forget bleaching the cabs. it's a huge process and would be more cost effective to just get new cabs. these are prob MDF w/cheaper drawer rails. really not something you want to sink money into. Save $$ for furture and replace them.

Here's one poster that redid the kitchen w/similar cabs.

You could opt to paint that island, but I'd trim it out first for a more finished look

much better

there are tons of DIY trimming out islands online you can search. also how to prime and paint

you could also paint the cabs

make sure you see the flooring in person, and bring home some samples. also check flooring places. home depot doesn't always have the best quality. spend the money once w/something thats going to last. you don't want cheap flooring and have to redo it 10 years later.

since you are at HD, check into the engineered real wood of Malibu click and lock. It was a good deal a few years ago. easy to install too.

go to JenWoodhouse blog and she shows how they installed it. lots of other ideas too

https://jenwoodhouse.com/how-to-install-engineered-hardwood-flooring/

I'd also suggest updating your lighting. that one small track light isn't worth a dime.

as for countertops, you could do a butcher block, or if you live in a city that has access to pre-fab countertops (granite, quartz) , take a look at some of those.

try amazon for hardware. buy in the contractors packs. there are some nice handles at a good price

i

if you are redoing baseboards, why not paint the trim around the window too? make everything a nice bright white. get the 5" baseboards.

the dining table light is hung too high, just a side note.

I don't think most DIY painted cabinets last very long before dings and chips happen to the paint. There are so many before and after pics online, but what about three years in to the after? With a new floor, I think your cabinets look fine and I wouldn't touch them. With new floors and a new light for above your table, this room will look great.

Kendrah, I merely give options. and if the DIY is done correctly, it can last a very long time. I've done it.

I still think the island should be trimmed out and painted. it will look 100X better.

now is the time to do since the floor is getting redone. they can just run basboard molding at the base on top of the new flooring

we moved in one week ago so yes we are going to update more but i asked for floor and cabinet opinions and your comments about lights are appreciated but harsh. obviously we are doing the window and door trim at the same time as the baseboards. thank you for the feedback.

This is a new home and you are anxious to make it your own. I understand how you feel.

But you haven't given enough information to help you make good decisions.

I can tell you my color and finish preferences. But I can't tell you what you will like until you define your style and color preferences.

My favorite colors are purple, wine reds and teal blues. Taupe is the perfect neutral to work with the colors I love. My style is MCM. My furniture is mostly teak and some walnut. everything has very clean lines.

My sister loves fall colors, olive greens and golds and orange reds. Greige is the perfect neutral to work with the colors she loves. Her furnishings are a mix of Queen Anne Antiques and Industrial. The wood furnishings are walnut, chestnut and cherry.

My sister in law loves soft, pastels, Cornflower blue and peach. Her furnishings are very traditional, mostly oak furnishings.

If this is your first home, slow down, think about what you want your home to look like in 10 years. Spend some time looking at other homes and pictures on the internet and figure out what furniture styles you love and what colors you love. It takes more than a few weeks to really understand what works and what needs to be changed so that your home functions well for you and your family.

Decide how much you want to do to the house and how much should be invested in new furnishings that you will take with you when you move to your next home.

Will you live in this house for the next 5 years, or do you expect to live here for 20 years? Most renovations cost about twice what you get back when you sell. That doesn't matter so much if your planning on living in the house for 20 years. You need to enjoy those 20 years. If your just staying 5 years, keep the money in your pocket instead of gifting it to the next home owner.

Your kitchen isn't that terrible that you can't live with it for 6 months. Decorating your home is not a sprint, it is a marathon. Over the next 40 years you will buy furnishings, find art that you love and refine your style and colors, all just in time to retire and downsize.

can you describe the dated and worn details......I dont see it. spending money on the things you list so far would not be my path especially w limited budget. I'd get a new island top and update the fridge . i do not subscribe to ripping things out and replacing segments of a venue without real reason and ESPECIALLY with tighter budget constraints. I actually like the existing floor for the contrast...I do not like the new floor pick all that much to spend that kind of money . I would shop for a new fridge and get an IKEA butcher block top for the island.

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I'd recommend that if you go with wood look vinyl flooring that you paint your cabinets. There are so many choices that you can go with, so this pic is just one of many. This one just gives you and idea of what you can do

Just remember to take into consideration the warmth of your flooring (if that's the one you go with) before painting. I'd leave the cap on the stair railing wood along with the table for sure. If you wanted to update you could also do a contemporary upholstered chair. Lighting is a relatively easy thing to change and give your space a boost.

This color blue would also be pretty and I also like the different color for the island:

It's a nice space so have fun with it!