I’d suggest you find inspiration photos, so you know what styles colours you like, then make a list of things you love and things you’d like to add, remove or change about your current kitchen, then make a floor plan and take photos (kitchen and adjoining room) to a kitchen designer and let them work their magic. Alternatively, you could post them here.

Save your money and redo the entire thing. There are a few things I don’t like ( e.g. the backsplash ), however I think overall it’s fine .... but I have to admit, kitchens aren’t really that important to me.

We do have money to redo the entire thing

I’m curious, K Laurence- why aren’t kitchens important to you?

Let yourself live there a while before gutting and replacing the whole thing -- you'll have a better idea of how you live and what is and isn't working for you before you drop the $$$ to gut and start over.

What you have to do first is determine how much you want to spend on this kitchen. If it's for example $5000, you could change the backsplash and counters (depending on your choices). If you dislike the entire kitchen that much, you could spend anywhere from $30k to $60k or more depending on where you live and your choices. So, decide how much money you have for changes in the kitchen, and your next steps will be determined by that.

If you decide to re-do the whole thing, I recommend you get a good KD to work on this. Given your post about being overwhelmed, a kitchen reno won't be something you can do without a KD's help. Don't go to Home Depot or the like.

P.S. Don't change the floors. They look nice.

Kitchens aren’t that important to me since we dine out several times a week & , for large parties, I usually have it catered. Everyone has different priorities. For me , I’d rather spend my money on life experiences ( trips ) & beautiful art that I love. I live in an area where there’s both, great restaurants & art. But, as they say, different strokes ...

It's hard to tell without a floor plan but perhaps you could just change the island if it's the distance that bothers you? Or are you just thinking cosmetic changes like counters and back splash? Personally I think the kitchen is hugely important in a house and you should fix it to suit you and your family if you can!

Are you kidding? This kitchen looks very nice with a good layout and does not look outdated at all. In fact it looks like a lot of the "after" pictures we see on here. Only things I possibly see changing are the paint color, backsplash, and maybe making the island flat instead of 2-tier.

The reason the island is where it is is because that was where the wall was that they took down. And they didn’t want to replace all the floors in the house b cause they couldn’t be matched. It’s the “save 30K” default position.

Geez. This kitchen is nice and suits the house. Are you saying the house you just bought doesn't suit your style as well?

What you should do is thank your lucky stars that the previous owner spent the money to do this.He didn't get that expense back when he sold.

You are certainly entitled to spend all of the money that you want to make your house look however you want. Paint the floor purple sparkles with epoxy if you want. And we are entitled to be more than a little horrified by the wasteful and entitled attitude that such a goal represents.

I love your kitchen. I just moved into a new home and my kitchen isn't nearly as nice as yours. Why not give yourself some time living with what you have and then consider making some changes if you still feel that way?

Hi Taylor,

The kind of light / chandelier/ light fixture, and the countertops can do a huge change on the ambience of a room.

You have a nice floor, and nice color of cabinets, however your countertops and backsplashes are too dark for this color of kitchen . Also, this up-level bar top is something that could be changed to a one level island . See the pictures below and pay attention to the details as : lights, backsplashes and countertops.

So , once again , the changes would be

1- Cut the up-level bar top, make an only one level island with an extended overhang

2-Putting a lighter/cream/gold countertop

3-Get three minimalist light fixtures to compliment the ambience.

It will already make you happy.

Of course there are many options to explore including a floor and cabinet change, but depending of how far you want / can go with this remodeling, this is what you need.

Hope it helps.

I think you could move the island back a foot or so, patch and refinish the floor, build a soffit to close up the space above the cabinets and get new countertops for very low in the 5 figures...and that would solve most of the problems you have with it.

But it seems like a lot for something that is essentially pretty good.
If you do decide to do this donate everything to Habitat and let it help somebody else.

Aha, so the previous owners decided to create an open plan, at some point, I guess, and that didn't work too well?

Would you consider to go, say, to semi open plan, get rid of that island?..

The kitchen seems very nice I agree with other comments yet if it doesn't work with the house turns to be bigger consideration. Then you need to brainstorm the different layout..whether possible, and what options you have..and see what can be spared/maybe some smaller things changed that will make a huge difference to you..I agree your inspiration pics would help..but if the main problem is a layout then address it..then narrow down to aesthetical choices..I think improving layout itself will go a long way. Question is what you can give up, what can you gain in return..

But maybe that what bothers you the most. Not the kitchen per se.

Please redefine your concept of desperation.

Lindsey- It’s too late to edit that word out (houzz won’t let me), but I mentioned above that I was exaggerating. Just feeling overwhelmed and was posting quickly through my phone/not being very mindful. Sorry to those that I offended.

Taylor your post about how the kitchen prevents you from using your living space was important..and I somehow can't find it. But that was the key post, to me, in understanding where the problem lies maybe, and what to address. Can it be you removed it? I think it's a helpful explanation..will lead to suggestions from folks much smarter than me about everything that considers layouts etc

(if you want serious brainstorming-maybe post pics and plans of what you currently have, on Kitchens forum. Dimensions, openings, etc. List your needs as a family too.)

No need to apologize for a poor choice of words ... been there, done that ( oh, some of the texts I thoughtlessly sent, I’m very careful now). In any event since the kitchen doesn’t work for you I agree that you should just live there a while, consult with a kitchen designer & go from there. My initial thoughts about what I wanted to change in my current house changed dramatically after a year or two. Good luck!

Taylor, have you moved in yet? The island distance, while a bit far, seems inconsequential to me as it isn't part of a primary function zone. Seems more for snacks, reheating and the like since that's where the microwave is. If you've lived with it for a while and it's not working, then that changes things.

I missed your post explaining that exaggeration. Wanton destruction of homes that don't meet aesthetic standards is pretty common and I have a knee-jerk reaction to it. Emphasis on the jerk, maybe ;)

If you are wanting to do a full tear down and you can afford it, then do that. Find inspiration pictures, hire a designer and go. I'm not actually sure what you are asking here. What exactly do you want to change? How is this kitchen making your life difficult? What problems will a new kitchen fix? What is your style?

If you want a baby step, you could maybe replace just the island in a contrasting color that you like better. If you move it, you'll have to replace flooring, but you could just make it a few feet longer to close the gap without needing new floors. If it's invading your living room, you'll want to move it. Just make sure you consider everything that could entail.

I use my island a lot for prep work, etc. so I understand being annoyed by the 6' gap. Mine is 4' and it's perfect.