Paint out the cabinets - if you like the look of espresso go with Benjamin Moore "Black Bean Soup". If you like lighter cabinets, Benjamin Moore "White Down" is a beautiful warm white. Change out the cabinet hardware no matter what. If you go with the white cabinets try oil rubbed bronze hardware and the same finish for a light fixture. If you go with the dark cabinets choose chrome or brushed steel and the same for the light fixture.

Budget permitting I'd add the countertops to the end of that list.

A roman shade on the window and a colourful mat would also be a nice addition.

I'll make my suggestions very budget friendly........new ceiling light, new pulls/handles and a big colorful rug. I can't really see the window to know what is there, but blinds work well, too. Add fun accessories to the counter tops and put the appliances in the cupboards if there is room.

Leave floor as it, but refinish cabinets. You can change doors and paint boxes. add an island with different colored cabinet and countertop. Put pendant lamps over the island.

I love this gray kitchen. May work for you by painting cabinets and whitewashing floor.

We have oak trim all through out the house so that is why he looking to break it up. I can't really think what color we could paint the cabinets and have them look good with the oak floors. I think what we really need to do is just paint all the trim white throughout the house to modernize things but it just seems like such a huge job .

All good suggestions. I agree w/ everyone that said leave the floors, if they are in good shape-they look great in the pic. If not, have them refinished. Restain cabinets darker or paint them, remove the scroll trim, and update hardware, Then when finances permit, upgrade counter top and back splash. This will make it feel like a whole new kitchen.

I agree with others. Leave the floor, paint the cabinets a pretty stone color to break up the yellow of the oak, change the light fixture and cabinet hardware, and add a pretty roman shade over the window.

I would paint the cabinets white and change the hardware, remove the top trim and replace it with a much taller trim, do away with the bridge over the window, replace the light fixture, and if there is enough in the budget I'd replace the countertop. If you can't afford stone or solid surface material, I'd consider some of the new stone-look Formica types, which are amazingly realistic. Most of this has been suggested by others, but I thought I'd add my take on it as well. This kitchen is inspiring, particularly the top treatment.

Save the floors! I love the colors of this kitchen with the oak floors. I couldn't figure out how to link it so here is the picture. Trim and cabs in a creamy white would really perk up the space, following the rest of the first commenter as well.

http://houzz.com/photos/2357630

I love your floor though, if anything will be painted, i'd rather it be the cabinets.

Thank you all for your help and suggestions. It's overwhelming to look at everything at once. I think we will start with a new rug and new hardware on the cabinets. Love the gray/white washed cabinets though! Might have to do that next!

sunnydaze21: Hardware and rug for starters is a great idea. I really think changing the floors is the last thing I would do, unless they are not in good condition. While you wait things out, some thoughts: 1) Changing the tile backsplash for a little bit of a new look is not that difficult. I took a class at Home Depot, picked a relatively simple pattern in budget friendly tile and did it myself. 2) For the board between the cabinets over the sink, I did this trick: Found a graphic, fun fabric and used fusible web to hem a piece that would lay flat on the board, and drop below the scrolled piece by a couple of inches. Attach with velcro tape along the wood. 3) Get a couple new accessories at Home Goods to tie into the fabric.

Fabric with a white background with red poppies, black and a little olive green....black hardware....a colorful rug....a red teapot on the stove, and a red pot with an easy little plant in it on the windowsill. May give you enough of a lift until other changes are feasible!