I think the whole setting is very tasteful. I'd keep the paint & lighting as they are. I might spring for bar stools with a little more pizzaz.

The wood floor looks very nice. The kitchen has a very clean and simple design; it's nice. Would it be possible to install recessed lighting in the kitchen? Ideas for the other light? --

https://www.houzz.com/photos/34th-street-house-modern-living-room-austin-phvw-vp~1224971

What is your decor style in rest of this area? Overall color scheme? How extensive an update are you hoping for?
I'm in agreement about new recessed lighting.

On a budget, I would have the cabinets painted a charcoal gray and install "white" quartz countertops. Replace the lighting with 3" canned perimeter lights (and ceiling lights) and undercabinet lighting.

Love these ideas. Never thought of gray, but it works with the brick and tones. Undecided on other furniture, but have some antique wooden pieces that can easily be painted. Thoughts on this?

I thought these pics were very pretty but I would add grey also don't know if interested but this is a great piece also

The kitchen design looks efficient and attractive. The elephant in the room is the microwave. Have you considered removing two doors and installing the microwave on a shelf? The shelf above could be left open or new doors could be stained and finished to match. Or it could be installed below the counter which may be safer and more convenient.

Undercabinet lighting to improve task lighting? Overcabinet lighting to add drama?

Here's an open concept beach house (in MA too) where they have really lightened things up while still retaining a lot of wood.
http://houzz.com/photos/34485

apple, just recently saw a house with the micro in a cabinet and love that idea!

First thing I would do is cut a hole in the back wall (looks like there is a stove there) so there would be an opening for LIGHT coming from the back. That would really add a lot to the space. If you can't have an opening there due to the stove, then add glass -- also the little "window sill" that would be created could serve as a place to put spices.

I would add crown molding. It's not a very expensive addition, and it really adds a lot to the interior. It doesn't look like you have room to add a very small cabinet to the top of your cabinetry that would go flush to the ceiling, but if you could, that would be great! I would add glass doors to the this feature, if you are able to fit it in. When your cabinets go to the ceiling, makes the ceilings look larger.

You could add recess lighting, but that might be a bit expensive -- I would get a nice chandelier from LOWE"s, and also something over the breakfast bar. Lowe's has a great selection and are less expensive than Home Depot when it comes to lighting.

I would paint the cabinets either cream or white, use a "satin finish" and remove the panels on some of the top cabinets and replace with glass. I would change the cabinet knobs to glass. The floor looks like it's in good shape -- so to save $$, you could add a few throw rugs for color. If you're going to SPEND, I would put my budget in countertops. A really nice granite would be gorgeous, or even a "granite grade" marble. I have that and LOVE it! You do need some stools under the breakfast bar.

Where is the fridge? I don't see it in the photo. I would also invest in Stainless Steel if it's in your budget. Makes for a very sleek look.

Get the microwave off the counter -- invest in a "drawer" microwave and place it in the breakfast bar. It's very convenient and no one can see it, plus you won't lose too much cabinet space.

Absolutely replace the sink and fixtures -- might want to use a bronze, as it is a warm color and would match nicely.

Good luck!
Monet's Attic.

U can also put a sharp under counter drawer microwave love mine

Add Venetian plaster on the walls you will love it and stay with a monochromatic scheme!