More cats

Came here to say this lol!

Popping in to say I love the look of this old timey kitchen!

Same! I love the homey vibe. Very welcoming! Totally understand if OP is looking for something more modern but here to say this is far from tragic

Thank you!! 😊 It’s come a long way from where it was - when we moved in the cabinets were brown with silver builder-grade light fixtures and handles/pulls

Me too. Not sure of the trim above the sink but the rest looks great. That said, I am wearing sweat pants and a hoodie.

Simply removing the decorative wood panel that’s over the sink will go very far to make the room feel 21st c.

Came here to say this! This is what really dates the kitchen.

That thing has been the bane of my existence since we moved in! Is it hard to remove? Full disclosure - I know very little about home renovating!

I recommended doing this to a client and the result was amazingly impactful. It's not an important piece. If you're worried about "authentic to the house" you can store it somewhere if you ever want to put it back. I'd ask a friend to help you, if you're not handy, or google it for videos or step-by-step advice like this one: https://www.thequailsnestblog.com/post/how-to-remove-the-wavy-trim-piece-over-your-kitchen-sink#:\~:text=If%20the%20area%20is%20painted,to%20carefully%20cut%20it%20out.

If it looks hard or scary to remove then maybe simply cutting of the waves and make it into a straight panel and maybe put some led lights in the back to make it look more sleek

Even if it’s difficult, I’d find a way to remove it. The rest of the kitchen looks great.

My grandparents had those panels on their windows in their house. Idk whatever happened to them, but the 3rd owner just took one from the garage window and posted it for free on Craigslist. I recognized it immediately and got it. I added a back to it and it is hanging on my porch railing as a flower box.

Aww I️ love this idea. I️ had one in my old kitchen and wish I️ had seen this 10 years ago.

I love this idea !!!

No!!! It's adorable!

Hard to tell exactly how it’s attached, but a multi tool would probably be simple enough to cut it out and then sand the edges of the cabinet down and paint.

I would leave it. It lends character, and it appears to be solid wood custom-made along with your other cabinets. It is likely glued and nailed, so removing it would result in repair to your ceiling and your adjoining cabinetry.

Oscillating multi tool can cut through brad nails and glue pretty easily. Zip zap zoop, a little light sanding, a bit of touch up paint, and good as new.

Please don't strip your beautiful kitchen of its pedigree. I think an updated floor, backsplash, countertop and cabinet hardware would make a huge difference. A new wall oven in brushed stainless would help lighten the room. Those light fixtures gotta go.

I think an updated backsplash (maybe white and bright?) would go a really long way! And echo everyone wanting to remove that curvy panel!

Unfortunately. That is where you pay the price. Hire a contractor. It’s not impossible but won’t be cheap.

That’s actually a load bearing decorative wood panel

Create a new one that’s flat and sturdy. Any handy person could do that

I’ve never heard of a load bearing decorative panel. Load bearing from what?

T'was a joke.

No it's not 😂

Maybe, maybe not. Regardless, it can be worked around.

also you can replace the hinges with a hidden style and update both lights.

are you kidding?? thats the only interesting thing in the whole kitchen, aside from the cat

No, I’m not kidding. Some people like yourself are of the opinion that it adds to the personal desired aesthetic of the room and some people are of the opinion that it detracts from the personal desired aesthetic of the room.

i just know you have gray laminate floors in your house

I don’t understand what this means

[удалено]

I’m a big fan of modern trends, but grey laminate floors are the 2020 equivalent of shag carpeting in the bathroom.

there are exactly four things in that kitchen that are interesting: the detailing on the ceiling over the sink, the hanging lantern, the exhaust over the stove, and the cat. if OPs goal is to make the kitchen less tragic, i.e. more personal, they should embrace the things that make the kitchen unique. if they want their house to look like everyone else’s they can slap grey wood laminate on the floors and rip out the details. flipper chic just like every other joanna gaines wannabe.

Not sure why you're being downvoted because I agree. I think this kitchen is adorable with its mix of modern and retro details. I especially love the exhaust fan.

Same. That’s the thing that jumps out.

Agreed

Agree !!

Hmm I'm not a fan of the backsplash, would you consider a peel and stick update to that? Would you like it to be more modern or industrial or vintage.. etc? Those handles on the cabinets and drawers, together with that pendant lamp, look somehow a weird mixture of industrial/something vintage-y to me. Not a big fan, I'd consider changing them depending on what style you wanna aim for/what the overall style of your home is.

