Seems from the pics that the cabinets have a slightly pinkish cast -- is this accurate, or is it the pics? If it is the pinkish cast, I'd consider painting them, though I know that would be expensive or rather difficult (if you DIY). Agree on changing the hardware -- easy, nice fix. I think once you swap out the counter, it will make a big difference. If the home is historical, you may want a backsplash and overall look that is in keeping with the style/age of the home, but that's a very personal choice. Subway tile could look great, I'd think. Good luck.

"Very few of anything has been added in the last few years aside from compost. It is native soil " So you have provided nothing to replace all the nutrients that the plants over the past few years have removed from the soil and that is the problem. I assume you have also not fed the plants anything throughout the growing season. The result is basically nutrient-barren soil and little to nothing will grow well in it. As I said above compost is primarily a soil amendment, NOT a fertilizer. It's level of nutrients is quite low, even in ideal compost, and compost comes in all levels of quality. Plus those nutrients are only available to the plants if there is an active soil food web of bacteria to pre-digest it. Can compost alone provide enough nutrients for healthy plant growth? Perhaps, over a period of years to get established, if it is high quality, regularly added in sufficient quantities through out the growing season and during the off season, and if an active soil micro-herd is established first and kept well fed. Otherwise other forms of nutrients MUST be provided by the grower. They can be organic supplements or not - your choice. But what the plants remove must be replaced. I'm not sure what the remainder of your post is about. The link leads to an outlook express app one must log into to access. If you are using native soil then any references to "soil-less mix interpretation" are not relevant. Dave

@everdebz Yes it is a country style (not my style) - this is the house I'm buying so I plan to repaint in white (more modern/minimalist style). I do have to repaint kitchen cabs anyway - they look a lot better in the photo but in reality have a lot of peeling paint. Countertop will also have to be replaced as it is concrete painted with peeling paint. Here are some photos of the bathroom. The area with 3 squares is a free standing vanity thing. Next to the other vanity thing that holds two sinks. I love the idea of making it a closet! I prefer "clean" spaces and the multiple vanity things in the master bath aren't my favorite. Where would you put an office? Also pic of the other side of the kitchen with side view of pantry (the thing that bothers me)

I'm no pro but I think changing the color of only the brick will enhance the stone better giving a richer color overall. And if the budget allows, consider changing the portico siding to match the grey, and change the porch posts to squared off type posts and/or cedar posts. Just changing brick color will be a nice update!