What is the floor?

And what were you thinking of for a budget?

I think new counter and a backsplash without a 4 inch one, would be a good upgrade.

But.....I am not sure about your wall color. It looks bluish purple on my monitor.

I prefer green with your wood. It can be a gray/ green, sage green etc.

New countertops and backsplash is a great start. Buy a sofa table, credenza, narrow long dresser, a buffet, or an antique and paint it or keep as is for extra storage or a place to put drinks and food when entertaining. You could put the same countertop on the floating piece you decide on as well if you like. Maybe a nice runner in front of the cupboards could bring in some texture and colour, as well as switching out hardware really makes a big impact for different price points. Depending on your budget, new taps and lighting can dramatically change the atmosphere and update. Do as little or as much, every little bit will be a nice refresh. Your cupboards look to be in great shape, I think you made the right choice not to paint them. If I see another all white or grey kitchen I’m going to scream. While timeless, where is the individual personality in that? Good luck and have fun. It’s your home. Advice is good, but follow your gut.

I should have stated the freestanding piece can go where you take the desk out, ( if you didn’t understand me)

The floor is Pergo and is in pretty decent shape. There are original oak floors throughout the house except the kitchen, of course.

Our budget is about $4K, and I have gotten a couple of quotes for the countertop, including fabrication and install, for about $2200 (it's only 30 sq ft). Thoughts about color for countertop and tile backsplash?

Also the walls are actually lighter than the pictures indicate. It's a light gray-blue.

I also like the idea of a runner to bring in some color.

Can you take more pictures...where is the 'fridge/stove etc. To pop that counter top off and have another put in with new sink is pretty easy. I would go light, not gray--sooo over done and will date you quickly. Find a neutral white that will allow you full options for paint and accessories. I might rethink the subway tile. It's difficult to tell but getting too much going on will only date you again. Your budget is more than adequate as your quote taught you. 20 yrs for a kitchen isn't much. They used to stand for 50+.

I agree with your decision not to paint the cabinets. They do look like they’re in good shape. A new counter, new sink (perhaps under-mount), new faucets, and an updated light over the sink would go a long way with this kitchen. Can you post more photos that include a better view of the desk area, as well as the opposite wall? One thing to consider - where will you stop the backsplash? That’s a tricky corner with the upper cabinets not aligned with the lower ones and the corner where the wall jogs back. There are a lot of panicked last minute posts on Houzz when homeowners suddenly realize they need to make this decision the night before the tiler arrives in the morning!

My suggestion is a warm white counter and backsplash.

The existing wall color is pretty, just not the greatest with the cabinets since the blue-gray is cool and the natural wood is warm.

The floors dont look bad in the pictures, so if they’re in good shape I’d leave them

Here are some additional pics. I know the fridge doesn’t match, but we cannot replace it right now. Note: We are in the midst of decluttering 😎

How did things turn out Julie!? We are starting a similar ‘face lift’!