Aside from making the changes you mentioned, changing out your island chairs and stool for ones that aren’t so tall/ big and dark would also help.

You are getting rid of the white appliances but painting the walls white. I am not so sure the SS won't change your view of the color of the cabinets then. The white works better with the floor than SS will. The outdated part is the style. Raised panel doors are not in favor. Slab is the newest trend and painting yours won't make them shaker or slab. The wood is really making a comeback so if it were mine I would not touch the cabinets but make sure the rest of your choices work with them. If changing the counters and back splash I would use the same material for both. Let the design of the veining be the star vs grout lines and small tile shapes.

I would keep the cabinets, upgrade the hardware and appliances. Maybe painting the hood and the island in a deep colour. I think the wood valance is negligible and if you add a nice patterned roman shade on the window with matching upholstered stools the whole kitchen will look nice and fresh. OH and yes paint the walls. Right now there is too much matchy matchy like one big blob of beige.

I think the cabinets look to be in good shape , not what I wouls choose now since all drawers for base ones are just better. But I would not touch thevalance over the window in this case . Your budget will drive the bus and replacing counters is an expensive choice . How long have you lived in the house ? Does the kitchen function as it is for how you cook? Think about any things you dislike about the kitchn function before making any expensive change would be my advice . Please do not paint that hood the paint discolors from steam and heat often can't be cleaned and not a good idea in this case . I think get a new insert if the hodd is not working and do not start ripping bits and pieces out of that space . I am an all or noything in this case .I love all LED 4000K bulbs in kitchens so I would do that before choosing paint The walls as they are look like the new color of course monitors can be different . My advice really think before touching much at all . I would even not do the appliances until you have really decided this kitchen is perfect for function.

I'd put in a new floor. I too ripped out real terra cotta tile. Your floor and the maple are not a wonderful combo and if you keep both of them, it is going to look too much like your old kitchen no matter what else you do.

I like the idea of painting your cabinets white, but they look like they are in great condition and it is hard to get a really great paint job that is going to wear the same as a factory finish.

Have you tested SW alabaster against your maple cabinets and terra cotta floors? Some reviews say it leans yellow and I'd think you'd want to stay away from that.

If you keep your floors and your maple cabinets, I don't love your countertop choice. Too much movement and way too much combined with a picket splash.

Yes to stainless appliances and knobs. Yes to new stools.

Your hardwood floors are stunning, and I love the arched doorway.

Showing with existing floors, Alabaster paint, wood stove hood painted black, island painted black, black stainless appliances, light colour counter and backsplash, black hardware and faucet, new light wood counter stools, a black & white print roman shade.

We might suggest trying new hardware, countertops, and going to all stainless steel. Please see the images below of a recent kitchen we did for a client.

Mt. Washington Ski House · More Info

Mt. Washington Ski House · More Info

Mt. Washington Ski House · More Info