Needed to include the island & upper. Hoping for good ideas & thanks.

Hi, If you don't want to buy new cabinets I would suggest to paint the cabinets, change the hardware and counter tops. That will be the most economical fix. Also, if could you sacrifice losing the upper cabinet over island, it's closing off the area. If you really need that cupboard space then possibly you could relocate it to the wall and lose a window.
I hope this helps.

rustoleumtransformations.com might be a solution.

I'd swap the locations of range and dishwasher. Then get an over-the-range built in microwave (basically where your microwave is now). You could enlarge the island to include a place to eat, if that suits your lifestyle.

I love all your windows and the cabinetry -- it's such a warm and inviting look! What's the wall opposite the range look like? Any potential to relocate anything over there? As soon as the island upper cabinet comes down, everything will look so much better -- even if you did nothing more! It looks like there may be room for a cutting board type table next to the island. If there is, then alternatively you could add on to your island for more storage, and install new island counter top. Your pot rack could perhaps hang over the island too. The real trick is figuring out the range. I know people who like gas are hard sells, but have you considered an induction cooktop?

leave the cook top in the same location but use a periscope exhaust. http://www.sears.com/jenn-air-30-in-downdraft-ventilation-hood/p-02257133000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

If getting rid of windows to make room for a vent, paint the cabinets white or cream.
It will bring in light with out having to paint the whole room and make it more modern.
In order to make it even more up to date, keep the room white with pops of color of the opposite.
Instead of sticking with one color theme, look at a color wheel and find colors! For example, lets say you like the color purple. Well yellow is the opposite! find things such as pots, potholders, spoons, magnets, vases, flowers and even knobs for you cabinets. That will bring in some youth to your kitchen! :)

U would remove the plate boarder, update counter tops, update appliances so that they match. Move cook top to island. Update hardware. LOVE the windows. With so much natural light you could paint

U would remove the plate boarder, update counter tops, update appliances so that they match. Move cook top to island. Update hardware. LOVE the windows. With so much natural light you could go darker with the walls with white trim.

Romove the plates, change the fan and the knobs to either a silver or a antique bronze color :) Paint your walls a nice new color...very nice and cozy room already! With your updates it will be even better! :)

Sort of off topic, but have you considered an induction cooktop? As far as I can tell from the research, it has most of the advantages of gas without the open flame and fumes. I have a gas range and can't wait to get induction. I cannot get a really low simmer on my current range, and it was one of those really expensive ones that I now regret getting. Use a downdraft ventilator unit with the induction stove.