I wrote a lengthy response to this and just accidentally refreshed the page =/

But in short, new flooring - either tile or wood would be lovely. New dishwasher and stove, and maybe new granite counter tops if your budget permits. I would definitely take advantage of all that sunshine you're getting on that window and put in a windowsill herb garden of sorts :)

Hope that helps!

we have wood flooring in the dining room past the pocket door, which you can kind of see in the first pic- worried about clashing wood floors??? We need to move the dishwasher. The previous owners put an old one directly under the sink. Its tiny, loud and can barely fit anything in it.
To the right in the 1st pic above is a little desk that we don't really need. (the desk in the lower pic) The window sill garden is a cute idea for the window that is so low. Not really sure what to do with the space beyond the cabinets.

a few more pics.

Hire a designer. They are worth their weight in gold.I have done a lot of remodeling and have found that they always think of something that you missed because they do this all the time. Some cabinet places offer free or low cost design help. You have more space than you think. It needs to be used differently. Good Luck.

The kitchen is wonderful, it just needs some refreshing. I love the built in planter and the dowel details. New flooring and countertops would make the space pop. I would definitely not replace the cabinets, they look original and add value.

As a realtor I see a lot of kitchen remodels that make the space worse than it was to start and don't match the house. This is why I always try to advise buyers to buy houses that already have the style they like. Your kitchen looks well laid out and it appears as though you have a midcentury house. Keep the modern look and embrace it. Trying to soften a midcentury house with traditional and/or transitional style often makes it look mismatched and clashes with the style of the home. I work with many buyers who are looking for mid mod (or at least midcentury) homes with the original wood slab front cabinets and would gladly pay for it.

The cabinets, as installed, contribute to the value of your home. If it were me I'd replace the countertops with quartz or soapstone, put on new modern looking hardware and replace the appliances. I would want to remove the wallpaper and I'd also consider hiring a carpenter to replace the curvy trim at the top of the window with something straight that matches. A true professional can match the wood and stain (which looks wonderful IMO).

If you want to lighten up the feel of the kitchen you can have a carpenter modify the existing doors and insert glass. Then have the shelves in the uppers replaced with glass and have lights installed inside the cabinets. I would personally not paint the cabinets as it will make them an item that needs maintenance on a regular schedule. Wood (vs painted wood) has the benefit of longevity.

Another benefit of keeping the original cabinets is that, as far as I can see in the photos, they match the trim and doors throughout your house which gives a sense that things flow together. The nicest houses usually have matching cabinets, trim and flooring throughout. For example, the tile in the baths, kitchen and entry all are the same. The hardwoods all match. The trim is the same throughout without variation in style or color. The casework in the baths and kitchen all matches.

As kobley said: "Hire a designer. They are worth their weight in gold." Whatever you do, don't change the layout without consulting an architect or interior designer. Playing architect usually results in functional obsolescence.