Sounds like a great plan! Say - can you tell me the dimensions on your OTR microhood, and what brand it is? I had to send back one that was too low over my range, and yours looks like just the right size for my needs.

Good luck on your remodel. I think that your changes will really help, and make your gorgeous wood floor "pop".

When you do go tor replace your range - go for the slide in kind. I sure wish I had done so, and as it gives room for a creative backsplash.

jubilee, I'm not actually in the home yet -- I close in two weeks. Once I'm there, I'll measure the microwave for you. The ceilings in this place are so high that the very tall upper cabinets don't even go all the way up to it, and the microwave appears smaller and high up. I'm coming from a bungalow with 8' ceilings, and this huge new expanse of height makes the whole new place seem so big, light, and airy to me. That's also an excellent point about the slide-in range and doing a backsplash. Why, oh why, are slide in ranges so expensive, though?

Have you considered changing the hardware? That would be a relatively inexpensive way of changing the look significantly rather easily, I'd have thought!

Also, I keep imaginging a backsplash of some kind of reflective tile, maybe mosaic - glass, or metallic or something, all in the greys/pearls to tie it together with a bit of cucrrent-taste bling. I saw something like that somewhere but I don't remember where (I'm sure a more experienced GWer can come up with some links for you).

Seems from the pics that the cabinets have a slightly pinkish cast -- is this accurate, or is it the pics? If it is the pinkish cast, I'd consider painting them, though I know that would be expensive or rather difficult (if you DIY). Agree on changing the hardware -- easy, nice fix. I think once you swap out the counter, it will make a big difference. If the home is historical, you may want a backsplash and overall look that is in keeping with the style/age of the home, but that's a very personal choice. Subway tile could look great, I'd think. Good luck.

I second the slide in range. We put one in the in law apt we built for MIL. Even if you don't do a backsplash right away, the clean line of the countertop really enhances a small space. Yes, slide-ins are more costly but if you do a conventional oven rather than a convection, you can keep the cost down.

Thanks everyone for the advice! Looking back at the photos, they do seem to show a pinkish cast to the cabinets, but this really isn't correct. The effect is more a very light, "frosty" gray/white. I think I can live with that color. Any recommendations for hardware?

I second the thought of updating the cabinet hardware and if you go with a dark granite or soapstone, an ORB finish would look nice. Definitely get a slide-in range but measure, measure, measure. The current range looks rather small unless it's just the angle of the photo. I'd keep the wall paint a light to medium color staying away from anything with reds in it (it will make your cabinets look more pink). Maybe a tone of sage might work.

I like your space though.

If you are considering an overhaul within the next 5 years or so, I would live with much of it as is and just paint and get new hardware. It looks like a rather nice kitchen and the appliances look rather new, or just in very good shape.
I would also get a radiator cover made and it would give you a nice little plant shelf and would eliminate the steam radiator look. I personally admit to not being attracted to the color of the cabinets, but the right color wall paint would certainly help. JMHO. G

Yes, nice space! For a warm inviting space and additional storage, how about a cushy built-in banquette in that sunny corner, which would also be an opportunity to add back in some 19th Century design detail? Your ideas sounds good so far. Personally, about now I'd be going lookng for a wallpaper in a smallish pattern reminiscent of the building's era but perhaps rather elegant. And for some reason, with soapstone and gray cabinets, the color cream seems worth investigating. The door jewelry once everything else has been decided on maybe?

One way to warm up the look would be to apply a gel stain to the cabinets. I haven't used them, but from this site, I understand that they are pretty easy to apply. You could change the stain on the cabinets, get new hardware and it would look like you got all new cabinets!

I bought the new GE Cafe series microwave and oven-and love them. The oven looks like a slide in w/big SS knobs- it has 5 burners and the bottom drawer is a second oven (not warming drawer-it goes up to 450 degrees)-best price was ABT. It is listed on GE website as a freestanding- but looks slide in-tip-freestanding was a far less price for installation.

footballmom, I can't say I'm attracted to the grayish cabinets either (I'm much more attracted to warm wood tones, like cherry), but I do think they might grow on me with the right changes around them -- at least, they will have to do for awhile. I do have a good painter (he's going to be super busy because the whole 2,000 square feet of condo is painted white right now!) and I'll consult with him about painting the cabinets. And I like the idea of a banquette in the corner eating nook, rosie!

One of Lowe's olive greens would look very nice on your walls. And I agree about switching out your pulls and knobs.

And the slide-in range for sure. I love mine. I'm not sure how much more expensive they are than free-standing, since I never considered a free-standing range for my remodel, but amortize the difference over ten years and see if it doesn't seem worth it.

You're looking for an undermount sink and new faucet too, aren't you?