"I’ve looked at videos on resurfacing our cabinets but would that be a cheap solution?"

A proper refacing project is really not any cheaper than new cabinets.

everything that Sophie said plus update the hardware.

What about your current kitchen do you not like? Is it the oak? Is it the door style? Are you selling soon?

Do you like the way to kitchen functions for you? If you feel you could significantly improve the kitchen layout to improve flow and/or storage, I would not spend money on the existing cabinets. You might look into a hood instead of the micro over the cooktop - it looks like the MW is right in your face.

What kind of flooring do you want?

I want to add a caution about chasing trends by "updating." Personally I see nothing wrong with your floors, and I actually like the counters and backsplash. That's why I want you, Reba Jo, to tell us what you don't like about your kitchen.

"I’m seeing online it saves 50% but I don’t want to end up with a cheap mess."

Not done properly.....................

Nothing wrong with the floors either. Save the 25K for that project and take a nice vacation instead.

Floors should be able to go 20-40 years between resanding and finishing. It’s not something done every 10 years. That would be a screen and recoat, where just the finish is abraded. And in a shoes off house, that might not need to happen but after 15 years. There are 150 year old original hardwood floors still in service. Yours should be able to last another 30 just fine.

show a close up of your counters. It appears the backsplash doesn't work too well with counters. A simplified lighter backsplash would be my preference. that would be a good start. Your backsplash is good looking..just not here... the intricate detail with the oak grain does not help. So you can LIGHTEN the space and help with the LOOK of oak with a change. I think your oak cabinetry could be a strong, appreciated feature: larger pewter or iron knobs and handles.Not sure about floor.....what exactly is the problem..floors can be stripped/restained and refinished. I could see a darker stain but what's up w the floor currently? One more cycle of redoing the floor? Why? anyway....then do it...and get a new look.

Reba Jo,

Refacing cabinetry usually involves gluing a veneer to the faceframes and all exposed sides, toekicks as well if it's the same wood as cabinetry. I have no idea on the cost compared to new cabinets. Have you looked into just replacing the doors with a square recessed panel in oak? I mean without refacing. Your drawer fronts wouldn't need to be replaced.

I agree with what Sophie said about refinising the floors. That's only done when it shows wear or if you want to change the stain color.

It sounds like you need to consult with an interior designer to help you with your upgrades so you don't wind up with an uncohesive mish-mash design overall.

Floors are fine.

Cabinets are fine.

Counters are fine.

Backsplash, lighting, and paint, are not.

You need a good lighting plan, that includes under cabinet lighting. The new backsplash should pull the lightest cream color from the counters. Then use a great color on the walls, and you’ll be done. And won’t be spending 50K.

If you have a floor register, pull it and see the thickness left there. Or a threshold.

But unless the finish is worn through to the bare wood, you do not need a refinish. You need a screen and recoat. You might need a refinish in 10-15 years.

I would be nervous about getting your husband's current style in flooring. I don't think distressed will be a lasting trend.

A lighter color in a blue green would be perfect for your kitchen, and provide continuity to the rest of the home. Look at SW Sea Salt (below) or Rainwashed.

Gorgeous in Germantown · More Info

Your kitchen looks very nice. It seems that you have money burning a hole in your pocket. Listen to the recommendations you've gotten already. Here's mine.

Your under cab lighting is inadequate, and you need a new backsplash that has some reflective quality. You could update your hardware and faucet with brushed nickle/stainless and get a new light fixture in similar finish that provides more light. I suppose if you must, update the countertop with something lighter, but it really does look fine.

Your cabinets look fine, and your counters are fine, and your floors are fine. You can put hardwood in the other rooms you want, by having them weave it into what you already have, as long as you pick the same hardwood. Your lighting needs updating, and I cant see what color paint you have on your walls, but if it is the same or similar to the dining room, it does not look good with your oak cabinets. Oak cabinets call for a color on the wall. Light blues., light greens, light aquas etc, look fantastic with the oak cabinets and with the color of your floors. I dont like the microwave over the stove. I know it is done often, but, it is one of the worst ideas anyone ever came up with, however, it is what it is, and your microwave looks like a very new and nice one. Your backsplash is actually beautiful, but, not in your kitchen. Your existing floors can be sanded more often than engineered floor, that cant be refinished often. Your cabinets look very well made. To replace them with something as well constructed as what you have, would be very expensive. I would keep the quality you have.

Did you consider painting the cabinets if you really don't like them?

Wentzylvania, love your username! I watched Carson play all through college (I even have his autograph). I hope he has a great season.

Me too. Every time he slips, I cringe to think what could happen!!

If this were my kitchen, I'd want to replace the oak cabinet doors at least. I think you could find an updated style, with a much less grainy oak and change the look significantly. Perhaps some uppers with glass. I don't think it's the oak itself that looks dated, as much as the style and wide open grain that do.

I think your floors look beautiful and you could have oak to match added to your play and bedrooms, no problem. Just having them extended to other areas will update the whole area. I agree that what your husband wants for flooring might look dated very shortly.

I think your cabinets look nice..the arch part of the doors aren't my favorite. If it were a shaker or slab door and maybe w/different hardware, all pulls maybe, dark, I'd like them more. Now, having said that---I would take them for my own kitchen, arch and all, w/a big smile b/c they're waaaaay better than my monstrosities hahahaha. I prefer a lighter and plainer counter, but that's my preference-the counters you have look nice w/the cabinets. The backplash tho, I would want to change that, it would brighten things up. And just from what I've seen on here, under cabinet lighting would be fabulous.

(also I like your bee pictures-we just started beekeeping this past spring)

what does the inside of your cabinet door look like? i have heard folks were able to reverse the doors if the inside looks good??? I would NOT paint. what about putting glass in a few doors to break up some wood? changing the backpsplash, paint and lighting are the ticket for sure. DO NOT change the floors. I would also highly recommend changing the micro out for a hood. could you put the micro under the counter where across from the stove wall where that bank of upper cabs are? I took out a drawer and put a counter micro under my counter and I love it.

ugh, nevermind, just saw the dishwasher is there.

I like your kitchen. It's very pretty with your dining area. I would get new barstools. Nice bright undercabinet lights. A light backsplash. The only major thing I would do is put in a light countertop. But these are new so maybe not.