I'm thinking burnt orange will look great against charcoal grey. I know its different but give it a shot on one of your door panels you already took off.

Put the doors back!! It makes everything look cluttered and possibly more dated. The hardware doesn't look to be too dated, just paint the cabinets something that will look good with the brown tile.
Maybe rock the retro and go for a bright orange/green and brown scheme.

I actually don't think your kitchen is THAT bad. At least your cabinents aren't covered with what I would describe as giant wood-like stickers that are now peeling off--ala my kitchen. :) I would paint a really warm mocha brown to highlight the tile and detract from the shiny cabinents.

Ashley
http://rainycitystyle.blogspot.com

My kitchen competes with yours for ugly. And we don't own so we're *stuck* with it. Harvest gold was never a good idea.

I like the charcoal grey idea too. I don't agree with the PP that it looks cluttered, but doing something other than white as the "Backsplash" of the shelving will make a difference. Even just fun wrapping paper to brighten things up.

I'd sand and stain the wood slightly darker and put glass/pewter/stainless pulls on the doors and drawers.

Then switch out the curtain and the rug for something more cohesive and colorful and add a fabulous light fixture and you'll be finished!

Good luck!

http://embritadesign.blogspot.com

Seconding charcoal grey cabinets, and maybe a lighter grey or greyish-beige for the walls. Then replace your hardware and get a different curtain and you'll have a whole new kitchen.

My first thought was, well, here's an example of open storage that doesn't work.

My second was, you need to go visit the "It's Lovely, I'll Take It" blog, which is full of FAIL real estate photos, because your kitchen is nowhere near the worst kitchen ever.

Finally, what the others said: de-clutter massively, and see if you can afford to paint or refinish the cabinetry. The crap stuck to it, bulletin board style, only makes it way worse.

I like the grey idea, but I'd do it on the walls and paint the cabinets white. White cabinets will look bright and clean, and grey cabinets might look weird, especially against all the dated surroundings (although, it could look cool - just a bit more risky).

does your budget allow for you to reglaze the tile counter white? that will make a huge difference as well as swapping out the hardware. I'm all for painting the cabinets gray as well - it would be more in tune with your appliances but if you don't want to paint the wood then i say reglaze.

Hi Debbie & Tom,
I suggest sanding down the cabinets and re-staining them a really dark brown (like ikea's black-brown color). It's much simpler than it sounds.. perhaps view the credenza post from earlier today for additional ideas. My mom & I did this to our kitchen when I was in high school with a belt sander and some elbow grease. Also, definitely replace the drawer and cabinet pulls with something more modern, and perhaps add some glass cabinet doors where you removed the wooden ones. Ikea has some nice options for pretty cheap.

A similar question was posted recently on AT San Fran.

This is the interim solution we came to with our kitchen:

http://rowhousenearu.blogspot.com/2009/03/interim-solution-for-green-kitchen.html

Your kitchen is definitely not the worst one I've ever seen! I know budget is a major issue for you (it is for everyone!). I would definitely replace the cabinet hardware with something more current - maybe not even using round knobs for drawer pulls, but a different shape? We've had a good experience with the hardware from www.myknobs.com - living in NY, we were fortunate enough to go to their showroom, but we are replacing all of our kitchen hardware for under $100!

As far as the open cabinets - I would keep it more uniform - only plates, bowls, serving pieces in there, if that is possible? Maybe have smaller stacks of dishes?

I would definitely remove the "bulletin board" from the cabinet - it makes the kitchen look cluttered and more dated, although I don't mind the appliances on the counter so much. Sometimes storing them away just isn't practical, although I might find a different way of storing mail - Oddly enough, appliance clutter doesn't bother me nearly as much as paper clutter.

Another quick fix might be to swap out the switchplate cover and switches to a more contemporary one (a decora switch and new white switch cover?)

On my computer, it is difficult to tell about the tile work on the countertops. Maybe having them re-grouted with a newer, brighter color, maybe even a white grout? Would white grout work against those tiles (I see the walls are white).

You could also get a new window treatment, maybe new blinds?

But at a minimum, replacing the cabinet hardware will be a major change at a minimal cost (and a few hours with a screwdriver!)

I am jealous of your new appliances! I have the dated kitchen WITH the dated appliances!
Good luck.