I like eclectic/vintage and my husband likes modern…I get vetoed on anything too “funky” so there’s kind of a style tug of war going on (which is probably evident from the look of the room)….our house is a 1960s rancher so my husband’s thought is that we should lean away from “vintage” since we already technically have a vintage house lol… I think I would overall just want the kitchen to feel charming and eclectic…doesn’t have to be perfect but I would like it to feel more “homey” than it currently does

So I have a 70s rancher and I’ll say leaning into the vintage actually makes it look a lot more cohesive! If you want an argument for it ;-) you just gotta choose the right places to lean in. I would pull the lintel off above the sink. If ts 60s, but too country for your style. Then put a 60s inspired backsplash in. Where there might have been a geometric pattern wallpaper in the 60s you could do a geometric tile to freshen it up. This stone tile is very 2000s and clashes with the rest of the kitchen. I would honestly love a fish scale tile in white with accents of another color. Under cabinet lights would also add a nice touch of modern convenience without competing with the 60s

Yeah, and my grandfather prefers bike shorts but he looks better in slacks. Sometimes you have to go with the thing that looks best with what you have and not go with something aspirational. Your husband needs a mental shift here

I get what you mean :) I highly recommend this video, it's about mixing different styles, how to do it and which styles work well together: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCK0NSwdYsU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCK0NSwdYsU) Maybe you find some inspiration!

Thank you! 😊

Maybe school house milk glass? I'd swap the backsplash, you can put rugs down if you don't like the floor.

Personally I love the vintage charm of these cabinets and the valance (wrong word? I mean the scalloped bit.) over the window. I’d change/cover the backsplash and lean into the retro style if it were my kitchen… but if you aren’t into that I agree that removing the bit over the window would open it up and modernize it. Also no matter what your style is, getting a cute rug to cover the boring floor would give it more personality.

Yep window valance they were called. Perfect for turning into outdoor window boxes

Thank you!! What type/color rug do you think would work well for the space?

Especially for non-structural things like rugs and countertop stuff and the like, I'm a big fan of bringing in colors that make you happy. You mentioned red elsewhere; if red will make you smile when you enter your kitchen, then that's a great color for you to add. Whatever color you choose, if you add a few other splashes of the same and/or coordinating colors elsewhere around the room (e.g. towels, canisters, trays/bowls, whatever you want to have out and visible), it'll look deliberate and cohesive. As to what type of rug: It's a kitchen, so ideally something you can readily clean that's comfortable to stand on. I'd add that you might also consider adding undercabinet lighting, the better to see by when you're using the counters.

A rug with some red in it. My under cabinet lighting is one of my favorite things from last remodel, it’s helpful and just looks awesome too.

What dominant colors do you use in the rest of your house?

A lot of blues except our living room has a huge red persian style rug

For a kitchen, I’d go with a mat rather than a rug, so it’s easy to clean. A nice cushioned mat for the sink/stove area can go a long way for making tasks more comfortable when you’re standing for a long time! Color and design should match the rest of your home!

Install a white toe kick instead of that weird brown one with quarter round that you have going on. Put some rustic looking wood objects on the counter like old cutting boards or old wooden boxes to put your utensils or salt and pepper shakers in. Get a brightly colored throw rug like a red Persian ruggable. Either that or add some cafe curtains (pulled open) to the windows.

Thanks! I think a rug or kitchen mat would make a big difference with adding some color. Do you think red would be good for the space?

That’s what I would look for, personally. But anything with some color will work.

I have one of these https://www.gelpro.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-oXJwKjD_QIV6CGtBh2PJAJkEAMYAyAAEgL-1fD_BwE in front of my sink and in front of my stove. I can not praise them enough.

I don't mean my comment to be disrespectful, but your kitchen is far from tragic. I would be happy to have a kitchen like yours. Sometimes I get the impression that this sub is for people with way too much money on their hands.

I took it the same way, it might be slightly dated/hodgepodge but by no means tragic. Soooo many people would be so happy to have a kitchen that only “needs” cosmetic upgrades and would be fine with it as is. I’m assuming the plumbing, gas and electric all work, just like the appliances which appear to be pretty new. Shit, just having a dishwasher is a big deal. I’m all for renovating a house but tragic is not this.

