I don't think you'll have any problems making your kitchen "happy"...not that I can see it's too sad as it is! I think a dark(er) countertop would give it a whole different life. Maybe something with black and brown/tan but I think definitely on the dark side.
I'm sure people that have a lot more decorating experience will come up with some great ideasfor you.
Whatever you decide...enjoy!

That's not a sad kitchen. A new accent color might help brighten it and make it seem new, but if you think that's sad, or messy, you're downright wrong.

Beware of being influenced by the wrong things-ads, peer pressure, rumors. Count your blessings.

yes, it's a very nice looking kitchen.

cab color - depends on your likes and dislikes. they're very close to your floor color. if you don't like that then you need to stain or paint. Is there a good grain on them to show if you stain them? or will they then look blotchy?

do you like painted cabs? prefer a color? really like white cabs?

if the wood is blotchy, I wouldn't stain, I'd paint. then the decision would be what color to paint them...

There was a kitchen update here recently where the owner painted the cabinets white and added new molding to the tops of the cabinets... I'm thinking that would be a good inspiration photo. Anybody remember?

I think it's a nice space...It just needs some pizzaz. I think priority #1 is creating contrast with your floor. Right now floor, cabinets and backsplash are close in color--and all a smooth texture.
I personally like painted cabinets, so that's what I would do. As for colors, take a cue from decorating elsewhere in your house....but a grey green is a nice neutral without being boring. I think it would go nicely with the appliances and backsplash.
I think adding a couple of rugs could really perk up the space. I'd add at least one long runner in front of the sink.
As for countertop color...it's a chicken or the egg question. What are you going to choose first...countertop or cabinet color. One will dictate, or at least point you in the right direction for the other.
Have fun!

I think the backsplash could be cute for a french country or italian color scheme. Oddly enough, I think you could paint the cabinets all black with a light sand through, but I'd definitely advise posting this in the decorating forum too.

There are a couple of tried and true tricks to make the kitchen look more high end.

If you're painting the cabinets anyway, add some inexpensive crown to the top of the cabinets and maybe something to customize the appearance of the bottom of the uppers that imitates light rail.

If you're doing the light rail, you might as well do the under cabinet lights. Right now, I'm liking the under cabinet fluorescent pucks that link together, but there are all types available and most of the plug-in type aren't hugely expensive.

Add a full depth over-the-ref cabinet and sides. It could be cute building the height of that up a bit if you can find a close-enough inexpensive cabinet somewhere like the Loews in-stock ones.

Add some stock molding to the edges of the sides and back of the island for an instant wainscot.

I think this kitchen is more like sleeping beauty and it'll be interesting to see what happens when she wakes up.

If you're keeping your appliances, then painting the cabinets white will make the kitchen feel larger. If you like the backsplash tile color, great, if not, I think you could paint them, with the right type of paint.

I like the idea of butcherblock on the island...it will look great with the floor. I always like sunny blues and greens with tans, but it depends on what colors YOU like.

New hardware, fresh paint on the walls and a few accent pieces can give you almost any style you want, in such a pretty, but neutral kitchen :)

I agree your kitchen it is a little monochromatic, but overall very nice.

White cabinets? Buttery yellow cabinets? I love espresso colored cabinets, but that may look too stark with the white appliances.

Then you can color coordinate your countertops based on this.

Here is one blog where they painted oak cabinets white. The difference is striking. These are not the folks who filled in the soffit; can't remember who that was either.

Maybe also XP to the Home Decorating forum.

Here is a link that might be useful: Painting Oak cabinets

Personally, I rather like your kitchen. I can't really see the color of the countertops, but a darker color could bring some contrast to the design. Why butcher block on the island? Solid surface there might tie it all together. Another idea might be glass doors on the cabinets... I've seen it done where they cut out the inside of the cabinet door and insert the glass... a nice look, but you have to keep the dishes,etc. well organized. Anyway, I do like your kitchen... best of luck. I hope these ideas help.

Here is a link that might be useful: your kitchen

I don't think your kitchen is sad. Ir just needs some jewelry. New counters + new hardware = beautiful! I don't think you even have to paint/stain the cabinets, but if it would make your heart sing, go for it.

I will caution you on one thing though -- I too want to keep my backsplash and change out my laminate counters, but I'm having a hard time finding anyone that will agree to do that. If you have DIY skills (and possibly some extra tile) or find someone willing to do it for you, that might work. Your new solid surface counters might not end up the same height as your current counters, though, so the backsplash may need to be modified or changed out entirely.

I don't think it's "sad", either. It could use a little color and contrast, but overall, it's bright and cheery. Dark counters could add the contrast without having to paint or stain. Then add a few bright colored accents-towels, clock, etc., for color.

I'm envious, you have such a nice starting point! My little galley is totally unusable so we have to do a complete rip out and expansion.

It just needs some contrast. I think white paint would go best with your choices, like the butcherblock island and keeping the backsplash. Since your appliances are white, take your time choosing the paint color. Maybe a black or grey for the perimeter counters.

And just so you know.. it's possible to paint the backsplash, if you want :) But it's perfect as is if you do white cabs.

Oh thank you for the responses! You all are wonderful and have some great ideas. We moved into this house a year ago and have spent the majority of the time painting every single room and bathroom. The kitchen is now getting the consideration she needs! Maybe she isn't sad, but she looks the way I feel when I have worn sweats and a ponytail all day-ya know what I mean? I want her to look like she's ready for a date! Anyhow, here are some pics that I doctored up a little to get a general color idea. Have a look!

Thanks!

PS the green I am thinking of is more muted than the photo.

Here is the kitchen I was thinking of where they took the clutter off the top of the cabinets and filled in some of the wall space with new molding.

Here is a link that might be useful: mini-makeover

Thanks Janet that kitchen is amazing! Maybe I can do white on white???