Definitely put the doors back. The wood cabs don't look that bad, you could probably strip and stain them darker, but if you move the pulls on the upper cabs down to the bottom of the doors (which I would do), you may need to paint to cover the holes. The countertop and backsplash tile has a rustic feel to it that leads me to expect talavera tiles as accent pieces. That may be a direction to go in, it'll definitely give you the opportunity to bring in lots of fun color.

I think you should:

● Take down the rest of the cabinets that you've already taken the doors off of.

● Replace with Ikea Lack Shelves

● Paint the walls and possibly the ceiling a muted blue

● Paint the remaining cabinets white

Don't try to "cover up" bad design...make it work for you.

I'd try to create a european country kitchen feel with the tiled countertop and the arches in the cabinet doors. Maybe think about an intense provencal royal blue for the cabinets. Put the doors back on your cabinets, too.

Decent lighting and flooring isn't that expensive if you DIY...

I also like grey for the cabinets, but i think a blue-grey like
http://www.myperfectcolor.com/Benjamin-Moore-1676-Northern-Air-p/mpc0006093.htm
would compliment the caramel colored tiles better. Then go with a cream color on the walls and try to ignore the dishwasher (or if you are brave, try this http://www.liquidstainlesssteel.com/index2.html).

I would go with a slightly southwestern theme. Think of your orange counters as terra cotta. Getting rid of the clutter, changing out the hardware, painting the walls, and adding a rug and curtains will do wonders for hardly any $.

I also would put the doors back on, and remove everything from the counter and backsplash save a plant or two and if you must, the toaster and coffee maker. The hardware could be updated too.
A few weeks ago AT had posted some quick cupboard makeovers, some weree covered with fabrics or wall papers, maybe that is a good route here, but I don't think necessary .

I would keep the walls white, but change the curtain. Look for a print that picks up the burnt orange and brown combo.... for colour reference look up Alexander Henry's apples & pears in brown, or Amy Butler's Martini print in "rust", those two may be more "graphic print" than you want... look around locally for nicer prints.

Then, andd some other colour with decorative tiles, plates photos or artwork and keep your stuff away.

Good luck!

i don't know about nkr707's advice! the orange is not quite bright enough to make a clean contrast with any color grey..

the cheapest & easiest way to update the kitchen would be:

1. replace cabinet doors that are missing.

2. update the hardware on the cabinets(i would either go with clear glass to bring together the chrome of the oven/microwave and the white of the dishwasher/sink)! and i think it would go perfect with your style.

3. put up all of the knick-knacks (orange strainer.. pot holders.. bulletin board!.. etc)

4. get rid of the hanging storage basket (in pics 1 & 2).

5. remove as much clutter as possible (this will pull together the look by minimizing the array of colors you have sitting out which are contrasting with the cabinets and tile).

6. get rid of the multi-colored towels and replace them with solid colors. (personally i would go with cream or some pops of color like a pretty orange or teal blue!)

7. do the same with the drapes over the sink and the rug.. get rid of them and replace with solid colors!)
- with the rug i would purchase as large as your budget covers that isn't overbearing for the size of the kitchen!) again i would go with a cream or brown or a surprise of a clean bright color)!

those are all reallllly simple and fairly inexpensive!

post after pictures of whatever you choose!!! (:

oh ps! replace the light switch and electrical outlet covers with white! & if you want to paint the walls i wouldn't venture out of the cream/tan realm! (:

It really isn't that bad. I just did my kitchen and it was much worse. First, sand those cabinets and start fresh. Re staining is a big job, but priming and painting is not too bad and new knobs will make a huge difference. I'd use a light color for the cab to make sure the kitchen doesn't look too small. Im not a color expert though, it's so hard to choose. I did hire someone recently when I did my place, she just consulted me on color and gave some good ideas. She's the one who gave me the idea to paint my cabinets instead of stain and she was really reasonable. I'll put her link below. And I think if you painted the cabinets you could leave a few of the doors off and paint the wall inside the same color you choose for the walls and be thoughtful about what you display. Stacked dishes, glasses, and cookbooks or clear canisters with rice or noodles would look cute. And a new curtain and rug is a must!

http://www.altermyplace.com/

Maybe paint the INSIDES of the open cabinets.

#1 - Put the cabinet doors back on.

#2 - Resurfacing tile countertops isn't that expensive - consider having a specialist for resurfacing tile come in and give you an estimate for reglazing your counterops and sink.

#3 - As long as you're getting an estimate for reglazing the tile, have them give you an estimate for painting your cabinets inside and out.

