We had a similar light fixture. We installed a chandler with down lights & a dimmer switch. Don't worry about painting the cabinets. Just use Liquid Gold to clean them up.

I wouldn't invest too much $ in updating this kitchen if you are going to sell. Chances are the next buyer will want to take down the cabinets and remodel those, floors and appliances to their own taste. This kitchen is in great shape and will get several more years out of it, so even if buyer doesn't have funds right now, they can live in it and be happy. Save your money for your next place.

The kitchen really isn't that bad. I think the light over the island is the least appealing part of all and would switch to can lights (on a dimmer switch) or a pendant light. Are the counters granite?

Cabin girl the counters are laminate yuck!

I would do some can lights and the a couple of pendants over the island

Depending on even the cost of the new microwave, if you are selling I would recommend doing a great job staging (decluttering, cleaning, a few new accessories) and call it a day. The likelihood that your bathrooms don't reflect the same time period as your kitchen is low, along with baseboards, door trim, the list goes on. Let the new owners open that can of worms to do as they please. Real estate comps are not going to shot up because you switched out a light and a microwave, and could possibly drop dramatically with a painted kitchen full of dated arched cabinets.

I agree with others about the lighting. Also some three new stools with a modern feel would dress it up. Don't paint. Good luck.

Your cooktop is 95% black so I would leave it as is if you're selling. One less thing to spend money on :)

Recessed lights won't be cheap unless you do them yourself. Just replacing the fixture can make a big difference. Have you thought about dressing up the soffit above the cabinets. Perhaps even adding a crown molding at the ceiling.

The problem is I am not sure I am selling or not and my other house is so much nicer and this kitchen drives me nuts! The cabinets are so ugly and dated. I swapped out the hideous gold leaded glass for the beaded glass and it only cost $50. Huge difference in just that. I am insure if painting the cabinets will make price of my household down??

*unsure and *house. Stupid autocorrect!

I got a quote of $1200 for 8 recessed lights...that doesn't include drywall patch or painting. Alaska is typically higher than the lower 48 for any repair.

I agree with other posters. Let new buyers redo kitchen to their taste. Painting cabinets would prob be the lowest cost for the most bang.