Yes, White countertops and backsplash would lighten up the kitchen, but I'd change out the light fixtures and bulbs in the recessed fixtures and paint the room white before I chose a countertop.

Cover the island and some countertops away from the stove with some white shelf paper or white paper towels to see what bright white countertops would look like.

Following @Lyn Nielson's suggestion to change out the bulbs is quick, cheap, and easy. Changing the fixtures (as she suggests) is also pretty easy. Choose pendants that throw light sideways, up and down, instead of just down, would be a big improvement. Here's an example.

Keowee Springs Retreat · More Info

Thank you. Good point about the lights!

Here's a picture of what someone else did which is similar to what you're considering:

Transitional Mexico Stain finish Kitchen Remodel with Aria Quartz Countertop · More Info

Be careful if you choose white countertops that the white is warm instead of cool and works with the wood cabinets. Take a door off your cabinets and take it with you when you visit showrooms.

agree that it will help to replace the pendants with a style that throws light around the whole room vs just directly below on the island (this made a huge difference in my kitchen in a past house)

I you decide you really want a plain white quartz, then look at Cambria White Cliff. It is a nice bright white, but still warm.

I think a warm quartzite or porcelain counter and backsplash would be lovely and brighten up the space significantly. I also think your current pendent lights are not really doing anything for the space. I would update those to two larger pendents that have a less refelctve surface and provide more of a warm glow. Here is a quick rendering to help you visualize.

Thank you all so much- these are wonderful suggestions. I absolutely will work on the lighting first as I completely see what you are all saying and bringing a cabinet drawer is a great idea.

I agree to not paint the cabinets. But do paint the odd crown over the door way and along the fridge wall ceiling. Also paint the flat wood piece above the sink so it blends into the ceiling. These changes alone will help the space feel brighter.

Yes to larger island lights that throw off more light. And a warm white counter too. Investigate the material you wish to run up the splash and whether it does well with heat or not. If not, use a warm white tile.

Updating the lighting to LEDS and the pendant lights, along with the countertop and backsplash will definitely help. The kitchen designs below are not all traditional, but the countertop and backsplash suggestions should help some.

Old Westbury Transitional · More Info

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White House Blue Water · More Info

We updated our super tuscan kitchen with new lights, counter, and backsplash. We went with a warm white marble and white tile backsplash. It turned out nicely. We also removed the stuck on wooden grape cluster appliques and heavy corbels. These pics are from when we listed, so not great, but will give you an idea. It really was pretty.