Can you post more picture showing all walls in the room for more context.

Yes, all four walls is helpful.

If the laminate is worn out, by all means replace it, but white is a good choice for that space and if the substrate is in good shape, you can just re-laminate over the existing substrate.

Don’t be tempted to complicate the space with a faux stone look. Keep it clean and simple. If you want to remove that backsplash tile and the 4” backsplash, you can. Just choose the counter top first.

It would help to have more context but in the meantime here is Formica Basalt Slate laminate which has a very nice finish, you can do a straight cut edge.

Ok! More pics! Thx everyone!

I love the fridge!

Let’s talk about lighting for a second.

Consider replacing those old can light fixtures with LEDs. You’ll use them more and they won’t make your kitchen hot.

Wiring for under cabinet LED lights is pretty straightforward, not super expensive, and will help with layering light.

How long do you plan to live with this kitchen?

I totally agree with eam44 on improving the lighting.

liking the fact that there is a table and eat in character to work with for the space. I would take a little bit of time before the big ticket counter change and paint the walls /take pictures down and store them away for a bit. the walls are gray and dont work that well w the warmer floor. You can use a big runner on the table or how about a charming table cloth bowl of flowers or fruit etc.....just to get you inspired. Seeing a cozier cottageish vibe. with the walls and the eat in there , that means some areas for your personal flair ..the counters wont be the last thing to make a difference. It's nice to see inspiration pics that people gather. but I would lean into cottage charm . maybe determine if the fridge w the roses will remain.

cottage/ vintage charm.....with your wood [oak] use crisper cleaner shades of white /use of painted beadboard /one accent color /detail w hardware/ vintage style light fixture [ if you can] etc.....pick off a few areas to play up your selected vibe ..... work w the oak..dont fight it.

Kitchen detail · More Info

I like the black countertop suggestion. This way your whites don’t need to match, which makes you keeping your white appliances in place. The black countertop also looks great with your wood cabinets.

@eam a while. We refinanced in 2020 and live in a HCOL area. So we ain’t going anywhere!!!! however, my husband does not see the point in putting too much money into this kitchen because most houses like these are torn down when they’re sold. So we’re just looking to do a facelift. Thank you so much for your suggestions.

@lisedv THANK YOU! Could I trouble you to update the picture to show stainless steel appliances? We have a stainless steel microwave and now this Saturday we will have a new stainless steel stove. I like the black countertops.

Also @eam44 I do have better lighting but didn’t have those lights on! And thank you for loving the fridge! It’s a bisque color and it’s awful so for now it works.

@Michelle A

Here's with all stainless steel appliances...

Formica Green Slate is a color that I think works nicely with your cabinets, and it actually looks good with the floral fridge too as small bonus. I know you are not keeping the fridge forever but it wouldn't hurt for it to have something that works with it.