I'd definitely change my backsplash to white subway with black grout different lights would help it's showing to dark and a black refrigerator

There's a lot of contrast with the white cabinets and black hardware and lights. I'd consider hardware in a silver tone, like a satin nickel or chrome, to coordinate with the stainless fridge, sink and stove. Order samples and try some out; check the return policies. For the lights, I prefer something that doesn't have exposed bulbs.

I find the backsplash is too busy, but I understand updating on a budget so if it has to stay so be it. If there's anything you can remove from the counters, that might help it feel less busy. I personally would not switch to a black fridge.

I think adding trim to your island could be a nice upgrade (depending upon what other changes you make in the room). There different ways to trim it out -

I would skip doing any sort of trim like in the photo below:

The cabinet doors in this kitchen match the doors you have in your kitchen - however, I think that the pattern used on the island does not relate to the style of cabinet doors (I'm not sure if this trim idea belongs in any kitchen that I've seen).

The photo below shows a popular style of trim used for the backs of islands. You could use this as an example of how/where to add trim + adding baseboard moulding - however, I'd match the width of the boards to the ones on your kitchen doors (this kitchen actually has raised panel doors - not shaker style ones - the homeowner didn't try to match her door style obviously). I would use a baseboard consistent with what has been used in your kitchen (the photo cuts off the bottom of your island = I can't tell if you already have baseboard added to your island).

The width of the trim on the back of this island looks like it would be similar to the width of the stiles/rails on your cabinet doors. I think the island would look better with baseboard trim instead of the flat board used at the bottom. However, if you don't want to add baseboard trim, something similar to the width size used below might work for your island.

I assume that the sides of your island don't have end panels or trim. I think it looks better when the trim is continued on the sides:

If you add trim to the sides also, you need to think about how you will end/finish it where it meets the front of your island. You can find examples of how people have done this in order to make their island look more professionally finished vs. DIY.

With respect to changing your pendant lights and hardware - I think replacing the black pendants and hardware will be a good update. I think black hardware on white cabinets makes the hardware stand out too much.

I think that your current backsplash would look better with brushed nickel than with brushed brass.

I also think that replacing your existing backsplash would really help to update the look of your kitchen. Your current backsplash is very busy - adding trim to the island may be too much if you keep your existing backsplash. If you are not able to do that now, I would start saving for it in order to replace the existing backsplash soon. Also, it is not very expensive to DIY a surround cabinet for your refrigerator - that would also be a good addition to the room.

Thanks for these ideas. I would love to replace the backsplash, countertops and sink but I’m trying to spend as little as possible. I would cover the backsplash, but the problem is that it’s expensive glass tile. Even though it’s a busy look, it’s actually decent quality.

How expensive or quality your glass splash is doesn't really matter. It is a look that is driving so many choices in this room. For example, I would do brushed nickle instead of brass hardware because of the splash. I wouldn't trim out the island because of how busy the splash is.

I just did an inexpensive kitchen upgrade by painting my busy stone and glass backsplash. It completely changed the room and cost as much as primer and paint.

My friend did the same when she moved into her home 8 years ago and the painted splash is still holding strong. (She is a designer with incredibly picky taste so trust when I say her painted splash looks great and is durable.)

Thanks so much for the comments! Wow, I’m seriously considering painting the backsplash tiles. They actually don’t look as bad in person, but I can see how busy they are. Previous owners replaced all the appliances and painted the cabinets, so it actually is not really that bad. I feel like it would be easier if they had done nothing and I could just start from scratch!

I would change the hardware and pendants from black to nickel (warm tone metal), and paint the backsplash. I would use a neutral countertop that coordinates well with your floor.

“the problem is that it’s expensive glass tile”

“They actually don’t look as bad in person, but I can see how busy they are.”

So did you choose this backsplash? Whoever did added tile on top of the 4” counter backsplash you already had, which was a mistake, and the tile itself could be considered another mistake (it is for 6/6 of us so far).

But if you love it, keep it. You look at it every day and think it is high quality. Maybe you see what we don’t, and you’re the only one who has to like it. Don’t add projects to your list because we see what you don’t. The whole point of this is to end up with a space YOU love, and if in your mind that space has a double backsplash with that tile, then keep that tile.

