Good news is that your cabs are right on trend. White is still very popular, but stained is making a very strong comeback.

I can't quite figure out that layout. Do you really have two penninsulas? A pennisula and an island?

In terms of updating style, I'd change that backsplash first off. I also have a huge aversion to rounded overhangs, but that would probably be harder to change and maybe that's just me.

The wood valence over the sink should also come down to open things up. I've had that and taken it down and, for a small piece of wood, it really makes a big difference in the feel of a small space. It looks like you have matching mini-blinds thru-out, but a white fabric blind, might also lighten things up.

Definitely change the pulls. Have a look at similar door and wood styles and see what appeals to you.

I like your mini pendants because they fit the proportions of the room and aren't fussy, but something lighter and more Scandinavian might also help.

If you're moving in two years, you'll probably get advice to leave it as it really is nice as it, but I get wanting to make changes just for your own enjoyment of the space.

For sure a new backsplash.

New backsplash, new pulls and leave the valance. If you take it down, you have to take down the crown molding and that could open up a rat's nest of issues. The style is classic and the finish isn't dated and is coming back and I like the peninsula wall cabinets, it gives a really classy finish to the kitchen. It may seem old to you, but home buyers won't be turned off by it. Yes, painted white is big, but wood tones are coming back. These look like they're a nice grade of maple. I wouldn't paint, either, these cabinets are in too good of a shape.

I don't think your space is that dated. I happen to like Uba Tuba and it's calm and neutral enough that you can go crazy with a new backsplash if that's your desire. I agree with the additional changes Daisychain suggested, like taking down the wood valance and getting new window treatments instead of the blinds. I would also get different bar stools since you have a lot of wood in your kitchen.

I would agree with daisychain01 change the backsplash with as simple light warm color tile maybe horizontal orientation, large format maybe 12 x 24, also change the cabinet hardware, add undercabinet lighting and change the pendants over the peninsula if possible use the same metal finish for the hardware, and the pendants, also since you are changing the backsplash, try to install outlets at the top of the backsplash more discreetly , there is a system called legrand where they integrate the outlets with charging station, lighting etc, this maybe a good selling point when you are ready to move

https://www.legrand.us/collections.aspx?utm_campaign=lga-digital-2018&gclid=EAIaIQobChMItM3l0KCm3AIVw16GCh0DnQ2fEAAYASAAEgI_N_D_BwE

I think the kitchen is beautiful and has a wonderful vibe. No need to change out anything except the backsplash. Check out Fireclay tile and pick a light color. Maybe a soft green or a green/blue and then pick one of their more funky shapes.

One other suggestion would be instead of the blue color on the fireplace wall, what about a contemporary type wallpaper for just that wall? Something that ties in the color of your new backsplash tile and your wall color?

Lovely kitchen. A new simpler and lighter backsplash and new light pendants would give you a nice refresh. Another idea is to change out the lightbulbs which could reduce the orange/yellow look of the area.

Maybe something like Daltile Garden Spot

You could remove the valance and add a roman shade for a more modern look.

Your kitchen is really very nice! I would change the backsplash and remove the blinds and replace with a curtain.

Very nice space. Just change the backsplash.

I would keep the blinds, but I hate curtains. Change the hardware, wall color, and backsplash, and see about switching out the glass on that door for something either completely frosted, clear, or textured. The etched pattern is meh and makes it look more dated than it needs to be. You could also get new shades for the pendants or new pendants altogether.

New cream or light backsplash and clear lighting.

One thing I learnt during my kitchen remodeling is that the 'coolness' of your light bulbs make a big difference to the feel of the kitchen. My previous kitchen looked goldeny under the usual can lights, similar to yours although unlike yours, my kitchen was in a bad shape overall.

I got this kit from Home Depot that allows you to toggle a button and switch between different Kelvins. I liked the colors in my new kitchen under the cooler setting and switched my bulbs to 2700K instead of the 5400K and it made a huge difference . The 2700K brings it closer to 'daylight' while still giving a warm feel to the kitchen.

Unfortunately my camera phone did not do a good job capturing the differences sodont have any pics to share.

HTH
Usha

Back painted glass as a back splash would give your kitchen a more Scandinavian feel, your furniture already goes with that style. I'm Scandinavian, it's widely used there.

Love the glass idea. Glass tiles may be easier to find but that would lighten it up. Thank you!

Never thought about changing out the blinds. You're right, that will also freshen it up.

Great suggestions (and my husband will love that it won't be too costly!) Thank you!!

I agree simple new backsplash. Also, if you don’t have undercabinet lighting, I would look at adding it. And I would consider a new paint color, just one throughout the space.

Whatever you do, I wouldn’t spend a lot of money. Two years flies by awfully fast. I can’t believe 2018 is more than half over. And trust me, more likely than not, any buyer in two years may not really care & will “update “ to their taste.

Your house is lovely; it has a unified and calming vibe. The cabinets are beautiful. I think the pulls go nicely with the style. I agree that the backsplash could be beautiful with colored glass rather than stone, but I’d leave that wood alone. You may be tired of it, but there’s really nothing wrong with your kitchen.

It's lovely and I wouldn't do anything at all! Two years flies by.

I would add under cabinet light and a subway tile back splash.

I would change the backsplash including the 4" piece and replace with a lighter, simpler tile, but not subway.
New door hardware for a sleeker look. Paint a pale grey with blue undertones after you decide on tile.
Remove small items from the 'see-thru' cabinets and replace with one piece of beautiful translucent glass, like a bowl, pitcher, or vase to catch light and not look like a display case for items too small to see and appreciate.

New light bulbs with less warmth hue will to balance out the orange hue in the room.

I like your kitchen! I don't love the back splash, but that's due to my taste. If you are moving in a few years, I would just do the minimum.

The pendants are beautiful but blend in. A lighter shade would look good. The counter stools are really nice but also provide no contrast. Agree that a glass backsplash would be good.