Don't be discouraged, but try to get inspired. I went through the Houzz aesthetic quiz. It was super helpful. It helps you fine tune your tastes/style. Mine was pretty darn accurate...found out I have a mid-century transitional style. It was pretty spot on...the cool thing is once you start putting together your taste - the houzz program populates a bunch of styles for you! That way you can find exactly how to build a beautiful kitchen around those cabinets. For me, I like mixed wood colors w/ a white and a back splash of blue and large tile putty/slate floors. You can do that with your new cabinets and if you wanted a splash of color, you could also paint the lower ones.

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The cabinets are lovely. I think you dislike it because it's incomplete, and the new elements don't work with the old elements. What I see specifically are cabinets that are close in tone to floors, for a large sea of unbroken brown, and a wall color that isn't doing much for the package. Add in the mix of black and white appliances creating visual choppiness.

The good news is you are already planning to fix the problem areas. New stainless appliances, plus the right floor material, backsplash, and wall paint that coordinate with the cabinets, can give you a terrific look. If you are able to, upgrade the lighting as well. Well-placed recessed cans would be ideal, but just replacing the boob light with a nice semi-flush would go a long way.

What style are you going for? What is it about the new cabinets and countertop that you don't like right now? If you can spell that out, the talented design people here can help you select that flooring and backsplash that will give you the look you want.

I love the cabinets, love the light countertops, and I love the warm tones. I see no reason to replace the floors. Here’s some suggestions from a non-pro who thinks youre on the right track:

1. choose your favoite color, and add a rug or two to break it up, plus a coordinating item on the counters.

2. Improve your lighting! gorgeous cabs, now add some gorgeous lights!

3. This is a personal preference, and so dont listen if you disagree: I dont care for that huge black frig, and would think about stainless for your next frig. I prefer stainless appliances for the way they appear as a neutral. Same for the white appliances, but less noticeable than the huge black frig.(edited to add that I see you are already planning for SS).

4. Really another personal preference: Im not a fan of the black hardware. I like a bit of metallic tones, like polished nickel or aged brass, for the hardware…like a bit of jewelry to complement a solid color dress.

Your cabinets and counters are very nice and I agree that you cannot see the end result in your mind because you are focusing on the things that are not updated yet. It will be fine. I like the floors with the cabinets, but I am a wood tone lover. You could add a colorful rug, runner (something washable like ruggable or similar) in front of the sink area, and add some color to the wall, either tile or paint. Some are going to tell you not to add a tile backplash in addition to the countertop splash that is there, but I'd ignore them, if you don't want to remove the short backsplash. People do it all the time (add tile above a short counter backsplash). Replace the boob light in the kitchen if you can, and center your table under the other one if possible.
If you bring some color into the kitchen, I'd repeat it in the adjoining room. You have a lot of brown and dark; it needs some spark of brightness and joy! Maybe add a rug under the coffee table and front legs of the sofa - something with color. After your budget has recovered from the kitchen, look for some art for your walls. Look at thrift stores for affordable things.
Post again when you get your appliances. I think you'll be feeling lots better!

@mcarroll16: I think you are right. I want a light, bright, homey space that isn’t dark but isn’t too modern. I love the look of these photos—not too rustic, not too modern, but a little in between with natural elements and some “bold neutrals.” Mostly I don’t like that my space isn’t looking like my inspiration photos, but that is likely because it’s unfinished like you said. I just struggle to find the right flooring that would transition into the attached living space, and other elements (backsplash, light fixtures, paint, furniture) that would all come together to create the look I want.

@olychick: There is no countertop backsplash, but I see how it looks that way! Just the shadows and a mix of drywall mud and paint on those walls lol. I would love a light colored floor because I’m definitely going for an airy, bright look for the small space, I‘ve just been struggling to find the right undertone that goes with these hickory cabinets. Looks great in this photo but those definitely aren’t hickory

Don't replace the floors, they are beautiful. Just refinish them, lighter or darker. Something that contrasts with the cabinets. Your inspo pics feature that kind of color change. And it's that contrast that makes both elements shine. Refinish all the flooring on that level. Or if that's not in the budget, put down some area rugs to break up the big color blocks.

There's nothing wrong with the floor.

Get some help with LIGHTING. Under cabinet light. .... a change of the dining fixture, and get rid of the cheap builder boob light in the ceiling.

At some point you can tile the backsplash ......but lighting first.

Add some color to the living area.......a RUG and sorry....... the curtain panels are just making me sad. Push them BACK to stationary, and add a shade for privacy beneath the panels. A "Wall " of fabric in the kitchen always looks out of place.

I think you’re on track, just having the freak out moment lol. The floor change will be the biggest impact. Consider updating lighting if possible.

The floors are great and not the problem at all. Your floor budget should be spent elsewhere. Here's a kitchen with same tone wood cabinets and same wood tones in floor. Notice how stainless appliances brighten the space. You said you're already on track for that.

