If you don’t like your kitchen, change it. Everyone else’s opinion doesn’t matter. What DOES matter is following the good advice around having a final vision you’re working towards. Take the time to figure out what you want, what it might cost to achieve, and what you’re willing to spend. I think your layout is good. I understand you don’t like the look of the cabinets so start getting prices for professional repainting. (You may want to add an estimate for changing the doors and drawer fronts so the only painting is done to the box frames.) Your floor needs to be changed so get prices. THEN make a decision. Don’t rush it. This can get really expensive. You should “do it once, do it right.”

We cant ignore that the poster was requesting small budget changes...buying a new home can involve unknown and unavoidable expenses ...plus it does involve all the purchase costs..moving expenses...new furnishings...etc....so just saying go ahead and do it is counter to her request and unpractical at best...the make it smashing is misleading ..but keeping a lid on it now is indeed the best way to go...

The flooring was damaged and did not flow with the rest of the house...which is why i suggested that is the one thing that should be addressed as any future changes will still involve that unifying step...

It’s really close to fabulous already. I think I’d work around the cabinets. Do modern brass pulls, pendants, faucet..new floor, perhaps.

what is your backsplash- 4x4 matte black?

inspiration:

Thx Katie! I actually like the inspiration pic you sent!! It’s not exactly the same as my cabinets but very similar. I need fabulous pendants and definitely a new floor and hardware.

The black splash is black tiles-approx 4x4. The counter is in good condition and it would be great to only replace the backsplash, but I can do the backsplash and counter.

I like your backsplash but a zellige tile would be nice and a bit rustic glam too.

something with a pearl sheen would be great I think.

Looks better but I’m not rustic. Can it work for contemporary/wow?

Subway?

There are so many tiles, get some samples. I say go glam on your backsplash

Got it!

I really do like what you have

reminds me of the black zellige

another one in stacked

Love these photos! My tile is similar to the first two but does not have as much definition. Where are these photos from?

This is the backsplash

https://www.remodelista.com/posts/kitchen-of-the-week-a-study-in-black-by-designer-nicole-hollis/

https://www.purewow.com/home/zellige-tile-trend

https://splitrockcustomhomes.com/family-ties-custom-parade-home/

You have so much fabulous going on. Change your pulls and lights and then reassess.

here’s the article where I found the original photo I posted

https://thehouseofsilverlining.com/modern-kitchen-big-reveal/

I wonder if you could remove the stainless backsplash from behind the stove and run the same tile/stone all across that back wall. I would then box in your vent with something that would match your cabinets. It might make it look a little more custom.

heather641- I think there is tile behind the backsplash (not positive), but if so, will follow your advice and remove the stainless backsplash. Can you explain what you mean about "boxing in the vent with something that will match the cabinets"?

I had a few more ideas.

A 3-tone Cabinet look might work in your kitchen, since you have white cabinetry in your living area. This is an expanded view of the photo above.

is your slider wood? What about painting it black?

My sliding glass door? Yes and I am planning on re-painting it. I was thinking about painting the sliding glass door and window above the sink black. And replacing the handle on the sliding glass door to go with new hardware on the kitchen cabinets. Are you a designer?

A three toned kitchen could be nice, it really depends on the layout. It can also look a little choppy in a smaller space with full height cabinetry. White uppers, your current lowers, and a white/black island could be a great option. You can always paint some cardboard and do a dry run. In terms of backsplash, zellige is pretty assertive - it’s a very specific look. Maybe consider a large format subway tile (3” x 12”) as well. Definitely order samples and view them in place.

Lol- no, not a designer.

I have much respect for the pros. I’m usually only “good” with projects that align with my personal taste. I know my way around google though- I’m a pro at that. 😉

I’m not a pro, but maybe a phenomenal backsplash to pull the two colors (cabinets and black) together would be the shortest route to a fabulous new kitchen. (?) Not just a plain tile but one with a pattern. Would that be awful or a possibility for you?

Just some tiles to think about.

I was thinking this also and started to look at tile similar to the last one you sent. Thank you!!!

