The biggest impact without paint, changing out counters, new lighting, hardware, and decor. Just changing lights and hardware will help, but will not completely update the space. Orb fixtures might look too heavy, unless they are very streamlined.

It doesn’t look like it would be too hard to,replicate your inspiration picture. You could do new white Corian counters for around $2,000 and Home Depot has inexpensive white subway.

Replacing the cabinet pulls with ORB or black would look nice too.

But I don’t see where you have room for an island without making the kitchen very cramped. Maybe a counter height table where they have the round table now?

Just Updating the light fixtures and removing the balance will help a ton.!

Nice kitchen. If you can afford it, replace the countertop with white or white marble look. Then buy a cash and carry white kitchen island with overhang for stools. You’ll love it. They can be as low as $500.

3-Pc Kitchen Island Set in Antiqued White Finish · More Info

Without measurements it is tough to say if you truly have space for an island, but from the pictures it looks like it might be cramped. Are you planning to keep a table in the kitchen?

I like your counters and would leave them but get rid of the 4 inch backsplash and do a tile splash like in the inspiration pic. Change the lighting. No to bronze hardware. I’d do the moveable island as a start. Live with it for a while and see if you want a bigger more permanent one.

I agree an island might not fit (I have to take measurements next time I'm there). The table they have is pretty big ad comfortably sits 4 when it's pulled away from the wall. I was thinking a rectangular counter height table would be best. Not sure of materials though, was thinking something like this: https://www.roomandboard.com/catalog/dining-and-kitchen/counter-and-bar-tables/parsons-counter-tables/531020?articleNumber=531020&CHAR_531020_PARSONS_COLL_TOP=MBWHQZ

Those orb lights are probably too much, would most likely do something a little simpler. Curious what people would suggest for hardware on the cabinets, you can't tell from the picture but they are dated. I'd like to replace them with something else.

I don't think tiling the backslash is something we'd do right now (I don't think we are skilled enough to do it on our own and we have other higher priority items that we need to spend our money on).

If you moved your fridge where the desk is currently, you could create a peninsula, by opening current fridge wall.

behind the current refrigerator wall is the garage, we might open the wall where the clock is in the future to make an open kitchen/dining area but that is a larger project.

Wondering if I could remove the 4 inch back splash & paint for now. My dad loves projects and could probably help us tile in the future.

Other thing I'm wondering is if I should go for slide in or free standing range.

here is another inspiration picture, thinking white (probably slightly off white) subway tile might make a big difference if I can get my dad to help.

That free-standing island is a good idea---if the kitchen feels tight or you change your mind, you can always remove it. I like the idea of the counter height workspace/table against the wall where the table is now--maybe room for chairs on both sides and even the front. Go to a store like Home Depot and bring home a variety of cabinet knobs to try for size. Or remove a cabinet door and bring it with you to the store. Good luck with your new home!

I have a refreshed oak kitchen with a small moveable island. My kitchen is a little vintage style.

https://www.houzz.com/hznb/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~110720042

https://www.houzz.com/hznb/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~109854029

https://www.houzz.com/hznb/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~109854052

I bought my island about 6 years ago from a local Amish furniture store. I originally had an inexpensive butcher block on it but changed that when I did the counters. While there are 3 stools at the island, really only 2 adults could sit there comfortably. I gave up the table space for the island, but my dining room is a step away and is not formal - flows with the kitchen and that is where we eat meals. I have hopes of widening the doorway between dining and kitchen just a bit. I want to keep two separate rooms, but the location of the fridge creates a traffic jam when getting dinner on the table.

I love your large window!

Here is my wood kitchens idea book with both new and older, refreshed kitchens. Might give you some thoughts:

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

If you are thinking of changing the counters, do not do a backsplash. Backsplash comes last. You have a pretty and functioning kitchen now so take your time. I found the sink I liked was much more than I had budgeted, so I put off my refresh while I saved up.

A slide in range is more expensive then a regular one - I too looked at that and decided I wanted the money for other things - like the sink. Also, with a slide in you will need a heat/fire proof wall protector - usually a piece of stainless steel that goes behind the range and is easy to clean. Without the back part of the range going up, the backsplash area will get much dirtier and need to be easily cleaned. Tile alone does not always qualify as heat / fire proof because it can transfer heat to the wood studs behind. Do some research on this to decide if you really want to go that route.

Sorry but you can’t “update” this kitchen without painting those cabinets.

Thanks JHMarie for the ideas, your kitchen looks beautiful!

I disagree ^

It’s the granite that dates the kitchen. White counters in any material would be great. You can live with the white appliances for a time, as long as they work.

Would paint the walls adding a color to compliment the cabinets & floors.

I think it's totally possible to buy a moveable island with storage underneath and put it against the wall. If you like the orb light fixtures, go for it. The hardware is easy too.

I would also consider replacing the hood, range, and refrigerator.

Long term... well, live with it, and then go for it when you're ready.

I think without painting the cabinets, your kitchen is also looking cool but you can enhance the kitchen lights. I don't find anything wrong with your setting.

I agree with the suggestions to remove the valance, replace the lights, and possibly remove the 4" backsplash. In answer to your question about a slide-in vs. freestanding range, I'd suggest you spend time looking at both at appliance stores. People tend to have personal preferences about where the controls are - and there may be a tradeoff between easier-to-access controls vs. more cooktop space.

In my case, I strongly prefer slide-in ranges that are actually freestanding, i.e., they don't have side flanges but all the controls are at the front with no protrusion at the rear. But that's just my preference.