We do plan to take out the dishwasher and completely replace it right away so I would assume that wouldn't be an issue. The layout is really functional and I can't see changing it; however, not having lived in this house yet, I suppose there could be a lightbulb moment and desire to make more significant changes. DH has been a proponent of holding off on the first floor hardwood until we agree on the kitchen remodel. I guess it doesn't hurt to wait. I just didn't want to go through flooring install / finishing process again when I live in the house already (we just did that this past summer and it wasn't fun). Thanks for your feedback everyone! I appreciate your thoughts as always.

How far out is your remodel? I ask because Restore Habitat for Humanity store would probably rather have you cabinets donated unpainted, then painted - so if you are just a few years away, see if you can live with them stained. You really don't need your kitchen to look like a particular year. You need it to be functional and to suit your own taste - which marketers are attempting to influence. First, least expensive change - turn off HGTV. It is designed to make you hate your kitchen (maybe even you whole house) so you will go out and buy new stuff. It is also designed to feel like you must have trendy kitchen - which will also be outdated in 10 years and then you can buy more new stuff. Remove the wooden valence over the sink and paint the window trim white. Look into changing lighting - google "replace fluorescent light fixture". Chose paint colors that work for the room. Cool grays and warm tone woods do not mix - neither brings out the best in the other. You want a kitchen that looks clean, bright and functions well, not one that is trying to be something it is not. If you think you are more than 10 years out, consider new countertops, backsplash and sink. I did this and added a farmhouse sink in a similar kitchen for abut $5000 - I DIY the backsplash, so saved some $ there. (Pics are in my "my pics" idea book - no attempt was made to "update", only to refresh.) When you do remodel, or even before if it breaks down, consider removing the over the range microwave and put in a nice stainless vent. If you can live without the storage and tackle some ceiling repair, remove the cabinets and soffit over the peninsula. There are some online tutorials. You could look into buying some unfinished doors and staining to match or painting to match to replace the arched doors. A local cabinet maker can help you if the available unfinished doors are not the right size. You can also remove upper cabinets and replace with shelves - but you have to be comfortable living with that look and the work involved in keeping it clean.

Regarding the refrigerator -- we have just under 33" b/w the refrigerator handle and the counter edge across from it - and it's much too shallow an aisle! We were stuck with it b/c of the numerous measuring errors on the part of our KD. While it's something we've adapted to - if someone is in the refrigerator no one can pass by - it's not what I wanted! (I was aiming for 48".) . However, it's your home and Kitchen - so it's your choice how to handle it. We're here to give you advice - with no financial benefit accruing from specific designs/appliances/etc. - and it's your choice whether to take it or not. I understand that you're used to what you have and you can't imagine anything better - but keep in mind that: Human beings are very adaptable. We can adapt to anything - good or bad - even the worst layouts! We adapt so well that we tell ourselves it's fine the way it is - we cannot imagine doing it differently or making it better. But, what if it could be better? If you ask just about anyone here who took our advice and changed their layout to make it better, they will tell you they never realized it could be so much better and wondered how they had lived with the issues for so long! (The answer is back to the adaptability of human beings!) Human beings are resistant to change. Even when something can be made better, we resist change. We like what we know and we have a hard time seeing other ways to do things - even if they could be so much better! And, as I mentioned before, we've adapted to what we have - both the good and the bad. [This is not specific to you - we are all resistant to change to some extent!] Once we get past that resistance and start opening up to new ideas, though, it can be amazing what we can come up with - and I don't mean just the people here helping you, I mean you and your family coming up with new ideas as well! So, why not at least try for something better and give others a chance to come up with a better design? If you are not open to looking at other options, then so be it - as I said before, it's your Kitchen, so you can do what you want with it. Good luck with your remodel!

I think your cabinets look nice..the arch part of the doors aren't my favorite. If it were a shaker or slab door and maybe w/different hardware, all pulls maybe, dark, I'd like them more. Now, having said that---I would take them for my own kitchen, arch and all, w/a big smile b/c they're waaaaay better than my monstrosities hahahaha. I prefer a lighter and plainer counter, but that's my preference-the counters you have look nice w/the cabinets. The backplash tho, I would want to change that, it would brighten things up. And just from what I've seen on here, under cabinet lighting would be fabulous. (also I like your bee pictures-we just started beekeeping this past spring)