Otherwise, althought your kitchen is dated, it really isn't that bad - but it is a mess. Getting rid of the clutter on the counters and cabinet doors will also go a long way towards making your kitchen seem fresher and cleaner, even if you don't have the counters and cabinets resurfaced.

maybe you can reglaze those tiles to a better color. then do what people said above, like paint/stain the cabinets (depending what color you glaze the tiles), put the doors back on, update the hardware, declutter and change the curtain.

and try to get ON hgtv! http://www.hgtv.com/on-tv/do-you-have-a-horrible-kitchen-let-us-help-you-fix-it/index.html

How about going French Provencal?

Fabric such as shown here: http://www.colorsofprovence.com/provence.htm

Sand, prime and paint the cabinets, maybe a bright blue with some antique glazing. Make (or buy) curtains in a French Provencal fabric. Put the doors back on the exposed cabinets. Get some theme color canisters and put as much clutter away as possible. Add some storeage baskets for texture. The counter and style of cabinet would fit and sort of be disguised until you can upgrade. It may not be your preferred style, but for the time being it might m ake everything look deliberate.

I, as usual, can't read all the comments. Sorry if I repeat.

1) I would either.... put the doors back on the cabinets or take out the top cabinets all together and put up some simple shelving. If you go with shelving just make sure to organize it well so it is easy to look at.

2) De clutter. Every thing should have a home including paperwork. If mail is cluttering your counters (mine ALWAYS is) find a different drop spot for it. If you need a bulletin board put it inside a cabinet or create a space on a wall in the kitchen to hang some kind of cork board or what not. Purchase storage containers and get things off the counters!!

3) New hardware on the cabinets and consider painting them. I personally like the color choices I have read above... charcoal gray/orange or a yellowy tan to go with the counter tops. Make sure to sand and prime the cabinets. I agree... check with a professional to see about refinishing the cabinets. It may be better than doing it yourself and not nearly as expensive at you think!

4) Have an electrian come and put an outlet for the microwave above the unit so the cord is out of site. If you are keeping the top cabinets, then see how much it would cost to put in under cabinet lighting.

Mainly, pick your colors and stick with it. Only make purchases for things that fit in your colors and your theme. Start small... I don't think this is as bad as you do! Good luck!

Hi Debbie and Tom,
I'm a New York Designer struggling to keep up in the hard times we are all in. I was just surfing the AT site and thought I might have some ideas for your project. Several of my clients since last fall have decided to hold off on costly design changes for budget reasons. Most times when I am asked to help with a kitchen like yours, the first question I ask is; "are you willing to do the work yourself or do you have a minimum budget to hire some help?"
First, let's tackle your big issue, those "ugly cabinets." If I were redesigning your kitchen on a small budget I would first prime the cabinets with Kilz2 latex primer or my favorite is Benjamin Moore primer "Fresh Start" that can seal your polyurethane coating and prep the wood frames and doors for latex paint. Then I would paint the cabinets in Benjamin Moore's new Natura Eco-friendly paint, color 232 Winter Wheat. This cool muslin color will compliment your counter and floor. I happen to like the drapery pattern you have now. Just like you see in IKEA catalogues, its fun to blend modern with classic designs and prints that are in style now from the 60's and 70's. Once you finish painting, get those old doors back up if you saved them. If not, check to see if the size of the old door is standard size. IKEA has many options for doors and you may find a size that will fit. I saw a frosted glass door with stainless metal frame that might look nice and add the modern touch to the kitchen. If not, Home Depot and Lowes both sell cabinet doors (choose one that is very plain, then paint them in a high gloss white or silver for a bold statement) So, while at IKEA or your closest hardware store, find a new modern hardware to bring those doors and drawers up to this century. Leave the counters and floor. The best designs often come from working with what you have and using it in the design, complimenting it with elements that will give you a different perspective on how it looks. These square tile counters are actually coming back in style too, so you may have a retro highend designer kitchen when you finish.
Lastly, clean up the counters as another reader suggested. Take a wall or another space in your kitchen for pictures and notes by hanging a note board or mounting a sheet of cork. You can also keep bills in a drawer or cabinet hidden away inside a decupoge shoebox or plastic container from IKEA, Walmart or Target.
Then, if you want to add a finishing touch, paint the walls around that window and under the cabinets a cool blue color like Benjamin Moore's 2063-70 Cumulus Cotton. It will make your green and brown drapes pop with a modern euro feel. Maybe get a new set of canisters in that shade of green to accent the counter top. Lighting is key, so last thing would be to find a fun modern light, maybe even IKEA's KRYP Ceiling spotlight with 3 lights. The fish shapes on the lights add some whimsy and fun color.
What ever you do, have fun with it and never take it too serious. Think about the personality of your family and the other rooms in the house, then you will find the style for the kitchen that will have your guests saying, "Wow, you guys did this?"
Best Wishes,
Glen Kinnaird/New York
www.kdandi.com

