I would choose Ikeas Sinarp in Oak. Bring overhead lighting in. If you can remove the angled wall a small island

if you cant remove the wall

Consider painting only the island a color taken from the countertop specs. It seems too dark with the flooring and the room. And consider changing the wall color same as island color for cohesiveness. Update hardware on the perimeter cabinets and it will be lovely!

What were the floors? The pics above are a great testament to why one should not paint cabinets. The painted looks so flat and fake. All the richness gone. I would look for new counters and leave the cabinetry alone.

I like the green that Emily has selected in her rendition but will suggest that you also paint the island the same color as the rest of the cabinetry. That will help eliminate the difference between cabinetry and flooring altogether.

Suggest picking up on the rusty shade in the granite and along with copper lightening, the kitchen will feel more cohesive.

We had bedroom carpet changed to hardwood. To save money we removed the carpet and baseboards. Had the installer bring the new baseboards and 3/4 round trim ahead of the job so I could paint all of it beforehand. Much easier to do this way instead of crawling on the floor.

The best way to save money is to focus on cosmetic changes and keep the existing layout wherever possible. A fresh coat of paint, affordable flooring, and updated cabinet handles can make a big difference without a huge investment.

DIY painting and simple installations can also help reduce labor costs. However, I wouldn’t cut corners on plumbing, electrical work, or flooring preparation, as fixing those issues later can be much more expensive. Get a few quotes and set aside some extra money for unexpected expenses.

As mentioned, you have a broad list/ Good to avoid duplications. The necessary step is to break it down into the seperate jobs. Then determine the materials needed. Look at each material to determine proper removal of the old and then the correct quality installation of the upgrade. When you are knowledgeable about the installation, you van evaluate after a little practice whether you need assistance for that one segment. This learning and tryout always pays you back if you decide on hiring someone. You can be much better at determining capabilities of workers.

Maybe this from PB?

I use white vinegar in both the bleach and softener dispensers in the washing machine. Nothing extra in the dryer needed, provided clothes are removed when done.

I wonder if municipal water is not as well treated as it was years ago. I never had a problem with my linens smelling sour until I bought my first new set of appliances in this new century. I do recall my Kenmore Top loader from 1987 occasionally having an odor which I attribute to the use of fabric softener when I reflect on it. That machine stayed in use until around 2005 (I was friends with the woman who bought that house from me in 1996). Never did I deal with laundry smelling sour until 2001. I systematically quit using liquid detergent, increased hot water usage, and routinely ran bleach in the detergent trays to try and keep the machine fresh. In my current set which are now one month shy of 9 years old, I never used liquid detergent, quit using FS about 4 years ago, and recently stopped using dryer sheets. I am noticing that discontinuing the use of the sheets has had no discernable effect on static, softness or a clean fragrance fresh from the dryer, so I don't intend to go back to them. I am noticing the towels don't smell sour, so I am glad I quit using the dryer sheets. Still, I never had to constantly tweak my laundry habits like I have had to the last 25 years or so.

Repeated vinegar use may also damage the washer components over time.