Turn the lights on that is how you brighten a space not paint . Get all the stuff off the counters , put a door on the pantry and while you are at it tidy that up and put the stuff off the counter in there. Then clean the wood well , and see how it looks. . I have no idea what the marble pic is showing. I think the island is too big for the sapce for sure and a really dated shape Change all the bulbs to LED 4000K and then see what you need. I would spend $$$ on a counter depth fridge too

Short answer: Yes to changing the counters only.

Short answer #2: And what Patricia said.

Thank you!!

The advantage to doing the cabinets is that you could have more drawers in the lowers. And you could go full height with the uppers. I do think you have too much of the same wood tone (although there may be a world where you keep the island cabinets and replace the perimeter)….more pics and a plan with dimensions would help us help you better.

How does your kitchen function for you? Is there a door that could be closed on your pantry?

How do you like the corner sink? Wood cabinetry is back (PTL), the door profile is simple enough it doesn't scream dated. Painting cabinetry or lets be specific having existing cabinetry painted properly is not inexpensive. It's so expensive one needs to seriously consider a total gut if they are going to 'just paint', which is why I asked. Function is a reason to rethink your space. I think a change of counter/back splash like the one you posted would be an incredible facelift.

a new island would be a consideration if this were my space. appears you have a nice long stretch ..different materials for a new island would be a nice change if done carefully..did you ever consider pendants over island / and over sink too ? ......I'd keep the perimeter the same except for swapping to a simpler backsplash. showing the measurements of floorspace and details /size of existing island will help to know the starting position. I'd consider a few different options for island change . Currently the seating backing up to fridge is not a great setup. a stool on each end.....maybe more seating [if your desire] at the non stove end of island could be a possibility. what is the area beyond the island? why couldnt the granite? remain on the perimeter? the visibility into the pantry is an issue for onlookers ......dont you want to close that off?

how many seats, ideally? you could place them to have better useability than what exists now., you can go even longer than this island but see how pendants/ a good slab of soapstone enhances things.

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NO judgement here. But it’s so much easier to focus on the structure if the counters are cleared, the lights are on, any under cabinet lights are on, and the pantry lights are off.

There's no door on the pantry because someone either removed it as it was outward swing? and it nearly hit the island.

Clean up EVERYTHING, but toaster and a coffee pot, post pictures of all the surrounding areas.

You need a drawing of the walls, window open area, and the drawing includes the pantry space.

You do a version of this.....on graph paper is fine.

Neat tidy.......and note where openings lead.....such as mud area, garage....

Example below

To me you answered your own question, you would "really love" to have cream colored cabinets. So the next question is do you have the money to replace cabinets, countertops, and backsplash? As other posters stated, you would have the opportunity to upgrade lowers to more drawers. If budget isn't there, maybe save some money, and then do the full remodel a little later, so you can get the cream cabinets that you would like.

If you are going for the full remodel, post your floor plan, so the pros will give you some great ideas for improved function as well as form. Good luck.

I’m going to muddy the waters by saying I think a two-toned kitchen might be just the thing. You could have your upper cabinets painted a cream color. While that will not bring light into the space, it will bounce around the light you have much more effectively than drab brown.

Thank you everyone! I do have a door on the pantry. Its just open all the time. I will try to take the time to clear all counters and take some more pics. @lisedv that's an amazing mock up. Do you know what kind of counter top you used or is this just an AI generated picture?

I took the picture of your above sample and had it AI generate the image in your kitchen also requesting to square-off the end of the island.

A light color countertop and backsplash and everything Patricia said. Do you have a light over the sink? That area is scarey dark.

Ok, I have more pictures of the whole space, and without as much clutter along with the suggested color for the cabinets and two different counter samples.

Thanks, if you have time!!

Tidy ups do work miracles!

Here's the issue: You don't need our permission to tear out a kitchen you don't like.

You don't like the lack of light, some of which is an electricity issue. The rest is the sole window is relatively NOT a window- effect is recessed , blocking light with upper cabinets on both sides and we have no idea if n, s, e, w. exposure.

It is essentially an interior situated kitchen, and is that a covered lanai or patio in the yonder?

Second issue.

Convenient storage, Personal habits. Aside from looks, is is Convenient? I noticed EVEN with a "drop zone" for paper and tech....? ( new readers missed the first pictures)

Do you dig for pots and and pans in lower cabinets?

WHAT I'D WANT.......IF tearing cabinets:

( Note that I would still like a drawing), as I would nuke the corner walk in pantry ^^^ and square off the kitchen. I'd have real venting above my range, microwave elsewhere. The junk collecting drop zone would be a reach in pantry ( just as effective when right size and all else is Convenient......and need dimensions to say what else I might do. Second, I would have the cabinets as much "gone" as possible right of the sink, and consider a window: ) view to patio.

As to cabinet white, counter etc? If you love all else in the kitchen, have at it! Or Find and incredible pro, paint the cabinetry, get electricity and new tops.

