I think I'd paint the beige out below the chair rail to a navy blue. Give some contrast to the wood tones in the room. Reupholster the chairs in blue also. Get some blue artwork on the walls, blue drapes, etc. I like the credenza as it is in wood, but I think the room needs something. Too much beige. Then see if you still need to paint the credenza.

There is someone on the forum that does some amazing furniture transformation ... can't think of the name right now.

Change out the knobs and call it good!

I like the piece the way it is, and don't think it needs updating. But if you want to paint it, check out the Amy Howard Home website. I follow the instagram account and the creativity and possibilities are endless and so inspirational. I have no experience with the products, but there are just so many ideas to contemplate.

I agree that color on the walls and in the upholstery would allow the wood to star and not just blend into a sea of beige. I am not a fan of 2 tone / under the chair rail to be different than the upper. I'd be tempted to go dark and use Navy, forest green or charcoal above and below and add color with a rug

https://www.thegoldhive.com/blog/2019/4/2/dark-paint-and-unpainted-woodwork-thinking-about-painting-my-dining-room

And leave the piece wood - changing hardware is a great idea - update but don't change it's character - you can't go back from painting.

I'm all for painting, but usually prefer doing it to a piece whose original finish has been damaged, which doesn't look to be the case with your cabinet.

If you still want to change it, this store in FL refinishes some of their finds, which might give you some ideas. https://circawho.com/

Thanks for the advice and the links. I wasn't really sure I wanted to paint the credenza so I appreciate your comments on what else to do!

I would not touch the finish on the sideboard but I would select more dynamic hardware

You can't add legs to a sideboard with a plinth base like you have.

OR

You could remove the center panels and replace with stained woven cane for an updated appearance.

Here are some current sideboard designs. You could change the finish on the sideboard, but the style would still be very traditional Mediterranean.

I like the hardware- I was having trouble finding quality pulls- thank you!

Check this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12vNf_TW3Bg

I like how she made a frame and left inside wood.

Or

Love those square brass pulls!

The room looks a bit bland and I don't see a rug, or any art.

I wouldn't paint the sideboard. I would, as others have suggestion change the hardware.

Very nice style ideas!

If it’s solid wood and you really want to update it, you could strip and sand it, then refinish with Rubio Monocoat for glowing matte finish. (Then update the hardware.) I’ve done this a few older pieces and the results are beautiful. If veneer, I’d leave the finish alone.

Update-2 doors are stripped... I was considering keeping all the doors light and after stripping the rest of the base, staining it either navy or a dark stain like chestnut or walnut. Or keep it all light?Any thoughts? I like the square door pulls that were previously mentioned and they come in brass, brushed nickel or black finishes. My light fixture is currently brushed nickel- can i mix finishes or stick with brushed nickel

I am in the do not paint camp. This is a stunning piece of furniture and probably hard to find in this condition. If it were some cheesy cheap wood veneer piece of furniture from the 80s, I would say paint all day long. But I wouldn’t do it to this. If you update the hardware, save the original hardware pieces just in case you decide to change them back. And I agree with everyone else that you can change the colors around the wood such as the wall colors.

@Debbie Veness For my tastes, the wood grain on those doors is too pretty to cover with a dark stain. The whole things looks like solid wood, rather than plywood support. Like another already suggested, wax it with a colored wax or hardwax oil like Rubio or Brio. (White might make it look pink, though-if that is a red tone I'm seeing.)