I never thought of removing the magnets for a cleaner look. Definitely easy to do! And I also really like your point of painting the cabinets the same color as the wall to help them blend - I knew about it as a trick for bookshelves but I like the suggestion for cabinets. If I can convince my partner to help me paint cabinets, that could maybe happen!

I think if you paint the cabinets, it won't feel so closed in because there won't be the contrast between the dark cabinets and white soffit that there is now. That and your new-to-you appliances will make a HUGE difference.

Also, have you seen the self stick "tiles" for the backsplash? They're not a hard tile, but they're more like chunky vinyl. You cut with a utility knife and they're peel and stick--no grout needed. (Link because photos won't load for me at the moment)https://www.homedepot.com/p/Tic-Tac-Tiles-Como-Marrone-10-in-W-x-10-in-H-Multi-Peel-and-Stick-Decorative-Mosaic-Wall-Tile-5-Tiles-HD-BRS07-5/303506086?cm_mmc=Shopping%7cTHD%7cDigitalDecor%7cgoogle%7cD59+Decor%7c_pkw__pmt__product_303506086&mid=s91evMPhk%7cdc_mtid_8903yuu57254_pcrid_51057520542_pkw__pmt__product_303506086_slid_&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9rGq7-352wIVCgNpCh1hiAHTEAQYCyABEgKZcfD_BwE&dclid=CJuYmL3u-dsCFROqaQodcGsNWg

I saw then recently at Lowe's and I was very impressed with how they look.

Unless you need the curtains for privacy, I would remove them and put a roller shade on the window. If you're getting a new refrigerator, I think that would help a lot as the one you have sticks out pretty far. Stainless will also help as it reflects the light. What kind of ceiling light do you have? A brighter light can also make the space feel brighter overall.

I have soffits too, and also the behemoth black fridge. I decided that mine were for art.

The refrigerator is the problem both in size and color as it looms above everything.

Do you have the ability to have a second refrigerator in garage or basement so you could get a smaller capacity counter depth. Even if you need a big one, stainless would be less of a looming presence

I’d keep at least one of those refrigerator magnets.

(Go Hawks.)

I guess wait a bit until you get those appliances. but what age are they? Might be worth the money spent to get new French door fridge..they are really efficient now with the layout inside...any maybe get a 30 in standard sized one. Measure your fridge opening and go and look at the appliance center. If you got a 30 in,,,,and your opening is 36....its position will not be an impediment. I would not paint cabinets but rather remove the cabinet to left of window. Just clearing a bit on the walls can make a difference. Redo window treatment and evaluate that space for an open shelf or two. If budget allows..removal of formica...probably can get it off without damaging cabinets.....find something you love... get a single bowl sink and put in a backsplash. All depends on budget and time frame you are going to keep this kitchen basically without bigger remodel. Must say however, if the footprint were to remain, a full replacement so you can get base drawers might be something to consider...think about a quote, at least , from a local maker. You have two corners to try to use efficiently and if smaller fridge were acquired, you could get more storage on that side as you would gain some inches. Inches count.

If you have the budget to get a counter depth fridge I think that would help a lot. We had a very small space and large fridge and changing to a counter depth really made a difference. Maybe you could find one at the Sears outlet or an appliance store floor model on sale?

If you paint your cabinets in white, with stainless steel appliances your kitchen will look open.

Before

After

good idea celerygirl :-/

(lol)

the cabinets seem old to paint. Look into painting the carcass[ if they're worth this trouble to you] get new doors on wall cabinets...some with glass, from Scherrs or the like, with match of paint chosen. Get something better out of this. You can get a better overlay as well.

I'd try to get a counterdepth fridge, that's what makes it seem small to me.

The soffits don't bother me.

The soffits dont bother me at all either. I do think a counter depth frig, whether it be in the black or a stainless, or whatever you like, would not stick out so far, and would certainly help it look bigger. I like the double sink and would keep it. I have had both single and doubles and doubles win hands down for me. I also think your cabinets look fine. I wouldnt paint them. However, the thing that bothers me, is that your wall paint color does not go with your cabinets. It is not a very big kitchen, but, it does look functional and it looks to be in good condition, and it is what it is, just put some personality into it. Get a bit of color on the walls, and it wont look so blah.

Just repeating what the op said...she may be getting new-to-her SS appliances.

Stainless appliances are going to be a huge improvement. We recently replaced the black dishwasher and fridge and, OMG, the difference was amazing! We also removed several upper cabinets. The remaining wall & base cabinets got a crisp white paint job, and new doors & drawer fronts. We opted not to change the layout, so we could keep it affordable and do most of the work ourselves over the course of several months. We replaced laminate with quartz countertops on the sink side and cherry butcherblock (affordable option from Floor & Decor) on the range wall.

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

Your countertop should be easy to remove; usually just a few screws. Changing to a new laminate would be cheap and easy.

A stainless fridge will have the unmatched side like you see in Celery's mockup. Not a great look.

I'd install hardware. Knobs, probably.

And paint the backsplash and soffits...but colors would depend on the rest of the room, and if there is a good stopping point. I could see painting the soffits the same color as the ceiling, and in a real color, like a pale teal or something interesting that goes with the oak and counters. (It's hard to know what colors really go with oak on a computer screen).

You COULD tile in a backsplash instead of painting the wall there. Some here would say it's a travesty to tile above the bit of counter that is on the wall but I personally think it's fine if the tile has the same color intensity as the counter. It looks like it's seamless between backsplash and counter and that's a nice feature.