What is your budget? That determines the scope of changes. What do you consider "updates"? What do you dislike about your kitchen? I don't worry so much about a kitchen looking like the latest on social media. I simply want my kitchen to be functional and look cohesive (barely managed this with my kitchen!). Might help that I like a variety of styles but I'm not seeing anything hugely offensive in your kitchen... In fact, I think your kitchen is pretty darn good looking! :)

Thank you so much for your response! I really appreciate feedback. We are willing to spend 2k Ish. Updates I suppose would be paint, hardware, rugs, removing range hood etc. I think I am probably a minimalist and love white. I guess what I have in my head is a full remodel. I love bright clean/ somewhat modern kitchens. I think I have more of a traditional one. Perhaps that’s the problem? Maybe something to brighten it up?

The floor is overwhelming, at least in the first photo. Rugs would help, but good ones are not cheap, so unless you find other locations for them when you do a renovation I'm not sure that's the way to go.

That makes sense. Are there styles of rugs you would recommend? Colors etc? There’s so many options I get overwhelmed. We have hardwood throughout the house, so we’re not worried about paying up for a nice rug.

I think the giant vent hood is overwhelming. I have no idea what it would cost to replace it with something a little more subtle, but that’s where I’d start.

I was thinking along the same lines as Flopsycart. Replace the hood with a sleeker stainless one. That shouldn't be too bad, because the venting wouldn't change.

Maybe replace the island countertop with another material, and possibly one level. Wonder how a stainless countertop would work?

Your camera lens is probably giving a distorted fish eye view of the room. In real life, I suspect that neither the floor nor the range hood are as distracting as they appear in the photos.

Agree with @partim, the range hood is probably distorted in the first photo and appears larger than it is. That being so, I still feel that a sleeker upgrade would be an improvement.

I agree with others that the range hood seems heavy. One option if you didn’t want all of your money to go to a new hood though might be to paint it the white color of the walls. The wood banding, although beautiful wood, makes it appear heavy. You could change counter material and make it all one level. I’d also suggest changing out light fixture above table and some sub in chairs with some texture. You’ve got a great start with a good space, beautiful floors, and cabinetry.

I wouldn’t do much now. Your kitchen is a very nice well built space. Can it be updated ? Sure! Is it bad looking? Totally not!!
If you had to make some changes I’d say to simplify the wood on the hood vent. Change lighting. Remove the Corbels on the island. And maybe new hardware.
But your kitchen has so much potential to be so so absolutely gorgeous in the near future that I’d just save up u til you can really do it! The built ins are MAGNIFICENT!! The hood is beautiful. Picture It on a wall. Cabinets are great!!
You really have excellent pieces to work with when you can :) for now make mini changes, and save up for when you can create your dream...

"Thank you so much for your response! I really appreciate feedback. We are willing to spend 2k Ish. Updates I suppose would be paint, hardware, rugs, removing range hood etc. I think I am probably a minimalist and love white. I guess what I have in my head is a full remodel. I love bright clean/ somewhat modern kitchens. I think I have more of a traditional one. Perhaps that’s the problem? Maybe something to brighten it up?"

Updates are in the eye of the beholder. :) Not seeing a dark kitchen that needs brightening up here. Yes, it's a traditional kitchen but not heavily so. The wood details are quite lovely and not over the top. If they're really not your cup of tea, get a pro in to estimate how much it would cost to remove the corbels and hood details. If you simply paint the wood trim on the hood the same colour as the hood, those carved details will be a lot more subtle. Doubtful 2K will get you professionally painted cabinets but it could get you new lighting or chairs and/or possibly a simpler hood. I wouldn't replace your hood with a stainless though. I don't think that would hit a harmonious note in this kitchen. Fwiw, minimalism has little to do with colour and I wouldn't describe any of the kitchen pics you shared as modern. They all have strong classic (aka traditional) details (e.g. lanterns and millwork).

Here's a linear lantern style pendant as an example to consider for over your table (no clue of dimensions, etc.) Even though classic, this style would look fresher than your current.

ETA: Hard to see details in your pics but I notice white faucets? To me, those don't jibe with the classic kitchen. I'd consider streamlined ones in a warm matte metal like brass or satin nickel. Nothing with too much gleam. Perhaps the cabinet hardware could be changed and matched to faucets?

If you want to reduce the amount of wood, consider replacing wall cabinets next to window with open shelving. Not an option that would work for my lifestyle but it works for some people and can certainly look great.

Beautiful space! It has so many nice features even though I agree it has to be brought back to the present day. The built in wall hutches are stunning and a very unique feature to have. The juxtaposition of old and new is so great, gives any space personality.

