All of the above but no open shelves . IMO the only wat to have cabinets refished properly is by a pro who takes all the doors and drawer fronts away to do them . Yes it is expensive but unless you know how it is worth it. The kitchen seems to have a pretty good layout , the cabinets don’t seem to look too date to me some IMO worth thr money .Some new pendants over the island and IMo painting the island with kids on scooters proably not the best idea at this time.

I agree with what Kendrah wrote except for the idea of open shelves instead of the glass cabinets. An updated look means less clutter, and open shelves, unless you are scrupulous about it, can look cluttered with things on them, plus it means one more cleaning chore, as those things will now need to be dusted since they are out in the open.

I think your idea of replacing counters and backsplash will be much more effective than doing anything with the cabinets--both cost and appearance-wise.

While you are at it, replace the 3-bowl sink with a rectangular (not curved) single-bowl which is more current. Or, if you must have more than one bowl, do a 70-30 or 60-40 double bowl (not 50-50) since it looks like you have the width for one.

I also would remove the Farm Fresh sign completely. Word Art is dated; it's been over since about 2010.

I’m not opposed to taking things off the top of the cabinets. May I ask why?...I hired someone to come in and decorate my home and that what she put up there.

You asked for suggestions to update the look of the kitchen. Having Stuff on top of cabinets is dated. When that person you hired did that, was it the 18 years ago that you mentioned? That would be about right for when doing that was in style, but it is not current now. If you think it will look bare to have nothing up there, you could edit the stuff down to 4 or so most-favorite pieces to leave up there, no more.

Do I replace the molding above the cabinets when I remove the full plank?

You would leave the cabinet molding in place to go with the existing cabinetry. If it is too difficult to remove that plank over the window because it's got electric in it, or it is a difficult carpentry job, leave it there. More important are the counters, backsplash, sink and de-cluttering. I think you should try to replace the light above the sink. It looks to be what's known as a "boob light", and it's given that derisive title because it's not in favor right now.

You are addressing what I see as the main problem which is the floor. I hope your new floor will have more contrast. Everything currently is the same color - cabinets, counter, cabinets. New counters and backsplash would also be nice but a big improvement will cost zero which is remove everything from the top of your cabinets. Also loose the curtains. The clutter just looks granny. Your kitchen is actually very nice.

if you click through new kitchens, you wont see cabinet top decor. mostly because the cabinets go to the ceiling where possible, and even the ones that don't will be bare or have a couple artsy and (seems to me) generic and meaningless to the owner bitz of decor.

its how HomeGoods stays in business.

if you like things up there thats fine but its not updated. having your christmas village up there is charming and i'll not knock it, but then when you take it down dont put anything else up right away.... you'll enjoy whats there more i believe if it changes frequently and sometimes is empty.

I would not paint the trim. You have a great house; love the fireplace and your high ceilings and those big windows. I would not remove the plank just the stuff on it.

Durat makes a beautiful navy counter that we highly recommend, especially with you having young ones. It's super scratch resistant and has anti-bacterial properties. We see Navy Durat counters in bright open kitchens (maybe paint the current cabinets white) and it is STUNNING! Durat also is made from recycled content! Check out some installs of it here- https://www.houzz.com/products/durat-color-790-prvw-vr~15243282

Honestly with young kids I would not paint the island. It will chip and you will have to touch up. Once you put in new floors and countertop and backsplash reassess and I think you will see the island is fine. I think navy counters will show every crumb.

Use a scrub daddy and Parker and Bailey Kitchen Cabinet Cream which removes dirt and grease then polish. Must use the scrub daddy- it is the only thing I have found that will scrub grease off wood and not damage it.

I have removed the stuff above the cabinets, lowered the existing lights, though I think new ones need to be selected. The lights should be about 36" above the counter and because your space is so large, a larger scale light should be selected.

I have taken down the clothes from the windows and moved the FARM FRESH sign to over the windows. The island is now navy. I thought you should see your ideas first before more changes are considered.

You haven't posted the vinyl you plan to use on the floor. That needs to be carefully selected. Those peachy counters now work with your floor. Are the counters staying? This is a potential problem.

May I simply suggest you begin to look at Door Finish samples from the various manufacturers and find one you like that can be duplicated.

Also, consider locating an inspiration photo.

http://keystonewood.com/weathered_doors

Source for replacement doors etc.

Your kitchen looks pretty and very functional. What jumps out to me is the flooring which you are addressing. I would remove the mullions in the glass cabinets for a more modern look. As others have said update the window treatment and remove everything from the tops of the cabinets. I'd wait on picking counters, back splash, stools and lighting until you see how the final cabinet color comes out and your flooring choice.

"Don't judge"? What does that mean, given that you are asking for decorating advice??

I agree the floor is the first and most major thing to address. I don't care for that quartz however - way too busy.

It looks tidier without the Christmas Village. (I love my Christmas Village. Love to put it out in November and love to put it away in January!)

Take down the curtains. I think you'll be surprised at how clean the place looks when you do.

In your backsplash samples, I think the darker one will make the room too dark. Remember, you want 'fresh.' That usually means bright and sharp.

Next time you are at the counter place, pick a blue counter to bring home. See if you like it. An unusual choice, but you love blue and you want change. ??

You're comment showing what your kitchen looks like right now I think looks good. I like the stuff on top in the corners. I do think the farm fresh sign may look better above the window. I think your kitchen in general looks good as is, except the flooring. That's the only thing that is sticking out as dated to me.

The lowered pendants are a surprising improvement and the navy island looks great. The counter stools should have cleaner lines.

Beverly, may I ask how you did the mockup for Stepfanie? Like her, we have (honey) maple cabinets and we are looking to just replace the countertops, change the current island from curved to rectangular & paint it while, and backsplash.