If you decide to do anything with the backsplash, consider removing it by cutting out the drywall it was mortared to and replacing it with a new piece of drywall that you can paint. If you paint over the tile, you’ll still have the belt and suspenders, double backsplash. It’s a lot of work to go to if you’ll still be left with an odd look.

If you’re changing your metal finishes, consider chrome or polished nickel. Best of luck.

Backsplash is hideous. (sorry) remove the double backsplash (glass squares) and keep the 4” backsplash that matches your counters. its belt and suspenders and its bad. then brushed nickel hardware and lighting- no exposed bulbs, trim island to match cabinets.

Not to pile on but honestly the first thing that jumps out about your kitchen to me is the dominant backsplash.

Changing the backsplash (even just to painted drywall), pendant lighting (are they centered over the island?) and cabinet hardware along with paint will make your kitchen shine. You can accomplish this with a modest budget.

Find out from Kendrah exactly how she painted her backsplash and do that. That mosaic backsplash is a look that wasn't great when popular over a decade ago, and hasn't aged well. Then change the pendants if you like. I'd bet that after doing that you won't feel the need to change out the hardware.

" I feel like it would be easier if they had done nothing and I could just start from scratch!" SELLERS PLEASE HEAR THIS!!

I don't see the point of the changes you are contemplating. What you have now is the best choice for the over all look. I do see how your island needs something, but not sure what to suggest with all the other elements you have garnering attention. Your kitchen has a very destinctive look. It's very attractive over all. Until you are at a point of a total gut to get what you want--perhaps save the little you have now to spend later when it will make the best impact?

The backsplash absolutely leaps off the photo you posted! Anything you can do to change it would go a long way toward making your kitchen better.

I like the 2nd pendant that design fan posted. It seems like a good scale and the opaque shade will soften things. Painted splash and cool metal pulls and it will look great!

Design fan's second pendant is perfect.

Try using peel and stick wallpaper on the glass backsplash. A slightly textured plain white wallpaper would be fine. It's easy to remove when you are ready to change the backsplash.

it could use a bit of warmth somewhere. I'd probably price out a walnut top for the island.it would be a far better change than the collection of tweaks. if the backsplash has interest being glass and a certain quality as a result then leave it. get a new top for the island. I might consider rattan pendants with the wood top and bring warmth to that seating area..its big enough to make a change there worth it.

a different feel at the seating area w new pendants [below] ..maybe new top and stools.

Escondido Bohemian Kitchen Remodel · More Info

Rattan Pendant Light · More Info

a beautiful new island top ..you can make any changes to your overhang also

La Jolla Custom Wood-Mode Kitchen Remodel · More Info

Showing 2 different styles, both with the painted backsplash which will show just a texture once painted.

Yes to brushed or sating nickel hardware and changing out the lights to something not quite as harsh. Painting the backsplash is a wonderful idea! As far as trim on the island, just add trim to mimic your shaker cabinet doors. I agree to adding some wood to the room for warmth, even if it's just a cutting board up against the backsplash and some wood barstools.

You could even add a pendant light with some wood in it as well.

First AI is a misnomer all it does is go look online see what the trend is and show you that trend . IMO the backsplash and the lighting are whay is needed to be changed . Then see what you would like for hardware. Stools I like color for stools . Please no stick on wallpaper on the backsplash jusr remove it a redo not a huge deal and great bang for your buck

I would paint the backsplash and do nothing else. Adding trim to the island won't look much different and I wouldn't bother.

I would leave the lighting and cabinet pulls. They repeat the black of the counters.

Ok I know everyone thinks the backsplash needs to go, but my spouse likes it so I’m afraid it has to stay. I know it looks gray in the photo but it’s actually different shades of teal. Does anybody think I should lean into that and paint the island or cabinets to match one of the colors in the backsplash?

The main backsplash color is equivalent to Benjamin Moore’s Stratton Blue.

I’d definitely change the pendants, but I wouldn’t make the metal finish the starting point. With so much pattern already happening in the backsplash, I’d first look for a cleaner, more sculptural shape — something interesting enough to update the kitchen without adding even more visual clutter.

I recently put together a video showing 8 very different designer pendant lights in actual interiors. It might be useful here because you can see how much the shape of the fixture alone changes the feel of a room:

https://youtu.be/nKEcEzpYHhk