If we painted the cabinets an off-white I would be open to a darker granite. I’m just really needing to get some brighter things going on in this kitchen.

For the floor I would say to ideally match it with the rest of the flooring. Especially because it completely connects.
But if that isn’t an option and the terra cotta isn’t either ( which I agree with the oak probably won’t work... ) I think I’d do a black and white square patterned tile. ( I’ll try to look for inspiration. )
The other thing about the cabinets is the island. I would so badly want a rectangle shape lol.
And after you decide on painting the cabinets or not you’ll decide on countertops.
New lighting also :)
Very decent space to work with btw. And I’m sure it’ll look awesome!!

No advice from me. HUGE compliment on your housekeeping - neat as a pin with 6 kids - you are Superwoman!!!

You do not need to paint all the cabinets of kitchen. But you can do different color cabinet under the island.

You can put snow white granite or Carrara granite for counter top of kitchen . For the back splash of kitchen I would suggest you should use 2inch border of dark mosaic and in combination with light color backsplash.Please provide more clear pictures. Let me know if you like the ideas.

can I just ask you to please, please, change out those lights?? how in the world can you even see to cook?

seriously, if you can't do recessed lighting right now, go buy this light and have your other half stand on the island to switch it.

Lowes Kichler Barrington. Make sure you get the LED bulbs, 75Watt, in the DAYLIGHT temp.

or if you really want some light, do one of these styles

Ok, got that out of the way.

Who's doing the painting?

I don't see the terra cotta tiles working w/that other flooring, or the gray/taupe tones.

if you want a spanish style tile/kitchen, go for this look (color-wise, and the tile floors)

paint, hardware on your cabs, new counter and tile splash, make a big diff.

and if you're going to paint, add some boxes on top of what you have to gain more storage

you can do whatever size you need. it's simple to have boxes built, and painted. you can leave them open, add doors, or add glass.

or maybe this one w/a granite. this is White Dove

work w/your cabs. update the things around them

@Beth H — thanks for all the input. It will give me plenty to ponder. I like those white Spanish style tiles!! And yes the lighting really needs to change. I am thinking recessed.

Thnx .....

@chiflipper thank you 😌 ☕️

@nirmala thank you. I like the mosaic border idea.

I know it’s counterintuitive, but putting dark counters - maybe just the perimeter - will be amazing with your dark wall! Ditto on lighting! If you can swing it, have an electrician add recessed lighting and add pendant(s) over the island and drop a pendant over the sink! There are now waterproof wood veneer engineered plank flooring that should hold up well to a busy family. Another flooring option could be porcelain wood-look tile with washable rugs in the busiest areas like in front of the sink. Love that wall 😉

Ps, pop for a stainless hood vent. Broan makes a nice one you can swap out.

Just to reiterate - I cannot stress how much more better lighting will make a difference, rather than lighter cabinets. Painting cabinets is a bigger rabbit hole than it seems, and I don’t think you’ll be happy with the results on your large-grain oak.

@theresen thank for all the input. Yes a DIY repaint of cabinets would be a beast.