I love concrete countertops, but I understand they're a lot of work. If you're just going over the current counters with feather finish, I won't argue with you. If you're replacing the counters, I would recommend a concrete-look solid surface. There are some really gorgeous ones that look like concrete but function much better in a kitchen. An undermount sink is a good idea, or you could have one formed into your countertop so there's no seam. Again, if you're going with a concrete-looking solid surface, this will provide a very clean, modern look with your white cabinets. I recommend getting your cabinets painted professionally if you can. Doing it yourself is a major pain. Trust me. Backsplashes are so personal, you could really do anything you like. I recommend looking up "white kitchen" and seeing what backsplashes there are. Make sure you're choosing all your colors IN YOUR KITCHEN instead of at the store. The colors will look different. If you're replacing your cook top, you can purchase one with an in-counter venting system to keep the line of sight open into the other room. Some states don't require venting if the stove isn't against a wall. Here's some inspiration to get you started: (I know this is a bathroom, but it's a good example of the counters I meant:)

Thank you for the comments! We are planning on pulling out all the landscaping along the front of the house. I completely agree that it is way too large. I think seeing all the brick on the right hand side of the house and not being able to see it on the left is part of what is making it hard for me to visualize. My husband's work schedule should allow us in the next week or so to start pulling out the bushes and I can't wait! As much as I would like to take out the trees in the front yard (they are HUGE pine trees) we are going to have to wait and save up to have them professionally removed because of their size. The windows that my husband wants to enlarge are on the end of the house where it is all siding and then on the driveway in the below image where it is all brick. The windows on the front he wants to widen more then lengthen because of the brick placement. I hadn't really thought about removing the shutters completely, so now I am curious to get them down and see what it looks like. I'm not opposed to painting the brick. Which is why I was wondering if I should paint the siding and the brick the same color. Is it better to leave the brick as is and adjust the siding and front door color?

Actually, yes, kind of, and here, in this forum!! Prep sinks in the corner of an island to enable two people to work at once!! I have to admit, I like how the sink in the picture gives you a nice place for a towel, too. It does cut into the aisle, though.

We are replacing the tile due to cracking and other issues. Updating both our bathrooms for resale in foreseeable future (empty nesters). Our hallway bath will be black and white basket weave on the floor and white subway in tub area. Very excited about this as our first house in 1988 had the original black and white and we have always loved that look. We had no idea it was "in" until we went tile shopping and of course Pinterest ha . We found these two hex patterns. The one on the left is standard hex. The one on the right is marble ( I assume it's real ??) The second one is clearly a nicer and thicker tile, but what about the marble? Is this the best of both worlds or still not right to go with the blue vintage tile? I am not crazy about the size of the tiles. Would go with penny tile as suggested by CP, but no go for hubby.