Replace the floors with a more contemporary tile, paint the cabinets white/cream lacquer in satin or matte. It would completely brighten up the kitchen.

Thank-you for your input SoCal Contractor. We seem to have the same ideas in mind. Another question...would you leave the exposed red brick wall in 2nd picture as is or have it plastered?

Painting the brick white might add a nice clean element.

Plaster/ paint red brick wall and then re-assess, think it may look better overall.

Get rid of the stools and don't replace them. Can't understand why anyone has these things.

I would paint the cabinets the taupe color of the tile behind the stove.

Where's the fridge and stove?

Extend the flooring to match the other room,would improve flow. Wait until you get your new counter, then see if the cabinets need to be painted,and if so, perhaps a grey ,or blackish brown, rather than a white, which is quite a traditional color

@newman1958: the fridge is behind the exposed red brick wall (in 2nd picture) and the built in stove and oven is under the extractor fan between the two small windows (in 1st picture)

I would take the peninsula out when you replace the countertop. Add a island with soft curved edge to give a nice flow. Lowes has experienced people that could also help you decide about your cabinets. Take measurements of the room and where the appliances are presently placed. They will sit with you and design a new layout.

We like the exposed brick in the kitchen! Replacing the floor tiles with something more modern would be a great idea, a lighter tile to brighten up the kitchen. The countertop next to the stools looks like a little dated, if you're into cooking, maybe replace that part of the counter with a butcher block counter top. Our Birch Butcher Block Countertop might be worth checking out, let us know if you have questions!

the wood cabinets are too beautiful, would be a sin to paint them. Fine other ways to brighten up and change the room.

I think the kitchen if beautiful overall, reconsider the backsplash or flooring?

Without being able to see the flow of the whole area, it's hard to recommend this, but if it didn't mess up everything, I'd almost consider adding countertop and cabinets below extending from brick. You'd then have a serving place to dining area, and more storage space, doesn't look like there's a lot in your kitchen. I absolutely love the brick. The whole kitchen it lovely. I agree about getting rid of stools. If you would use that area are breakfast bar add two low profile stools.
Although the cabinets are gorgeous and many say it would be a shame to paint or stain, if you don't like them, you can certainly change them. Try other options first, but you really have some great bones to work with! Please post pics of whatever you do!

New countertops will easily update this kitchen!! :) Check out the different types of countertops on http://www.web-don.com for ideas.

First, replace the floor tile and dark flooring with a quality engineered plank. Pergo has some beautiful products that are impervious to water and almost anything you can spill on it. Using one floor product will unite the space and make it look less chopped up. Second, is that real brick or a thin fake brick? If it is fake brick remove it and replace with sheet rock, or it can be tiled over with something more modern. The red brick makes the space look heavy. Third, as mentioned above, do away with the peninsula and opt for an island. You can even have an island on casters that can be pushed out of the way when necessary. Once you modernize the space, then you will be able to decide whether to paint the cabinets or replace them. With so many different colors in cabinets these days, you don't need to limit yourself to white.

If you want to paint the cabinets, don't do all white. Maybe a two-tones with a smoky blue on bottom. Or all smoky blue with the white counter tops and a white backsplash.

Here's a gray and white.

Blue and white

Here's the smoky blue I was thinking of

Another awesome blue, more modern and bright.

Or you could go more for this. White cabinets with a gray counter. Love this backsplash.

Here's some awesome modern kitchens:

White and bright orange. Clean with a serious punch of color.

Love this one.

If you want to go all white, get a bright backsplash like bright orange or something. I don't think all white is very contemporary. It needs color somewhere.