I never posted on either of the forums, but read them all a lot. I have followed your other thread. I have few questions: *Do you think you'll eventually replace cabinets & renovate the kitchen? *If yes, when - few years from now? much longer than that? *Is the existing layout satisfactory to you or is there anything that has to be changed soon? Almost everyone suggested that you keep existing cabinets as they are. I personally like dark color too. BUT you are and will live in that house. Looking at them every single day. On top of it you mentioned that they are pretty worn out. So you should do it the way you like them. If you are not planning major reno soon, I would think it would be best to invest some $$$ & have them painted professionally. It will cost you little more, but results would likely be much better. (My daughter paints & I wouldn't have her doing my kit cabinets - walls, trim yes, maybe laundry cabinets!). Just don't forget that the frames/boxes (hope that is correct term) need to be painted same color. That has to be done on site, but it is much smaller/narrower area so maybe your husband can do it. Same paint color as door. The panel by the fridge should be as wide as the appliance - you mentioned that. Would you carry it to the top of cabinets? (I would). Then you need to make upper cab deeper - I am sure you know that & it can be done. Definitely replace tiles. Bar could be just drywalled & painted same as walls (I had something similar & it looked great). Is the counter appropriate depth?(looks just bit shallow, but that may be just because fridge seems to be sticking up too much-lack of proper width on that panel). I had caesarstone organic white counter & loved it. My cabs were darker brown with greenish undertones. And my backsplash was white tile (white on white subtle design). Together it looked great. Sorry, don't have photos to post. If you like gray cabinets (or any other color), I would suggest to go to paint store & p/u color chips that you like. I would take them to IKEA (or other kit showroom...) & look at all gray (whatever color) kitchens they have, comparing the color chips to cabs you like most . That way you'll see how the cabinets will look. You may be able to get ideas on backsplash & paint color too - usually, the showroom kitchens are set up to impress! I am not good in suggesting colors, but having paint chips will help again. Check them against existing walls. If you think it looks good, buy a small sample of paint, get larger piece of hardboard or drywall, paint it & put next to adjoining walls. You will see if they 'go together' much better from the large sample (make it at least 2x2', even bigger). Most important, I think, is not to rush. You will spend more $ than you think (it always works that way...), and you will have to live with result for a while if you don't like it. So rather take more time planning. Your kit is in very good shape for a while longer (even if you are sick & tired of the red cabinets). Don't get pressured into something you don't like, and don't do it so-so/good enough...just my opinion... Rina

Look for a vintage set (table and chairs) in a wood tone similar to the top of your dining table. I think that would lighten up the kitchen and yet connect with the other rooms. I would get backless stools for perching, remove or lighten the shade on the door and find a more colorful rug for under the kitchen table or even paint the base of the table a bright turquoise or apple green. Can't quite tell what other colors you have as accents.

Love it, and love the idea of adding green plants or bright pops of color! I think you ought to paint out that stairway to the basement though. By leaving it the light color, you are effectively emphasizing that passageway—it is trying to steal the scene from your gorgeous kitchen.

P, if I understand correctly, you want your nook to be as organized as your kitchen appears to be (I see nothing on your counters or table,) yet it should feel like your space to manage your household's organization and feel like a a space that welcomes you? I'd suggest you Google "home office kitchen" for some images of spaces that appeal to you, keeping in mind ways you can discreetly keep the paperwork and boxes that are probably visually distracting you. Also Google "children's home art gallery wall, as you may want to coordinate the wall behind your desk with your work nook. Are you crafty and do you have time with three small children to DIY any projects? Again, Google hacks for a high-end look that will need with your space, yet reflect your personality and inspire you to completeness necessary to run your home. Lots of good suggestions here, but you need to think about what this space needs to do in terms of function, how it should appeal to you aesthetically, and how you can make it work budget-wise. BTW, what you're doing is what teachers do every summer . Don't be afraid to look at some of their ideas, pictures, and blogs. Carol ETA: Post some pictures, even if they don't fit your budget. I'm sure you'll get some good ideas on how to get something similar less expensively.