I read your post in the kitchen forum also .... Yes, I think you are definitely on the right track with updating. Even if a buyer can't afford the new builds, it definitely makes an impression on them. And most people really don't want to completely renovate a kitchen. As someone who has just updated a late 1980's kitchen with oak cabinets/laminate myself, here is what I would do: (1) Consider replacing the light over the table if it's brass or obviously dated. The overhead light boxes aren't the best, but I can't tell if you have popcorn ceilings or not. If you do, I'd leave them alone. If not, it might be worth replacing the light boxes too. I chose oil-rubbed bronze for my new light fixtures, because that is what most of the new builds in my area/price range feature. (2) Don't bother giving the cabinet a dark stain. Instead, look for Howard's Restor-A-Finish (I bought at Home Depot). It smells a bit like paint thinner going on but isn't sticky or gummy. You apply it over clean cabinets and it basically evens out and refreshes your old finish, including water spots. I used the Walnut color on mine because it most closely matched the existing color. In a few areas I used a furniture stain marker. My cabinets now look fresh, clean and the finish is evenly colored. (3) Get some new hardware for the doors and drawer fronts. Stainless is popular on dark cabinets, but lighter oak cabinets can really benefit from a darker color (especially if there are dark spots in the granite). I used a blackish/bronze handle available in-store from Lowes. (4) Your ideas on new granite, backsplash and tile flooring are good. Just choose colors that coordinate with the refreshed cabinets, instead of gel-stained ones. Do make sure, though, not to do a granite backsplash; run your backsplash tile straight down to the countertop. If they will throw in a new sink with the granite, choose an undermount style. The fact that you already have stainless-steel appliances is a huge money saver. Those were the bulk of what our "kitchen update" money was spent on. Above all, make sure that your updates are "transitional" rather than too modern. Good luck! You will probably love what the new kitchen looks like (and so will buyers), and will kick yourself for not making the changes sooner so you could enjoy them!

Thanks so much, catmom, arcy, purrus, nini, and lisa! They did the real estate photos yesterday and after some light staging I think the house looked amazing. We just edited out a few more things from the counter and added some decor items. We brought in a bistro table and stools to take the place of the sideboard that was moved to the great room. I also used the floating shelf I just had made for over the tub and used it for the blank space over the sofa instead. I convinced DH to hang it as part of a compromise in which he did not have to move and rehang the heavy wall clock :) These are just a few cell phone pics but I can't wait to see the professional photos!

It might be better to add this to the "design dilemma" section rather than the "before and after." You might find you get more feedback that way, since the "before and after" is generally used for completed projects. Good luck with your kitchen!

You can definitely go whiter. Or dark chocolate brown. Are you planning to reface the cabinets in the future because that may change your decision. Flooring is a big project so consider that before choosing your color staun