if it were me, I’d simplify the backsplash and remove the open shelving by the window, once the new table is in the space I’d hunt down a new light fixture (make sure it’s hung at the right height, the current one seems too high) then I’d add some rugs and new island seating — I would also want to add some color along the dining wall like large art pieces or perhaps wallpaper

it’s a nice big kitchen!

I have changed my orangey oak trim using CraftSmart Multi Surface Permium Satin Acrylic Paint in Cocoa Bean. It is like a solid stain that can be applied to many types of surfaces and even though my trim was sealed with polyurethane it went over that and did not need any prep except for cleaning. You have to let it cure for a few days before it is a tough enough surface. I applied it with a foam brush, let it dry well and did a second coat. It kept the wood grain but toned down the orange of the oak. A suggestion if you wanted to stain instead of paint.

There is nothing about it that reads coastal. If you want painted cabinets in white? You need a real pro job, in a spray booth, with a conversion varnish.

New cabinet pulls, pendants over the island... new backsplash.

There seems nothing wrong with the floor.

Lose all the float shelves, and ladder back chair, along with the too short curtain panels : )

I think the backsplash is the thing that ries out fo a change I would leave the conters they work well with the cabinets so unless you plan to spend huge $$$$ having the cabinets painted I would not . New lighting all LED 4000K bulbs in the kitchen for sure the new table stools and chairs will make a huge difference. No shelving and maybe a new pantry door actuall with mostly glass and stained to match the cabinets. IMO a pantry is just a big cabinet and should always match the cabinets in color . Cosatal is IMO not abig deal for decor even if you live on the coast .I am not sure what that cabinet is under the window but I think take it away too No curtains but a nice roman shade there in a color from the art and maybe that will be all you need to do. Stainless simple pulls on the cabinets and areally fab chandelier.

These tips are already so helpful! @rainiel do you have any before and after photos?

If you want a coastal kitchen look would suggest keeping all the colors light including you cabinetry if you paint them. For the best look would suggest you strip off the existing finish before you paint. Would also suggest inclusion of blue as an accent color as it is a favorite for the coastal look.

I would go for backsplash with the same quartz as countertop.

The kitchen isn't bad ... except for the complete lack of drawer bases and cabinets that should have gone to the ceiling in a room with 9 ft ceilings.

I would live with this kitchen for 6 months and then decide if I want to spend money on some updates or save up for a more complete overhaul in a few years.

@chispa good advice it’s hard to say how we’d feel about it until we’re in it! I’m afraid I’ll paint them and still want to totally renovate in the near future

I am not sure what you are going to do with cabinets, may be strip off and bleach.

Some visual

@Celery. Visualization, Rendering images thank you for the visual! What do you think about white or of off white paint instead of the bleach? We would probably paint all the walls white and then maybe go for an alabaster cabinet paint

personally, I wouldn't paint the cabs until you've lived there a while and know that the layout works for you

Quartz will not be an upgrade over the beautiful stone. New backsplash, I think the ceramic will be lovely, and updated hardware and live with it a while. The cabinets, floor, and counters all look good together. You can add neutral and coastal elements with your decor.

" Until we're in it..........."

Exactly that. So while it is fine to dream? A dream is not an action plan. You don't NEED an action plan. Move in and live six months minimum. Nothing prevents you from making a meal

A coastal dream is an inspiration.....not a PLAN.

The last thing you do? Waste money you will want going forward, trying to LIPSTICK fix your "little piggy". Why?

This.......................

"it’s hard to say how we’d feel about it until we’re in it! I’m afraid I’ll paint them and still want to totally renovate in the near future"

That's why.

Here you go Nicole. The left is a pocket door with the golden oak stain and the right is the trim that I put a coat of Coco on.

Suggest easy cosmetic changes and take your time deciding on the cabinets. A bigger influence is the backsplash, but if you think you’ll be refinishing/painting the cabinets down the road, I’d hold off changing. Nothing should be done in isolation and start saving ideas. Be sure that coastal works with adjoining rooms and your home in general. It will be a fine balance given kitchen’s feel and if using the dining set you included as it should drive decisions (chandelier, stools, hardware, and accessories).

I would not paint the cabinets, I would get great big coastal art for your wall by the dining table, change out chairs and stools. Replace your backsplash. Loose the shelving and add coastal art there also. Pick your accessories carefully to give you a bit of coastal, maybe just the color, but don’t go overboard