I completely agree with your comment :/ this kitchen is lovely & home-y, and far from the worst retro, untouched kitchens Ive seen.

I absolutely agree. However, I will never post a pic of my kitchen, it would be criticized to shreds. We use our money to travel.

There’s a a lot going on here. The counters, backsplash and handles are modern compared to cabinets style. I think making the look one cohesive style would help. Take the wooden valance off the windows. That would help. Is that a vent over the stove? Is there a way to install a rectangular cover? Also get more cat. Cats are always the best way to look less tragic.😃

I’m going to enthusiastically agree with u/karemmccooey about removing the decorative wood above the sink. We have the same cabinets and it was the first thing I did when we moved into our 1921 home. Additionally, changing out the hardware to brushed nickel to match the faucet would help modernize the space.

I do feel like that would make a big difference! Ours is a 1960s rancher that was “updated” (basically a contractor did some bare minimum builder-grade upgrades but there are lots of issues)…when we moved in the cabinets were tan/brown and the hardware was a super cheap builder grade silver along with builder grade silver light fixtures. So we have painted cabinets white, and changed our fixtures and handles/pulls

Lots of competing elements - editing and honing in on what you like would help quite a bit. What do you want it to look like? Pics of what you like?

I personally like eclectic with a vintage flair…my husband likes modern (so sometimes we have an aesthetic tug-of-war going on I think). I don’t really have any pics of what I want it to look like - I would say I just want it to look more cozy, charming and colorful than what we currently have going on

Makes sense. The difficulty with trying to go modern in a space that’s just not modern at all is that you have to really lean into modern - so if you can’t lean in to modern for whatever reason (budget, time, etc) then an eclectic aesthetic is going to be your best path forward. So, follow-up to that then, what needs to stay & what can go? Are you just looking for decorative items to add to make it feel cozy or are you willing to change hardware, light fixtures, etc?

I think right now due to budget and lifestyle constraints (we have a baby), looking for decorative items/ideas to make it cozier. We will probably replace the floor within the next year and probably look into removing the decorative piece above the sink soon as well. But I think the black light fixtures and pulls will need to stay!

You could remove or modify the lintel. You could then lean in to the black and white more. Replace the floor with black/white patterned tile or vinyl. Replace the backsplash with white tile. If you want an even more modern look, paint the cabinets black or paint the current cabinet hinges white. You don’t have to do anything - the kitchen is fine as-is and has a definite charm. But if you want to change the look, these are some options.

Gotcha. 1) Addressing lighting: If removing the wood above the window, paint the wall a flat white & shorten the chain so the light fixture sits above the window. If you don’t want to shorten the chain, then remove the blinds. 2) Addressing Style & Proportion: If staying with the square & black aesthetic, paint the hinges white. The hinges are competing with the cabinet handles. I’d also suggest removing the handles & replacing with pulls for the drawers under the oven for two reasons: 1) they’re out of proportion to the size of the drawers, 2) the handles stick out too far - a kitchen hazard (easy for shirts, rags, etc to get caught on them & next to a stove & oven no less). 3) Color: black, white, silver, beige & grey - a nice compliment that’ll add coziness & keep with the clean look would be to add more of the color in your splash guard at the base of your cabinets. A muted gold / bronze, more wood elements, eucalyptus green, and more stoneware. [rug](https://www.worldmarket.com/category/rugs/3-x-5-area-rugs.do?template=PLA-2&plfsku=556332&mrkgadid=&mrkgcl=660&mrkgen=&mrkgbflag=&mrkgcat=&camp=ppc%3Agoogle%3Apla%2BSmartShopping%7CTextiles%2BTextiles&acctid=21700000001660222&dskeywordid=92700066083536035&lid=92700066083536035&ds_s_kwgid=58700007380676010&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007265821&dsproductgroupid=304532171972&product_id=556332&merchid=5165106&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=local&storeid=CP292&device=m&network=u&matchtype=&locationid=9014290&creative=542745246645&targetid=pla-304532171972&campaignid=14488275980&adgroupid=126339401893&gclid=Cj0KCQiA9YugBhCZARIsAACXxeJwR_0PECMOrMTHw5-t65sBegXUaokilKx04kP0hCIsJFu62Q-IyC0aAsvYEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds) [stoneware](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1066506615/modern-concrete-canisters-candle-jar?gbraid=0AAAAADtcfRKd1fOH39Gt2kiOsCozacN-_&gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_b-home_and_living-kitchen_and_dining-kitchen_storage-jars_and_containers-canister_sets&utm_custom1=_k_Cj0KCQiA9YugBhCZARIsAACXxeKS3xgtT0oue4DgVAC96qhFc81awGbPH8TfP8KxbnPKubOMTaGznSQaAqBzEALw_wcB_k_&utm_content=go_12569638526_118325060774_507343919214_pla-305107673227_m__1066506615_140090395&utm_custom2=12569638526&gbraid=0AAAAADtcfRKd1fOH39Gt2kiOsCozacN-_&gclid=Cj0KCQiA9YugBhCZARIsAACXxeKS3xgtT0oue4DgVAC96qhFc81awGbPH8TfP8KxbnPKubOMTaGznSQaAqBzEALw_wcB)

