In my previous home I had cabinets similar to yours and had cabinets added on top to the ceiling by going through the original cabinet provider. The cabinet provider came to my home to ensure this could be done. I was very happy with the results.

I just noticed you have a bulkhead, so that will change adding cabinets on top unless bulkhead is removed. So sorry.

That sounds great! Do you have any photos? what color cabinets do you like gor this room?

Its actually not a bulkhead. Just an optical illusion in the photo. Its just a wall to the ceiling.

I may be able to find some photos. I looked at your picture again - was I wrong about the bulkhead? Give me a few to find a photo.

OK - so this was 23 years ago ☺️ but you get the idea. Good luck.

Moving the bulkheads will be a spendy mess.
Can you focus on other updates?
Consider moving the micro to a spot away from the range.
Consider refreshing cupboard fronts ...lose the arches.
Convert majority of lower cupboards to drawers.
Do show us your solution.

if you are swapping out the counters I'd get a quote for ikea replacement cabinetry.You can add one of their freestanding islands and utiize that floorspace. Think of improving the kitchen w better storage etc ..Ikea is very economical. They have planners..I'd price out rplacement project .....go ahead and keep the layout to simplify everything if you so desire.

Ikea ....shown below. storage DRAWERS! flexible ISLAND !

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If it is not a bulkhead you could add another layer of cupboards...remembering that access will be a pain unless you have a tall step stool.

You need to provide photos of the other sides of the ENTIRE space to get the best suggestions. What does the rest of the space look like?

Thanks all! No, theres no bulkhead above the cabinets. Love your ideas everyone! And here’s a photo of the other side of the kitchen. It faces into the family room and there is seating on the other side of the island. We plan to remove the sink and that odd wall to the right of the island. It is not load bearing.

Sorry, @Valinta, but your outcome does not look great. Just look at the spacing of those tiny upper boxes, compared the original cabs below them. The spacing doesn’t line up properly. It’s so obvious those were an add-on at a later time. Also, that type of configuration was not done on old, partial overlay cabinets.

It would be even worse on the OP’s cabinets as his/hers doors are arched. The OP’s idea to get new cabs that go to the ceiling, is an infinitely better way to go.

But, yes…K Moore, show us the entire kitchen. Perhaps there’s a better layout the good people here can figure out for you. For instance, wouldn’t you like to get the garbage can off the floor, and secured inside a cabinet for better convenience? How about installing a real vent hood for health concerns, and putting the microwave elsewhere?

If cost is an issue, I’d look at IKEA. Best bang for the $, with all the modern bells and whistles…and, a 25 year warrantee.

I would go with new cabinets to the ceiling in off white!

When it comes to cabinet color, consider a soft mid-tone gray or something with a significant gray accent. You want your appliances to blend harmoniously with the cabinets, rather than stand out.

Great idea!! Thanks so much, Chicagoans!

Here’s my favorite AI renderings so far. Do you prefer glass cabinet w lamp or plain cabinet?

IMO AI has along way to go to be a designer Notice the cabinets did not change size but now at the ceiling with not one inch bigger space between counter and bottom of uppers . I agree you have a dated kitchen with dated cabinets and to spnes a lots of $$$$ painting those is a huge waste . Wai awhile save your money then come back and tyou get get a ton of free kitchens designs from pros who are actually alive and human

K…I would find that lamp above the sink to be nuisance that will collect dust. It does nothing to improve the asthetics of the kitchen. Better to install a recessed light there.

Well, if you're determined to paint, then choose a warm off-white like your middle photo.

This soft sage is very pretty. Note the pendants over the peninsula. (Any chance you could move over your "island" to make it a peninsula so you'd have a wide walkway to the right? Flooring under current cabinets would be a factor.

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Creamy white cabinets. Chairs that echo floor finish.

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I wonder if turning your "island" around would work. You need clearance of at least 36-48 inches. Also what is the flooring underneath the current "island." The idea of removing the wall is a good one and will open up the space. . Do consider getting a ceiling fixture for the kitchen over the "island" to bring in more light. Make sure you add under cabinet lighting.

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I really enjoy that off-white. If you do complete new cabinets, you could incorporate the trashcan inside. You could do a few floating shelves to complement the floors (instead of one top cabinet), something to repeat the wooden element.

Maybe pick a rounded cabinet (open rounded shelves? I don't think IKEA has them, but I've seen them before) for the edge on the right side, since you walk by there.

I kind of love the wall dividing the island from the rest. I could see it as a little gallery wall, the space for family calendar or something like that. But if you do cut it, it will open up the space. :) And since that side of the room will be rather "plain", then you could do matching shelves on the main wall next to it?

I'd also definitely consider the hanging pendant lights! And if you were already working with an electrician, I'd group some of the outlets/light switches above the counter.

If you will be replacing the counters (I assume so, given the sink removal on the island), another option would be wooden countertops. I am heavily biased towards the combo of off-white/white cabinets, subway tiles, wooden floors and wooden counters myself – since that is what we are planning for our kitchen. I just think it makes the space warmer than white on white, personally, but your taste is what matters here!

@plantsarefriends Thank you so much! i love your ideas! im especially glad you said you liked the little divider wall, because a different contractor told me that it IS load bearing and shouldnt be removed. Thanks again!