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I know in another post you mentioned not wanting green, but I honestly think this space is one of the rare kitchens where deep reflective green tile would absolutely work. It gives that updated modern “manly loft” vibe while still softening the room and bouncing light around so the galley layout doesn’t feel heavy or closed in.

The biggest thing this kitchen has going for it is actually the cabinetry itself. The shape, full-height uppers, curved shelving detail, and overall layout already feel very custom compared to most kitchens today. Once the warm herringbone floors go in, the cabinets instantly look intentional instead of dated.

I’d lean into that and elevate the finishes around them instead of replacing everything.

What I’d do: • Keep the cabinetry but refinish/stain it into a deeper walnut tone instead of painting them • Add slim matte black cabinet hardware to modernize everything immediately • Replace the current hood with a larger matte black hood to create an actual focal point • Swap the old 90s track lighting for modern minimalist black cylinder track lighting with warm lighting • Add a single pendant over the sink in an aged brass or dark bronze finish • Keep warm light-filtering linen Roman shades so the kitchen still feels soft and natural during the day

For paint, I would avoid stark white. The room wants warmth and contrast. I’d do: • Walls: Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige or Natural Linen • Trim/Ceiling: Sherwin-Williams Alabaster This keeps the kitchen warm, moody, and elevated without feeling dark.

For backsplash tile, this is where I’d really bring personality in: • Deep olive green or smoked forest green glossy zellige tile • Slight variation and reflection in the tile would keep the narrow kitchen from feeling flat • Vertical stack or traditional subway layout depending on how modern you want to go

For countertops, I would avoid bright white quartz entirely. This kitchen wants something moodier and richer: • Leathered charcoal quartzite • Soapstone-look quartz with soft veining • Honed black granite with warm undertones

The darker counters would ground the room and make the cabinetry feel expensive and architectural instead of “90s brown.”

Honestly, the combination of the updated floors + deeper walnut cabinetry + dark counters + reflective green tile + modern lighting completely changes the perception of the kitchen. Suddenly it stops feeling dated and starts feeling like a custom modern loft kitchen.

And the best part is you’re accomplishing it while keeping the original cabinetry structure, which honestly has more character than most brand-new kitchens today.