Note- I do like the AI's idea to eventually make the L fully connect and add cabinets near the other end of the sink but then keep the rest a bar. but once again, way down the line idea.

Stop! Here are some things to do in case you get tired of AI showing these perfect but not realistic renditions:

1. NO CONTACT PAPER COUNTERS!!!! Never.

2. Instead, paint your cabinets the same color as the current walls. Then the cabinets will harmonize with the countertops.

3. If you have any painting energy left after tackling the cabinets (or having someone take them to a shop and spray them the wall color and you paint the cabinet boxes and trim), paint your counter chairs and possibly your dining chairs. Please show all four sides of this kitchen space so we know what's in there. This isn't a piecemeal project but you're only giving us piecemeal view. We need to take it all in.

3. Get nice new hardware for repainted cabinets.

4. Get an indoor/outdoor kitchen rug in this palette of cream and reddish brown like your floor.

Oriental Weavers Dawson Multi/ Ivory Geometric Indoor Area Rug 3'10"X5'5" · More Info

Add some art over counter bar:

Apples Still Life, Original By Afekwo, Art · More Info

5. What is under that dropped ceiling.? Removing can be an easy job and you'll instantly upgrade the room. (Or not, if actually ceiling is a mess.) This kind of dropped ceiling adds a prison bar feeling. Speaking of which paint over those wood strips over the cabinets.

6. Get new lighting.

So this is a lot but much cheaper than a total gut job. And show us the other two walls of the space!

So my first instinct is to change the cabinets, but I'm holding off as it is a huge undertaking. I plan on sanding and refinishing or painting them.

Per the initial thread, people did want me that I was right that it is either very expensive or a large project to not test until I'm more seasoned.

I'm under contract for the house, so I have no idea the state of the ceiling under the drop ceiling if it is bad I was planning on replacing it with plank style to make it feel less.. gross.

And I do know AI is showing me the perfect version, this is more so to show other people what is in my head. And these cabinets are the bane of my existence lol but I cannot fix immediately. So I'm trying to find fixes around them. The first post I had did aslo agree about the gallery wall above the counter which I 100% plan to do.

My preferred style would be a Sage green cabinet with butcherblock countertops for insight into my style. I know it's really common now but I really like it. Just not feasible while I tackle other less fun things in the house.

Oh, this isn't even your house yet. Here's how to post a Design Dilemma so we know these things.

Here is how to post a Design Dilemma to get the best results. (Post only one thread on same Dilemma. You can add photos to original thread.) You need to show the whole space—all four sides of an entire space—even if it’s about one specific Dilemma. Commenters need to see doorways, windows, closets, finishes throughout the space to make informed suggestions. In open spaces, Commentors need to see adjacent spaces like living, dining, family room areas that adjoin a kitchen. This is so finishes like cabinetry, paint, and flooring harmonize in the whole space.

State right at the beginning what the room will be used for, who will use it, and reason you want a change. State whether you are using real estate photos or someone else’s furnishings. State the non-negotiables at the beginning, what has to be kept. Give some idea of the budget. And provide approximate measurements

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6417709/unofficial-design-dilemma-boot-camp

Keep in mind that you're inviting some design pros and people with a design eye into your home via photos. If they walked into your actual space, they would take in all of it: all four sides, doorways, floors, windows, ceiling, built-in fixtures, lighting, trim--the "givens"--then the features that can be changed--furnishings, paint, art, rugs, decor items, etc. It's all one first impression. Same thing with photos. That's why it's important to provide well lit photos of the entire space, taken from all sides of a room regardless of the size of your problem.

Thank you!

You might consider peel and stick tiles. I'd suggest painting the ceiling grid so the ceiling tiles don't stick out as much.

I agree with the drop ceiling grid! Luckily a lot of the replacements options have little things you can put over the grid to change the color. But if I have to I will paint them. Those panels are getting changed asap lol.

Don't scoff at contact paper on countertops. My neighbor did hers as a temporary fix after purchasing her coop apartment. Seven years later, it is still on and looking great. I didn't even know it was contact paper until she told me and I had been in her kitchen many times. This is a wealthy woman who could afford any countertops she wants, but decided the contact paper looked great so why change it.

Wow, Kendrah, who knew? I thought it was something college students did in their first rental house. I stand corrected.