Our cottage kitchen base cabinets are Ikea but we're using a local company for the uppers to allow more customization. I have a concept drawing from the KD and for the most part I like it. One (second picture) wall is completely without uppers and I would like opinions if the shelves should be on that wall as well.

My original plan was to paint the lower cabinets a slate grey/blue and the uppers white. This is opinion, but I dislike mismatched cabinets, especially in a small kitchen. I’m adding a light coloured quartz countertop with a waterfall edge at the end of the peninsula. No, a waterfall edge is a modern finish, and that doens't match what you have -- not unless you're making a huge change in the whole house. The floor will be LVT in a light wood and the new appliances stainless. Good choice; stainless will lighten up the space. I’m wondering about the one upper cabinet to the left off the sink. It only holds the plates and I can fit them in the corner cabinet. The upper part of that cabinet is hard to get into so I rarely put anything in there. Now I’m thinking I should remove that cabinet and put a couple of open shelves in that spot. In that case maybe all the cabinets should be grey/blue since there will be so few of them? I'd keep the cabinet. It already exists /is already installed, and closed cabinets hold much more than open shelves. With the dining table so close, do you use the stools at the peninsula? The stools were the first thing I noticed. They're too cramped for practical use; that is, no one could get out of, say, the second stool without disturbing the others. Downsize to two workable stools. After all, you have the table right there. Other thoughts: - The window needs a curtain -- this is an opportunity to bring in color and pattern. - The pendant lights are on the small side. The one above the kitchen sink is really too small. - The items sitting on top of the cabinets don't look intentional (except the red pot on the dish cabinet, and it needs to sit on a little cardboard box to increase its height + it needs friends). If you're not replacing the upper cabinets, I'd add pretty (matched) baskets to fill in this space -- choose wide baskets so you can still store these items. This will also camoflague the odd box created by the oven vent.

I mean, what do you have that you wish had a home? Shoe boxes turned sideways? Or take out the shelves and have a wire shoe rack instead? A collection of purses? Rolled scarves or belts? Smaller jewelry pieces in boxes, that you don't wear that often? Cassette tapes you listen to in secret, with a skinny boom box to use for that? Maybe mix in a couple of knick-knacks that make you smile to bump across, but even shallow space can be used! Heck, if nothing else, use it for extra toiletries, like when you have to get a 2-pack of your favorite shampoo, or the big listerine you use to fill the one in your medicine cabinet. Some of these may seem ridiculous, but perhaps a few will suggest a new idea for you! :)

get table/chairs first .....whats nice is the pedestal table. I would remove the table cloth and use a runner/placemats ...... to clean up the look and likely keep the table. [Always work with what exists] You could get chairs in a more transitional style and be easier on the budget. A nice durable rug underneath all that. A corner display/storage set up would be my preference as you have two corners ....but your remaining storage needs arent likley known totally if you are just finishing up...... Agree w comment about avoiding open shelves with movement and heads underneath etc. which leads to " Art " instead ..... after corner set up. seating area will be quite nice once the details are placed. new chairs with existing table will upgrade the whole setting....