OK. here's what I was thinking when I discussed moving the BP, etc. Unfortunately, I do not have time to document the detailed analysis, but if you read the Kitchen Design FAQ threads linked below, you should be able to see why I did what I did. No through traffic in the Prep Zone, Cooking Zone, and Baking Center! Note: I would have preferred to switch the refrigerator and ovens on the bottom wall, but I wanted to recess the refrigerator to allow you to have a larger refrigerator and there wasn't enough room in the wall below where the ovens are. . Zone Map: . Kitchen Design Best Practices/Guidelines threads -- These threads explain best practices/good design guidelines for items such as work zones, aisles, island/peninsula seating, etc. These threads will help you understand questions/comments you will receive. Layout Help -- FAQ for asking for layout help. It has a sample measured layout as well as a description of the other information we need [Included for reference] . Kitchen Design Best Practices/Guidelines threads: Kitchen work zones, what are they? http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638270/faq-kitchen-work-zones-what-are-they Aisle widths, walkways, seating overhangs, work and landing space, and others http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638304/faq-aisle-widths-walkways-seating-overhangs-work-landing-space-etc How do I plan for storage? Types of Storage? What to Store Where? http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3638376/faq-how-do-i-plan-for-storage Ice. Water. Stone. Fire (Looking for layout help? Memorize this first) http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2699918/looking-for-layout-help-memorize-this-first . How do I ask for Layout Help and what information should I include? http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2767033/how-do-i-ask-for-layout-help-and-what-information-should-i-include .

The answer depends on the overall shape of the cabinets, what you can afford, and what style you are drawn too. Sometimes there is compromise - sometimes the budget and style don't match:) If you do not like the wood cabinets and can afford new, then get new rather than paint. Painting over previously finished cabinets is a good way to give new life to worn cabinets and get through several more years till new cabinets can be purchased. However, I've seen many cabinet paint jobs that started to need touch ups after 3 years (often sooner), major touchups after 5, and not looking so great at all after 10. A lot of that depends on family life situation - lots of young kids vs. single older person. To be honest - your kitchen looks very good and I would not "update" because of a vague notion that things out to be updated:) That is marketing 101 - get people to feel their present stuff is not quite the thing so they will go out and buy more stuff. If you really prefer a different style, check your budget and do some research, but don't go all gray and white because of HGTV. The trend will be different in a few more years - already moving away from one trend and new looks become popular. One can't keep up, so it is best to discover your preferred style and stick with it or at least avoid over trendy materials (like weathered gray floors) that are not flexible style wise. The only thing I would change is the microwave to a vent and that is only because I am short and like good venting when I cook - totally personal reason. I might change the backsplash to a more simple cream subway tile - again only because that is my personal favorite. The stone up the wall for backsplash is probably more upscale then my tile. As to floor - the style of floor you have is like a traditional hardwood floor. It is a style that has been around over a hundred years so more timeless then trendy. If it is holding up well for you, then leave it till you need new.

There are tons of ideas for replacing this awful lighting I much prefer if possible to just remove and add pot lights in LEDs 4000K all from the same circuit you had and then patch the ceiling and paint it. But of course I need to see your actual light and your ceiling.Or if that is mnot an option then a great LED track light.

Congratulations! New homeownership is exciting, and most people come in wanting to put their mark on their home. But (sorry!) I also vote to live with it as it is for the time being. You won't know the ins and outs of what works or doesn't in the layout, and you'll likely find that your preferences will change once you've lived in your home for a bit. And (especially if like most new homeowners you don't have money to burn) doing a renovation too soon could lead to costly missteps. Your current plan will have your kitchen looking like many, many other kitchens installed in the past decade. Which is fine, but it will quickly look "dated" because all of those design elements are so strongly associated with the current time period . "Dated" as an idea annoys me, because if you really, truly love Shaker cabinets and gray, then go for it! But I think most people go for choices like that because they feel safe and you see them everywhere. If you have a kitchen that screams 2021 in a house that otherwise says 2007 or 1992 (or whenever), it's going to look discordant. For now, I would work on a vision for your whole home that reflects you and your home, and slowly make choices that work with the bones of the house that will help the whole home look cohesive. Develop a five or ten year plan to get there. Start with the small stuff that's easy to change (paint, rip out carpeting, add in hooks and shelves and features that make the space more liveable for now) and scale up from there.