To start IMO the same wood floor for the kitchen that you have in the rest of the house . Your lighting is horrible and none does the job. You need pot lights and plenty of them I like LED bulbs 4000K but you can go 3500K and it will be ahuge improvement in the space. I think those cabinets are not ideal so IMO keep what you have now until you can afford new cabinets thta are all drawers for the base ones and a rearrangement of the appliances to allow much wider drawers on either side of a range to hold pots and pans . I think if you do the lighting the whole space will feel very different . If the expense of have pot lights done then choose track lights with at leasy 6 or 7 jheads all LED to run off that one circuit that feeds that center light . The another new fixture also LED over the sink thta actaully lights that counter not the ceiling .. A cheap way to make the space better . So something like this would allow you to install for lighting the whole space and allow you to aim where the light is needed . Try this and IMO wait to save to do a new kitchen down the road when you can do a real update.

I agree, I’d love to replace the cabinets too… I agree with the lighting. I just did this kitchen 10 years ago when I didn’t know better and Home Depot designed it. Wish I could go back! Thanks for your advice.

Your cabinets are lovely! They are not dated and look to be in great shape.

I agree with Patricia. In lighting and floor. If you could continue the hardhood that would make a but difference.

I would also change the backsplash. Is it the same as the counter material?

You can also think about painting.

If you do the kitchen floors, think the rest of the hardwood refinished. Now a days they are doing matt finish. We just redid our main floor and I really like this finish.

You can also give your cabinets a deep cleaning although they do look clean!

As noted above, replace current tile floor with hardwood to match surrounding areas. Adding pot lights will dramatically improve the light in the space and then replace current light fixtures as suggested. I personally would not paint the cabinets but I do find your counters and back splash very dark. I would take off the current tile back splash and just leave the 4" back splash you have currently or remove the 4" piece as well and then perhaps a complimentary light colored tile.

Your Home Depot renovation is fine and just needs some updates to brighten the kitchen. Here are some budget friendly, save-the-planet ideas:

--Change out backsplash to white, rippled subway tile that matches the cabinet. Get more modern black cabinet hardware in black.

--Get new lighting for ceiling, window, dining opening.

Minka Lavery 4107-172, 3-Light Semi Flush Mount · More Info

Euclid Pendant Lamp, Large, White · More Info

If you save enough money from these easier upgrades, then match your kitchen floor to your dining floor.

Please upload more photos taken with all the lights on and in daylight. The windows in the dining area are especially pretty.

Also meant to add undercabinet lighting if you don't already have it. That adds so much light and functionality to kitchen with dark countertops day or night.

If your cabinets are in good condition I wouldn't paint them but change the hardware for brass. Also replace the faucet for a brass one. White countertop and backsplash with wood floors complete the look with new lighting fixtures, one rattan & black, and a black cone pendant over the sink.

Thanks everyone for the great ideas and taking the time to comment!

I like Lisedv ideas, definitely not as Patricia shows, cos it does not look as farm house style.