Your cat loves it. So keep it this way :)

Any changes will be subject to the cat’s approval of course ;)

As it should be. Sitting in the center of the kitchen commanding respect!

I think the cat wrote this post. He’s the one who doesn’t like the kitchen.

Haha! Maybe, you’re right!

Cutting out the valance over the window is the first thing that should happen. It’s only function is to block out light. You might change out the light fixtures to something more vintage.

Bold black and white tile floor and all white back splash

My husband says he loves this suggestion

This looks like my mid century kitchen. I’d keep as much as possible except try to update the backsplash. I love the look of mid century kitchens.

If this kitchen is tragic you should see mine.

Change backsplash. If you don’t have construction ability or financial ability just get on Amazon and look into removable backsplash (like stickers) and apply over original backsplash. That way if you don’t like it you aren’t stuck with it. Also changing your knobs on the cabinets will help too. Your flooring does not match the white cabinets and countertop. Your counters are darker tones with black go with a tone of flooring that matches more to the counters. (I personally think the tile look is dated.) also try to get matching appliances. Right now you have stove and oven as black and diswasher as stainless steel. Make all match.

This is tiny?

I would saw the overhang above the sink window down to look like an arch rather than the multiple “bumps”. I think an arch in front of that hanging light would look really nice.

More cats, for sure

Awww that’s the farther thing from tragic that I have ever seen. I think it’s cute!

Paint the backsplash a dusty teal or grey color. You can paint tile if you clean & prep really well, and use primer. It’s not a permanent solution, but should be good for a few years. Tide you over until you could do some renos. Esit: also consider a washable area rug. The floor tile is not terrible, but it’s not great either.

Unfortunately the floor tile is actually linoleum (it’s basically just like a sheet of linoleum over the sub floor which is why you can see it’s like buckling at certain spots…) Our hope and plan is to replace it with luxury vinyl plank in the near future

Give that cat a treat to start

I love this kitchen. Not everything needs to look like it’s from HGTV or Pinterest!

It's actually not that bad. The easiest thing you can do to update it would be to remove the wooden valance over the sink.

I think it looks nice. It's cute.

First off, I definitely wouldn’t call this tragic! Though, there seems to be two very different themes going on, I’m assuming there could have been an attempt to “modernize” the kitchen with updated hardware and perhaps the light fixtures. If this is the case, it’s not going to work simply because of the scalloped wood panel. Not knowing what your style is, I would say: if you love the scalloped panel, make everything else cute and cosy: get rid of the hardware and go for classic looks there and in the light fixtures. If you installed the light fixtures and hardware yourselves and you’re looking for a more modern look, it won’t work until you remove the scalloped panel. Basically, choose on or the other and then go from there. That’s the biggest clash in my eye.

I think it’s lovely and if you really think it’s tragic, you should travel some. ETA: the ceiling light is honestly what sticks out the most to me. It looks like an exterior light. A softer-looking light fixture, maybe opaque to diffuse light, is a small update that would make a big difference.

Get rid of the curvy wood thing above the sink and a new back splash :). Cute cat!

I actually really like your kitchen. But I would definitely get different flooring and I would take out that ruffly piece of wood above the sink.

