What you have looks really good. Unless some part of it is in bad shape not visible in the pic, twice about making major changes for visual decor purposes only.

Stainless steel appliances and white appliances are both classic. Either would work --- consider your sink as you decide.

Personally prefer a "hidden" stove hood in a small kitchen. The visible metal vent hoods can easily overpower a relatively small space such as yours.

Since anything painted will, inevitably, need to be repainted and can look awful as it gets to that point, and since wood is a classic look -- and yours look good -- IF you truly want to paint, do at least consider painting ONLY the base cabinet of the island to add the color you want and leave the other cabinets wood.

Another option for the island

... You could remove the doors on the base cabinet (wrap and store them in the back of a closet or in an under/bed container) rather than painting them, as is, to change the visual of the island and change the wood look of the base itself.

-- You could add tongue and groove vertical paneling look (even comes in peel'Nstick). and/or

... You could make the island/bar more rustic and/or

... You could add another board for more bar seating along with a foot rail. You could paint the metal bar chair(s), too.

... IF you change the island to be a different wood such as vertical tongue and groove, you could do the same over the stove hood, too.

Do consider both the wall color and the island base color as you decide what, IF anything, you want to repaint so the new colors work well together -- perhaps two shades of the same color.

You might consider some new decorative items and colors for the items hung on the wall above the upper cabinets. While I like what you have, if you're wanting a change and more color, the rectangles above the overhead cabinets likely could be painted. IF they are only frame -- not a solid piece -- you might consider creating a pair of faux windows (since it appears you don't have one). While this first link for one is sized for a doll house, the idea would work -- with the right poster behind window frames, you could have windows that appear to be overlooking tree tops and sky:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/914038663/dollhouse-faux-window-self-adhesive-sky?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=faux+window&ref=sr_gallery-1-21>;

Are the niches in the backsplash pass thru windows to a dining area? Really like that look. A pair of overhead faux windows the same sizes could work well

https://www.etsy.com/market/faux_window

or, if you need more light, you might consider a faux skylight.

https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/decorative-ceiling-light-panels/tunable-white-led-skylight-w-summer-skylens-diffuser-2x4-dimmable-led-panel-light-drop-ceiling/5201/12057/?utm_campaign=Child+-+Organic+Shopping&utm_source=Industrial+%26+Commercial+LED+Lighting+%3E+LED+Skylights&utm_medium=EGD-C5-TWR24-72-JBK&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2qeL7ue58gIVFQnnCh3zhQ09EAQYCCABEgKAq_D_BwE

Thx much for your input. will show you what I have across the room on Fplc wall...the darker rustic wood is what I think the color change calls for on the island. We want to build island slightly wider and lower. We want quartz or granite to blend, perhaps same going up for backsplash. So keep hood simple and under style? We could stain cabinets darker but I like light. new hardware as we add stainless sink/stovetop

Its not transitionimg well for me because of wood color tone. better to darken cabinets and add diff hood or paint white a darker new island? this hood I like but is my kitchen too small?

We were planning to add a heavy top trim... will watch your blog

thx,

WOw.... I like that idea but looks costly and ours is large area to add to. Maybe the Shelf idea is less costly so will inquire.

any ideas for the corner hood area? Could we just make that particular area go taller with a hood of wood to give it a more updated look?