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Going forward as budget allows, here are some fixes that will get you the feeling you want:

--Stainless appliances as you have planned

--Great lighting that will be centered over future eating area and over island

--Rippled white subway tile backsplash that will bounce light

--Plain white curtains that stack to the side in kitchen and living room area (This is something affordable you can do right now for very little money.)

--Kitchen rug in warm tones with an accent color pulled from future art over dining area

--This arrangement for eating area though a dropped pendant centered over table would give more general lighting in the entire kitchen. Note the curtains--very plain and stacked. Do this for both windows/sliders in a light, plain color. You can also buy upholstered dining benches. You need an oblong table or rectangular table, not too deep and in white. And add art on that wall.

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This feeling (but without the "L" sides shown in photos below)

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Love this oblong tulip table.

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Here's a Wayfair oval table with wood legs that would echo your cabinets and floor.

--Future changes so the entire space--kitchen and living room area are one space--low proportioned sofa in a light color up on legs, better TV arrangement, light patterned rug.

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the tops of the cabs need applied molding. get a more finished look. stainless appliances will help. a lighting plan or at least a trac light if you can only deal with replacing for a fixture currently. various amounts of stacking will give detail or less/ simple approach is okay too. You are just not done yet.

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I agree with the comments above, the floor needs to stay, add moulding to the cabinets, under cabinet and general lighting all will bring you closer to a kitchen that looks finished. An interesting backsplash will jazz it up a bit, I think Id go for a beautiful texture over strong pattern or color. Is there an exhaust over your stove? That may be a way to add interest , by adding a hood, when swapping out your appliances. Getting your microwave off of the counter will go a long way. Once you decorate and add personality to your kitchen, it will come together. good luck and post updated pictures.

eta You need some pattern and color, a cute area carpet and swapping out those black hole drapes in the living area, will brighten everything up. Maybe swapping out the curtains in the eat in area, and then you can spread your favorite color around both rooms.

Art for over dining area and kitchen rug pairings--palette suggestions that pick up wood and floor finishes. A rug runner to sliding door would create a pathway outdoors and also define the dining area.

Oh it will be lovely. Just needs some character added in. Tile the backsplash and behind the stove and perhaps paint the island a coordinated color. Top the cabinets with some baskets.

I think if you replace the kitchen floor only, you will be very unhappy trying to transition them to the rest of the house. They really look nice as they are.

You will amazed at the difference your new stainless steel appliances make. When we changed to stainless steel it was like a new kitchen entirely.

You need some color! And some crown molding and light rail will help to finish the cabinet look.

I haven't read all of the comments but the first thing that struck me was the poor lighting. THAT needs to be changed before you move any further (I would do the stainless steel appliances though).

I agree the floors are fine and those dollars would be best spent elsewhere. Adding trim around your window and painting the window's frame black would help tie in your black sink and faucet. This will also help to have an end point for any backsplash you would choose. Take advantage of that window as that is a nice focal point. A leafy plant will soften the hard surfaces and white paint on the bottom and trim would keep it simple and updated. You could use a more pronounced marble tile, a simple elongated more modern white subway, or add some drama with the black picket tile (vertically for high ceilings) for your backsplash. A 3" x 6" tile is a good scale for an under cabinet tile. You could consider just a section above your stove if all black is too bold. Matching your appliances will make a big difference too. A new sliding door privacy treatment would be money well spent also. A more substantial TV console with a sofa opposite (not backed up to the window) would be a good starting point for your living area furniture arrangement.

I made a quick mock up with backsplash, paint, and appliances… I think this makes it look so much better, even with the old, cheap laminate floor. Thanks everyone for your encouragement

Yes, I think the biggest issue is that everything is too neutral and drab. Put in a tile backsplash that's mostly white with pops of color. Or maybe do an ombre backsplash going from white to blue or white to green.

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Curious what the plan for changing out the floors and what is the current material? I know everyone is saying they look fine with the new cabinets, but if changing them out is an option, I'd change them. I don't think your are far off from what you'll be happy with. New floor, new appliances and a few tweaks..I agree it's the half new, which is great btw, and the old half that making hard to see past.

@always1stepbehind: I plan on either a medium warm brown like the first pic, but I would really love a light color like the second if I can find the right undertone. Everything I’ve seen so far in samples is too green, too pink, or matches the cabinets too closely

Even if the new flooring matches the cabinets, you can deal with that with rugs and other touches of color in the space.

Good advice above about adding trim around window (not hard to do) and molding to bring the finishing touch to the cabinets.

Your mockup looks like you do plan to put color on the walls - Yay! That is what I was going to suggest. It doesn't have to be strong color - even something pale, like the "whites" that are actually super pale colors, will make a difference.

Your looking at something that isnt complete. Also what do you plan to do about the lighting, that alone would make a huge difference in this space. The wall color etc. I think you are jumping the gun. I would put in wide plank flooring, recessed lighting and then decide. YOU CANNOT UPDATE A SPACE LIKE THIS AND NOT ADDRESS THE POPCORN CEILING AND THE LIGHTING.

Are you back to new floors? The floors are not the problem. Over and out!

If you change the flooring, will you carry into the living room or try to figure out how to transition the new to the old?

