Can you add a measured floorplan of that floor including the kitchen?

Embrace it!

If you like the rustic vintage look of the cabinets, keep them and change the floors.

Also paint out or remove the paneling on the bulkhead so it matches the wall color.

Look for some graph paper and a tape measure. Include windows and doors.

A lot depends upon how much you want to spend, but, if I had a healthy budget, this is what I would do...

• Keep cabinets as is
• New cabinet hardware
• New appliances
• HOOD over range instead of microwave
• New sink/faucet
• New countertop
• New ceiling light fixture
• Add a great backsplash
• New window treatments

I can't tell from the photos, but the brown wood looks like a rather flat, unattractive brown, but it may be the light. Depending upon your choices for the kitchen, but may make it feel fresher to either refinish the wood, or paint it a lighter, brighter color.

I think this would keep the same feel of the kitchen, while being able to make it your own and update it.

Only you know what memories you want to preserve. This whole style isn't me so making small changes would never work for me. I'd need to start over with almost everything. I'm not a big fan of rustic wood and wood on the walls.

If it were mine, I’d want to change nearly everything.

I agree with Sara and Fuzzy. If you have the funds, I'd completely re-do the kitchen. You have the entire house to remember your childhood and parents, but the kitchen in one's home needs to be functional and fresh. It won't be very effective to make small changes in that kitchen IMHO.

The cabinets are amazing! But, is that the dishwasher, a portable unit? I wonder if you can reuse the cabinets either there, or in another part of the house, as a bar area maybe?

I would change most to have a fresh start for a new era. Could you make an arrangement of the copper pots etc that would remind you of your parents? They are already smiling because you didn't sell the house :)

The brick is amazing, as is the paneling. I also LOVE old custom cabinets IF they’re in good shape. You could have someone come in and refinish them, paint the interiors a nice white, put on new hardware and hinges. My parents house has gorgeous solid wood cabinets and refinishing has made them amazing. So sturdy, and authentic to the house. Maybe get rid of the chuckwagon light and decor. Maybe new solid color quartz counters.

Being that the cabinets are flat, I would paint them and the dark wood paneling with a Linen Paint or Warm White to go with the floors. I would also add new hardware and do a new backsplash. That should freshen it up until you are comfortable with a complete gut. You can also do the counter as well.

If the kitchen were mine, I would leave the cabinets. It is actually refreshing seeing a kitchen that doesnt look like all the other white kitchens. However, I would get new countertops, and a new dishwasher and have that dishwasher built in, right where it sits now and countertop over the top. I would like to see the faux brick gone, and that wall painted. The wagon wheel type light fixture needs to go to. They look nice in some places like in a basement with a bar, etc, but, does nothing for your kitchen, and the lighting from it is poor. The brown wall, and the brown over the top of the cabinets needs to have the paneling removed, and sheetrock installed there and then painted. Should be inexpensive fix for that to be done, along with the faux brick removal and new drywall. The rest, I kinda like, and would embrace them and remember your mom and your growing up yrs every time you cook in there. Everything looks like it was well maintained.