I would start by painting all the walls first, and neutralize everything. That doesnt mean the walls have to be white, but uniform because it is such an open space. You might find you can see the kitchen vision better. Maybe you will only want to lighten the island, or only the perimeter cabs.

Honestly, the best thing about this kitchen are those gorgeous cabinets! I would leave the cabinets in their current finish, remove the tiered portion of the island (as planned) and update the countertop (Is the current counter a laminate??) and backsplash with a white quartz countertop, continued onto the backsplash. Then I would focus on lighting by adding under cabinet lights and recessed lights elsewhere, replacing the current set up. I would also see what is in that bulk head around the perimeter of the kitchen. If it could be removed it would help to make the space feel more open. I would also paint that purple, ha.

Edit: I see the additional photo...since you are updating the island anyways, you may want to have just the island a brighter color like a white, which feels classic to me with the rest of the cabinets.

@ellacama I've been extensively looking into Waterlox original formula finishing system for my new cherry cabinetry, and it's a different look all together than traditional varnish. Sanding off the original finish will be quite a job for you on existing cabinetry, and you'll need to apply several coats of Waterlox if you use that system, but it can provide a very natural and water-resistant coating. You'll probably need to re-apply periodically. Waterlox has several products, but the one to which I am referring is the original tung-oil based formula that can be wiped or brushed on without much surface prep other than sanding and dust removal.

When you say "on a budget," just be aware that kitchen renovation costs can escalate so quickly. You might want to think about your lighting plan. I've even seen these faux skylights that simulate daylight that could add some ambient lighting, but most of those aren't inexpensive. You can look all kinds of under-cabinet lighting as well. Replacing your overhead lighting with a halogen light fixture would make the space super-bright, but beware that halogen lights can emit noticeable heat if left on for extended periods.

I would paint those walls first and then decide about the kitchen. I love the cabinets, and wouldnt paint them. The colors, need to go, they are what is making the kitchen dark. Thats not saying you cant paint them a color, just pick a color that doesnt suck all the light out of the room. Make sure you have daylight type bulbs in all the lighting too (LED 4000)

Inspiration for lighting (minus the pendants) and island color (minus the dark countertop):

Cherry Kitchen · More Info

The budget... would it include getting a new, larger window and losing your uppers on that wall?

I love small, efficient kitchens. They tend to work really well, and I think your instinct to keep the remodeling to a minimum is good, but I agree with Glo, the cabinet color really isn't the problem.

IMO those useless soffits really need to go but if not in the budget then LEDs in in 4000K for all bulbs much lighter paint color everywhere . Sorry but IMO those cabinets are sucking light out of the space that flourescent fixture in the center needs to be removed and the cheapest replacement is will be a LED track light in that same 4000K making the island all one height will open the space up too. Maybe once the lighting is changed the cabinets will be fine . If they are really cherry a natural finish would be nice but you will need to find that out. Even if not a lighter finish to the wood would be a good improvement anyway. This would be the least expensive way to go you will always be limited to fridge size without doing a complete revamp of the space so right now I would not spend huge amoounts of money on this kitchen until you can afford to do it right. I would do new laminate counters if the ones you have are in bad shape and that is about all.

if that is the front door you may want to wait and do a whole house plan which can be executed in stages. You are void of a closet or a good entry zone really. the kitchen was probably walled in but calling this an island kitchen?? the entire footprint can probably be looked at and you can end up with something different. For example, changing the bay window is commonly a positive move...and if you were to do that you might be able to go ahead and swap window and door positions, thereby doing more with your kitchen space. I really would wait and draw some ideas out . find out general construction costs and renovating kitchen trends in this area.

I have a similar layout though mine is more enclosed. It might be a trick of the lighting, but your dining room trim looks lighter. if it has been painted, paint the kitchen window trim too. Even though I have stained cabinets, I have white trim and I feel it helps lighten the room. I agree to change to a lighter wall paint. Consider removing the large and dark over the range microwave and replace it with a stainless hood. You can put a drawer microwave in the new island - though that can be expensive.

If your cabinets are showing signs of wear and you have DIY skills then go ahead with working on the cabinets. I refinished mine, but kept them the same wood tone. When i took down the wood "valence" over my window, the room became a little lighter so I opted to remove it - one less thing to refinish:)

The most functional thing I did was add under cabinet lighting. I only did so between the sink and stove but it has been wonderful.

My kitchen:

My pics -work in progress: · More Info

I also have a wood kitchens idea book:

https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75202366/list/wood-kitchens

Thanks everyone for the advice!! we have already started painting the walls white with one dark accent wall opposite from the kitchen. We are planning on removing that soffit as well, and I think lighting will really help to improve the space. I do not think the space will be functional without any upper cabinets because I dont want to have to put food in lower cabinets and there is no room for a pantry. I have considered taking out the cabinet next to the fridge and adding another window but this wall is north facing and I am not sure if it would make a big difference. The house does have a closet and room for entryway. They are solid cherry cabinets made by a local cabinetmaker but we may eventually I am not sure how a new layout would make a big difference or be worthwile but if you would make a pic I would appreciate it too

We painted all the red and gold walls this white color

Painting the walls and improving the lighting will make a big difference. I think your cabinets are lovely. In your first picture, what sticks out the most for me is the dark soffits, the lighting and the grid on the backsplash. If replacing the backsplash wasn't in the budget, I'd paint the grout lines lighter to blend in.

What type of white did you choose for the walls?

Wow. You work fast! :) I hope you love the white in your kitchen.

Start with a new semi-flush light fixture to replace the inadequate fluorescent fixture. Choose a new fixture with the LED equivalent of three 75-watt incandescent bulbs. Use "bright white" not "soft white" LED bulbs. The cherry cabinets are quite nice and deserve to be shown off with bright lighting.

haha I just haven't taken a new picture because the place has been such a mess

It is SW Eider white, we really like it

So much nicer with the white walls. Love the navy accent wall too.

Beautiful!
Fresh paint can work miracles.

Painting the walls made such a difference! Another way you could lightening the space and make it appear larger is to use a backslash with a thinner vertical pattern to it that won’t require the use of dark grout.

You're already making excellent progress!

best of luck with the remainder!

Thanks everyone !! We just met with our cabinet makers today to order a new island. They don't think they can match the color of the cherry cabinets because it darkens over time, so we will probably have to have the island painted. Does anyone have any color recommendation for the island? Most pictures I see of wood cabinets with a painted island make the island look out of place.