JudyG, When you say I want my whites in sync, are you referring to having the same color white on my wall and ceiling? I really do not want to paint the ceiling as my entire main level is a huge great room and that would be a gigantic task. Is that what you meant? I'm clueless with this stuff. Thank you greatly!

That looks great Debbi! Love the cabinets on the far well. I've worked from home for years and have remodeled 2 rental kitchens and two bathrooms. This kitchen is more difficult because the hardwoods were put in after carpet was ripped up 10 years ago which created issues with the toe kick, dishwasher and lack of flooring under the stove. I did not design that, but that's what I have now. The kitchen is basically how I got it when I purchased it with the exception of removing two doors and cutting in an arch to see the view of the lake and living room and adding a much needed pantry in the far right corner of the kitchen. The kitchen needs more storage especially for the broom and vacuum. Definitely want to replace all the cabinets because they were stick built and I don't think person making the cabinets was a cabinet maker because some of the finish pieces aren't level. I was just in there thinking about the dishwasher. I have extender feet for that when the time comes and also thought about moving it and the sink, but since the kitchen is on the 2nd floor and there is a mini hot water heater for the dishwasher and sink along with electrical and plumbing best to leave that where it is currently.

I would consider the decor color of the adjoining room for a nice flow. Can you post a wider photo? If it’s a small space, wallpaper could give it some personality.

if the budget is that tight its not wise to paint the cabinets. they are the nicest thing in the space. I think the floor could stay and use runners in black/brown pattern....the floor color isnt great but runners shift the focus quite a bit and getting rid of the backsplash will help. I would then get a simple fresh white subway tile backsplash ......if you really cant afford a backsplash just remove the existing backsplash and paint the wall there. You could see a nice change w not much spent .