I really think you could keep it. by going w very light counters and backsplash you will get a new look. All I see is a light fixture that needs the glam quotient increased/lower position / and will have a beautiful backdrop w the stained cabs behind..[with new hardware] ..... New island top [maybe white paint on island] and new bar stools will be the details that take you to the finish line. Good Luck.

Thank you so much! What color hardware would you go with? And, yes I agree on the island. It will be replaced with something skinnier, lighter top and seating at the end rather the side.

Lovely home! I like your wood and agree that lighter counters, splash and under cabinet lighting will transform the space.

Does the island function well it seems big for the space? I have a tight older kitchen that did not fit standard free standing islands so I made a 2x4 pub height table with a walnut boos top. A tall table allows for stools to tuck away when kids are not eating and the two feet as opposed to the standard 3 or 4 foot width allows for larger aisles near my fridge.

polished nickel hardware but coordinate things like that w new light fixture / changes to and new island finishes and stools

Hi roarah! Thanks for your comments. Yes, my island is one from a previous house and has always been way to big and gets in the way. I have tried to find something, but I have been too picky! I want it skinnier and with seating at the end (away from fridge and stove) and I want it old and unique. A tall order I know! That's why I still have this one. I would love to see a picture of the one you made if you would consider posting it.

Do you need seating with the breakfast nook? a harvest table or antique 2x2 butcher block, they have tons on eBay, would suit your home’s style nicely.

Here is a boos‘ newer harvest table that has an old world feel.

I love the black one with butcher block top. Is that the one you built? Its great! We do need seating, I have kids and they like to eat snacks and breakfast at the island.

Here is the one I made. I did this years ago for less than $200. I used the boos harvest as an inspiration but white. My kitchen is small, old and dark but I did add marble counters 15 years ago and it helped lighten it.

the boos lip and chunky top does not allow for stools to slip under it plus 2000k price was why I made my own. Kids like to eat near the sink it seems.

I am closing on an east facing home and have similar cabinets. I am going to paint my cabinets white in SW Alabaster color- a lot of instagrammers have done the same and they definitely brighten up the space. I am planning on switching the hardware to black for more of farmhouse look. I plan on replacing the countertop to white next year.

Are you going to paint them or are you hiring someone? I am so worried it will look cheap? But even though my cabinets seem to look ok, I really need a change and feel like the look doesn't match my house at all!

Thanks so much Cook's Kitchen. I have lived here for 10 years. I have always hated the color, I have been stuck on this one for 10 years....my husband likes them and I am worried painting them will look cheap? I am leaning towards White Dove on top and a naval on the bottom lately, with marble looking quartz counter and backsplash... I wish I could feel more confident that the paint would look like they were from the factory, because I don't mind the style of the cabinets, just the color.

You can get the equivalent of a durable factory finish if you choose the right pro, or do the right process DIY. There are new industrial wood coating products on the market that exceed the durability of your existing factory coating, even though white will show more of everyday life than your existing stained wood. I’d suggest joining the Kitchen Cabinet Painting Experts group on Facebook. It’s where pros and diyers come together to share best practices.

Here’s some classic navy and white choices. You want to err on the side of a navy with a bit more green to it than purple.

Thank you Cook's kitchen so much! I will join the Cabinet Painting Experts group, didn't know it existed! I can't thank you enough for your help!