love all the great advice! I lived in really not great kitchen for 6 years before we could renovate so I am the queen of the "make do for now" approach (our realtor didn't even want to show us the house bc the kitchen was "unworkable")
I think a soft white paint can be your friend in the early days of home ownership, it cleans up old spots and can brings light to dark, dingy corners. I would whitewash the brick and replace the countertops with a chunky white laminate. Soft fresh creamy white on the walls, a large jute or vintage rug, a more stylish flush mount light as well as add a charming lamp to the right of the sink to light up that dark spot. I would bring in some patina with some older accessories (real ones, not the fake ones like at Hobby Lobby) - some old natural crocks with black stripes will connect in your black appliances, etc.. have fun with your new home and congratulations! ❤
Q