Change the lighting first. Do you have a central ceiling fixture? If so, try uploading another photo with all the lights on during daylight.

Changing the island top, bar stools and light fixtures would be a transformation. I suggest you build an idea book from Houzz kitchen photos to settle on the "look" you like.

Try the Kitchens forum. This one is dedicated to garages and workshops.

My advice would be to repaint the kitchen in a lighter color, maybe a warm white, before you do anything else. I think the reason this is feeling a little blah is because there isn't much contrast between the cabinets, the tile, and the walls. It's all too monotone. Once that's done, I bet you anything you'll feel much better about how it looks.

Your cabinets are nicer than mine but I made similar changes - new counters, backsplash and short apron farm sink:

My older kitchen:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~93784356

The floor is fine, the counters are fine. I am for the thing that is "off the table" along with wall color change. Sorry, nothing will brighten as much as a cabinet color change.: )

I'm from Cleveland too so I know the struggle. I think if you lighten the paint color and change the light fixtures it will make a difference.