Maybe "dated", it is filled with a lot of good memories. And I still like it!!!
As many say, "A kitchen is the heart of a home."

I've grown so used to the "old", that an update will feel strange. Neverthless, my husband has decided that it's time for us to update.

Winter 2923, my husband "updated" all of the lighting in the work area. Unfortunately, I don't like the new fluorescent (LED) ceiling at all. IMO, it's too bright and feels sterile. However, my husband absolutely loves these lights for when he works in the kitchen. We also have over-the-island, recessed lights that can be turned on separately. I use those when I need brighter lights. Plus, there are recessed lights over the sink with their own switch. However, I don't love the new LED bulbs in either the island or sink area. They are supposed to "look" like incandescent ones. However, they really don't!!! Nevertheless, LED lights are the modern way to go. So, I'm accepting of the change.

This photo was taken with the harsh ceiling lights on. I personally don't feel anything looks good under those lights. Fortunately (unless my husband is working in the kitchen) the lighting is normally softer. Softer lighting makes the room feel more "homey", despite its large size.

Live plants and my collectibles also add to the homey feel. Maybe this other-than-totally-clear-countertops isn't for everyone nor the current trend. However, I plan to keep my personalizations after the Kitchen Remake is done. We're redoing our kitchen to live in, not to please someone else. Fingers crossed that the kitchen makeover pleases me...

Although they are not flat, streamlined, white or grey as is currently popular, we deliberating keeping our natural, solid cherry wood cabinets with their raised panels. We both like them. I think it would be a crime to paint such beautiful wood. The wood has a light (density) stain to allow the grain of the natural wood to shine through. Plus, the design of the panels was custom done and possibly only one of two homes to have this exact cut: ours & the owners of the cabinet shop. I believe that classics never completely go out of style for long. So, I'm not willing to change our cabinets to follow the latest trend. I know I would regret changing the cabinets. Plain doesn't appeal to me. Traditional keeps coming back into fashion and will eventually do so again. A home should be what you like; not what someone else tells you to like.

The challenge is now finding new flooring and countertops that will complement these remaining cabinets. We'll be mixing the new with the old. I want my redone kitchen to reflect my personality and not someone else's tastes.

Updated lighting was just Step #1 in our kitchen remodel. My feeling about the modern lighting is meh. Meanwhile, we have a long way to go on this project. Right now, our large kitchen feels bright & cheerful, while also luxurious and warm. I hope that doesn't change. I prefer to not be a slave to a fad that doesn't appeal to me.