The kitchen in the photos looks great as is.

Have you thought about maybe white cabinets with either a Pietra Cordoza or or a soapstone countertop? Or if it's not in the bod get maybe a Calacatta or white Quartz? I think you would achieve a very clean look with those choices . lookwitaany of us choices



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Sorry about the ending!!! iPad glitch!!!

The backsplash is too dark. If you want to get the biggest bang for your buck, replace it with something whiter and brighter. Light colored glass or ceramic tiles would highlight your stainless hood and keep the far end of the galley style kitchen bright.

You stated that you are budgeting for limited renovations and that is the one single renovation that would eliminate the "dark" problem. If you also replace the countertops, I would go light with them as well but not the same material as the backsplash to keep the cave look to a minimum.
Whatever you choose for backsplash and/or countertops, keep it very simple and light.

I think that one possibility with a low budget) may be to replace the cabinet fronts with white ones with Lacquer or satin lacquer or acrylic finish and replace the counter top for a light color quartz, and the back splash with a light color /large format porcelain tile (12x24)

I think your kitchen is modern enough. It looks great............except for the floors. That's what I would renovate. I'd leave the cabinets alone.

I'd paint the upper wood trim the same color as the cabinet doors. Display a few pieces of modern pottery in the little corner shelves. Perhaps a couple of colorful items on the counter. Not cluttered. Simple, inexpensive changes which could brighten and modernize the kitchen. Don't tear out the countertop or backslash until you've lived with it a while.

....and new more modern light fixture.

Agree with @iwantit, it's the floor more than anything else which is definitely not Scandinavian. Looks more southwestern. I don't think you are going to get the look you want with the current floor. Fix that first, then if you're still not 'quite there' paint out the brown trim on the cabinets starting with the back of the peninsula.

it is the backsplash. it actually a striking kitchen but the backsplash is too much. your kitchen was made for a classic simple subway tile in cream. go up at the sides of the hood

old post.

This is a very simple kitchen that shows very well. That being said you just need some "pop". So think about changing the back splash. Try finding some light glass tiles with some complementary accent tiles of a bright color mixed in. Then add some LED under counter lighting. Also add the LED lighting over the top cabinets. Just one additional thought if your budget allows retile the floor with a wood looking tile with a color that comes close the cabinet color to tie the room together. Good luck with the project.

Yep old post but might still help someone's idea process.