SFGate

bandit50 Add a rug under your table....and lower the light fixture over your table...should be 24-26 inches from the tope of your table. Maybe paint the chairs..a darker color to match your dark kitchen countertops...just a few thoughts!!!

freedomgirl This kitchen should not keep you from selling the house! Its really nice. But to have it form a wow factor for buyers, change the Wall color, window treatments, and light fixtures. I would leave out the backsplash as it can be a very personal choice and the new owner can put their stamp on the kitchen.

brody1313 are you moving into or out of this house?? the kitchen above is nice, neat and clean.....if moving out, don't change a thing.............good luck

kathleen MK White appliance paint or one of those faux stainless panels for the front of the Dishwasher would help it blend into the cabinets.
My tall guys would say keep the light fixture high so they wouldn't bump it and it wouldn't block the view outside. (just why we break the lighting rules)
I love the openess without an island. If you want to add storage, build in a window seat.(Stock cabinets make it easy.) then you'd need a rectangle table. Something dark would balance the black appliances along with a few black accents (curtain rods, frames, wire tiered basket for fruit). I'd use a medium tone for the backsplash, porcelain or stone.
Really love it as is .

marybethcia Definitely change the light and lower it (i agree). A rectangular table that is positioned more in the window space would be better. Would make it look like a breakfast room attached to the kitchen instead of an "eat in kitchen". May feel more updated

A good idea that we used when we first bought our house was use an antique library table as an island. We ordered wood casters (wheels) from Van DykesRestorers
That raised it up to be closer to a counter height. We used butchers wax applied to the top to protect it and i wiped it down with a damp sponge all the time- didn't harm it.
We also had two nice stools on one side if it. It worked great for years until we had an island built.

It would help stage the kitchen for selling and you can take it with you (unless buyer wants to pay for it)
Think outside the box. You may come across something you could use for the island top --check out that catalog for table legs you can order. They have nice options and the right height legs to make an island. You have a lot of space there and all buyers are really looking for islands so it would be money well spent

marybethcia Just noticed your ceiling fan. Definitely take that down and get a new light (classic, vintage style appeals to a lot of people).
Then you will have lighting over your new island. Hang it low enough, not up at the ceiling. Tie in the light over breakfast table with what you choose for over island and you are done. I wouldn't spend any more that that.

ivancha1 Thank you all for your quick response. Just to clarify on my post, I am moving in and the table is from the current owner.

mveasey Love the skylight! If you keep the appliances, I would have darker hardware on the cabinets and perhaps one long runner in front of the cabinets. Switch out the ceiling fixtures, I agree and take out the tiny curtains. Congrats on your new home!

Wingren Design The cabinets look nice so, unless you hated them, I wouldn't do a thing there. (Not many options other than to replace thermofoil cabinets.)
What I would do is make room for an island and I would do that with a bench seat and a rectangle or square table. By moving the main seating closer to the outside wall with a bench seat, you will create the space for a decent sized island. This can be done on the cheap with a loose bench seat or built in along the entire wall with storage below.

Dezign Studio Inc Remove the valance . If you are keeping the black appliances, then add cabinets with black stain for the island . The island may be 3' x 5' or 3' x 6' with light granite c.top , if budget allows. change the hardware to brushed nickel handles . Back splash could be white with beige and black combo.

Manon Floreat I think this a perfectly serviceable kitchen. I would consider stainless (or stainless like) appliances if budget allows and inset Roman shades for all the windows. Banquette seating for the nook would be very tempting. It would maximize space and can also provide additional storage.

Congratulations on your new house!

Stamps Design Services I would remove the all window treatments and replace the blinds with bamboo shades which will give the room a more updated look without spending much money. You might also want to consider spray painting or replacing the light fixture and replacing the fan. Small details can make a large impact.

ivancha1 All the ideas are great!! I like a lot the concept of the window seat to maximize space, changing the light fixtures and the roman shades. In the long run I will go for the stainless appliances. I am not sure yet on the island vs open space. Any pics on ideas for a small island and the backsplash?

Thanks!!

Soring Interiors Love the floors, don't change them. I can't tell what color the counter top is and if it is a stone or not . If your keeping it you should make sure the back splash picks up some of the color in it. Yes get rid of the fluffy valance to give you more of a modern look

ivancha1 Agree, valance out, counter top is granite with a brownish color (I don't really like it but I guess is expensive to replace, I am completely new at this).

sam0705 For backsplash I would do a light color (solid-ish) from your countertop. Maybe a limestone or travertine. For a bit more contemporary you could do a 4x12 or 6x12 rather than a usual subway tile size.
Lighting and ceiling fan would depend on the look you like. With the cabinets I think you could go in any direction really. Modern , industrial, etc.
Crate and barrel and cb2 carry islands and prep tables if you wanted to add something for extra prep. But i think you would need either a smaller table or the bench idea to move the table away from the center of the room.

sam0705

sam0705 As in photo above you could also do just a white subway and then if you want to change the counter later it's not limiting. Also think you should remove the 4 inch granite backsplash.

sam0705 Some bigger pulls would add some character either more contemporary stainless or a black, oiled rubbed bronze like above photo.

ivancha1 Great ideas on ideas on the backsplash, I also like the idea of removing the 4 inch granite backsplash for a cleaner view with the new one. Thanks!!

hanks Bigger more contemporary hardware for the cabinetry either nickel or black. Like the idea of the bamboo shades vs. the valances. I think the table is dated, I would say buy something that's newer and more modern without the curves and country look. I would also repaint the walls...consider a nice modern warm gray or a blue gray. I think that would look good with the black appliances.

hanks I realize the table isn't included, but the fact that it's in there can take away for potential buyers. By the way, diclaimer, I am not a designer (shocker) and I really like the kitchen.

Stamps Design Services I am going to post some images of island made from base cabinets and a countertop, to give you some ideas... maybe you will find something you like

Stamps Design Services Here are some backsplash ideas.... maybe one will work well for you. They all look like they would be fairly easy to install, but still look good.