I would update the island to a more modern look(square, one level, wrapped around in a beautiful quartz looking like a carrara marble). If you have the budget would change the other countertops too...and paint some cabinets. If that is too much, painting the current island a black or white or navy plus updating the chandelier and the table(chairs can stay) may just do the trick. Here are some ideas

Tables

Or just whitewash the table you have to get all that wood color out

Chandeliers

Rugs

Either look can work: subtle contrast on oriental rugs for a more old world feel or crisp black/white contrast for a modern element. They can be outdoor rugs in polyester or polypropelene or vinyl mats, hard wearing.

For hardware more clasic choices or update to gold. The brushed nickel you have now is not very interesting

Dont be afraid to mix and match

You have a beautiful traditional kitchen. You run the risk of it being "neither fish nor fowl" if you replace the traditional elements with modern.

So as a recap, start with painting: the hood trim, the island, a few cabinets(first choice would be the 2 uppers flanking the window), the fireplace, the existing table.

Then budget the other changes.

The biggest change would be replacing the countertops for an instant makeover... and backsplash.

A very cost effective way to do that is look for pre-cut slabs. For your perimeter cabinets 2 slabs of around $400 each would do and you can have them cut to size/installed on site. The island is a different story, that will be more expensive. I would make the island a wraparound if possible. If not a cheaper way to fix is paint the island and get a countertop to replace what you have

Who do you recommend paint the cabinets, @LilDesignWorks? A pro? Total budget is 2k-ish, according to OP. From what I can see in the posted pics, the cabinets look very well made. This looks like a custom kitchen to me with classic bones to boot. Would hate to think of quality wood ruined by a poor quality paint job because "current" is misinterpreted as "better".

I agree this kitchen has beautiful bones I love the built in hutches! And would not paint those! For a full repainting of the kitchen cabinets you def need professionals, even though some DIY-ers are up to the job.

What I recommended was a partial paint job that is easy to do: the wood trim for the hood, the island exterior(not the cabinet doors) the fireplace, the table and just the 2 cabinets by the window. Its not a lot and can be done in stages without much disruption by almost anyone. Painting certain areas strategically will completely change the feel. As it is right now despite the amazing bones this kitchen has too much oppresive wood

If I were the next homeowner who inherited those wood cabinets with a DIY paint job, I'd curse the previous owner so good. :) Did you all miss the memo that wood kitchens are trending back again? :D Save up for a total remodel and donate those cabinets intact is my advice.

Fwiw, the inspo pic of modern meets traditional kitchen you shared, @LilDesignWorks looks like an amateur kitchen lab. Makes no functional or design sense to me but then again, I'm no pro. Not afraid to admit the genius behind that design is totally lost on me.

My sister "updated" her expensive and beautiful traditional custom wood kitchen, with a decorator's advice. Painted the island and replaced the understated backsplash with a modern style. Looks awful.

Haha that is actually high end italian which I dont expect it to have mass apeal but like fashion, the couture while not for everyone, informs the ready made design even though not taken literally...🙉🤣

High end Italian it may be (and please do share original source as I love to learn and don't browse Italian ID sites), @LilDesignWorks, but I'm not seeing what's terribly ergonomic about two baby islands with twin ovens and prep sinks. The cooktop looks random. I find the stark white modern drawers look cheap in this setting because they don't relate to the architecture. The spot lighting around the classic moulding obfuscated by who knows how many layers of paint doesn't look like a very inspired choice either. I appreciate style juxtaposition when the result is cohesive and harmonious. To my amateur eye, it's not about mass appeal. The IG kitchen simply misses the mark for me. But not my kitchen, not my money so...;-)

In my opinion you have a lovely kitchen.

hood vent. Number 1 thing I'd change. It's a huge behemoth coming down from the ceiling. bring in something less obsessive.

runners are fine.

the gold hinges on the white doors can easily be sprayed w/metallic spray paint.

the white faucet? why? yeah, replace that w/a simple SS version.

What a beautiful kitchen. I think runners would definitely look wonderful in there:

https://www.rejuvenation.com/catalog/collections/price-hand-knotted-rug-blue/products/6000ee4df626ad571b021e2e

A couple of things I’d change is removing the corbels from the island, and changing the bottom trim of the hood.

See how the trim on this one is plain? You could easily do that.

I think trying to modernize what you have by mixing in a bunch of MCM or modern whatever would change the look in a bad way and look muddled. I’d research inspiration pictures for updating a traditional kitchen to enhance and coordinate with what you have, rather than try to cover it up with Trends du Jour.

ETA: Sorry, meant to add that I’d change your dining fixture with something updated and elegant, but with a somewhat casual feel (not MCM). I’m assuming it’s open to the living area? What kind of lighting is around it?

I could see this type of hood working for you but likely to eat up the entire budget...

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Houzzer discussions include chalk paint. The 2 units at the side could be good place for that, and can be neutral, or bit of color you like in the house so far. Seems the hood's wood trim could be 'washed' to antique white type color.

If you change just the island area, changing the fireplace could be nice, bringing rooms together..

Black table base seems ok with black chairs, but I wonder how taller chairs would look.