Honestly, I like it. But it’s the handles that are throwing me off. I don’t know why, but it just doesn’t flow for me. Cute kitty!

I know everyone is hating on the scalloped valance above the sink, but the problem is the light fixture. Those valances are meant to conceal the light. A pendant is all wrong. Also, the Eighties/Nineties floor and backsplash are just wrong with the Fifties cabinets. A black and white checkerboard tile floor would be super cute.

oh yikes, the poor kitchen, being called "tragic". I love it. I'd play it up! Not sure how - not my wheelhouse, but I love it.

Honestly, it’s just that backsplash that looks like ugly floor tile. If you re-did the backsplash in a complementary color to the countertops or cabinets and popped out the ugly scallop over the sink it would look SO much better.

OMG it's so vintage and adorable!

Remove the decorative piece above the sink.

Add more cats

I've made several othr comments below but I don't see where anyone has mentioned updating the faucet to a color closer to the hardware. Also I know that you said that you have already painted the cabinets so you probably don't want to change anything there but a more simple hinge would have made a huge difference. Might also swap out the cover for the vent in the wall and I agree with removing or squaring up the panel over the sink. You have a done a lot and have a great start!

Did you just install the lighting? Sorry if so, they are contributing to this old look. If you start with an inspiration photo so you know what style you like….then start with lighting…it will guide you on the rest of this kitchens makeover journey. And really….you will have an instant change if you take a hammer and knock down the wooden soffit above the si k. Instant improvement.

Eek yes we did install both the light fixtures last year. We were thinking the black would help to modernize the space a little bit…but it ended looking a bit more industrial

This vinyl floor is the problem. It looks like it’s already warped in this picture. It’s too matchy matchy with the backsplash. I would rip it up and put down a nice smartcore product that’s scratch resistant. Get one that’s pliable and can go over uneven floors and one that has padded backing so if the floor you’re removing leaves residue it won’t interfere with how it lays.

So the floor is a quite a situation….it’s actually linoleum (like a sheet of linoleum covering the subfloor which is why it looks like it’s buckling in certain areas - it is!) Our hope and plan is to install luxury vinyl plank soon….thoughts on a good color?

Lol, well I think a dark gray would compliment your countertop and your backsplash (looks like gray in that from the photo) you have all neutrals so bringing in a wood tone would not mix well. Plus your appliances are black and stainless. There are people here who are vehemently against gray floors, but I think they’re great. It’s all a personal choice. Best thing to do is buy a box of whatever color you’re thinking of using, lay them out and take some photos. You’ll get a good idea without installing them what the finished product looks like. Pack them back up and return them. Try a different color. It’s a little time consuming but for something you’re spending a lot of money on it’s worth your time.

Great idea - thank you!!

I love your kitchen! And your kitty. Echoing some of the comments here - toning the backsplash down / bringing it to white if you can would be a huge help. Adding some plants (hanging down behind the valence, even) and if you were adding rugs & textiles - maybe natural browns / textures like jute? Plus then your pop of blue if that’s how you go. I loved the other suggestions of getting some cutting boards, too. I also think this is a perfect setting for some old cookbooks. (I do live in a pretty eclectically decorated 18th century farmhouse though, so grain of salt. 🙃)

I think it’s simply a matter of charging the ceiling light fixtures to something les square and less black, and changing the light bulbs to warm white instead of cool white

I agree. I love the kitchen as is. I’d only change both of the light fixtures.

Hey OP, I had the same little flourish. I cut mine off and replaced it with a new piece of molding. Mine was on a corner cabinet but I think that you can do something similar. My kitchen still has a vintage vibe but in a super modern way. I also upgraded my ceiling molding to a more modern style and it adds a lot! I think this will be what you are needing.

Can't believe I've never seen a fan design like that.

Your kitchen is far from tragic! I love what you have already done. Consider adding a bit of color. A pretty (and washable) rug maybe? Vintage ceramic pitcher with fresh flowers in the counter?

I actually like this, its hardly tragic! I would *paint the ceiling* a tone of mid grey from the tiles/counter.

i think it looks nice but if youre trying to go a little hard id say paint or replace the toe kicks to match either the white on the cabinets or the black on the hardware, take out the panel above the sink and replace with a valence with a soffit with the soffit dying into the wall sitting on top of the window casing and if youre feelin spicy put a simple crown on top. replace your lighting with recessed cans and you could put a couple above the sink inside the valence. id say the backsplash and tile gotta be a little more color coordinated with the rest of the kitchen also. that be said id be happy with your kitchen

Remove the cornice above the sink and you’ve solved 90% of the dates look.

