The only 'dark' element is the flooring from what the pictures show. We can't see the back splash. Your counter is very light, the edge detail ages it a bit, but you won't get much lighter. I would not paint the cupboards. Pictures hide a lot of wear and tear but from our point of view the wood looks beautiful. Whoever redid this kitchen decided to ignore the window obstruction and over size the stove... Do you have any idea what is under the tile? I would want a more forgiving surface in a kitchen. Sheet vinyl would be my first choice.

I know there are some good photos of galley kitchen on Houzz Photos, but I haven't been able to get their search function to work for the last few weeks. Last week when I did a search it gave me random photos. Today the search gives an error message.

@Houzz what is up with the search function?

Zan the wood flooring be refinished lighter with no orange? Yes if you have enough thickness to the tongue.

I need to see the whole kitchen please . The cabinets look fine . If you change the floor in the kitchen chances are you might have to refinish all the floors .Is this an apartment or a stand alone home ? What is the budget ? The range seems to be sitting forward further than it should but maybe the gas line can't be moved . Post the rest of the pics of the space and the LR here in comments . DONOT start another post

Does anyone remember the lovely NYC galley kitchen of several years ago? Sage green, I think?

Lightening up the flooring will make a huge difference. Helps bounce light around the room.

Your countertop is great! Choose a creamy option from it, light but not white.

Small space all one color, walls, cabinets and flooring will make it feel larger and fresher. Highlight with hardware and light fixture to suit your style/interest.

Is that a slate floor? If so, I would not replace it. It's a cool, authentic feature. I don't think cement-look anything would be an improvement. If the cabs are in good shape, I'd keep them. We can't really see the walls or backsplashy, so it's hard to advise. But, probably that would be the place to focus.

Thank you all for the input so far! Here are a few additional photos to get a better sense of the space. I hope they help!

To answer some of the questions:

1) The red oak floors are throughout the apartment - they cannot be refinished at this time.

2) The granite (I think it's granite) is in good shape, but I detest the edge of the countertop. It hangs over more than necessary, especially in such a small space.

3) Cabinets are generally in good shape, though some of the drawer bottoms have warped, so they pop out of the slot. And I think there is a ton of wasted space above the cabinets.

4) There are open spaces between the end of the cabinet and the wall (and you should see the mess that is under the sink).

5) The slate (?) floor is not to my taste, and after at least 16 years (that's how long I've been here), it's cracking.

6) The stove juts out because of the gas line. Sigh.

7) Not a ton of natural light. We are on the first floor, the kitchen faces a courtyard.

8) The countertop + the backsplash + the floor = too much brown for me.

Thank you!

Search seems to be working again, so here are some small galley kitchens.

Search stopped working again after I found just these ...

Modern All Glass Kitchen - Renovation and Interior Design · More Info

205 West 95th Street · More Info

Historical Philadelphia Queen's Village Kitchen Remodel "Cooking in the City" · More Info

bpath, I remember that kitchen in Brooklyn:

Brooklyn Galley Kitchen Finished (not white!)

That’s the one! Thanks! Still pretty (and was that really 14 years ago??)

Oh wow, @iroll thanks for sharing that! The floor and cabinets are almost identical to mine! I love the intelligent use of space (and the pantry cabinet - swoon). It's amazing how different color combinations can completely change the look of a space.

Yes, there's something very zen about this one, I've never forgotten it. And I can't believe it's 14 years .......

Wood is “back” and your cabinets look good. Do you use any pullouts for organization? You do not have to overhaul the cabs to install that- nor to install some interior drawers, if you need that/want that.

There are many things that you can do. But from my perspective, an overhaul is not necessary. The flooring would be something I would want to change or cover. Since I am not the demolition derby Queen, for me, covering it would be an attractive option. So I would not rule out linoleum/marmoleum and vinyl. Anything that could be done without demo; plus, I really prefer a softer flooring than tile or wood in a kitchen. YMMV

For the flooring, I would go with some type of white hexagon tile or white hexagon tile look. I would not want a wood or wood look flooring in this case.

I love granite. Any kind of granite. So I am really the last one to talk to about removing any granite. Although, I can understand you wanting a different edge- although nothing wrong with what you have. My list of preferences for a countertop change would go like this:

1. Polished River White granite. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

2. Formica Calacatta Cava.

3. A plain white Formica, or a plain white Corian.

I love wood cabinets, but in this case I’d keep the flooring and paint the cabinets. Add new countertops and decor. The dark gray works well with kitchen flooring and doesn’t compete with the wood floors in adjoining room.

I also like how the appliances are not such a contrast from the cabinets now.

@Emily this idea is interesting! It's amazing how these AI visualizers work. Unfortunately, out of the countertops, cabinetry and floors, I think the floor is in the worst shape (Tho it's possible there are some extra tiles laying around in the basement, who knows). I definitely see your point about gray cabinets blending with the appliances better.

I am intrigued by @freedomplace1 suggestion to keep the cabinets, with some repairs and updates (pull-outs, for ex) as needed to improve functionality.

I could imagine keeping the counters and cabs, but the "ogee" edge of the counters is one of my least favorite parts of the whole kitchen. I HATE it.

I'm in Brooklyn NY, and though the building is old, it's not historic. I think a more updated look with a cleaner edge will not only function better, but will be more appealing to future buyers.

So, what is my next step? I am not the kind of person who can do all of this on my own -- I need help with design, even if I am not ripping everything out. Is that an option?

@jethre what's the pipes behind the stove? Before you begin changing flooring and finishes, see if these can be moved or hidden? Or do they have to stay and just worked around?

Once you've established what can be done with the pipes and then decide if you want to keep your cabinets as they are, or if you want to paint, then we can help proceed with design choices and how to get those started.

Those are the gas lines, I believe. Moving them would likely be a larger project than I would like to take on (and would probably involve me losing my gas service.(NYC. - iykyk.). But I will ask my upstairs neighbors on the same line to see what they have.

You don’t want to lose your gas, for sure! So if that’s something you want to live with it could just be painted to blend in as best as possible.

I would start by selecting a new white countertoo and with the edge that you like. Everything else can be done after you see what that does for the space

A gas supply line is a metal pipe with a threaded end to connect to. Or a shut-off valve to connect to. It is capped if not in use. It can be shortened and capped at a spot less in your sight. Not as simple as a water line but doable without giving up dservice.

Is it in the budget to replace the cabinets, or do you plan to keep them? How about lighting? Do you have adequate lighting or do you need new fixtures?

I found this Pinterest link of a video showing how they hid the gas pipes. I know that your pipes are currently behind the stove, but maybe something could be built to cover them. And you have another pipe in the corner to the left of the sink that may be easier to

cover. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/153896512262839206/

I need to see what is next to this space and also what your lighting is like. The easiest way to brighten a space is better lighting. The cabinets look to be in good shape . The granite edge is a bit dated but how much do you hate it . IMO the hardwood looks like it is in need of some work is that part of the plan? If so then replacing the kitchen floor with something to match is a good idea but not if redoing the rest of the floors is going to happen. I need to see that place where the gas pipes are since you always need to shut off for the gas it is not usually as simple as a covering it.