Take down the curving wood piece above the sink. Replace sink faucet hardware.

It is also very run down. I love the wood color, but up close it's worn out.

but I love the original formica tops with gold flecks--very cool...

Not sure how much you want to change. You can go further with the mid-century look by adding a colorful backsplash and paint above the cupboards a goldish color to compliment counter, add a large gold/black mat, remove books from shelves and add vases, remove the wooden valance and add blinds, sand and restain your cupboards and add some neat handles.

Sometimes lightly worn areas can be sanded lightly and coated with a couple thin coats of clear finish.

also, the placement or general "looks" of the refrigerator area, but I can't seem to think of a different way...

New custom cabinetry would make a big difference. Is you final goal a new kitchen? Or just some changes to what you have?

Not much you can do to the fridge area, other than removing items on top and using under sink garbage can. Once you update the rest, your eyes will be drawen to color, mat, blinds, accessories.

This one is hard. Sometimes a vintage kitchen will do with a little paint here and there. It looks like a nice, large space. Don't know what your budget is. If the cabinets are really worn (i.e., almost falling apart), then putting a lot of work into them may not pay off. To me, the white appliances stand out a lot.

What's your budget and what's your style? There are so many ways
you can go about changing this kitchen. Number 1 thing I could think of
is taking off the floating cabinets above the counter.

If your
budget permits, I would actually change the plan of the kitchen and get
rid of the counter with the floating shelves all together, extend the kitchen another foot and create an
island with a bar sitting area.

Do you have a budget range in mind or are you in the gathering-ideas stage?

these are all wonderful ideas. I really appreciate your time--I'm still in the "gathering" stage, leaning toward more "fixing" than remodeling, because it would cause the whole house to have to be redone if I start that ball rolling. But I am very open to suggestions!

If you go the route of getting cabinets sanded and restained, you may be able to get matching wood panels for fridge.
http://houzz.com/photos/2758433
What kind of flooring do you have? It looks like it continues into adjoining spaces too, but I think it looks kinda drab, but maybe it's just a dark picture.

I guess it is kind of drab, but its some kind of super linoleum kind of cool...has golden flecks in it. Mid-century losers like me think its pretty amazing...plus I have 7 kids, so i love that its so durable and easy to clean. Ill try to send a better picture. (admittedly, its harvest gold in color...)

I secretly love the glitter...

A quick way to change the appearance is to change CFL light bulbs to brighter LED bulbs. Or change the central light fixture if it has fluorescent tubes. Adding LED undercabinet lighting is easy, too.

hmm...that sounds like a good beginning for sure...

Thanks for the floor pic. It's most likely original and probably almost indestructible, so keep it as is! It sounds like you really love many elements of this kitchen and the mcm style, so I think the suggestion above to update light bulbs or lighting would be a great start.

Custom knobs would make your old cabinets look new. Knockout Knobs uses 3D metal printing technology to create the perfect knob for your kitchen cabinets. Your Passion, Your Design, Your Hardware. New knobs will add the "jewelry" to your cabinets. nancy@knockoutknobs.com

I love your kitchen! Try some Howard's Restor-a-finish on your cabinets. I used it on my dining room table with very good results. http://www.howardproducts.com/prod-restor-a-finish.php You could also add some period correct hardware.

If you use the Restore-A-Finish, make sure you seal with poly or varnish, the Restore a finish is a re-amalgamizer, but it does not have a top coat to protect from the same damage happening again.

Thanks for adding that Charlie! I knew that myself but neglected to say it here.

Thank you for your comments-I absolutely love hearing other people's ideas. Seeing how low my widow is to the sink, what window treatments would be best?

Re: window coverings, 1.) I would remove the wood valance, I know it is period correct, but I think the window would look better with either a fabric valance, (you can put one in with a simple spring tension rod between the two cabinets) or two roman shades, if you need privacy/light control. It's the perfect opportunity to introduce a color you like.

Just how midcentury do you want to go?

For window covering I suggest done sort of shade rather than curtains. A roller shade is probably more period. It could be made from a mid century style fabric that contains gold and also brings in other colours. See an example below:
http://houzz.com/photos/10462429

i like the material for the curtain. I'm fine with the wooden valence being removed, and actually feel that it doesn't match the other parts of the kitchen.

Love the floors! If they are in good shape, they are worth their weight in GOLD. You can't beat Lino for durability. Keep what you like...especially if it is still functional! And yes...the glitter is what tells you it is original.

Thanks-I'm going to hang onto the floors-they go through a large part of the house and it would be opening up a "can of worms" to do the kitchen. We'd have to go everywhere...laundry room, bathroom, halls and family room.