Paint the cabinets, and the hardware. Get new self closing hinges and more modern door pulls. You can also demo the tiles and replace them with Formica or something. It's really not that hard. I'd go with dark gray paint, and stainless Formica or even a butcher block. Maybe get some cheap subway tiles and use them as a backslash. The floor is good enough for now, even though you could replace that in a another phase.

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,202424,00.html

http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/kitchen/kitchen_6.htm

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/stonetilecolors

Debbie and Tom,

I think you could make this kitchen very charming with minimal cost. However, I think if you try to go uber-modern (IKEA) you will end of with a kitchen with an identity crisis.

I think a traditional/modern aesthetic would work nicely. Think Restoration Hardware ... They have a more traditional look, while still feeling updated and modern.

Here are a couple of suggestions to help you in that direction:

1. Replace the hardware on the existing cupboards. This makes a huge difference.

2. If possible paint the cupboards a creamy white. This will complement the existing tile color. No sense fighting it!

3. Apply some trim to the open shelving (to hide the MDF/Particleboard)

4. Get some matching baskets to hide your bottom shelf items in. There are some great looking options at IKEA. This is also an opportunity to bring in some color and texture!

5. CLEAR OFF THOSE COUNTERS!!

Good luck! I'm sure this is going to look great when you are finished!

1) de-clutter, get all the crap off the countertops / walls etc..keep the coffeemaker, the rice cooker and the knife block. Move the glass canisters to the open shelving.
2) Either put the cabinet doors back on or clean out and organize whats being dispayed.. it should be neat and orderly.
3) sand, primer and paint your cabinets.. I vote and clean white, then your whit dishwasher will not look out of place with it's stainless cousins.
4) replace all the knobs and pulls with stainless to match your appliances.
5) a simple window treatment (miniblinds are perfect)
6) use a hole saw and put a hole in side of your cabinet and the bottom to run your microwave cord inside the cabinet.. the less you see of it the better.
7) go to CB2 and but some Flor carpet tiles.. run a strip in front of your cabinets 2 tiled wide of a nice patterned tile that brightens up your kitchen.
8) have fun while you are doing it because you'll love the outcome.

Two suggestions...

* rock the retro as someone else suggested
* clean the clutter

Seriously, the kitchen is not that bad, the mess is, though. The "bulletin board," the mis-matched towels. If you can't get something creative and fun going on in the open cabinet, put the doors back.

I think (nearly) any space can look ok if it's being taken care of and tidy.

This can work...and you don't have spend any money -- save for the big remodel instead of spending $1,000 and still feeling dissatisfied.

My parents had a similar dilemma and they simply replaced the doors with nice clean white ones - and painted the rest to match. Easier than putting up all new cubboards!

Wow, thanks everyone for the comments!

I forgot to mention that we cannot simply replace the hardware/knobs on the cabinets. Behind each knob is a circular "disc" that frames each knob, not sure if you can see it, especially on the lower drawers.

The disc leaves a large circular shape that's been cut out of the cabinet itself.

So we pretty much have to keep the current hardware or get brand new cabinet "faces".

Also, we threw out the cabinet doors that we removed a long time ago :)

Guys,

The problem with painting is 1) you're still looking at those awful raised panels from the 70s, and 2) oak is an open grained wood so it doesn't take paint as uniformly - you'll still see the grain. Not a big deal, but just so you know. Also, staining will be really tough since oak is dense and - unless you have it seriously glazed, all you'll have is a slighty-darker version of what you have now. Ikea is tough on replacements just cause they are size-specific, not custom.

Places like Conora Millworks and Decorative Specialties have paint-grade doors that are reasonable if you have an account there. Call a local cabinet shop and ask. All depends on your budget, of course, but you might be surprised - something simple like a flat panel or Shaker oak door is about $12 a SF - $48 for a 2 by 2. Paint it or stain it. Add the hardware yourself.

