I would not start with a 7-9K paint job for sure. Get some new more contemporary bar stools for sure maybe in a fun color. What is the purpose of the white stool? Get all the stuff off the counter and maybe add a nice bowl of fruit. If you plan on getting new counters then make them all one level if you do that then wait to get stools since you will need lower ones which BTW are much nicer to sit on too.Adding a new counter will need some thought unless you are planning on changing the floor. When you do the counters forget the cropped corners. If you want bright take the shutters off the windows for more natural lighting for sure.

BTW I do not see any other pictures.

Agree with new countertops, backsplash and stools. Cabinets are fine, and good for you for not cluttering up the top of them. Love the shutters.

Your dining room furniture looks pretty traditional. Are you planning to keep within that style? I would definitely leave the cabinets alone. Is it possible to just change the backsplash and not the countertops? The thing I like least is the 4” granite/travertine backsplash. New counter stools would also be an easy change. All a matter of budget and taste.

I also agree with what others suggest about waiting to paint the cabinets. Looking at your house, I see there is a bit of a coastal / modern farmhouse décor. The cabinets would work well with this vibe; having said that, you can certainly paint them afterwards, if you did other updates and decided to go ahead with that. I would update the countertops with a lighter tone (off white / white / greys) with no countertop backsplash and one level on bar to widen the area. I would update the actual backsplash maybe a herringbone pattern, or interlocking geometric pattern; maybe build out the hood vent to add some dimension; there are some really amazing ones made of metal available now; or build out and have that segment painted, and only paint the island to match, for that 2 tone look. Lightening up the paint to bright white, or light colour; paint and backsplash would make such a big difference in this area, as right now, the walls / cabinets really blend together and having some contrast would totally change the appearance in this room, I think!

Having said that, your house is beautiful; I LOVE LOVE LOVE your shutters! Let us know what you decide to do!

Sarah...you nailed my style...coastal/modern farmhouse for sure! Thank you for all of your help! This is my look and it takes time integrating 30 years of furniture into a new space, especially as we may not be here for long! My style in pics below :)

My kind of spaces :)

Crisp, coastal, warm😊

you are my style twin! I love all of these looks. I recently did a kitchen reno; and did white cabinets / dark grey island with white countertops.....and I'm a sucker for greys and moulding; adding white moulding on the walls made SUCH an impact on all of the space and although a bit of extra work, is fairly inexpensive to do for the WOW factor it gives and I can totally see that in your space! inexpensive but impactful changes I could see being amazing in your space too, are changing the metal railing to a horizontal metal style, painting the fireplace white, and having a dark accent colour on the little wall that the fireplace is on; and changing the cabinet hardware and pendants to a rattan or more nautical style.

Also, ballard is AMAZING. Have you looked at Serena and Lily? ugh, my absolute fav....now to just win the lottery haha

Sarah, the lottery would be helpful when it comes to Serena and Lily! I've always had good luck with Ballard.

Love Ballard and Serena and Lily!

Sarah, I love your ideas...not sure about "one level on bar"...how would that work? Also love the idea of horizontal railing!

This is my favorite topic right now- oak kitchen updates Without painting.

Backsplash, wall paint, hardware for sure. Maybe lighter counters- not white but something that coordinates with your slate floor. 👌

This is my wood kitchens idea book with both new and older, refreshed kitchens - it includes some in Katie B. post:

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

Lots of good suggestions. Your kitchen has great bones. I agree with the advice not to paint the cabinets. And also look into making the counters all one level.

When you install your new granite, I would delete the overhang on the peninsula. It will make that spot look more modern and clean.

Do you often use all six stools? If not, I would get a few less of your new version. It will look much less cluttered around the island. TBH, I would take three of those stools and stick them in storage right now.

Another easy change would be to update the lighting over your island. Two larger lanterns would look less busy and more modern.

Subways are a nice update but I would look at ones with a little twist. Fireclay, crackle, a bevel, something a little different.

As you are making changes, keep in mind that your cabinets and wood floors are warm colors. Your slate has warm accents. If you are thinking about adding grays/greige and whites to the space make sure they also have warm undertones. Cool grays and whites will clash with the floors and cabinets.

Wonderful wonderful advice--thank you all for sharing your designer eye. This is our next project and hoping to have it done by June/July! I'll post pics!