If you just need a "working" kitchen to get the CO, then why not just get a sink and cabinet from H4H and have it set in place and working? I think that is not uncommon in kitchen renos anyway where there are going to be delays. Plug in a refrigerator. Set up a surface, cabinet or whatever, and put an induction hot plate in place. And a Breville oven maybe. That's a functional kitchen. CO's don't differentiate between beautiful and ugly, just safe and functional. Have all outlets, etc up to code and finished. Vent hood in place if you can be pretty certain of location. If you aren't sure of the location, you will need to get a permit (later, when you real cabinets are installed) because you'll be going through walls/roof and wiring (although maybe the wiring can be done now if you know the general location, so you wouldn't need a later permit). I'm thinking you actually have an almost ideal situation now. A big empty room with all wiring, plumbing and finish work done, just waiting for the cabinets you love to be installed.

Nice, I especially like what you did in the kitchen. Too often the advice here is that people should save up to rip out a perfectly functioning kitchen with solid cabinets instead of making incremental improvements like changing the backsplash, repainting the cabinets and installing new reasonably priced countertops. I love the new laminate countertops. They make a huge difference in that kitchen. I am not a fan of the stacked stone backsplash, but as long as your parents love it that is all that counts!

Jmint, I have not used this product, but I have used other wood fillers. It's a lot of work. the poor reviews are probably because they didn't take the time to use it correctly. I happen to like the grain. However, if you use 2-3 coats of primer, (you must sand between each coat and clean well) you will lose most of the grain-look. I like the spray can of Zinsser Oil base primer. You could brush it too, but because it's so thick, I find it easier to spray, and then sand w/a 220 to knock down any high spots or rough patches. Your cabs look like they still have a heavy clear coat on them. you will have to sand, use a deglosser and the primer to make sure you get nice adhesion. Another option you could do would be to get new doors (without the arch). You can buy unfinished doors/drawer fronts, in the oak. Painting the unfinished new ones would be a lot less work. all you'd need to do is a quick fine sand, prime, sand, and paint. a few less steps then what you have on there now. Plus, if you get the new style doors, it will look updated more than the arched style you have. You could also check craigslist. People often sell oak doors and drawers. you may luck out and find your size. don't forget to scrape the ceiling while you're at it. if you want to keep the wood cabs, then at least change the counters/backsplash. Look into a pre-fab quartz countertop and a simple tile backsplash. that will appeal to more people than what you currently have. same cabs. they added trim work to the end panels and the island, and added boxes to cover the gap to the ceiling. new granite/tile splash heck,,just going from this, to this, makes a huge difference. No way the oak looked better in the before shot

For the record, I really like what you’ve done so far with your house. I think it’s hard for posters of a certain age to understand that trends, particularly among the younger generations, is much more fluid and can’t be contained to one genre. We are far less rigid, and for us, decorating is a process, not an event, resulting in a house that is uniquely OURS. (I’m posting this from my room with a leather sectional, rustic bench, scandi-inspired wet bar, and mcm bookcase.) I agree with previous posters that hardware will make a world of difference in your cabinetry. I lean toward matte black (might be too dark, it’s hard to tell from photos) or an unlaquered brass or brushed gold, if you have that anywhere else. Switching the faucet out to something less generic of a style/finish would also help. I would look for some rugs (I tend to like a flat-weave) with a subtle pattern/texture and maybe some patterned throw pillows for the couch. A cool backsplash would help, but I think you’ll want to replace your counter (and maybe sink?) when you do it, so I would hold off for now until you decide for sure what you want. There are some decent laminates out there, even prefab ones that don’t have the built-in 4” backsplash, which would go a long way toward making your kitchen look custom.