I love your kitchen. The cabinet's are very nice. I would consider changing the backsplash, hardware and paint. Maybe do a white countertop on the perimeter counters. Also, I love your pendant lights. A very classic look. As far as painting the cabinet's, if they are maple It's really hard to keep them from chipping due to the lack of grain. You will have to have them redone every few years. For the flooring I like the idea of tile. I have hardwood in my kitchen and it really takes a beating. Whatever direction you go in just enjoy. Don't over think it. Take your time and enjoy the process. start with the least expensive changes and move forward from there. Best of luck.

Check out geometric tile from tilebar

https://tilebar.com/shop-by-tile-shape-and-pattern/geometric.html

The Vzag line is particularly fabulous

https://tilebar.com/collection/tile-mosaic-collections/vzag.html

In Katie B’s photos there is a picture where the range hood is covered in wood to help it blend in with the kitchen. I was wondering if you could frame in your range hood and try to make it match your cabinets for a more “built in” look.

I love the commercial range and stainless backsplash. It has a expensive restaurant look. Your kitchen has fabulous pieces but they don’t seem to be working together. I know you have a small budget, but maybe you should see about a consult from a kitchen designer. They can open your eyes to new things and make magic

Rachann61-I would love to have help but can’t find someone who gets our style and who we love. The kitchen designers/decorators I like will not take on a project this size. I’m very surprised...especially now, when business is very hard.

Send a message to Beth H. (I wish I could figure out how to tag her here)

https://www.houzz.com/pro/pokerliz/beth-h

she shares your style- she‘s amazing, and will give you great advice.

Thank you. Will reach out tomorrow.

Hi jcsanders-

I like your cabinets and would not paint them at all.

I like the dark counters on the perimeter, too.

I like the counter on the island, too.

The island base seems scratched on the side, so I do think you need to paint that, and it is your decision if you want to keep it that espresso brown or paint it black to match the perimeter counters.

The floor isn't bad either.

Here are the things I would change:

I think your kitchen table and chairs add nothing to room.

Please think about changing them.

I would change the hardware on your cabinets to a more rectilinear type that matched the handle on your stove.

I would get rid of that weird projectile molding on the top of your upper cabinets and instead put a molding that extends all the way to the ceiling so there is no gap between your upper cabinets and your ceiling.

If you feel you must change something else, I would change the black tile backsplash, it is way too dark on top of the black counter.

I would get rid of that very cluttered and unattractive bulletin board or whatever that is.

Lots of us have kids, and we don't have a 6 x 3 foot thing like that in our kitchen.

Please find another way to get organized.

For example,

If you want to display current art work for your children, and you have 4 children, buy 4 simple black 10 x 12 frames., one per child.

When that child brings home a piece of art, put it in the frame. When a new piece is brought home, take out the old one, and the the child has to decide whether or not to discard it or whether or not it is a masterpiece to save forever. NOW is the time to teach good habits.

The ones that get saved get put in an accordion file, each child gets one, and the file is sorted by year or grade, etc.

Go through it with the child on a monthly basis to prune and discard.

As far as a schedule, buy or make a whiteboard calendar and write in events, each child gets a different color and write in the events for each child, and family events get yet another color.

Get a file for important notices.

You don't need to post every piece of paper and notice you get.

All that stuff on the wall is visual clutter and is not calming for you or your children, and it is follly to fret about what the kitchen decor is when 10 feet away is chaos.

@Beth H. :

tagged Beth for you >>>>

Cheryl, thanks. Some of us have been praying she would chime in.

Agree the bulletin board should go. Maybe smaller version or white board INSIDE a pantry door. Hope more pros chime in but I think simply painting the island would be a big help. If you are not ready to do floors (which I’m guessing you will need to do if you make HUGE layout changes), then I’d put down some runners. Can’t wait to see what you decide to do.

Hire a professional cabinet painter. Painting over a factory finish can be difficult. Preparation is key....sanding, repairing small scratches and dings, removing hardware, etcetera. It will cost more but will take 1/4 of the time.

