Beautiful kitchen. Try replacing the window coverings with something new, perhaps less formal and more colorful. I agree with Kitchen Designs by Delta that changing the small chandeliers for something trendier may give you an update, too.

You could change the light fixtures to an industrical type feel and hardware to cupped handles. You could also paint your island a deep grey and compliment by adding an appropriate colored rug and roman blinds and upholster the chair cushions. Although the picture below is not reflective of your cupboards it gives you an idea of the look.

I feel like this is a dark kitchen that could use a little brightening up, perhaps by way of new lighting over the island--maybe something with a design that has an opal glass or white fabric shade (or similar) that provides lots of bright light.

Keep the barstools and chairs which are lovely and current, though there is no way to tell about the fabric selection

Change out:

window treatment

Lighting over the island

Check to see if the light bulbs in the downlights are the correct color for the room

Consider a contrasting color for the island base

Consider a decorative backsplash

i can't tell what your backsplash is... if its stenciled just paint it over. a tile backsplash is nice but not if you are satisfied with your granite edge and dont want to remove it. your window treatment is too pale; its good that its light but it should still do a bit more work to pull its weight instead of disappearing.

if your heart doesnt pop every time you see your light fixtures and you want a change, consider selling them, they are still current.

oh and seat cushions could be changed to match your new window treatment if you want to bring in a fresh color but not just on the window.

Great comments so far. Keep them coming!

I would change the seat covers to a patterned fabric (lots of cool fabrics out there, I carry some) with some punch and probably paint the island base!

I agree with opting for industrial style task lights on island. Remove the dated curtain.

Not sure your style but I would replace the seats with nice stained wood and consider a light color stained live edge addition to the island counter. The room just seems very classic and needs a little excitement. Just my opinion - these could be done cheaply DIY.

Agree with many of the suggestions already made. This is a beautiful kitchen that needs color. Change out cabinet knobs and handles for something more updated, like stainless steel, chrome or brushed nickel. Lighting fixtures in the same metal would add some sparkle. A colorful window treatment, with matching or coordinating barstool cushions would add some verve, as well. A pretty ceramic bowl, filled with fruit would dress up the island countertop. Finally, a colorful rug would really pop against your lovely floor.

Really appreciate and loving all the comments. Would you guys paint the island a contracting color or the cabinets? Also, the backsplash is travertine. It's amazing how you get used to the same old thing after a while. I love all these ideas. More, more....

I would consider another color for sure...the kitchen just comes across as very dark. Will make the kitchen seem more fresh. Question just is what color do you go with?

Maybe it's just me, but I do not see any exhaust that is near your cooktop. If one is built in on the surface or included within the cooktop surface it might be okay, but if nothing exists then you may want to first address that.

Overall the kitchen is dark - so anything to brighten up will be great - blinds, cushions, bright orange/white lights that enhance the colour of the cabinets, backsplash tile prints. More expensive but very effective - change the island granite colour to something light and bright and if more then change the entire island itself. Stainless steel fridge surface can get a painting mounted with magnets (kids do a great job on this one). There are a lot of possibilities but depend on whether you plan to stay in the house for long or not. If yes decide on a budget and look you want and go for it and off course keep the theme flowing in other parts of the house as well. Good kitchen renos are a great way to add value to your house.

Very pretty as is! As others have said, paint just the island, new lights (or paint the existing ones), paint or new barstools.

Great kitchen! If you decide to paint the island, I think gray would be a mistake. A white or off-white would brighten the space and would provide such a nice contrast to your granite and pretty chairs. Does your under cabinet lighting make your backsplash appear really bright white? I agree with the others regarding the curtain, cabinet pulls and island lights. Good luck!

Thanks everyone. The exhaust is built in. It's the Bosch one that rises up. I had originally thought to paint the cabinets a cream color with a glaze and leave the island dark, but maybe I will leave the cabinets alone and paint the island instead. I was thinking about getting limestone on my island to compliment the backsplash and lighten things up. I hear you about the fixtures. I will post a few ideas I have. As for the curtain. Which style would look good. Maybe if I had it redone in the same style, but with new fabric and no tassels? Hmmm. I need to find great new hardware. The holes are 3.5 which seems to be a hard to find. Thanks a bunch. What a help you all have been!

Do you guys like either of these pendants?

What about painting the beauties over the island,

and/or the stools -- a muted bright that you like?

If chairs and stools are the same design would it look odd if different colors though??

The 2nd is interesting, different. And it's a light tone.

But do you not need brighter lighting? / you have 'cans'....

Seems I've seen a no-sew cornice kind of project at Michael's or Joann's. Add any remnant and change it easily... or a single panel.

?

If you want to keep it simple, update the chandeliers and replace the barstools. This two changes could make a big difference. If you want to take it a step further, painting the cabinets grey (or white) could create a complete transformation. Love the glass subway tiles posted by Kitchens by Delta above. Here are some ideas available through Rejuvenation.com. The kitchen is painted Fieldstone by Martha Stewart. Good luck!

Especially with a creamy colored pendant. Almost an Ikea look: