I'm not sure what they meant. Go back & ask. The hardware looks good & is in the style of the cabinetry. Introduce abstract art into the space for a modern vibe.

I would leave the cabinet hardware alone and find other ways to modernize your kitchen. I like olldj22's idea of a piece of abstract art. You could also update that clock on the wall. Actually, a splashy splash and/or accent wall could enliven the space.

Why not try it - you will be limited by the drill holes on the pulls, but just bring some options home and see what you think. I love an eclectic look myself.

Hardware can make a huge difference! It can easily soften and warm the clean cut lines of a modern door style, or make something so rustic a bit more modern. It may be tough depending on the hole size, but why not look around? I do agree though with olldj22, you could probably get more bang for your buck by bringing in other modern elements into the space. A nice table with some funky chairs, art on the wall, bold colored appliances on the countertop, maybe some accent pendant lights!

try several contemporary hardware styles. sleek, clean lines. maybe square,polished chrome knobs? fresh flowers in edgier containers. even a simple square or rectangular vase with white calla lillies or bright birds of paradise would go a long way in modernizing the feel. industrial pendant lighting and bold scatter rugs.

I love your current hardware and feel it looks great with your cabinets.

I would change the hardware so more of a brass rounded shape because you can't let the older look really clash with the modern

I wouldn't change the hardware with such a tradional door style. The bar pulls are the most popular for a contemporary look but I feel they would not work in your space. You may be able to get by with something like this. I would try one before I bought a bunch of anything.

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Stone-Mill-Hardware-Providence-Satin-Nickel-Cabinet-Pulls-Case-of-25/6428015/product.html

I vote for changing the hardware for a more contemporary look. I love the hardware in photo of the white kitchen that Dytecture posted above.

Here are some more shots of the kitchen. It is open to the breakfast area and living room beyond the stairs. Walls are pale grey, am about to get cabinets and trim finished in white. There isn't much wall space for artwork and I want to keep things fairly cool and clean. The adjacent dining room has color, so there is some interest around.
I like this hardware style http://houzz.com/photos/153456

Really appreciate your thoughts and ideas!

I think that the hardware you are showing us is transitional enough for you to use in your kitchen. The fact that your breakfast chandelier and table and chairs have a modern vibe will help bridge any design gap that might exist.

I'd like the cabinets better white, too. The new hardware is nice.

How about adding additional red glass to (what appears to be) the red glass on window sill above sink. Additional red glass will make a focal paint and add some additional color. Even clear glass marching along the sill would add interest.
Wall clock could be lowered a bit and looks lonely. How about buying 2 more of the same clocks and staggering them vertically : one under wall switch and one under wall outlet about 12" from floor. Have them set to times that R meaningful to U. In USA: East-West-Central or European / Asian times.

did you ever change the hardware out? we have raised panel and also want more modern. wondering what you changed it to?

I wouldn't recommend changing out the hardware. It compliments the cabinetry very well and is very transitional. If you want to make the kitchen have a more contemporary feel you can change the countertops out to something more modern. You can also change out the areas where you have backsplash as well. This will give you a fresh new look without the cost of replacing all of the cabinets.