@housegal200: When I get off work, I’ll post some better photos of the floor, and you’ll understand why I want to replace it so badly. It’s old, cheap laminate that’s peeling and poorly patched in from where a wall was torn down

@olychick: I’d carry it into that living space, but will eventually buy a rug for that area anyway. Planning to replace all that furniture, get rid of the TV, and replace the stand with bookshelves too, as our big TV/living room is in a different area

Okay, I'll change my vote then - I like the wood tone, but if you aren't going to try to transition it from the living room to whatever is new in the kitchen, then if the lighter floor would make you happier, you should just do it. If there is any way to wait until the rest is completed, then decide, I might do that.

I thought the floor look like old cheap laminate but didn't want to be rude. But OP confirmed it is a laminate. What about tile floor? would that be an option? I noticed the popcorn ceiling too as mentioned by RL. I recently had mine removed and man...what a difference.

Olychick: I will probably wait until the end, I think that’s a good idea.

always1stepbehind: I wouldn’t mind a LVT or something with a large, rectangular “plank” look. Not a fan of traditional kitchen tile since i’m doing the same flooring in loving area

Well, I for one do NOT like stainless. I like shiny black, however I do not like a mix of black and then the white dishwasher and stove. However, if you do like stainless, that is great, it will be much easier to find.

Your cabinets are beautiful. and the black hardware looks very nice with your faucet.

I also think your floor looks fine, but we are not seeing it in person, which makes a difference. I put in a new stone look from Lowes and I love it. It is the floating click lock style. They of course have now discontinued my specific color. They do still have the brand, but in slightly different patterns. The floor was put in 3 years ago and still looks new. I have the short backsplash and like it, because the way the wall color flows in the rest of the kitchen. I did put a stainless metal backsplash between the stove and the microwave..

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Broan-Duct-Free-Universal-Backsplash-Plate-Stainless-Steel/1092009

https://www.lowes.com/pd/SMARTCORE-Ultra-8-Piece-11-97-in-x-23-62-in-Lucca-Stone-Luxury-Vinyl-Plank-Flooring/1000789148

You are doing a great job. Trust your judgement. Matching appliances and a new lighting the same dark color as the faucet and cabinet hardware would be great.

If you are going to replace the floors, look at linoleum. It is a sustainable natural material that comes in lots of colors. It has been around for more than a century. It is easy on the feet.

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YAY! a vote for linoleum. It's not like our grandma's version...

Echoing what has been said, wait for the stainless appliances. On that note, I would have chose a stainless steel sink and stainless faucet and stainless or brushed nickel cabinet pulls. I don't especially care for the black accents. A bit harsh, IMO.

Add some turquoise/ aqua & a splash of red in a runner, coutertop doo-dads, art...

Yes, new appliances, nice backsplash amd I would put some rug in the living room to break a little all wood look.

New lighting and under cabinet lighting, some fresh accessories plus your backsplash and appliances and you will love it!

Agree, I have Marmoleum and love it.

Alright everyone, hear me out… I really like the look in the last two photos. The first two are some flooring options I’m considering. Thoughts?

Your cabinets have a lot of variation in tone, so I think far less grain pattern in the floor would be a better choice. The linoleum floor in Houssoan’s first photo has a very calm vibe.

I am a warm wood color fan, so the floors you picture look to me like unfinished wood, needing something to warm them up to complement the cabinets better. BUT, it obviously is a look you prefer, so if you like them that's all that matters.

either one....irish hound the 2nd would be my pick.

you really need to redo your lighting. put in a few canned lights, maybe a pendant over the sink and island.

are you doing laminate? do have real wood floors now? if so, why take them out?

if doing other wood, make it a similar color/tone, w/very low variation.

Similar color cabs w/a darker hex tile floor and mosaic splash. I love this contrast.

make sure you get a counter depth fridge

I wouldn't go for the first one, it is really too gray and too busy for the cabinets. Also the pattern repeat is too limited & obvious.

The second one also I think is a bit too gray - but that could be my computer - but it is definitely warmer, the pattern is quieter and might work. You could buy an extra box and weed out the busier pieces. Of course this is IMO.

Is what you like in the inspo pics mostly the light/dark contrast, or do you really like the grayish tone with your cabinets?

Be sure to get real samples and test them next to the cabinets, in your lighting (improving the lighting is always a good idea, not as hard or expensive as you might think to put in LED ceiling disks.)

Beth's idea of a dark hexagonal tile floor is a really nice option, and I would choose that over the gray faux wood floor any day.

I think you have a lot going on here -- the varied tones in the cabinetry are strong, and the cabinets have to stay, so everything else must revolve around that:

- Replacing the appliances /having them match will go a long way. Whether you go stainless steel or whatever, matching will make a difference. I put my hand over the black refrigerator, and the picture looked way better.

- The window looks unfinished without a curtain, and it is an opportunity to bring in some color. Once you do this, repeat that color in floor mats and other linens. I think this will make a big difference.

- The up-top portion of the cabinets looks empty. I'd like to see some baskets or some platters and bowls displayed.

This'll come together. You're just not there yet.