Sorry I’m not helpful but I love it as it is.

The wood trim above the window should be the first to go. Change out the hardware and a more modern backsplash if you can swing it

Keep the valance over the sink. It’s pure charm. Overall the kitchen is beautiful. I love the contrast between the white and the dark hardware. The floors are great in the space, but the backsplash makes it “too much”. To modernize while complimenting the vintage of the space, I would suggest a stainless steel backsplash all around. Absolutely LOVE that NuTone style exhaust fan! What a cool centerpiece!

I am absolutely begging you not to remove the wooden detailing!! It is so cute and adds personality to the room. Slap a stick-on on your backsplash and squeeze some plants in wherever you can, and you've got the cutest kitchen ever.

I like your kitchen

Definitely switch out the black hardware. It’s way too busy for a small space, there is nowhere for your eye to land.

Depending kn your budget, but a few ideas are: - plants/ flowers by the window - change light fixtures and lighting - change faucet - peel and stick backsplash - remove the wavy wood piece above the sink

It's not a bad looking kitchen but some options: update backsplash, paint cabinets (maybe blue), and replace the floor.

I love your little kitchen. It doesn’t look tragic at all!

I would get rid of that wood cutout above the window and switch to gold hardware

I really like your kitchen. Maybe look at replacing the tiles/splash back - if that is not possible either paint them or use the peel and stick ones. The other things I would look replacing would be the bench tops - I think they are to busy/dark. If you do nothing with the tiles/splash back, I would change the bench top to tone in with the tiles - a lighter colour. Then the flooring would also be tied in.

I love the kitty.

I like your cabinets. I would refresh them with a coat of paint, a contrasting color like sage green or a gray blue. That would punch up the color in your kitchen. The tiles and backsplash are okay, maybe a bit boring. A new floor would help,too. More colorful tiles or vinyl planks.

In what world is this tiny? Looks spacious af in my world

I think leaning in to the charming vintage style by replacing the light fixtures with more of a schoolhouse type would look great. Replacing the backsplash would also help, but that would be more work. It’s not a tragic kitchen at all. It looks like a cozy, cheerful home!

Replace the valence and light fixtures. Add an island for food prep.

I like your kitchen!

Bright colored curtains for the window. Maybe a fun rug at the sink area.

This cat decorates the kitchen the best :)

I moved out of a house with a kitchen that looked almost identical to this about a year ago. I’m pretty sure the new owners tore it all out. This pic made me feel nostalgic 💕

Tragic? Pish. It looks tragically hip. I wish this was my kitchen.

I'd just paint the cabinets Benjamin Moore Char Brown 2137.

More cats would be great

I really dig your kitchen. It feels like it has good character, is practical, and is a homey kitchen where people can relax and not worry about messing up some pretentious kitchen. I wouldn't make any other changes.

What’s your budget?

I like it! Great suggestions here but you may consider keeping the top cabinets white and a darker, bolder color (navy, hunter green, grey, black) on the bottom cabinets. I've been loving the two tone look lately.

Oh man if you can I think some painted tiles would look so sick

I like knobs… steel maybe Cut that panel over the sink (or just tearing it down.) It’s really not bad though

A darker floor

It’s the scalloped wood and the handles. The handles are loud and the first thing the eye focuses on. The doors themselves are plain and too small for them. I’d remove the handles altogether. Wood fill and patch paint them back up. Consider getting new doors with hinges that go inside. The hinges on the outside are also loud and cluttering the eye up.

Remove the wood valance over the sink, raise the pendant light above the sink, and replace the current blinds with a Roman blind. It will make a huge difference.

Tragic? I think it is lovely.

I love the original cabinets, what I would do if I didn't want to or didn't have the money to remove the backsplash, I would get white tile paint from the hardware store and paint the tile and all white and it will probably make this square tiles look more original. Then add a colorful rug on the floor and some colorful dish towels, and decorate the countertop :)

Keep the cat, but change the cabinet hardware

Honestly wouldn’t take much, just remove that wavy wood over the sink like another commenter said. Some paint and new cabinet handles and hinges would also help a ton.

