I would paint the cabinets a different color and paint the stained moulding around the top the same color as the cabinets. I would keep the yellow tile if you are keeping the wood counters, unless you don't like yellow. I think it works with the wood and is different from the typical tile of the moment.

I think the cabinets are lovely, and would keep them, paint the walls a bright white, and go with a coastal theme. sea glass blues and greens for accessories, curtain panels or roman shades in a blue and green stripe, a big bowl of lemons, limes and oranges on the peninsula. Some seashell prints, in blue and white, on the soffet (sp?) over the larger window. Or if you have kids of your own, or know some, ask them to draw some pictures of the beach for you. You can cheaply frame them, and they would add color, and make the kids feel a part of the process. I'd keep it light, airy, and colorful. More a coastal "feel" rather than an all out beach assault. I'd keep the countertops as well, give them a good scrubbing with bleach, and oil them with food grade mineral oil to shine them up. A bright blue, green and yellow rug at the sink and you're done. You have a lovely, and functional kitchen, I think you have to do very little to update it.

I think the big question is Sandra White - do you like the blue cabinets or want to paint them?

Before and After · More Info

Even on a budget, you can do some incredible things!

congrats! first, sand prime and paint out those cabinets....i'd go with a grayish shade of white or pale gray that will work with the flooring. i'd also carefuly chip off the yellow tiles. since on a budget, consider applying some beadboard as your backsplash, painted in a glossy, oil based or marine paint in a crisp white to keep it scrubbable, then, dress up the edges with some small mouldings, painted in the same white paint. this is going to be SO MUCH less costly than tile! and it will look great with the butcher block countertop. you can probably refresh the butcher block with a light sand and oiling. you could even get an additional piece of butcher block (ikea) and create a step-up 'bar' for some stools on the peninsula for some casual seating. then get a pair of pendant lights to hang from the pot lights above (they make lights that insert directly into the pot light...no hardwire necessary).

To find out how to get there we must ask where are we going. Are you interested in modern, or more traditional fashions. If you are into modern this is an easy fix. Let me know.

love the blue cabinets! Get new appliances that all match and then maybe paint the walls a crisp clean white - embrace the blue. Add a couple fun pictues!

would love to see the rest of the room that this relates to!

Definitely keep the blue cabinets. They're fun, quirky and whimsical. You can change the hardware, the counter top (check out Ice Stone), appliances and the splash to embrace the blue.

Hiding the microwave would be a huge help - possibly an alternate location or even a drawer microwave. The wood trim at the top of the cabinets is really throwing us - if you're not going to change the cabinets, we would paint that an accent color. Possibly white. Or a darker hue of blue. Then incorporate that color into accessories, throw rugs, etc. That will also help tone down the yellow.

Take a look at this use of paint in this kitchen as inspiration!

This is the kitchen from a different angle. The pictures on the walls, furniture, curtains, etc is not mine.

thank you very one for the wonderful ideas so far. Much appreciated .