Well, I guess it would depend on how much of it you're willing to change/fix/update vs. the sentimentality of keeping it as it is. If you're okay to change it to make it usable, then I would see about attaching a flat piece of wood over each of the four inlays, updating the hardware to something oversized and interesting/decorative, and staining the whole thing an espresso color.

Nothing wrong with a crafted piece of furniture. Sometimes the contrast is a good thing. What does your home look like? Are there other rooms it could live in?

This piece has a soul and seems well made! Without seeing the room where you intend to put it--only a glimpse of a woven chair, I would suggest to clean the door panels a little and get it done by a skillful cabinetmaker: Use the same door frames and remove only the four panels--if possible, leaving the moldings intact, add new panels covered with raffia and stain them to match the buffet. You can use the same pulls, but place them vertically closer to the upper corners. The piece will look different, tailored to your style, but your uncle's work is there.

Surround it with pop-art style/modern accessories and art for an eclectic look. You may also be able to switch out the hardware without damaging the piece.

I could see a very modern art piece above it and this eclectic candle holder full of bright colored candles. A bold color of candles, such as blue or orange, would really make a statement. Have fun! You're right to keep such a high quality, custom piece in tact!

Dimond Codex Collection, Original Art · More Info

ELK Group Mirage · More Info

Dimond Iron International Candle Holder, Oil Rubbed Gold · More Info

It would really help to see what else is in the room so we could suggest how to help the cabinet blend.

One thing I don't like is when someone takes a beautiful, sentimental handmade piece of furniture and does that chalkboard paint on it. I would fit it in to your décor. Its lovely.

You know what? Place it somewhere for just one month. If you still dislike it after that month, than 'update' it. But sometimes furniture is like vegetables. You've got to eat it multiple times to learn to appreciate the taste.

Since this is inherited from truly loved ones, it has value as such. So I would give it a chance, before I would give it a change.