchen is clearly not brand new and that's fine too. It probably goes with the house overall.

If it were me, I would test out different backsplashes to see if you could find something a little less busy that worked with what you have. In my opinion I would have thought that tile was too much in 2004, but stuff like that and even more varied was very popular. I was around then, and thought they were overwrought even then.

Yes Taj Mahal would look great with that kitchen. If you have money to burn, more or less, and want to follow a trend that will also eventually be replaced, that's fine. But I think you could work with what you have.

Your cabinets are very nice and you’ve gotten some good suggestions for new counters. Once they are installed, you will receive as much help as you desire picking a great backsplash.

I would not paint the island. All wood kitchen are timeless and many of us prefer them to the ubiquitous, often soulless, and sterile white kitchens. I fear the painted island trend is going to be what dates today’s kitchens in a few years.

I don’t know why anyone would say you need all drawers in a perfectly functional kitchen that you’ve clearly stated you are keeping and like the cabinets. If you were planning on replacing your cabinets, then choosing more lower drawers might be good to consider, but you are not.

If you want to change the posts, it would be easy to just create a plain box around them in wood to match your cabinets.

Maybe consider replacing with a plainer style:

I think the space is rather nice. The granite isn't the best choice, but honestly it's not bad in this design. UP to op if she wants it or not. (and since shes asking, I'm guess NOT

I think there are better options that work w/these cabinets. I posted those options.

I'm also not a fan of the 4 legs on the island. besides cutting into the seating space, it looks overly ornate and heave.

IF op gets a new island top, perhaps w/adequate support, the middle two legs could be removed. I'm sure the floor will be fine, but if not, a simple touch up could be done.

If cost is an issue (quartzite will run a bit more than regular granite) Look into granite slabs like this.

I belive it's in the Alaska White /Dallas White/White Ice neighborhood. Pair it w/similar counter chairs. the wood w/woven back and lighter seats

The vent hood would be one of the main things I'd redo. I never cared for those SS chimney hoods. Personally I think there are better options. even a plaster vent hood would be a nice upgrade. OR maybe a zinc-zinc-look, copper, or something along those line

This is one of my fav looks w/wood cabs. notice the simple vent hood. surface is soapstone.

this plaster can be done in any color

Or, she could do something similar w/the wood trim in the same wood/stain as the cabinets. Paint it the same as the wall color (or make it out of the same wood as the cabs)

adding some glass in a few of the uppers is another option

I also like a glazed brick type of tile.

even a zellige tile (so many diff colors and shapes/sizes) btw, these zellige are shown here w/Taj quartztie

Zellige w/two tone cabs and two diff countertops. marble on one, solid quartz the other

Sonoma tile backsplah w/natural wood cabs.

They even have beautiful porcelain slabs that look like marble.

Calacatta Lucca by MSI (I believe)

Marley, up to you what you'd like done.

You could take one of your cab doors w/you and walk around a few stoneyards to see if you like anything. Go from there.

My question, which I have asked occasional people I have done jobs for is;

Do you no longer like it because it's not what you see people putting in in the 2020s, or do you really just not like it? I really think that some people have no particular fixed tasted other than liking what they think they are supposed to like based upon what they see in design media or what they see their friends do when they remodel. I am not saying that to be critical. People in these forums frequently remodel with a view to what the complete stranger who will buy their house eventually might like. Or are you bored with it? I am not sure such a large investment is necessary if it is driven by boredom. This is not a haircut or a pair of pants. These are the sort of things I try to sort out with people who are redoing something, before they start spending any money.

Take off one door and go look at stone slabs. That is the best way to figure out what might work with your kitchen. There are soooo many different stones but you need to find one locally and fall in love. Keeping a door in your trunk allows for a spontaneous look at a surprise countertop place you discover.

Changing the countertop will make the kitchen look new.

If you’re considering changing the backsplash, install the countertop first and have the current backsplash removed, repair the wall and prime it. That is the easiest way to look at tile samples against your new countertop.

Fun activity! Keep us posted.

Another topic—really like your rug under your dining table. Is it sisal? Can you give me a source?

The rug under my table is a pottery barn jute rug. I bought it from someone on marketplace 😊

Thank you!