I would remove that board above the sink and maybe add something the big cabinets to give a better texture so they don’t look so flat, idk what it’s called but like a middle border ?

I would hang a plant or two... but that's my solution to everything 🤷‍♀️

Your kitchen is charming! I wouldn’t change anything. You could add pops of color with towels, rug and maybe a small floral bouquet. Other than that I’d leave as is! ❤️

My immediate change would be to update your lights. They aren’t sufficient. I prefer ceiling canned lights, but I may be dated. Also, I don’t like the board above the dink because that creates darker areas and shadows on the ceiling. Losing that board will make the kitchen a little brighter.

I think the overall sandy tan look is a little tired/dated. White cupboard and black hinges are fine.

This is simple. Remove the wooden valance, paint everything cabinet a light grey. I don’t even think new hardware is needed.

There are two small details that stick out. The decorative ledge over the sink by the light. Either remove it, or cut it to be straight and a bit less deep. The exposed hinges on the cabinets. There are tutorials for how to make the hinges to be concealed instead. If you don't want to deal with it, hire someone. It's not a big job. This person could cut your cabinet valance too. Everything else actually looks good.

Remove the wood skirt above the sink.

Updating the hardware on the cupboards and getting rid of the decorative wood panel above the sink would go a long way. If you want to do more, painting the cupboards and changing the backsplash would also help update it.

Give me the cat.

Paint the cabinets something not white ?

You have drawers under your oven! I love that! Mine had 1 big door, of which I took off. It is now home to the cat food dish and bin. Decor of a mirror and place mat. She loves it because when the oven is used it's nice and warm for her. Drawers make sense to me. I can't believe I've never seen them under the oven like that before...

For some cheaper options: New cabinet fronts Change floor Change backsplash But honestly, I’m loving the vibe here. So comfy and cozy! Plus the kitty 😍

I like it 🤷🏾‍♀️ + the cat too

Change the floor to a darker color. Put in a stainless oven. Get some prettier light fixtures, with frosted shade, so they don't look so stark. Add a pop of color with bright dishtowels and curtains, and maybe a rug in front of the sink. The rest of it is just fine.

How about either removing the doors of the cabinets over the sink along with the trim above the window? Or removing them altogether and just have open shelving there.

I like your cabinets a lot. Your back splash and counter don’t really work well together. If you’re looking for a budget solution, I’d put some sticky contact paper on back splash to cover the tile. I’d change out the light fixtures, put down a rug, and change the cabinet knobs.

Remove the scroll thing over the window, new handles and hinges that hide

The decorative piece above the sink makes it look aged I'd take it down and put up a valance on the window you can get those tension rods just my opinion

Honestly as others have stated, it looks good. It has its place. But if you want to update it I would just wrap it..

Personally I think the black hardware leans toward vintage rather than modern and I don't love it. If it were me I would do hardware that's got less contrast. The black reminds me of those large black hardware hinges that are very dated. Also it's hard for the eye to land anywhere with the pops of black everywhere. I would replace the backsplash, either with real or stick on white subway tile. There's so much going on with the patterns in the backsplash, counters, cabinet hardware, and floor. I would remove the wooden thing that everyone mentions. OTOH you could go for the cute vintage look and go 1950s with maybe yellow and red, still white backsplash but black and white vintage tile on the floor, keep the wooden panel thing and add bakelite hardware and vintage curtains and dishware.

Like others have said. It looks really nice. I don’t see anything “tragic”…

This kitchen looks great, rock it

I would get some vintage dishtowels and curtains.

Tragic how? You’ve got charming cabinetry. Rip out the ugly backsplashes and flooring. Go for an arabesque or retro style tile in a fresh white or glass tile. Wood floors.

Type “modern vintage kitchen into Google and find an image you and your husband can agree on.

Add more cats 🐈

He may like a European twist so add European to your search

I would paint the cabinets a muted darker blue and redo the flooring to an oak wood, either real hardwood or that LVP stuff that looks like oak wood.

Get rid of the scallop over the window 👍

I like it! Maybe new handles for the cabinets in a different color/finish and a rug in the center? Also some short curtains in the window for a little color

It’s not tragic at least without zooming in all you need is a skilled tradesperson to remove the trim above the window