Do you like everything else about your layout? Would you someday want to move the DW out of your prep space to the other side of the sink? Are these cabinets worth repainting and designing around? I only ask because we started in the exact spot you are in now (thought we'd remove half of the stove wall, keep most everything else) and ended up realizing we would be spending a lot of money and still not be solving all of our problems. Just something to consider before you start such a big project!

If you measure out your space people can give better you input. A lot will depend on your budget too whether you keep or replace your cabinets. If you're looking for color input you need to take closer pics of the counter and backsplash they're showing up dark on my screen and the cabinets look pink?

HI -- Before you lift a finger .... go out on a search at kitchen design shops and look at displays . Patch jobs like painting cabinets or refacing usually end up being costly patch job looks for only a few years . Talk with an Architect / designers / contractors to see what can be done and the budget you will need . Maybe moving the location of the kitchen would be better for the house . Lots of possibilities . And things like electrical and plumbing always need to be updated and improved . Above all ... do not hobble yourself by trying to hang onto the counter top granite . Go with an open mind !

We do not use our LR at all so the plan is to move the DR there, which would be visible to the left when you walk in to the front door. The old DR would become almost like a pub-esque room extension of the kitchen. We would have a large bar cabinet on the back wall and high top table and the new counter height bar connecting to to the kitchen. Here is a sketch of the layout. The current cabinets are original maple pickled pink. The old backsplash was baby pink (we were advised to go dark to tone down the pink in the cabinets). We added hardwood to the entry steps and LR/DR. Kitchen is also the same hardwood. We don't want to move but not willing to spending $50k+ on our dream kitchen in this house either. Looking to improve what we have to make the space more usable for our young family.

We do know we will have to relocate one return air vent as well and plan to have that done professionally.

Wrong wall to take down. It messes up the whole flow of the house and would be a big turnoff to any future buyer. It won’t do a thing for making your space work better either.

If a wall comes down, it should be the one between the breakfast area and family room.

There is no wall between the breakfast area and family room, it's all open.

HI -- Shannon -- Can you provide a more drawn out floor plan showing the rooms and more photos if possible . Your not showing an entrance on the other plan.... Thanks

Regarding the cabinets and backsplash, I would try to break away from the brown and pink tones a bit and go with white. I think these Galaxy Frost cabinets would look amazing. Or, if you like softer white, Dover Latte. Rust tones in Calacatta Gold marble tiles for backsplash would pair wonderfully with the hardwood floor, granite, and cabinets. Just my 2 cents.

Then leave the wall alone. You don’t need an in home bowling alley. All of your needs can be met in your current space.

Here's a photo of the entrance with the current LR and DR to the left.

If i'm reading the numbers correctly, you have right at 48 feet between the current wall between the kitchen and dining and the outside family room wall. You should be able to get casual dining, meal preparation, and family gathering to happen in 48 feet of space without any more walls coming down. Look at reconfiguring your existing space to work better. If you prefer a bar style dining, then that can happen without more walls coming down and making it even longer. Maybe add a peninsula between the breakfast area and kitchen. Better measurements and more pictures will get you more suggestions.