agree 100% with the post above.

I think a lighter gray for counter - back splash - may be subway tile similar color
I think all white would be too white

Maybe a smaller valance of a plain pop of color. I have a bead board back splash. Paint it white but glossy or semi-gloss so it is more washable. Also if you don't do the 4 inch piece of countertop up the wall, do a plain piece of moulding at the base of the bead board so all those grooves are not meeting at the counter . We even used a composite plastic board , painted to match , so moisture could not warp it behind the sink !

Reconsider removing the wallpaper. It's the #1 source of the datedness. Also reconsider putting quartz on those older cabiets. You're not really going to be able to update them later as you are locking them in place. This is a kitchen where you either go all in on a complete redo, or you do an inexpensive laminate and new knobs and pulls redo until you can get to the complete gut.

Replacing the white tile with white quartz and white beadboard sounds fine. Gray not so fine.

I'm afraid the wallpaper will be damaged inevitably when the countertops are installed. If you have extra wallpaper, you might be able to replace the torn parts. It may be brighter than the older paper which may have faded.

have you thought about trying to keep more of a natural, less glossy look? maybe, butcher block on the island, soap stone or something less shiny on counters? the valance dates the kitchen. the wallpaper would work, along with brick floor (and everything else ),if you didn't do quartz and stainless steel. Maybe wood covered appliances/ less contemporary with appliances.

The wallpaper should go.

Not if she still likes it:)

Get rid of wallpaper ...go plain

Get rid of wallpaper and valance. If you love the wallpaper, then white bead board, white countertops with grey veining in it, get rid of valance regardless of wallpaper decision. I would Install lamenant counter tops. Quartz is expensive if cabinets, wallpaper & flooring is staying. You want to refresh the look. Quartz will look like you forgot to update the rest.

My number one question would be: is the quality of your cabinets worth the cost of quartz countertops? If not, you are wasting your money and I would suggest you stick with laminate counters, they have some great new options. Check this out: www.addisoninteriordesigndenver.com/exciting-new-and-affordable-countertop-options/

Hi, I love your flooring! It has so much character. May I ask what the feeling is in the rest of your house? Does it have the cozy 'farmhouse, feel that I'm getting from the kitchen? If so, I agree with the above posters and I might rethink the stainless and quartz ideas. Your cabinets are cream, so I think bisque appliances would be lovely and blend in more seamlessly than white or stainless.
http://t.homedepot.com/b/Appliances-Cooking-Ranges/Beige-Bisque/N-5yc1vZc3o9Z1z137sl
I agree with the idea of a laminate counter. I think you could get a look you like for much less. I have a soapstone looking one in my laundry room which looks really authentic, but they have beautiful light stone patterns now as well. They won't be the financial commitment you will make with real stone.
I know you want to keep the valance over the sink, and I see it matches one in the dining area. Is the wooden valance over the sink covering up an old light fixture? I think if you really want to keep the ivy valance, I might remove the wooden one, replace the old light fixture (or install one) with a schoolhouse type fixture, and then move the valance up to the ceiling.
Here's a kitchen with the bisque appliances and darker countertop.

Here's my soapstone laminate counter with cream cabinets.

Thank you so much for all your helpful comments. We have thoughtfully considered each one. At this point, we HAVE decided to take the IVY wallpaper down. We are painting the cabinets white with stainless pulls. We are using a white PVC bead board back splash. The brick floor will remain. We are updating to stainless appliances. I've attached a picture of the color scheme that we are thinking of going with the white and gray, contrasting counter tops and island counter tops. We are still debating quartz vs laminate countertops. Any feedback on that (given the above changes)?

Quartz is a step up from ceramic tile. Laminate is a step down.

Ccanoy, that's a beautiful inspiration picture! And that noise you just heard was a collective sign of relief from houzzers over the wallpaper decision. Lol. Good luck!

LOL -- so true! :) one other question -- do I keep the breakfast table and bar chairs? Will that fit the kitchen that we are using as our inspiration picture?

Is this for your personal enjoyment, or for some other purpose, such as resale?

For personal enjoyment ... not for resale

I applaud your wallpaper decision. I love your inspiration picture. I think laminate makes sense here. With your new simpler palette your brick floor will really shine giving texture and personality to your kitchen.

For personal enjoyment, I would also recommend laminate. Something from the Formica 180FX collection maybe. We used the Calcatta Marble 180FX on our coffee bar, and everyone has to touch it to see that it's really laminate.

Your photo has a mix of raw finishes and co-ordinated rather than matching details that lend the room a sense of collected history. To achieve that feel for your room, look for more rustic finishes on either a new table and/or chairs - if choosing just one item to replace, consider painting the remaining item. ( a table w cabriole legs will emphasize the curves in your upper cabs.) The bar stools seem fine, but could also use a colour change.

I think the bar stool will work because of their rush seat brings an organic feel to the room, like in the inspiration picture. The table "may" work. Maybe painted legs? But I think the chairs aren't in the right style for the inspiration room.

I think getting rid of the wallpaper should be a priority over the new counters. Find new paper or paint to compliment the floors. Maybe a warm tone. It will look like a new kitchen and then you could get any counter top you want! Any time I've tried to make do with old I regret spending the money. Should've saved and waited till I could do it all.

Old post but if you're reading, how'd it go? :)