Do you like the blonde color? I'd start with new hardware, replace the ceiling lights with cans and replace the kitchen windows without the grids. You may want to consider something other than granite counters. A quartz or soapstone can be selected with little pattern so it won't be too busy.

Thanks Darzy. Not sure what I think about the current cabinet color, seems like it may be dated? What color hardware would u suggest? Definitely need new lighting, that's one if the 1st things we are doing.

I don't mind the blonde cabinet color. I think you should replace the countertop first and draw a hardware color from there. Choose something simple for your hardware. I think also using a hidden hinge on your cabinet doors would update them. I think green is a nice compliment to the red brick floor, but I am not so much a fan of the darker color on the bottom. Good luck.

Great idea on the hidden hinge! I agree on the color - green is OK but the previous owner painted so many things like a million different shades of it, most of which clash.

I do not care for the rail at the top of the cabinets or the arched doors, so I would reface these cabinets to your color liking with new hardware. All things hinge on your granite choice;)

I think you should paint the cabinets antique white since the blonde does not match the brick at all. Maybe a Southwestern color scheme would work -- orange, dark brown, and turquoise accents, with black, old world cabinet hardware. I think a light, neutral granite would work well, as long as the tones are compatible with the brick color, which may be tough to match.

What would refacing involve? Do you just buy new cabinet doors or can something be done to the existing doors?

If you keep the blond cabinets, I'd suggest an oil rubbed bronze hardware. What color is the hinge of the cabinets? I'd try to go dark, but match the hinges. Here is blond cabinets with dark hardware.

I would have the cabinets on the white side because they look too oppressive the way they cave the windows. I think I would also like to see the mullions gone on the windows & definitely the plate rail gone on the top. Refacing may be your best bet as the arched style is dated. Install pendants over the island & then I'm assuming that you have recessed lights under the cabinet canopy. Forget the overhead lighting entirely. If you choose glass shades on your pendant lights, they will spread the light considerably. Also do under cabinet lighting...it's amazing what a difference it makes.

I would consider doing a darker wood finish on the island as well.

What are you thinking for the backsplash???

I've always liked white cabinets - we had them in our previous house, and they just looked so clean and crisp and made the room seem open. Which I think is what is needed here (among many other things). Agreed on the rail at the top. So the window mullions are the grids on the window panes? I was thinking we would just replace those mini blinds with wood blinds, but I'm trying to envision what you're talking about. I like the idea of doing white/off-white cabinets with a darker stain on the island. Not sure about backsplash - I'll probably just base that off the granite we choose.

LOVE that fabric!!!!

You can buy that fabric by the yard & recover your barstools.