Patricia,

Thanks for the response! Unfortunately it's not in our budget to be moving walls, layout, etc. We likely will be in this home for another 2-4 years and so i'm looking to update to improve resale value as i believe the current colors/finishes would turn away some potential buyers. These finishes are what were here when we purchased the home a couple of years ago, and it was built in 1993, so certainly we have learned a lot since then!

I have painted cabinets before, so would be looking to do the stripping and painting mostly myself as the labor is extensive. The cooktop is a downdraft, so it vents through underneath in the cabinets and through the concrete pad to the outside.

I agree a plan is necessary! it's why i am looking for some input before taking any actions! :)

Have you seen or considered a leathered grey granite counter top? I think a leathered silver pearl would look fantastic if you are trying to go for a cool/warm combo. It's lovely lovely. Plus it's a base price so not a bank breaker.

Leathered Silver Pearl

And then for a tile there are lots of options for a cream/grey combo Which can straddle the warm cool spectrums.

Granada Olimpia 12X24 style

Then with backsplash see how it looks when the main parts are done and pick something you like!

I would recommend get samples and make a mood board

Linear Cement and Blade Smoke

Granite are very beautiful.

Look at this example usingBlack Crystal

You can always look into other stones - like these

SQUARE TILE - Take a look atthese mosaics

Rice White Classic II Square

COPPER QUARTZITE STRIP - Textured Tile

Backsplash can be found here

Neutral colors

Backsplash - Vapor Impressions 8x2

Do you plan on taking the counter down to one level as part of your reno?

I would just paint all the cabinets white, picking a slightly off-white shade that harmonizes with the counters. That stone isn't trendy, but it's not terrible, and the cabinet color is a much bigger issue. As for resale, probably most folks would either understand the big problems with the kitchen layout and plan to rip it all out, or not understand and plan to replace the stone to get something they like. In neither case would I invest thousands of dollars to put new stone on these not-so-great cabinets. Paint them into something lighter and fresher and enjoy your house.

@A T Thanks for the recommendations! I hadn't considered Leathered granite, I do have some concerns on resale value with leathered as it is much less common, but will definitely look into it. The tile you suggested though is perfect! Thank you!!

@la_la Girl I am open to making it all one level, but at this point planning to keep it different heights. My main concern is losing multiple outlets and that this opens directly into the living room. I kind of like the dual height from the perspective that it hides the mess in the kitchen (oops!), but I am definitely open to hearing reasons to take it down to one level!

@acm Thanks for the input! You may be right, I could try painting the cabinets and then see how the granite looks before replacing. Since the butlers pantry is separated from the rest of the kitchen i have debated using that as my "test case" and painting the cabinets there to see how they look before getting into the rest of the kitchen.

makes sense to keep the counter levels the same since it sounds like you are looking for more of a refresh than an overhaul - i think i would focus on repainting the cabs with a creamier paint so there is not so much contrast with the walls - warmer, less modern pendants could be a nice change up as well.. it is a tough/expensive time for renos with the materials and skilled labor shortages so it would be tempting to just freshen the cabinets and see how far that takes you - esp if you could be selling in just 2 years.. its a nice open kitchen!