I'm honestly not shilling for work (I'm lucky to still be busy), but if you have more questions, I am happy to answer them.

First off, what is wrong with the kitchen itself is its variations of brown/beige which can be nice, but not in this fashion. Too much of a good thing.

However, the paper clutter is just too much and makes the kitchen look messy and I'd recommend you organize your cupboards so you aren't digging around to get dinner plates. As it is now, you seem to have mixing bowls on top of dinner plates, some food, other items stuffed into the cabinest next to the sink and it just looks cluttered. if you want to open up those cupboards, I'd suggest you dedicate those cabinets to everyday dinnerware and glassware and put the doors back on but see if you can remove the center panel and have frosted or rippled glass put in, replace the shelves w/ glass if you can and add some puck lights inside to liven up those cabinets.

Refinish the rest in something much lighter, not stark white but perhaps an off white, say, a cream color and use accessories to add color to the space.

The tiles don't look that orange so i think they may be more of a tan/beige w/ a touch of orange and those counters being mostly a neutral can take almost any color but most especially the red, blue or yellow variations and perhaps green. I love the towels you have but it may be best to stick to one color at a time but those designs do have that modern edge to them that's for sure and I'd use them as a starting point. It's OK to have a salt cellar, a pepper grinder and a crock w/ your most oft used cooking utensils next to the stove and get rid of medicines, the hanging baskets w/ plastic lids and all that, I'd leave some condiments you use most like olive oil and the balsamic vinegar out in a nice bottle w/ pour spout and put them w/ the salt and pepper and utensils near the stove. Add a spoon rest and be sure you have a heat proof surface next to the stove to place hot stuff onto. I'd move the slotted wooden cutting board to another spot.

Move the bread to either a drawer or place in the fridge and I agree, replace the curtain but leave it open w/ a blind to control light when necessary but leave open otherwise unless the view is less than stellar.

Put down inexpensive floor tiles over the existing flooring to update and I agree, replace the hardware with something simple such as chrome/stainless simple modern pulls for the drawers and something fun for the cabinet doors and perhaps update the lighting in the ceiling and add simple lighting under the upper cabinets to get in decent lighting if you feel the need for it.

In other words, work with the counters and not try to do anything with them since they are quite versatile in their color to whatever you choose to do. It'll update the room for very little until you can do a total rehab.

Good luck

And another thing, the appliances are not too big a deal, just get rid of the rest and leave the knife block however since those you use all the time and having them easy to get to is a great idea.

But I'd stick to something cohesive as your primary color and it's perfectly ok to have other colors, just let them be secondary accents but not too many other colors, say, no more than a couple of others to go with your primary color but they should go w/ your primary color however.

I'm guessing you have a child/children, and also work.
Stop beating yourself up by watching DIY shows; (look where removing doors got you).
I agree with the de-cluttering advice already posted, focus on that before you do anything.
Unless you cook three meals a day, downsize your cooking utensils and especially storage items. Everybody goes way too crazy hoarding giant plastic soda cups, tupperware style containers and redundant useless pots, pans and gadgets; ebay, craigslist, yardsale and donate em'. Go through all those drawers!! and bottom cabinets too.
Now if you do cook a lot, let people talk about your ugly kitchen, who cares. If you cook just occasionally for gatherings etc. you can always borrow big pots or buy cheap aluminum disposable, catering pans from the dollar store.
Live your life, cook more food...you'll love the ugly kitchen a lot more.

I think you should take out the upper cabinets along the window wall altogether. Replace with shelves. But only put dishes and glasses on those shelves. Or leave some of that space to hang pots and pans. Keep your open shelves to show your pretty things (or use baskets to hide sippy cups, etc.) Try to keep it visually simple.

There are websites from which you can order new cabinet doors. I also saw a kitchen where they took doors like yours and covered them with 1/4" high quality plywood, added molding to frame it, and then painted the whole thing (so you wouldn't need new doors, but you could have a more simple look than the curved stuff at the top of your doors). Wish I could remember where I saw that.

Paint the cabinets white. If you use a quality primer (oil based, 2 coats) after sanding, you will not have too much trouble with bleeding through. (I also saw on this old house that shellac keeps old wood from bleeding through, but have not tried this.)

Paint the walls light gray.

Add a rug that has a southwest feel. Add some terra-cotta pots with succulents or herbs (in the window, if possible).

Add wood blinds and take the curtain down.

