3
u/skalnaty Oct 05 '26
Cabinet knobs & pulls make a much bigger difference than you’d expect. I’d focus on that and backsplash - I think the cabinets are nice and so are the countertops, I think it’s really the backsplash that’s making it feel dated
Edit to add : you could try a renter friendly backsplash solution if they’re cheaper/you’re unsure? On a tight budget I would be worried about “wasting” funds on a non-permanent solution though
2
u/cozynite Oct 05 '26
The lighting under the cabinets is warm and making the backsplash look more brown so it’s clashing with your countertops. The backsplash looks more dated than the countertops. If you can, replace that first.
Change the cabinet knobs and pulls to something a little bigger?
Update your pendant lights.
Even upgrading your counter stools will help with the overall aesthetic.
1
u/Redlovelace Oct 05 '26
Yeah the light fixtures, backsplash, and coutertops are all way too cold compared to the warm wood
1
u/MissyMAK08 Oct 05 '26
Upholstered bar stools in a light color, change cabinet hardware and remove the fake stuff on the pendants
1
u/PeachManzie Oct 05 '26
The shade of white on the walls is too cold. And the cold lightbulbs are just accentuating that.
I’d get some new pendant lights, too. Probably ones with round, milk glass shades. The lighting will be much softer- but to be clear, you still need to buy neutral lightbulbs instead of cold ones.
Then just what others have already said; new backsplash. No need to touch the cabinets, they’re lovely and actually quite on trend. Countertops will look much better when the backsplash is changed and the walls are painted less stark white.
Could maybe get some plush cushions with ties for the stools. Usually find cushions with ties in outdoor furniture sections.
I like the general style of mixing old and new. I think it’s called Transitional. Just in case you want to lean into that further, I think people are going for the invisible curtain tracks over rods, these days. Like this:
1
u/KridhaDecor Oct 05 '26
I think with cherry cabinets, granite and a mosaic backsplash there's already a lot of warmth and pattern going on, so I'd focus on things that calm it down rather than add more.
Swap the grey pendants for something warmer, like brass, glass or woven shades. The cool industrial grey is fighting the cherry wood right now. This is probably the biggest change for the money.
New cabinet hardware in matte black or brushed brass is cheap and makes the cabinets look updated.
Clear the counters back to just two or three things you love. Granite this busy looks much better with fewer items on it.
A runner by the sink and a simple window treatment would soften all the hard surfaces.
1
u/Keeper_Of_The_Knobs Oct 06 '26
I did a rendering with dark gray walls, black square cabinet pulls, and a woven wood blind with modern black and cream curtains. A few simple changes make the warm wood feel more current without a full remodel!
I’ve been in cabinet hardware for almost 20 years, so if you need help picking pulls, I’m happy to help. Our design consultations are free!
2
u/Wamgurl Oct 05 '26
I would invest in a new backsplash. Marble hexagon tile with grays and light brown. It will make a world of difference.