I might also consider just SEEING what's under the legs. Your floor might go under them, which might mean you could remove them - or at least remove the two in the middle, as they're chopping up your seating space.

Look how fresh the bar area with no backsplash looks compared to the kitchen. Yes, there is a window there and better lighting but the kitchen backsplash is sucking the light out of the space.

I'm a visual person, I would cover the backsplash in the kitchen with cream paper to see if new cream tile would be enough change to freshen up the kitchen. I would do the same with the black pantry door, it also appears to be sucking light out of the kitchen.

I think the biggest error made by the designer of this kitchen was the flooring and cabinet wood tones being so close together. That will be one expensive fix. You can find a lighter stone you like and use it on the counters and back splash. That will give your area a lift. I would not touch the cabinets. Sure drawers are all the rage but that's an expense that has no substantial input to the over all look. I hear you on your counter seating and the legs/flooring issue but either make them more stream line modern or accept nothing will fix how they drag your space into the old Tuscan look.....

You’ve gotten lots of good advice - if it were me: I’d update the BS (something creamy & simple) and the pendants - I like how the counter recedes and blends so nicely with the wood cabinetry

I like your kitchen... I can remember wanting this very style. Beautiful!

If this were my kitchen, I too would change the countertop to a Taj Mahal and backsplash. I would install better stronger interior and under cabinet lighting. I would remove or update the the legs on the counter as suggested above.

Look how great TM looks with dark wood cabinets

Luminescent Luxury with Leathered Taj Mahal and Swarovski Crystal Hardware · More Info

Okay everyone….i thought I’d give a little update. I said I like my cabinets, but when I really think about it like you guys encouraged me to do, I don’t love them. My previous houses had light colored cabinets and, although it’s trendy and may go out of style, I think I really want white cabinets. Light and bright makes me happy. So, I have some folks coming in to give me quotes on that.

So this is the time to look for white kitchens that are beautiful to you. Some folks will help you out with that, I’m sure, but have a browse on your own as well.

Let us know if you want to see photos of white/creamy kitchens or not. This sounds like the best way to get a lighter kitchen.

Are you considering painting your existing kitchen or doing a refacing job?

Considering painting. I think I will keep the countertops for now. I may end up changing backsplash. I will see how it turns out.

I think your kitchen is lovely and the woodtones are coming back around. Before you jump into a white kitchen, consider how it impacts your overall space. Your house and furnishings look to be predominantly warm toned and lean traditional. Integrating a white kitchen can be a challenge.

Also - your cabinets look to be of a good quality - standing up well to 20 years. As another poster noted, see how much more "current" the bar area looks -some of that is just that it's brighter.

I really feel that you could have something VERY lovely with counters, backsplash, lighting and some island modifications. Probably quite a bit more cost effective too - and in all reality - higher quality than redoing the cabinets...

Marley - I love your cabinets! I think you can get a lighter look from changing the countertops and backsplash. I only say this because cabinets are expensive and, unless you go custom with a good fabricator, I’m not sure you’ll get the same quality. Of course, I can’t see your cabinets the way you do, but online they look great. As far as the countertops or cabinets being dated - don’t worry about that. Do what appeals to you. I inherited Uba Tuba granite and while it’s not my favorite, I don’t mind it. However, the kitchen is so dark I am replacing it. I’m putting marble (hopefully) on my 45 year old cabinets - because they are well made and I love the vintage look. Many people have to me to gut it and replace everything. But I love the lived in, loved feel and I don’t want the bother of a big renovation. Spend some time what really bugs you about your kitchen. Is it worth the mess, the hassle and cost of ripping so much out?

I'm a white kitchen fan as well. And I get the "light and bright makes me happy" reasoning, I decorate my whole house based on it. I even judge restaurants based on if they "make me happy".

IMO, your cabinets are the happiest part of your kitchen. The backsplash is not happy. The black door, the lighting, and the heavy legs on the island are also not happy.

It might be nice to pull a happy color from the adjoining spaces and paint the island and redo the top with a lighter, less busy granite. But, I'd work on the things that I mentioned above first.

The other option that has become a favorite of mine is the painted upper, wood lower.

