pps, your patio is utterly beautiful! And I see a Badminton net in the background, the one sport other than baseball that I excel at! lol A dear friend told me to use Ferns and some types of Begonia's for the areas that get no sun. I did and they're doing pretty good! I think the lighter leaf Begonia's are for shade, the darker ones for sun. Impatiens are good as long as they get some good indirect light.

Congrats and enjoy turning your new house into a home! SS or black appliances would definitely work with the maple, but making the switch to Energy Star would be low on my priority if the appliances are in decent shape. First thing I'd change is the wall color, and agree with Teacats that a white like BM White Linen would be great but could go with a deeper Bone White. I think the white appliances will look much nicer and like they belong. If you prefer a light blue or other color, that could also look nice. Whatever makes you and your family feel optimistic and says "home", but that would not be most shades of green for me. If you're the type that can be happy working with your existing kitchen, wander over to the kitchen forum for inspiration on how small changes can have big impacts, but don't go there if you're likely to succumb to kitchen envy as many have big budget kitchens. Since design is an aspect of what I've been involved with professionally and I really enjoy decor, I can look at and appreciate lots of different styles, knowing they wouldn't work for me. I like your existing, and know with a few updates like new blinds, paint and adding art, I'd love it! I don't know that bar seating will be so great for your son or for family communication while dining, so I'd opt for an expandable pedestal round table or an expandable square under the chandie and not go with a fan. Could you be happy with a small loveseat and one or two comfy chairs in the adjacent carpeted area serving as your family room? If you'll use the computer station, fine; but if it doesn't suit your needs, you can always take it out. Patching the walls is minor. Many here have found great quality, solid or veneered furniture that's far superior to much that's mass-produced today, on Craigs List, ebay, estate sales, consignment shops and Goodwill. Trick is to take your time adding wonderful pieces as you find them rather than trying to get all the furniture at once. Happy nesting!

I agree with justerrilynn about the wall color The previous owner picked the wrong shade..a cooler lilac. Throws everything off. Warm cream, slightly peach-y undertone will make this mistake go away. Bonus: we people tend to look good when surrounded by these types of colors..:) We don't always like them, but oh boy, do they love us:) Now. I realized when people say "modern" they often mean different things when you say "modern" you mean "modern" as in style (cleaner lines, colors either more muted or more bright but with a lot of presence so to say..florals -if one loves florals-tend to be big, love for geometry..lots of natural materials but also not shying away from plastic etc)..or do you mean "modern" as in "more updated"? Because for example light fixtures-what you choose will depend on it. Oh you can mix and match these of course-but if you like more modern as in modern, you need to take it there ever so slightly with light fixtures since the bath is not modern in its nature. Mirrors-if you decide to go for different ones-will depend on it. Accessories..you're freer there..as well as with art..you can be reserved in both, in some as justerilynn suggests, or go to town so to say, when you figure out what speaks to you of course. I'm personally fine with the vanity and countertop..these are also bigger items so to say in terms of budget so will depend on how far you're willing to take it. Then you'll see how you'll want new sinks..:) and then you might like less your tub surround..in short won't stop there If you want to keep it simpler I'd choose a) paint b) lights c) new faucets? and maybe adding handles of your preferred style to the vanity? d) accessories(towels, storage thingies etc) and art-never underestimate art..it has the ability to transport you places like very few things do Ah, and I wouldn't be true to myself if I didn't say "and a plant", lol If you want a bigger change-then I'd look into changing the countertop etc knowing that's the "creeping elegance" waits to jump on you ..like a puma hiding in a tree..:) Unless you really hate the vanity Otherwise I'd let it be, make small changes, work around it

What kind of paneling do you have? It is solid wood or the the thinner version? If you like the paneling (and against the current trend, I love beautiful wood paneling), then please don't consider painting it. If you don't care for it, go with painting. I painted paneling in my first house and it was very durable; didn't even need to touch it up when I sold. Ultimately, be sure that you do what makes you happy and gives you the feeling that you've "been hugged" when you walk into the room.