Declutter.

We had an electrician add a new outlet for the microwave in the cabinet above it. It wasn't an outrageous expense.

Also--random detail--if you are able to replace the hardware (and I don't think it's that bad), I think the knobs should be on the corners of the cabinets, not centered halfway up as they are now.

I think this kitchen has so much potential! Please post pics of what you decide!!!

New tile or another counter-top material.

Sand down and stain the cabinets a lighter color - if you have to paint, please go with white -- it's much more pleasing to see than the harsh bold colors.

New hardware.

New flooring if possible.

gosh, I'm surprised that hardly anyone suggested painting the cabinets white!

i think crisp (but warm) white cabinets would make the whole room look bigger and then you wouldn't really have an issue with the countertops. it's a fairly inexpensive fix and it's something you could do yourself. and the indentions that the old hardware would leave might not be as noticable if everything were painted white. I'm sure you could also find some more modern (or at least more attractive) hardware that might be big enough to cover up where the old hardware was.

good luck-- would love to see some "after" photos!!

I have seen fabric roller shades work nicely for upper cabinets and since you have thrown away some upper doors this may be an inexpensive DIY solution. Might sound a bit strange but here, I can express it better in a rendering. http://img297.imageshack.us/my.php?image=032409uglykitchen1.jpg
Also:
-Darken wood with paint that still looks like stain.
-Paint deeper color between tile backsplash and upper cabinets as well as inside back of cabinets
(birdies are just fabric paint stencil)

Best of luck,
Lynne http://www.designbyphoto.com/Site%206/Home.html

I don't know why everyone seems to want your cabinet doors back. The first thing I thought of was to put curtains up instead of the doors. Could bring some lightness and color to your kitchen, especially if you also paper the inside of the cabinets.

I would paint all the cabinetry white and pull out the countertops and put in a laminate countertop (inexpensive yet will buy you time until you can redo the whole kitchen).

1) Take down all the upper cabinets (those without doors and those in the corner) and replace them with two storeys of Ikea Lack shelves - long ones in dark brown.

2) Use these shelves for things you use every day: cups, plates, coffee cups etc, and keep the number of items down. You don't need 18 coffee cups every day; keep 4 and put the rest away. Also consider reducing the number of styles and colours, e.g. 4 identical, white coffee cups and a 5th coffee cup for 4 of your green baby spoons. The purpose of all this is to reduce the visual clutter.

3) Get the clutter off the kitchen counter.

4) New countertops. Dark brown laminate of white. I cannot stand those tiles in that colour, sorry. With the upper cabinets gone and a new countertop I think I could live with the rest of the cabinets. They're not *that* bad - there's just too many of them and too many other things that don't go well with them.

5) New, simple curtains. No stripes or other patterns.

First off - declutter - put everything away that doesn't need to be out on view - and I mean everything

2nd - put those cupboard doors back - the inside of the cabinets are not pretty enough to be on view

3rd - paint all the cabinets and doors - I would suggest a lovely warm buttermilk cream colour - it will tone in with the tiles and floor but lighten the whole room

4th - paint the walls in a nice contrast colour - possibly a soft yellowy sage green (and that way you could even keep your curtains until you can afford to replace them later - I like the colourway of the curtains)

5th - replace the cabinet door knobs and drawer handles with new stainless steel type handles to match your sockets and your small appliances

This alone will make the world of difference and (if you choose handles that aren't too expensive) will probably cost between $50 and $100

and your kitchen is nowhere near the worst I've seen - I love those big deep drawers you have

Thank you so much everyone. I spent a few hours decluttering last night and it made a world of difference. I will definitely post pics when we've done a bit more work!

debbie

If you paint the cabinets, you can also patch the holes :) Your door style is easy to find. Go to a Habitat Re-Store if you need new ones.

I actually like the tile you've got on your counter-tops...it just doesn't go with your cabinets. The tiles are actually a nice nuetral color. I'd say paint your cabinets white (a low gloss white), keep the tile as it is. Then, get a fairly large-ish rug that matches the tile on the counter, and curtains in the same color family. If fact, you could probably make new curtains on the cheap...just go to the fabric store and pick up some neutral colored muslin.

Also, for the backsplash, I'd keep it white but maybe repaint it with a lower gloss paint (not as shiny).

And also, like everyone else said...declutter.

This is, of course, assuming you enjoy the whole "white & neutral" color scheme.