As to "updating" - lighter floors and woods are what I am seeing in newer designs. it is impossible to keep up with "trends' and despite what you may see on HGTV, getting money back from updates when you sell is iffy - often does not happen. Today's updates become tomorrows "dated". Do your kitchen in a way that is attractive to you. Do you prefer light or dark cabinets? Are you fine with the warm mid-tone color?

If this was my kitchen, I would just do the counters and backsplash, relocate the microwave and put in a true vent hood. The one past trend your kitchen has is the mosaic backsplash, which I am guessing is fairly new - that is how fast trends are changing, so keep it if you like it.

It looks like from what I can see of the dining room that you like the gray / white look. Check into the cost of a professional paint job for the cabinets as I am guessing you will be happier with white cabinets.

I'd spend the money on painting the cabinets, new counter, and backsplash. If you want to splurge, do a backpainted glass backsplash in a color of your choice. I'd probably replace the dishwasher with white to match your other appliances.

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Gorveraxle,,,you and your bassett crack me up!

Maywedd05- I'd leave the floors. do not go darker , 1. super hard to keep looking clean,,,2. it's a small kitchen. I also would not stain the cabs darker.

The one thing that I would do immediately is finish off the island w/trim or a skin of some sort. I hate the way they leave these basic 'cabinet islands' looking unfinished.

How about removing that countertop and replacing with a nice dark walnut butcher block? Here's where you can go dark. And if you want to see how painting would look, start by painting the island white.

you can find butcher blocks at Floor and Decor or Ikea. You could even do a cool add-on shelf for the side like they did here:

this is a simple walnut block that fits directly on the island. all you do is apply Waterlox or a similar finishing oil.

these cabs used to be old oak. they painted them white and added the walnut butcher block. the contrast is so nice

here's some before and after pics

Looks great! Now it is very cohesive with your dining room..beautiful....Enjoy!

I like your gray backsplash and that you didn’t go super stark white with your white cabinets. It looks nice:)

Nicely done! Huge improvement on the backsplash. Looks really nice with the counters and appliances.