I agree with all who like your kitchen (minus the backsplash). It is a classic and there are elements of style including those island legs (although there are a lot of them) that are beautiful, very well executed, and will never be dated. They fit perfectly in the context of that space.

I’m less fond of the hi/low uppers, but that effect would be minimized if they were painted. Also, think off white (ivory) as opposed to bright white.

Okay…. to give you a better feel of what my adjoining living area looks like. These cabinets are white. I love it. Excuse the Christmas decorations… This is a picture from December and I have not taken a good one lately.

I have new chairs coming..but I love the feel of this room. I will take more current pics when I get home.

Here are medium tone wood kitchens with lighter countertops and backsplashes. Before painting everything, think about how much you might like this look.

I love your dark cabinets. Before you rush to paint search and see what others like to dislike about their painted cabinets. I happen to love your cabinets and think a light counter could look stunning.

Designing Vibes painted cabinets 5 years later

Confessions of a DIY-er painted cabinets 3 years later

Cherry & Blue · More Info

Walnut Cove Residence · More Info

Huntington Way Lafayette Galley Kitchen Remodel · More Info

I didn't read anything past the point where people think there's something wrong with the island legs and need updating.

You have a beautiful traditional kitchen, with very nice looking cabinets. I like that they aren't too ornate (a la the tuscan trend of yore). But the legs are traditional and fit with a traditional kitchen (imo).

I wouldn't paint those cabinets. For what? a huge headache, a big giant expense and quite possibly an unfortunate outcome.

If it were my kitchen and I wanted/could afford a change, I too would consider new countertops and backsplash.

Then you already know what you love! That’s fantastic. And they can paint the kitchen cabinets (and legs) the same color that you have in that room.

Just a word about natural lighting. The room you love is on the outside wall of your home and it sits next to a wall of windows. Your kitchen is an interior room, deeper inside the house, that borrows light from the dining room. After painting, your dining area may have a similar feel to your favorite spot, your kitchen will still be darker.

When you get to the point where you are choosing tile, you’ll choose something light - consider a glossy finish. It will bounce light around more effectively than a matte surface and brighten the space. This is a Paseo shaped tile from Fireclay Tile in the glaze Tusk.

This is quite a debate. I'm redoing my kitchen at the moment and looked to this to see what I could learn. First, let me share what I've learned. You need no more than a 12 inch overhang if you don't want to have to support your granite with legs. Granite will hold up to almost any amount of abuse and though needs occasional sealing, doesn't need as much babying as quartzite, though quartzite is really of the moment (and really, really beautiful!) I've looked at so, so many slabs of granite, of quartzite, of quartz and also looked at tile. If we just go by what's in style we're going to have to change our look every few years, just like we do our clothing, to keep up with the Joneses. I've concluded that it's just best to reference one's own taste, if you can figure out what this is of course. For me, I decided that classic is the best. I wanted a timeless look, though I love white cabinets. The dark brown cabinets also have a classic appeal, but the problem is that everything is pretty dark. The granite I think would benefit not only from a backsplash change, but from a change in wall color. Also, I would think about repainting that black door. Why add more dark -- because the cabinets are dark, the floor is fairly dark, the door is dark, the granite is dark and so on? Is there a color that the writer loves? There's a pretty granite called Crema Bordeaux. It has a beautiful coral in it if warm color is your jam. There's also Typhoon Bordeaux and Fantasy Brown. Some of the fantasy brown slabs are quite pale but pick up that beautiful brown from the wood. Some have a sparkle and depth to them that is truly beautiful. You really have to shop around. I've found prices are very comparable but there are wide variations in the stones, even stones of the same name. I would try to utilize the beautiful brown of your cabinets rather than get rid of them. Then, once that is done, you could pick out your tile and if you're ambitious, your paint. I would pick a "white" or off white with an undertone of one of the colors in the stone, ditto with the tile. For example, if you chose Crema Bordeaux, I would find a white with a hint of that coral color. I might, if it was me, paint that black door coral to add some life to that kitchen and maybe get some accessories to pick up the hue. I wouldn't pick the tile out first because the stone is more deterministic as being a natural product it will inherently have so much variation that you really have to match your tile to the stone not the other way around. If warmth is not your thing you could think of a baby blue for the wall and pick out something like white ice, which often has a blue tinge to it, then once you have the counters in situ you could pick out the exact paint and the tile--maybe even a kitchen rug. White ice is not really so very white, but rather creamy. I think it would go well with the brown, though I like the fantasy brown even better. Alternatively, you could keep what you have, because stone is ridiculously expensive, and try and work some magic with color -- paint and tile, add some art, add some color that you love and live with it for a while and see. By the way, I think it could stay the way you have it now and nothing bad would happen.

