Reface the cabinet doors; add wicker, and change the lighting. And paint that door the wall color in satin finish, so it blends in with the wall.

What you love in your inspiration photo is the mix of textures. You can do it with what you have.

Oh absolutely, my first thought was paint the uppers the same color as the wall and re-face the vent hood. Change up the light fixtures and you’re right on the inspiration image - which is lovely. For the tall cabinets on the fridge wall you’re going to have to choose the light or dark paint color for the whole cabinet. I prefer the light.

Don’t get paint on the puppy! 🐶

As much as we caution about painting cabinets, this might be a situation for a (good, professional, doors-off) re-paint. The style of your doors is nice, and I presume they are quality since the kitchen looks that way; all they need is to be a different color.

First thing I would do is lose the stone on the range hood. Stone needs to be anchored to look correct and really has no place just appearing to hang in a kitchen. Just gives a very busy off look. Just my .02.

The antique beams on the ceiling set the mood for the entire space. You're not going to get that "feel" with the ceiling you have. I'd replace it with a plain flat drywall ceiling and then add beams.

Sounds like you are replacing the cabinet doors so I'd go for a warm white but keep the island black. Remove the stone hood, replace the pendants, replace your counter stools, replace the dining chairs, place textile accent pillows on the sofa to warm-up the leather.

What is going on with the tray ceiling? Is there a ledge creating all that shadow?

That is a big cause of your space appearing dark and like there is a black hole pushing down on your kitchen space.

This was my second inspiration photo, do you think it would work better for this space? Obviously need help, don’t know where to begin. I am aware that currently the furniture is dark, it’s a work in progress 😉

^^^

It's dark versus light. You are asking us to tell you what to like.: ) I don't see how furthering the darkness helps unless YOU want it.What is you like in the new inspo? The glass doors, or the dark contrast with wood and paint?

Perhaps delay until you figure out what you want, and concentrate on the "work in progress" living area. Translated? Lighten up: ) and that includes the dining chairs.

You can send the doors and drawer faces out for a refinish, and create a new hood at the same time.. You can replace lighting, hardware....but we still can not tell you which of the two should or should not be your inspiration.

"Cabinet doors are warn and need replaced." Are the doors warn or is the paint? Just curious when were they painted last? Paint doesn't hold up I would not repaint. Your original inspo pic is a white kitchen with a dk island. About as opposite of your current all black that one can get. Do not do any of the two tone mix up in pictures offered. That is not a long lived look. It just has everyone wondering 'when will they decide and finish their kitchen?' Odd man out, I see your hood and that is the one element that is already set from your inspo pic=texture. Since we can't see the entire home or even room how do we know there is not another hit of the stone somewhere? The ceiling is confusing. You have this raised area to add height then paint it dark which visually lowers it. Which do you want high vistas or lower cozy?

I love your style！this is one of the most beautiful kitchens I’ve seen recently! And your dog is adorable 😄 Quick question: is your range hood stainless steel? It looks like it has that brick-like texture.

Would recommend removing the stone veneer on the hood. It always looks odd to have stone suspended like that.

I would: paint the tray ceiling white. The brown ceiling is dragging down the whole vibe of the room. If the cabinets are salvageable, fix and clean them. Remove the stone hood. Replace the chairs with wicker. Add white pillows and throws to the dark leather.