The brick backsplash, especially in the "window area" is too much. (What happened to the window?) Also those fake plants have to go, 70s look. Suggest you remove the backlash and introduce some color there, perhaps in a softer shade. Complete update would include stainless appliances.

Very nice. I see that you eliminated one barstool. Good idea. I would paint them to blend in with the kitchen for a more updated look.

Great job of staying on budget!

Nice job. Wish I were handy like that. I like the black and white look. As others have said, remove the vine, change out the barstools. They caught my eye first thing because I had some very similar in the 70's. Penney's also has some very reasonably priced. I like the glasses hanging over the sink but the bar shelf does make it look busy. Can it be moved or find somewhere else to store the bottles? If not, I definitely believe function trumps form. I'd also declutter the bottom shelf at the end of the cabinets. I didn't know you could buy laminate like that. A good redecorating tip to know.

Well done!

Way to go.

Great job! Some new bar stools or refinishing those will finish the look :)

As a retired pro, I never cease to be amazed at what a DIYer will do... You have many good suggestions here. I'd take them! Also:

DEFINITELY remove the faux vine and box in the range exhaust... Build a box out of plywood the full width of the stove and paint it wall color.

Remove the pot rack if you can live without it...

Replace your new dome light with a second track light (or at least replace the black dome with a white one.)

Remove the "bar" above the sink. Hang a framed black and white photo or light themed print (protected under glass or clear lexan), and put a small plant or herb garden on top of the former window sill there...

If you MUST have a "bar" consider either:

1) enclosing the bottles in the existing location (assuming your cabinet doors are no longer available for purchase) with glass or lexan sliding doors to match your adjacent cabinets to the left (or, in another translucent white material or in black finish.) Kits are available at Home Depot for cabinet slider hardware, and Tap plastics will custom cut doors - with round finger hole pulls - for very little money, OR

2) move your liquor storage to the unused wine rack area - and do the same there. With luck, you'll be able to dismantle the wine rack and use the front piece for the new sliding "cabinet" doors. Cover the holes from behind with lexan or glass (or even removable synthetic washable fabric or speaker mesh attached with velcro...) If you can't do that, look to see if you can remove the open shelf unit near your dry erase board and remove the back of it to use for sliding doors. You can replace the back with 1/4" ply and paint it wall color before reinstalling! ;- )

Lastly, re PAINT! If you paint your stools, put a clear coat over your final paint coat. They will look nicer longer, and be easier to clean. Whenever you repaint the walls, go lighter and more neutral, choosing a beige tone from your backsplash. I love your wall color but the yellow in it feels a bit unsettling with the underlying rose tones in your cabinets and backsplash. Silly though it may sound, the wrong wall color can make or break the marriage of otherwise compatible design elements.

I hope you're enjoying the fruits of your efforts! ;- )

Great job. And thanks for the list and prices.

Very impressive for do-it-yourself! I would suggest painting the bar stools black as they were the first thing my eye went to. Also, as with the other suggestions, remove the greenery as it looks too busy. Overall, great work! I would be proud too!

Nicely done!

Way to go. Very nice.

In re-reading my post of ten months ago I realize I was a bit harsh, and I apologize. I realize you may not have a window over the sink! Also, I think I overlooked your description of what you had done and how you tried to keep costs down. I too do not care for stainless steel. I still feel that the different designs in the materials used for the counter and backsplash as wall as the fake plants definitely make the kitchen too busy. Maybe you have changed this? Can you please tell me what product you used in restoring the kitchen cabinets? I have beautiful solid oak cabinets that need cleaning. Thank you.