Paint these cabinets mid-grey. Apply modern hardware to replace the knobs. Remove the swag on the window. Paint the room a contrasting color - either white or deep grey.

I would start with baby steps, add things slowly and see if there is much of a change in looks. First get rid of all the stuff on the counter top (blends in too much) and try adding a few 'punch' items, complimenting your backsplash. I'd go with the obvious black, maybe white or gray, try nothing on counter tops except punches of basic colors. Then try new nobs on the cabinets, something that you like and compliments the granite. If all of that fails consider painting the cabinets. I'd take pieces of contact paper the color that you're considering painting the cabinets and tape the contact paper to the cabinet front for a few weeks, see how you like that color before actually painting. Good luck!

I think your kitchen looks great. I'd only suggest new hardware and take everything off the counter(s) that you don't use daily. Adding color in a teapot or canisters and a new window treatment in your new accent color will "update" for you. :) Notice how this photo (same type of cabinets you have) with the red teapot draws your eye to color!

Thank you

Such a pretty backsplash and countertop. I agree with what's been said before...start small and see how much that will change. Clear your countertops, change the cabinet hardware and change the swag over your window to a roman shade or a matchstick blind.
Can you take pictures from other angles, so the walls and other portions of the room can be seen?

Here's your kitchen in mid-grey:

I would not paint gray. I just can not see gray being in style for very long. When I first came on Houzz about 9 months ago, I liked it, but in such a short time I have gotten to the point I do not want to say the word gray except in a few rare cases. Now, imagine living with it day in and day out...gray lovers don't be mad;)))

Maybe a new window treatment with more color

If you decide to paint your cabinets, go to a local paint store that has knowledgeable staff for advice. I was given the wrong advice at a big box store three years ago and had to repaint recently when original finish started showing through. The right paint makes an unbelievable difference in both ease of application, upkeep and durability. Go with your heart. The ambiance you create will affect you more than the idea of being "in style."

I think your kitchen is just fine.

One thing you could do is to put new doors on your cabinets. If you were to replace your cabinets, your backsplash would have to be replaced or repaired unless you could find the exact side cabinets to replace them. And even then, taking down cabinets could damage it.

Easiest update is to paint the cabinets. I suggest white and painting the island in charcoal. Distress the island with an extra fine sand paper before you wax it. Update the hardware. Paint the window trim white and replace the window treatment with one that is simple and bold in color, maybe a valance in a yellow and grey pattern.

The best way to update this is a reface kit, new doors and drawer fronts get a style door you really love. Then you can get the finish you really love, painting doors that have already been finished just never look quite as good. Especially when you get into oak, it is far from a paint grade lumber with it's deep grains. The paint always ends up heavy on the door, they might look good from a distance but up close it just never looks quite right. A reface of new doors and drawer fronts is relatively cheap and gives you so many more options than what you have if you keep your existing doors.

ajordan27,
If you're in the area, I'd suggest you check out our free class on kitchen design every 2nd Saturday of the month. You can bring photos with you and ask the pros for advice.

http://leichtnewyork.com/how-much-will-your-kitchen-cost-class-registration



All the Best!

Wall color is probably the thing I dislike the most. It's a faux orange and yellow mixture which is too close to cabinent colors. The colors also tend to darken the room. This is why I was considering painting the cabinents white. One other oh thing to note is that the kitchen is open to the family room which also has the honey oak wood trim.

I like your kitchen, I too agree with changing the hardware on your cabinets something that will stand out and I would change the decorative plate on your island & add a bowl.

Bowl is a great idea:)

New knobs for the cabinets. Remove decorator items from island. A bowl of lemons for color.

leelee- lemons are no longer trending lol ')

The lemons would make the room 'pop', so looking great doesn't go out of style:)

Is it the backsplash you are not happy with? I'm just imagining your kitchen with an ivory backsplash (pic #1) and a colorful window shade (pic #2) .. then you could pull a color from the shade, in this case maybe teal, for the walls:

I visit a lot of new homes and see great decorating ideas. With the new countertop and backsplash I would love to see the cabinets redone in a off white with the black distress look. The curtain could use updating, more bold and in a accent color. I agree with removing items from the counters that are too neutral, go with some more accent pieces there too.