Can you post pics of of island wear? I would suggest painting the walls an off white/beige or light greige color. Replacing the light & changing the hardware.

What about a nice taupe-y looking color from your backsplash? Hope you keep us posted on your new pendants.

The doors have worn significantly, and it just looks a bit dingy! I was holding off picking a new island light until we painted, but was thinking something along the lines of the following pic. Thoughts??

Here is a lighter picture of your kitchen. I have no advice as I'm trying to figure out what to do with my kitchen. As for me, I would personally just restain the island. The reason for me would be because we are not responsible enough to have a painted island. It's easier to touch up stain. My husband has restless leg and would probably mess up a painted island within four days of sitting there. You could always paint the rest but I would just buy new factory finish painted doors and paint the boxes to match yourself. That would look more professional.

Thanks- my kitchen never looks that bright! Lol Yes, either way, we would have the island professionally painted. Unfortunately my husband and I don’t have the talent to make it look semi-decent. Here is pic of the wear of the island- the white marks are scuffs, and don’t wash off.

If your kitchen never looks that bright, even with the lights on, I’d suggest changing the recessed lights to 3000 or 3500 led. Even a kitchen with dark stained cabinets can look bright and open with the right light.

Also as mentioned above white or Off white walls (not too ”off”)

New pendant

New stools that have a more open feel

Those are great suggestions, thanks! Could you explain what you mean about chairs with a more open feel? Sorry.. I’m not very good at this!!