I love your black door shown on the side. Simple changes might play off it and make your space more modern: black square or tapered island legs and black squarish cabinet hardware. Perhaps add an off-white countertop with matching full height backsplash to lighten things up.

The cabinets look really nice! Honestly, the only thing I would do is replace the backsplash. It fights with the texture of the wood in the cabinets. Going with a white/cream simple backsplash would brighten up the kitchen. You could go through the expense of replacing the dark granite with something lighter if you feel the need. But I don't think it would be necessary.

I agree....that black door could be your inspiration. Carry the black over to your hood vent. Maybe the hardware. Change your bar stools to black. And unfortunately the backsplash needs to be updated. Once that is all done you might love your stained wood cupboards & your countertop. If your pocketbook can handle a total new kitchen.....well, go for it!

The layout is nice. The granite trend is starting to look dated. I would replace the counter tops and backsplash with the same new lighter color, less speckled, like quartz with subtle veining. Install some dimmable lights under the cabinets. A single strip could be used around the entire cabinet area - they can run it across the cooktop area before the new backsplash material is installed.

There is also the option to not paint the cabinets, sand down and stain a lighter color. This would take the orange out and really modernize them as well as lighten them. Having seen before and afters of this method it is such a transformation.

Having the same cabinets, backsplash, countertops and look in a friend's kitchen~ and the adjacent rooms all being light. beiges and white (with only pops of color in rugs and artwork)~` her kitchen was totally refreshed by simply changing the hardware and faucet to a satin gold (simple square knobs, a sleek pull down faucet), upgraded the counters to the Taj Mahal granite and replaced the stools. Working directly with the local granite supplier, she was able to get a better price having an independent fabricator and installer do the work. She was also able to bargain the old countertop to the installer for him to reuse in another job. Not even touching the backsplash, no one even notices that it hasn't been changed, yet the whole room looks new! Also, cutting back the depth of the overhang allowed for brackets/corbels to be used instead of legs.

Marley, please don't add any more black! I understand why people are suggesting it. It is of the moment, but your kitchen is already so dark. I really like the comment about lightening your cabinets. That is a very good suggestion. But, I would wait and replace the backsplash and the countertop first and just see what kind of difference that makes. Your dark cabinets are elegant and timeless. I wouldn't touch them at this point until you know more and hopefully you won't have to.

Wishing you the best as you go ahead with your project!

If possible, add a skylight for more natural light. I agree with lighter countertops, lighter paint on the walls and the black door. I’d use corbels instead of legs on counter (more seating, less detail). See if you can lighten the floor a bit. Either update the backsplash or consider tile stickers to go over what you already have. Do NOT paint your lovely, classic cabinets.

Having recently finished a kitchen renovation (total replacement), I wouldn’t tear out perfectly good cabinets. I’d change countertops and backsplash (think quartzite/stone or quartz). If you wanted more change, I’d paint the island cabinets in a lighter color, possible changing out the legs for a more contemporary style. Paint the walls a light neutral color. Update lighting. Total redo isn’t always warranted for a fresh look.

You have a lovely kitchen. I like your wood cabinets. I believe the dark backsplash and countertops are sucking the light out of the kitchen. I would go with your original inclination to replace the countertops and backsplash. Take a door off one of the cabinets and go looking for countertops. I think the Taj Mahal would look nice. Once you have selected the countertops then you cam select a backsplash. A tile with a glass finish would add light to your kitchen. Good luck and post photos once you are done..

I would do perla Venata or Taj Mahal quartzite counter tops and continue it onto your backsplash

Add gold nobs

look at porcelain slabs and use for both backsplash and countertop. there are some great patterns they have created. a lighter color less busy will lighten up your kitchen. change out the legs of the island to something more sleek perhaps a metal?