Agree wholeheartedly with the don't paint camp. Push that thought way, way to the back of the pile !! You have a pale wood kitchen which really hasn't dated that badly. Changing your periphery counters and lightening your splash back will bring your kitchen forward in time and it will probably surprise you how much that will change the look of your space. Smaller items like pendants and the pulls are can have impact.It was designed well initially, and I have to agree with others here, that doing significant changes and at significant cost will likely harm that cohesiveness. Plu

How far is the space between your upper cabinets and countertop? Mine are 17” apart. I wonder if it’s the black backsplash creating an optical illusion.

The stainless backsplash on top of the stove is I think part of the stove.

I love it, and is great for foods that splatter and splash and if you are a serious cook, that happens a lot.

It is marvelous to not have to worry about tomato sauces and beets and splattering oil staining grout or anything else.

Loobab- I agree, but it may look better without. Hmmm

The whole stainless stove ...hood...backsplash...feature is out of balance with the size this kitchen...looks commercial instead of residential...dont know where it could break apart but i agree less would be easier on the eye...

I'm also in the "Don't paint cabinets" camp. Backsplash in a color you love. Maybe box in stove vent hood if you don't like it but I am of the opinion that it is a wonderful stove for a serious cook that needs a large vent and it doesn't bother me.
Following to see how this saga ends....great kitchen to start off with

Thank you ljptst7 and everyone else!! Feedback has been helpful! Stay tuned for “after” pics.

What did you decide to do??!!

I have not made any final decisions except will most likely not paint the cabinets. I will replace the cabinet hardware with either brushed brass or black. Same with the facets. Change the lights over the island. New marble for the island and Re-stain-it needs it. The floor will depend on the cost and if the broken tiles can be replaced or a new floor is needed. I’ll take my beloved cork board down 😢. My kids are older and we don’t really need it, but it was awesome. There are lights under the cabinets but they get hot and I never turn them on. New table and chairs. Not sure about the ovens stainless backsplash.

It’s not that bad. That cork board is real

life, unlike staged kitchen photos for Pinterest...keep it if you love it, and cherish the scraps of paper. Paint the frame black instead?

I am wondering about those pendants - I have seen similar (or the same!) pendants in shelter magazines in quite fancy kitchens. That doesn't mean YOU have to like them, of course, but I wonder if you knew that they are stylish (this is something I would like to know, if I were making this kind of decision).

I won't advise you about the cabinets as I can see both perspectives - I had very dark stained wood cabinets and had them painted and don't regret it one bit (FWIW I painted them a dark color), but as others have said, lighter wood is 'trending', whatever that means to you ;)

As others have also said, the backsplash is too dark next to those counters. A light colored tile that reflects light would look pretty.

New hardware - you might think about changing out the faucets to something that complements the new hardware you choose.

This kitchen needs a pendant light (not too large) over the table. Eating under can lights is like being in a hospital cafeteria.

Also as others have said - no kitchen will be fabulous with a dog kennel, incongruous chairs (I think the table can work, with different chairs), and wall décor that looks like the common room at a college dorm. I have 4 little kids; believe me, I get it. But do keep in mind that the things near your kitchen will affect how your kitchen looks, especially if if everything is in the same room! The rest of the room needs to come along for the ride if you want a really fabulous space :) I like your beautiful kitchen and am envious - enjoy it, whatever you decide!

Keep us posted as you start to choose the small changes.

The reason for the stainless steel backsplash is that it is a non-flammable material which you need with a gas range with high BTU's, like you have, and more than likely is needed to make code or may even be what the range manufacturer recommends. If this is something you decide to pursue do your homework before you do.

jcsanders-

If you really do need some sort of "command central" and place to mount things, maybe you can have something made, or buy something that is like (okay, now is my time to sound like a moron)

two very long doors joined with long piano hinges.

One door is permanently affixed to the wall,

The surface of both doors are painted the same color as the walls.

The inner surfaces of the doors (that meet each other are your "work surfaces," and you decide how to tailor them to your needs.

You can make part of them a dry erase board for noted to your self, or a shopping list, part can be a bulletin board on which to tack notes (I suggest heavy duty cork, or better yet Forbo), etc.

If you add a small frame to the outer door, you can rig up more on the inside of the outer door such as hooks for keys, pockets for folders, which can be color coded a different color for each child, etc.