Removing the wood stools and wood table and chairs will go a long way. Ditch the dark wall mug holder. Put a few lime green plants in this room. It will immediately feel brighter.

Test paint colors carefully. Your current wall color may have a tinge of yellow that would not look good with these cabinets.

The table we have is wood and replacing it isn’t an option. I’m going to get a lighter area rug to place under it, hang curtains, and get new barstools. Would taupe tufted barstools work? I’m open to other styles of barstools, I just gravitate to tufted….

I know you said repainting the cabinets isn't a preferred option but can you do something like a pickle wash or a white paint wipe-on-wipe-off? You also might consider choosing a few adjacent upper cabinet doors for glass panels instead of wood. A good craftsman can remove the wood panel from the frame and replace it with glass. Another option might be to just add some under-the-cabinet LED lighting.

Pretty kitchen - different than what you have but you might get used to it. It's not dark brown everything - it's dark brown cabinets but overall has a pretty light feel to it.

Light colored runners will help. You can paint the stools ivory as well. Find out if you can change some of the upper doors to have glass. Remove the mug holder on the right wall. Lighter handles can also help (maybe a light brushed gold?)

I think this is a great kitchen, but I can see how going from your white cabinets to these can be jarring.

I think your new kitchen is gorgeous.

I definitely would not paint the walls another color. Your wall color looks like it has yellow in it, which will not pair well with those cabinets. The current wall color looks like it goes well and is not that dark? Maybe drift of mist?

I definitely not do bamboo or wicker stools. You could do taupe tufted if you prefer. Just don't bring in too much yellow.

You could do new hardware but what's there now matches (looks to be brushed or polished nickel).

Undercabinet lighting if you don't have it already. Or a cute lamp next to the fridge.

Replacing the backsplash with a cream tile will help a lot in the dark kitchen (being roughly at eye level, it has a lot of impact). You can even paint the tile, but I wouldn't recommend that if you can afford to actually replace... however there are you tube tutorials on how to do it well.

Painting your island the existing wall color (which is nice), or the lightest color found in your countertops, or a soft medium/light green or blue if it makes sense with your decor, will also have a massive lightening impact for not a huge job. Other than that, add rugs/runners with light backgrounds, and generally bring in light neutrals wherever you can.

New kitchen looks quite nice. To lighten the space up I would:

1) paint the ceiling white (same white as the trim, but flat finish)

2) replace the backsplash. Find a tile, in an off-white that matches the background of the counter.

I think a lighter backsplash is a great idea. Tilebar has wonderful options (and sends 5 samples for $5). Here are ideas for you. Soft beige or ivory.

I don't think it is too much brown, but it is lacking color.

I do like the idea of lightening the backsplash, but could live with it as is, but could not live without adding some color..

Ivory, cream, or warm white will immediately lift the room.

Look for colors with a soft undertone (not too stark white), like White Dove BM or Alabaster SW.

Get cream or light linen upholstery for bar stools with wood or black bases would balance the heavy cabinetry.

Woven seats (rattan/cane) would bring in organic texture and tie into a modern organic vibe.

As for hardware I would go with brushed brass or champagne bronze . It adds warmth and contrast against dark cabinets. Consider simple modern pulls (not too ornate).

I would definitely go for new backsplash. You do not have it a lot.

Replace it with light subway tile (ivory/cream/white) in a matte or handmade finish.

Or go for a zellige-style tile (textured, slightly imperfect) for organic warmth.

If full replacement isn’t in the cards, even a lighter grout color can brighten the look.

Here is some inspro for your kitchen.

Getting under cabinet lighting for the uppers will go a long way to brighten the space. I would get a colorful rug & some bar stools with a pretty bright color cushions to match the rug. Hardware & lighter backsplash will help also. I think that your cabinets are very nice!

How do the current wall color and trim relate to the rest of the home? If the entire house or all public areas of the house have the same white for walls and the same white for trim, changing just one room may feel off.

Your new kitchen is very nice. You just need to get accustomed to it.

I agree to adding cream/beige wherever it seems appropriate. And some real COLOR!

Upholstered light colour counter stools and a washable runner would do the trick. My preference one is the black & white, would make everything else stand out.

Agree with @lisedv - a runner will give it some pizzazz without messing up the calm theme. I love the idea of black and white on the floor.