Spend some time gathering images of kitchens you love........think it through as it is NOT an inexpensive project, and it is disruptive.

Your pictures are all dim , time of day issue. Raise the blinds, snap a couple at the brightest time of day.

Noting even here........? All sconce lighting...( accent) no lamps. Is there a window, and the two leather sofas in combo with fire stone are draining light from here as well.

Again...... a hard measure of the entire kitchen, including pantry, and noting yonder spaces, where you enter with groceries etc? Might be REALLY revealing for possibilities. If you have a first floor plan of the house? Snap and post that! - It won't tell us exact kitchen details but....will be revealing to some degree.

Beyond all I noted, you consider budget, length of stay in your home, what your REALLY want. The only thing you do not need? Permission from strangers: )

Btw??

Grand Mesa by LX Hausys. A google brings up COUNTER top quartz, not a cabinet color from the S Korean Co.....

You can try out the new countertop look with peel and stick paper like this:

https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/wrought-studio-haton-marble-contact-paper-peel-and-stick-self-adhesive-waterproof-vinyl-wallpaper-for-countertops-cabinets-furniture-kitchen-bathroom-w113625589.html

Apply to the island and the side countertops. Don't put it behind the cooktop for safety reasons.

Oh, for goodness sakes! You have a nice kitchen and, obviously, the disposable income to do things to it if you want. Count your blessings.

I would add under cabinet lighting and use it all the time. Those over head lights are dreary and cast depressing shadows. But they are useful at times .

I would never trade those cabinet doors for the one that you are holding. The ones you have are perfectly fine and quite nice. That white one looks cheap next to what you have.

And dont let folks make you think that you have too much clutter. You seem to be a family, judging by the front of the fridge. This is a kitchen that serves the family, not a showroom. You do not have too much clutter. And this is from me, who is about as minimal as I can possibly be.

Your kitchen looks nice to me. You are very fortunate. Enjoy

^^^^

. The new pics? You are correct nice and tidy. The previous pictures were edited out of her thread, and let's leave it at that: )

New picture up top vs when they came up in the discussion is confusing. It seems you won't be happy unless you eliminate the wood. Then just own your preference and do it. White is the only 'color' paint that will not devalue your kitchen. White is a color that is back to being very regionally specifically preferred. We have no idea where you live. If you just have to have a color be sure you LOVE LOVE LOVE it because you will be the only one who does, and it will give you a huge challenge if you ever have the need to sell your home. Anyone coming after you will go back to wood-or white. They are the only two universally preferred kitchen cupboards, especially in kitchens of your size and style.

Nothing on the fridge. Instead create a bulletin or magnet board with a frame. All pics, awards, notices, cuty stuff on that board, contained, and not too big. Sort of like “art”. Best near the “drop zone” on a wall or under a cabinet near usual entrance but not in a too public area. Makes the kitchen less chaotic.

I agree with the comment to first get under-cabinet lighting. When you see the results you might decide to save your money and effort and take a nice trip instead.

We are planning to upgrade to solid surface light counter tops with similar wood and add under counter lighting,

I would go with the less busy lighter stone and keep wood cabinets but love the Grand Mesa with the darker beige cabinet door.

A pendant light over the sink will really help brighten the space. I got a kit at Home Depot that screwed into a recessed light and used a ceiling hook to swag it over the sink so it wouldn't cast shadows like the recess light which was behind me when at the sink. A matching pendant over the Island would be nice

BTW I love the transom window over the pantry door. you can get peel and stick privacy film if the clear glass door bothers you.

While I like the Grand Mesa with the darker cabinet but iI think the lighter less busy one would be best and keeping the original wood. Pendants at the sink and island would brighten things,

BTW I love the transom above the pantry, if the clear door bothers you,add some privacy film.

I would replace the counter with a creamy color. Some veins in a brown tone will look nice, but don’t get a busy

pattern. You can also just paint the island - I would use a cream color there, as well. Add a bright color for a few

accessories, but not too many.

With the new pics I can see your island is a nice light color - leave well enough alone with that and work with it. New counters and splash and under-cabinet lighting will completely transform the kitchen. But what is this on your uppers?

Either two-tone

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or just light countertops and white backsplash with your warm wood:

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And voila, changed the counters and backsplash.

And did you get the brightness you needed? It's lovely to my eyes but I don't own it and didn't start with wanting cream woodwork.

It looks much lighter and fresher with the new counters and backsplash -- I like the change.

Question: Is that a quartz backsplash? Asking because if so, that was not a good idea behind the stove, it will discolor/scorch from the heat.

Yes @arcy_gw definitely got the brightness was seeking. Yes @porkchop_z5b_MI it is a quartz backsplash. I had not been aware of this possibility so we will just have to see I guess.

Thanks for sharing your “new” kitchen. Transformed into bright and happy.

Looks nice!