Honestly, unless you are willing to redoor the kitchen, just putting in subway tile for a backsplash would remove 10'years from that kitchen

oh and more modern pulls and knobs. But just get cheap ones. Save your money for a bigger remodel.

I got these recently to update a vanity and they are actually nice quality.

Change the backsplash, the hardware, and the crown. Get a vibrant area rug.

It's a very nice space. Hardware is an easy change as is the light fixture. Changing the backsplash is more complicated but is relatively inexpensive.

Is that your furniture or are those the listing photos? What are your plans for rugs, if any?

Don't get rid of the crown! Even farmhouse uses crown. They will seem naked without it

I agree with both of Truey's suggestions--change backsplash and hardware.

What color are the cabinets? and the fireplace/builtins? On my laptop, the FP looks creamier than the kitchen. It would be easiest to paint them the same as the kitchen cabinets. Your living room furniture is very nice and lending the contemporary style you want. Will you be adding window treatments to the big doors and/or a rug? If so, you could use a modern print or stripe and then some large art pieces would add to the style you prefer. Good luck!

I think it is a good idea to replace the crown with something less detailed and more her style. I think she can tone down the crown without making the cabinets look chopped off.

Agree about hardware and backsplash. As already noted, hardware is an easy and inexpensive changeout. Backsplash is harder and more expensive, but it's a big, highly visible element and the current choice is a big contributor toward the look you don't like.

The raised panel cabinet doors are on the traditional side, but at least they aren't overly ornate and glazed. If you change up the other elements, I think you'll find you can live with them very easily.

As to the floors, maybe a rug for the kitchen in a contemporary style?

Those are nice floors, but it sounds like you would want to change them eventually? They seem fine as is. The trend is going away from dark floors.

Agree with others re: hardware/tile/kitchen rug/chandelier above dining table. Also, maybe rug under dining room table to tie in with rug in kitchen? Another thought: coffee bar or wine bar where the desk space currently is? Would be nice update without completely remodeling the kitchen.

Thanks y'all for the ideas! To answer a few questions:

The floors aren't in great shape and will need refinishing at some point, but I'd like to go lighter rather than darker. Also not crazy about rugs in food areas, especially with toddlers! But I'll give that some more thought, particularly for the eating area.

The furniture is from the previous listing. I've attached a pic of our kitchen dining set (which I really regret buying because food gets stuck in all those grooves and it doesn't match anything!)

The cabinets in the kitchen and the fireplace built-ins are the same creamy color, I would love to paint them all the same white as the trim and the big windows.

I'd probably have a hard time convincing my husband to let me replace the backsplash but I agree it needs to go. I'm fairly handy, is that something I could tackle myself?

Outdoor rugs work great in the dining room. Easy to spot clean and can be hosed off in case of a disaster.

Tell your husband that itvwill will increase the value of the house to do the backsplash. And plain subway is one of the cheapest tiles you can get.

diagonally set tile in the backsplash is your main killer, and is fairly limited, not like you have huge walls of it... do that *before* anything else is my advice. you might be satisfied with 'just' that.

the hard part is getting a tile person, subway tile itself is fairly inexpensive.

No crown molding and subway backsplash. I'd also change the cabinet hardware, but not in this mockup because I'm not that good at virtual changes.

i expect you cant remove the crown without being prepared to add another one, without leaving marks.

i'd say 'repeal and replace' is ok but not just repeal, but that might be taken as a political statement. ; )

Why is it expensive to get rid of the backsplash? Is that because you are including replacing it? Can you remove it and just repair the wall? ( I hate my backsplash :) )

I agree with the others. Backsplash, rug, hardware!

Look at Ikea Bodbyn or Lidingo kitchens. They are also raised panel.

As others have said, it's the backsplash.

I'd keep that crown. The cabs aren't white and matching the crown color would be a bear. New hardware and new backsplash will take you a long way. The cupboards really aren't offensive and I think they can work with farmhouse style.

hate to not have to say anything new lol..but yes of course, it's the backsplash. nice suggestions above. will make tons of difference

hardware can be changed or not..i think it's pretty versatile

a rug will help to set a tone..but if you're hesitant about rugs-I'd look into changing the lighting fixture for something that'd reflect your taste more

it's all easy fixes, relatively speaking. you're not miles from what you envision..you're couple feet away:)

yes, paint creams white color..or not a neutral, but a version of some color you love, so it won't fight with the cabinets

you can use creams and whites together a lot in decor, but with cabinetry it's harder to swing it; so I'd paint. Brick-up to you. Will look ok whether painted or not, or so I feel. Maybe start with the build ins then decide about brick. You also will probably have your backsplash by then..will help you decide

if the backsplash is patterned for example-I'd be tempted to paint the brick more

It's not a lot of brick too, so whatever you decide-easier.

By the way your wood floors and countertop that's quite uniform, makes your choice of paint colors easier..if you're into painting that kitchen. The rooms seem very light too. It can handle quite a few colors. So if you have a favorite..don't refuse yourself. I can see muted green or muted blue..

So, this isn't your sectional?

I wouldn't paint the brick or the built-ins. I'd get rid of the vases, all those pictures, put some books in the shelves.

Different rug, more streamlined, lighter furniture.

And I'd replace the fan with a more modern looking one. Minka Artemis comes in all kinds of colors/woods.

It's hard for me to help you, as I LOVE your kitchen as is. I'm guessing, more stainless steel? More color? (White/cream subway tile ages a kitchen in my opinion, but that's because I grew up in NYC, and also because it reminds me of dormitory bathrooms.) Squared off drawer pulls and knobs? Colorful rug?

I like nosoccermom's fan. I wanted something like that, but it wouldn't work in my home.

Subway tile is timeless! It is the little black dress of backsplashes. It's everything else that are trends that come and go.

Unless you're prepared to use an oil base paint, do NOT paint your cabinets~any other paint will not stick. I would chose to do a glaze on them, possibly a charcoal gray if you're considering black or nickel handles/knobs. For a farmhouse vibe, another alternative for a backsplash would be beadboard, which could be painted any color. Brick vaneers are also available to use as a backsplash. A valance which covers the curve of the window would also help remove traces of traditional/French country. PS....it's a beautiful kitchen. ;)

@artemis: you need this fan. It has your name on it. I actually saw it in a more traditional setting, and it looked nice.

For OP: Look at something like modern farmhouse or Scandinavian farmhouse for inspiration.