Before you do anything to the cabinets, take down all the tchotchkes from on top of the cabs, get rid of the ceiling fan, put in more lighting, and change the backsplash...it’s way too busy for those granite counters. The “special” design behind the cooktop dates the kitchen. You already have a very fussy looking hood...and staggered cabinets. There’s such a thing as too much design.

The stain is relatively "natural" in it's mid-tone way. What are your concerns regarding the space?

Agree with darbuka

You included the word "update" in your post, so I am assuming that perhaps you are not reading some of the more current interior design publications over the last couple of years including 2020 that are documenting the current trend in kitchens toward more richly colored schemes with inclusion of natural wood tones. Whatever you have in mind, the color of your cabinetry itself would not be considered outdated right now. The style perhaps yes, but not the color.

What Darbuka said. Your floors are beautiful BTW.

Appreciate the feedback! I’m not a huge fan of the “orange/golden tone” of the cabinets and my flooring seems to create a pretty homogeneous look in my mind. Really open to any suggestions for an updated look and feel.

Any more suggestions on changing the “style?” I can definitely take down all the decor items. I truly welcome any recommendations to consider.

I do like your kitchen. Just need to break up all the beige.

Change - hardware, paint color (something contrasting), backsplash (no medalion behind the cooktop), and put a long runner (again contrasting colors) in front of the fridge. Also still pull down the stuff on the cabinets.

If it were my kitchen, and I had the $$, I would put the $$ toward a different counter and backsplash. Something light and not busy. Then paint the exposed walls a light creamy off white, or a pale blue or green (warm tone). Maybe the white on the walls (if that would go with the new tile/counter) and the pale color on the ceiling.

Without the repetition of the yellow/orange/tan tones, the cab/floor combo won't seem so bad. Your cabs aren't all that orange anyway, IMO. Just a basic wood color.

If you won't change the counter and tile, then I would say yes, paint the cabinets. But I think you will get more bang for the buck by changing the counter.

ETA: get rid of the undersized knobs too; replace with at least 5" handles (I would choose brushed nickel)

Raee- thank you! What are your exact thoughts on counter and backsplash?

I think the countertops go very will with the cabinets and flooring.

The backsplash could be "updated", but you need to know what your end picture will be.

You could switch out the hardware for satin nickel to go with the appliances.

I have simple tastes and would probably go for a quartz or solid surface in a white or light cream background - maybe a marble look. I have read here that many white/light granites have issues. I can't recommend a particular manufacturer or style though, I leave the online shopping to others!

Then a simple tile, either in a compatible off white/cream, or a subtle pastel. There are so many beautiful colors available in tile if you can go beyond the basic big box store offerings. You just have to make sure that they match your counter and cabinets in warmth and tone.

Backsplash, wall paint, and cabinetry hardware would be the least expensive things to address. You'll need to keep the backsplash quiet in pattern so as not to compete with the granite.

Also, I'll add that the ceiling fan preference must be regional. Someone above posted a suggestion to remove it, but I'm adding one to my new kitchen renovation. I live in one of the warmest climates in the Southern US, and we rarely remove a ceiling fan if we already had one, out of functional concerns. We use them almost daily about 9 months out of the year to help keep save on cooling bills by allowing us to run the AC at a lower setting. Most of the rest of the year our windows stay open for most of the day. The kitchen can be one of the hottest rooms in the house when in use, so I think a ceiling fan there is quite appropriate. It can sometimes disturb the flow of air if your vent hood is running, so just keep that in mind, but otherwise it shouldn't be a problem.

Removed everything from above cabinets and island.. I’m now looking at all the various paint colors for wall. Any favorites out there you think would be best wall and trim?

It looks great! I like the pain color!

I am not a fan of the dark fixtures. Can you find some that you like in satin nickel? Those are the things that can change easily.

The backsplash is kind of driving the style. As is the dark fixtures and dark bar stools.

The cabinets and flooring and countertops are driving the colors. Which is why I think the beige goes well.

Yes definitely looking to change backsplash and counter tops

Are you going to change to single level kitchen counter? Now would be a good time!!

Also it is hard for us to suggest paint colors, not knowing your preferences. Some people hate green, others blue, and so forth.

I did an images search a number of months ago for natural oak with white accents (white backsplash, white walls, white counters). You can mix the two, but in your case, the wood looks to have some stain, and your granite is driving the coloration. I can see a yellow working with all this, but yellow is a tricky color to get right, and not everyone likes it. Yes, if you do replace counters, you'll enjoy removing the double-level bar, and that will definitely modernize the space. However, the granite looks nice and is still serviceable, so I cannot see making a multi-thousand dollar investment for just that. Also, your current trim looks good, so I wouldn't re-paint that if it is in good condition.