I would open up the space by removing the hanging cabinets separating the kitchen and living room, and installing an island instead that can also function as breakfast seating. If you dining table is going between your living and kitchen, maybe make the island table high, like bar seating, to differentiate from your formal dining. And insert beautiful new pendent lights above the island. I would also change the colors, but that, and the style of the cabinets if it's not going to be just a repaint, would depend on the look of the rest of the house.

Good luck. Have fun!

To brighten the space, I would paint the cabinets in off white (hire a professional and make sure they use high-quality paint), get stainless steel appliances, and update the countertop to a marble looking quartz. If you want more movement to add an interest to your kitchen, you can choose something like Caesarstone Montblanc, or Frosty Carrina if you like subtle to almost no movement in countertops. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy your update and have fun!

Have you thought about raising your cabinets all the way up to the ceiling? You would get a lot more storage.

it's been 6 years guys...I'm pretty sure the OP did something or moved by now.