How do I upgrade my kitchen?

Hi, Jannette,

I'd suggest adding some glass or wire inserts to cabinets nearest the sink and above the microwave, as well as adding some small "shots" of color to cabinetry via new knobs and pulls. If you're really ambitious, you could paint the upper cabinetry a lighter color, or simply sand down cabinet exteriors and stain a lighter color. This would save you having to change the countertop, unless you were looking for an additional project such as the Rustoleum countertop refurbishing.I do like the contrast between your cabinet color and countertop, so I would not recommend going darker there unless you lighten cabinetry.

Hi Jannette, your kitchen is lovely. If you want to lighten it up, the least expensive way would be to paint the cabinets in a white or cream color and paint the walls to match. The existing counter would tie in perfectly. You could leave the appliances black, or you could swap out just the microwave to match the cabinets in either a white or bisque color. As a matter of fact, you could get a lighter look just by painting the top cabinets and leaving the bottom in that pretty wood. That look is very in now. I can't wait to hear what others suggest.

you could do the back splash in broken dishes and then fill in with grout paint the cabinets white https://www.google.com/search?q=broken+dish+backsplash&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=Rh6kwgAJfayeeM%253A%252CIYW9JkNElKVKQM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kQiWv-wHYWzoCMNV9KJBmwJ4t1Vyg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjr87PQzNnfAhVls1kKHYlmD2gQ9QEwAHoECAUQBA#imgrc=Rh6kwgAJfayeeM:

Hi Jannette! I know how that is. My kitchen is darker than I wish it to be too. Here are some ideas I have been looking at. Good luck!

https://www.hgtv.com/design/rooms/kitchens/12-easy-ways-to-upgrade-basic-kitchen-cabinets-pictures

https://www.todayshomeowner.com/inexpensive-kitchen-upgrades/

https://www4.bing.com/videos/search?q=I+want+to+upgrade+my+kitchen.+I+Want+to+brighten+up+my+cabinets+and+counter+on+a+budget.&qpvt=I+want+to+upgrade+my+kitchen.+I+Want+to+brighten+up+my+cabinets+and+counter+on+a+budget.+&FORM=VDRE

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/s-13-ways-to-instantly-brighten-up-a-boring-kitchen-18119342

https://www.wikihow.com/Cheer-up-a-Kitchen

New lighting.

Add new hardware.

Paint cabinets.

Add open shelving if possible.

Paint or stencil wooden floors.

Remove upper cabinet doors for open shelving.

New window treatment.

Mimic the look of granite by painting your countertops with a faux granite finish.

I think your cabinets are fine. I would concentrate on a brighter backsplash, perhaps a jazzy and colorful tile, and maybe add some under-cabinet strip lighting. You could add new cabinet knobs that coordinate with the tile color. If you can manage it, a new countertop that coordinates with the backsplash?

How about whitewash? Like this:

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/furniture/kitchen-table-makeover-29298143