Change the lighting overhead to something more transitional,like white drums have over island change hardware as well ...more pictures of the room are needed, but I think you could cozy this room up some and save your money

I agree with Brandi. I think there are a bunch of things you can do without spending a ton of money. First, move the upper shelf of the right cabinet and cut down or remove the black laminate and lights above the cabinets (if you trim it, make sure to remove the portion above the stove). More pictures would be helpful but from what I can see, I would keep the countertop. Does the flooring continue under the island? If so, I would reconfigure the island and remove the end curio so it's all one level.

Thank you both! I'm attaching another photo which shows how angular everything is - the island has one 90 degree corner. The angles continue in the transition from the kitchen floor to the carpet in the family room (ugh). It appears as though the maple continues under the island.

One of my main dislikes is the laminate cabinets - hard to get a good picture, but it's glossy white with grey swirls.

The rest of your house (based on two photos!) looks contemporary, so I think the shaker is too traditional. Remove the light rail valance thing, update the lighting, and then put in a new island. As you noted a simple rectangular island with a closed end will visually simplify the space. These changes may be enough or at least you will know what the next step is.

Regarding the floors, maple does not take stain very well, if you try to go dark it gets blotchy.

Boy, this is a pretty nice kitchen, and just about every change is going to be a major expense and hassle. Maybe if you can get rid of some of the black, and gentle the island with a new leg, no curio, and a softer counter (gray swirled granite, maybe, or gray quartz), you can live with the rest. (You also need stools that actually fit under your breakfast bar.) I can't see trying to paint these cabinets to get rid of some texturing, but crown moulding will seem out of place too. Maybe sleek white shaker doors will get you the rest of the way there, with no extra trim, if the island and some colored accents don't do enough to make it all liveable for you.

Yes, the house generally is contemporary, and I can feel myself fighting it. I'm hoping to tone down the contemporary. I don't mind putting some $$ and effort into it, I'm struggling to work with the style. The light gray carpet has got to go, and the stools are from our former house - I'll add them to the list! :)

It seems like without something above the cabinets, it would seem unfinished. Something like this maybe?? If the doors were changed, that is...

I dunno -- many modern cabinet lines have no moulding on top at all, which is why I was suggesting you consider omitting it.

If you do decide to get white shaker fronts, you might also consider adding a row above, whether closed or glass, to take them to the ceiling. That would add storage and remove the trim issue too...

Great ideas, thank you!

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Take it to the ceiling, even if you have to build a soffit.

i'm way late to the party here but it's kind of an awesome kitchen. I feel like if you are selling it down the road it's the type of thing some people will love as is and be very meh on if toned down.