The refrigerator takes up the prime prep space between sink and range. Any willingness to use a counter depth fridge in the wall to the right of the sink? It might even be possible to use a side-by-side model that accepts panels, and maintain the look of the wall.

That's a great idea if we decide to expand the scope of the remodel. Thank you!

I wish people would show an exterior photo with some of these design questions. The overall style and age of the house should certainly impact how one looks at the space and any potential updates. That kitchen doesn't exist in vacuum!

Here are additional pictures to get the overall feel of the house. I love the idea of doing away with the open shelves to the right of the sink and placing a piece of large artwork. This would be cheaper than moving the fridge! I had considered that, so nice to hear.

Everything is more or less the same colour with nothing standing out. So for a quick not very expensive updated look you'll find my suggestions illustrated below.

I would start with painting the bricks white to brighten the kitchen area and replace the cabinet shelving on the right with simple wood shelves. I suggest plain black quartz for the island, a black wood table with a black chandelier (to replace the ceiling light), a more visual black pendant above the sink, black knobs and pulls for all the cabinets.

I do like the black hardware. The chandelier over the table would help warm up the space. Thank you!

I know it’s more than you want to do, but changing the floor tile to something more continuous with the other rooms would help I think. Maybe another project for another time though! I like the black features as well, and the open shelving as opposed to the open cabinet to the right of the sink. I’m a bit confused by the different colored wood board over the cabinets on the right wall, and why it’s a different color, but that might be a harder switch as well. If you see yourself redoing your kitchen in the foreseeable future, I would hold off on investing too much, especially on countertops. There’s a lot you can do with some of the smaller fixes like open shelving, hardware and lighting that were mentioned above that will brighten the space until you are ready to invest more time and money. Good luck!!