Lighten the upper cabinets and exhaust system. Leave the lowers dark.

well if you want your dream kitchen, then have cabinet painters come in and paint them white (you're looking at over 5K to have that done properly), get new countertops,(5-7K) hardware, backsplash. I'd also redo that island so that was squared off. you'd have to redo that base. not a big deal though. those large chairs are far too heavy for that spot, so new chairs, maybe a few pendants. paint walls new color.

i'd do the island similar to how these are (same configuration as your kitchen)

so, right off the bat, do you have an extra 15k??

to save money, do a white island w/waterfall edge of your marble quartz, get some nice hardware and leave the dark wood cabinets, new marble-look quartz for the other countertop and a bright tile backsplash. because of the quartz cost, you'd still be up around 9K or so, but it's better than 15.

You can have the cabinets professionally painted which will cost a lot and it is not the same as factory cabinets. They are a nice finish that with the right counter and backsplash can be close to the kitchen you like. Greys are on their way out and wood finishes are becoming more popular.

Maybe you can meet half way. You can do a light quarts with a subway to brighten the area and add handles. Change the stools, add a hanging light fixture over the island and paint the walls.

Unless you want to gut the kitchen and buy new then that is a different story and price point.

Paint! This is not a hard transformation. Just pick a gray you love and go for it! As for marble counters...unless you have had them before I would caution you...they stain. They do not stay looking the same as when they are installed. If you love the look of aged marble then go for it. If not, try quartzite. I have seen some amazing examples in homes of people who love the marble look but want durability.

Have all cabinets professionally painted white. Add gray and white quartz countertop and a coordinating backsplash and you'll have your dream kitchen. Good luck!

Thank you! I have heard mixed reviews about painting cabinets. If we did, it would be professional.

Your floors are pretty, as is your inspiration picture. All very doable, just takes time and money. It can be just what you want. Take your time with researching whoever you hire.

If you just paint your upper cabinets I think you can get your dream kitchen with minimal cost. Make sure you hire a professional who will explain to you everything in detail about the process and get the highest quality paint. I would say good luck, but this shouldn't be a matter of luck. Own the process. This is your dream kitchen we're talking about. :)

I would change out the countertops to something lighter, install a light simple backsplash, change out the stools, paint the island, and paint the walls. It's a beautiful space, but it looks lifeless. You need to add some character color to the space.