The best first step next is to create and post a floorplan of your space. Graph paper and a ruler will make it easier to stay to scale. Lots of BIG readable measurements should be included. This will generate new layout ideas. Once you think about these options changing out cabinets could become more of an option.

Nice space! if it were me, I’d change the counters to a simple white quartz or Corian and add a low key white backsplash, remove the items above the cabs, add bamboo shade above the window (removing the sign), then update the pendants - nice to have such pretty floors!

Changing out countertop and backsplash will go a long way to update the space without doing anything to the cabinets, as will a change of wall color to something that better compliments the color of the wood. I'd also update the pendants over the peninsula. Change out your floor mats to something with some color -- the wood is beautiful but the floor and cabinets are close in color and need something as a visual break.

Can you get a smaller trash can and put it under the sink or repurpose one of the cabinets as a trash pull out? I hate freestanding trash cans; I understand the functionality, but they look terrible IMO. I like cabinet trash pull-outs -- I just leave mine open when I'm working in there.

Also, remove the doo-dads above the cabinets.

Sage Green walls look great with oak toned cabinets. Replace the countertop, paint, new backsplash or none at all and new hardware. I personally do not like light pendants but that is up to you to replace or remove. That would be a start to what I would do.

We need a to scale floor plan But no matter what changes are made the glaring dated cabinets will not get better . The staggered cabinets were awful even when new I see hardly any large drawers for base cabinets . I understand wanting to keep what you deem good quality cabinets but IMO function rules kitchen design and you can do a lot better for that with new cabinets . Is it possible to show us at least your LR and DR se we get a feel for your style but I would not spend one penny on bandaids for this space .when you could do something that would increase the value of your home and give you better function

"I would not spend one penny on bandaids for this space .when you could do something that would increase the value of your home and give you better function"

Oh c'mon Patricia -- it's a nice kitchen, albeit a little dated. What's so terribly dysfunctional about it? Not everyone has $$$ for a full remodel, nor does everyone want to be bothered with that. Especially not just to get some drawers. I have base cabinet doors and staggered uppers and I'm thrilled with my kitchen...just sayin'....

OP just needs a little cosmetic updating -- no need to jump to a total rip-out here.

If you don’t plan to change the cabinets ignore the comments about tue floor plan being needed. It isn’t worth it as you aren’t changing where things are. I agree with pork chop comments that it sounds like you are looking for a refresh and cosmetic updates. My mom actually did similar in her kitchen a few years ago. Updating the colour on walls, new pendants and counters and backsplash was a game changer.

it borders on a country vibe...but then are you really more transitional overall? working a more clear aesthetic for your desires might be the most benefit. 1. backsplash is almost rustic..how about cleaner looking light subway ? 2. pendant change could help as that area has the visual aspect.....[trash can relocation?] 3. changing the somber gray walls 4. paying for a vented hood would improve function and a general upgrade...hoods can be stylish these days. 5. More money avail? and bigger project? then new counters....

I am not a fan of the black walls in either the kitchen or adjacent space, but if I loved the fireplace with the black wall I might go with a black countertop (soapstone or soapstone look), keep all of the walls white (I would like a white that is just a bit creamy, but you need to decide how much painting you want to do - just match the whites you already have or update all the whites.) and I would add a green backsplash.

If it was my home, the black would go. I would paint all the walls and trim a nice soft creamy white, get a creamy white countertop and again - bring in green with the backsplash.

Wood cabinets with some shade of green is a natural pairing.

New cabinets do raise the price of your home when you sell. You will get about 50-60 percent of what you spent back. Still a negative return on your investment.

I think the cabinets look fine. The biggest improvement you can make is your countertops, and your wall color. Light sage greens, light aquas, etc, will go well with your cabinet color.

So what are your parameters of things you want to or are willing to change and what are your goals? Wall finish, countertops, flooring, appliances up for swapping out? Are you doing this for yourself or to put the house on the market?

Do you have undercabinet lighting?

This is a beautiful kitchen with a good floor plan. It has a warm and friendly vibe. The wood cabinets look good with their natural finish.

I agree with suggestions above to remove things above the cabinets, change the pendants (I'd replace them with recessed light fixtures that match the existing ones), and replace the countertops and backsplash.

I noticed a small stool next to the fridge. If your upper cabinets have things stored too high, consider spending a couple afternoons rearranging the contents to put the most frequently used items at more convenient height. If the shelves are adjustable, even better.

Why do you want to remodel? What don't you like about your kitchen? Is it just that if feels "old" to you? If so, think a little on what that means to you. There's no point in doing a remodel if you don't know why you're doing it.

Thank you, everyone, for your comments!! This gives me a lot to think about. I don’t want to be wasteful, so I’m hoping to leave cabinets. The countertops are old and chipping, so they need to go. Apparently you can’t replace countertops without destroying the backsplash, so that’ll go too. I took your feedback and AI gave me this. Love it! Not toooo much waste but it lightens up the space.

So AI cleaned up the space and gave you new counters so if you love that do it. You can do both of those and be done. It certainly cleaned up the kitchen so try that . at best it look a lot better but kind of erased your vibe completely .

la_la Girl made what would have been my suggestions. I’ll add that if white feels stark to you, then subbing a light green or light blue seems like a nice alternative. A thought: You may love the items decorating your corner shelves, but moving those elsewhere and putting other items there might feel refreshing to your eyes. You don’t have to buy new decor; repurpose items you already own. You can always restore the current items if the switch doesn’t work for you. The main thing is clearing the cabinet tops and removing the “word art.”
the