Your home is so tidy and neat. Staining is going to be a huge, smelly mess. Are you up for that?

Maybe think of some changes you could make that would be simpler but would add lots of interest and pizzazz.

I'm a big fan of art for that purpose.

We have not done it, but one of our competitors was showing us a kitchen he did and where cabinets were added and all were re-stained to a darker color. From the price he told us about, I would say that staining could be more than painting. We are not in a high cost area like you so I don't know how that would play in.

Your cabinets are very pretty even though they aren't your taste.

The thing I've noticed with espresso cabinets is how dark they make the kitchen seem. You almost have to have a wall of windows to off-set adding that much black to a room.

If you're thinking of rearranging cabinets, moving the fridge and the like, I take it you're planning on doing a major renovation. If so, buy new cabinets more to your liking, and see if you can't sell the ones you've got. I'm sure you could get a fair price for them to apply towards new cabinets so you can get what you like.

I I know you didn't ask for cabinet colour advice but I would do this if I was lucky enough to have your kitchen!

I would re-stain but not rearrange cabinets. If you want a larger island you can add a counter overhang.

Go to a local reputable paint store and get some references for a few refurnishers. If the cabinets need to be stripped first, it will be expensive. If they just do a stain / poly combo over the present finish after proper prep, it could be not as expensive.

You have a large kitchen with many cabinets. It is lovely and does not need any changes. If this was my kitchen - just to better fit me, I would put in a pretty copper hood instead of the stainless T and add a pretty window treatment. If the view is good, I would consider removing some upper cabinets and put in more windows - but the dishwasher is there and so you probably want the cabinets for the dishes.

I think turning the island would be amazing in that space, however it will mean the flooring will need some work to cover the exposed areas and blend in with existing wood floor, plus with granite and backsplash I can easily envision more than 7K. What is your budget for this project?