Check to see that any new appliances will fit into existing spaces.

How long do you want the kitchen to last, e.g.. 5 years till you can do a rebuild,

Just long enough to freshen it up.

Does the kitchen work for you?

I have to admit that the wood plus granite maybe a bit dated.

If is is a refresh job, may I suggest that you repaint the timber a white colour, e.g. Dulux American US white in enamel paint or take the doors off and get them sprayed while you deal with the rest.

The white would soften the granite and work well with the floor.

First job is to decide the budget and the condition of the substructure.

Good luck

Would changing the black granite to white stone of some description like the kitchen in the link below and change the knobs to black be ok rather than painting kitchen white? This would also include changing splash back as well.

http://houzz.com/photos/1119752

Definitely think about any functional changes you'd like to make. How useful is that cubbyhole area under the microwave?

Another way to "lift" the look is remove overhead cabinetry and have open shelving. Or paint upper cabinets lighter.

But all of the cabinetry would look lovely painted - it's just a lot of work! Whites or light greys look nice for these shaker style cabinets. As do deeper shades of blue-grey. An alternative is to whitewash/limewash.

I agree jhmarie. I think it's a nice kitchen. I also think painting the walls is an easier change that would make a difference. A grey perhaps. Like the splashback colour in this image which balances the orange.

samr63, is the kitchen floor the same as the dining area? It appears lighter. Is that just due to lighting?

@dohraime - are you looking at the pic I put up - it is the only one I can see a dining area in. It is not the OP's kitchen, though it has very similar cabinets. One of the reasons I put it up - pretty cabinets in a $1,750,000 home - can't be all that bad:)

@jhmarie, I can just see dining area in OP 1st pic. RH side. ;)

Looks quite good overall! Very good actually.....I don't see any issues with it. Don't change for the sake of change. Its not dated or falling to pieces by the look of it.

I'd spend money elsewhere as most houses lack general maintenance, so I'd tidy up the annoying little boring maintenance jobs, then enjoy what you have.

@dohraime - thanks - I see it now:)

Thanks all for your comments and advice. Jhmarie I love the pictures you put up.

Regarding the question about the colour of the floor. It is brushbox floorboards.

The actual kitchen is about 16 years old hence why I am looking for a bit of a change without having to literally get a brand new kitchen. I cannot justify a new kitchen because it is in fantastic shape and still looks new...no scratches or staining or greasy residue inside or out.

Note I did get a rough quote from a kitchen resurfacing company and it could be anywhere between 4,600 to 6,300 dollars to spray paint the kitchen.

I think I will go with just replacing the granite top, change the splash back, change the glass on the cupboard doors and replace the door handles.

Thanks again for your great feedback. Much appreciated. It's nice to be able to bounce ideas with such lovely people.

Best of luck! I would love to see an "After" photo once the changes are complete.

I understand - I'm refreshing an 18 year old kitchen. Just finished refinishing the cabinets - fortunately only 15 doors and 6 drawers. Changed out the stove hood and retrofitted a cabinet with spice boxes and plate rail. Saving up for phase two - new counters, farmhouse sink and bridge faucet. The cost of the sink (Kohler white cast iron 2 bowl) is what I have to save up for - ouch!