Is there anything about it that you are not liking? The usual suggestion is to live with for a time to settle with the new home before making any changes.
Having your own items around can make it feel more like ‘yours’. My only thought would be that flat fronted cabinet doors might help it feel calmer.

I think that changing the backsplash tile - or just removing it, and painting the wall area in an eggshell finish (which makes it cleanable/wipeable) - could make a significant difference. Also, changing the pendant lights could be another easy change.

In a couple of these visuals - I used a glass subway tile on the backsplash. In one of the visuals - I was attempting to show the look with just painted wall on the backsplash - and AI went wild, and subtracted some cabinets.

Below, with the glass subway tile:

Clearer pictures.....

I would do nothing, until I changed it all

Lower storage is all doors versus more convenient drawers.

Two conflicting stones/perimeter vs island top

A hi/lo dated upper cabinet arrangement

If you must?

Tops, hardware on cabinets, backsplash....but.

Every dime you spend now, is a dime you do not have for a better/later re do.

Save your money until you can redo all. If you’re really wanting to update, for me it would be backsplash, island lights and permiter countertop and floor which reads pink in these photos.

Flooring, countertops and backsplash jump out for me. All 3 are fairly dated. Replacing IMHO would go a long way toward freshening up your kitchen.

Depends on your budget and then prioritize as to what would have the biggest impact (short or long term). What’s your budget and wish list? It’s important to have a plan and have a look in mind (search for inspiration on line). Is the furniture yours or from the listing?

The eating area will have a big influence with the dining set and window treatment setting the tone and be sure island’s choices are complementary. Hardware and lighting are not expensive, add some color (and even a new backsplash at some point).

Always a good suggestion to wait but I would want to tackle the lighting (pendants & dining fixture) and backsplash asap (i’d probably just paint the backsplash so it disaapears, it can be a great short term solution)

Add glass to a few cabinets. As stated - new backsplash, new island pendants....then reassess.

I assume those are the listing photos? If so, the only thing I would do immediately, if they’re not already gone, would be to remove the word ”art” in the nook. For the rest, I would live with it , as is , for awhile, your wants/needs might change drastically. Mine did for my previous home. I was so glad that I waited.

I agree WAIT until you have lived with the layout first. The space is very dated so no amount of stuff will change that. Forget stick on tile stuff it is tacky at best and will not improve what you have at all. It looks clean and hopefully functions right now and give it time to see what you MUST change

The island is huge and there's little space between the sink and the cabinets is what is a very large kitchen. I'd consider shrinking the island. The kitchen is very white and beige. You could punch is put by painting the walls a bright color r painting the bottom cabs. Or just bringing in color with chairs and other furnishings. I knew someone who had everything red in a rental with a white kitchen --- a red stand mizer, a red toaster, a red coffee maker. It added a pop of color without touching the kitchen.

If the former owners don't take those stupid signs, I'd ditch those, too.

Given that changing the island might be a big investment, I'd live with the kitchen for a while to figure out if the island's size is as awful as it looks. You might find the narrow distance convenient.

The question I have is:

What does a "refresh" mean to you?

"Refresh" = has different meanings. For some people, a refresh is $500 -$1,000 budget. For others, a refresh may = $5,000.

You need to provide more information - especially, what is your budget for a "refresh?"

I know someone who did a "refresh" a year ago - she replaced all of the cabinet doors to a shaker style. She didn't spend a lot of $$ on the doors/drawer fronts - she bought replacement doors (professionally finished -constructed out of mdf because she didn't want to spend $$$ on the doors because she plans to do a full renovation in 7-8 years) from someone on Etsy. She also changed all of the handles/knobs in the kitchen. She removed the backsplash tile + installed new countertops. She couldn't decide on a new backsplash tile - so, she simply had a 6" splash made from the countertop slabs (she planned on removing the 6" splash and installing tile later, but now she likes how the kitchen looks with just the 6" countertop piece + painted wall).

She had rollout drawers in some of the lower cabinets + converted a few lowers from doors to drawers. She spent under 5K.

Without knowing the budget, it's a bit of a waste of time for people to make suggestions.

My budget is under 20K. I am not a fan of the black and want to warm it up. Need to replace all the furniture.

Congratulations on your new home! You have a wonderful starting point, and I believe you can make a dramatic improvement while staying comfortably within your $20,000 budget.

Having spent 22 years as a professional kitchen designer, my first recommendation would be to keep your existing cabinetry, countertops, and flooring. They're attractive and appear to be in good condition. Replacing them would consume a significant portion of your budget without necessarily delivering the greatest improvement.

I would concentrate on creating a warmer, more inviting atmosphere with several relatively simple changes.

Here's how I would approach your budget:

1. Replace the backsplash: Choose something simpler and warmer to soften the kitchen's appearance. Estimated cost: $2,000–$3,000.
2. Update cabinet hardware: Consider brushed brass or champagne bronze to introduce warmth. Estimated cost: $400–$800.
3. Repaint the island: A warm taupe or soft neutral could complement your existing countertops beautifully. Estimated cost: $800–$1,500.
4. Update the lighting: Replace the island pendants and dining room fixture with something warmer and more contemporary. Estimated cost: $1,000–$2,000.
5. Replace the dining furniture: A natural wood table and comfortable upholstered chairs would make a tremendous difference. Estimated cost: $2,500–$4,000.
6. Replace the island stools: Choose seating that coordinates with the new dining furniture. Estimated cost: $800–$1,500.
7. Add window treatments and accessories: Introduce warmth, texture, and personality. Estimated cost: $800–$1,500.

TOTAL ESTIMATED INVESTMENT: $8,300–$14,300

That leaves approximately $5,700–$11,700 of your $20,000 budget for additional furniture, unexpected expenses, or other improvements.

These are approximate planning figures, and actual costs will depend on your location, materials, and installation requirements.

One thing I would emphasize is the importance of selecting everything together rather than making individual purchases. Your existing countertops and flooring have considerable movement and color variation. I would bring home actual samples of the backsplash, hardware, and island paint and evaluate everything together in both natural and evening lighting.

Personally, I would start with the backsplash and dining furniture. I believe those two changes alone could make an enormous difference.

My philosophy has always been that a successful kitchen renovation isn't necessarily about how much money you spend. It's about making thoughtful decisions that improve how your home looks, feels, and functions.

You already have a beautiful foundation. I believe you could accomplish a remarkable transformation for considerably less than $20,000.

Wishing you many wonderful years in your new home!

I agree with others that it is best to live in a home for at least 6 months before making any major changes or large purchases.

There is nothing worse than making a quick change and finding it has boxed you into a design that isn't quite what you wanted or leaves you without the money to fix something that is driving you crazy.

Have you developed a whole home color palette? Do you know your design style preferences?

Do you like the gray walls or will you be repainting?

When you are ready to make the changes some things that won't break the bank would be to replace the backsplash, choose a new wall color, paint the island, painting or replacing the black light fixtures, changing the hardware.

Here is a Chat GPT rendering where I asked them to change the light fixtures, the backsplash, cabinet hardware and wall color.

I want to warm it up. Replace backsplash and paint island and cabinets and replace hardware just

Love all the suggestions here. Also would like to replace kitchen table, chairs and table in sitting area and portrait