I would take the cabinets to the ceiling. Go with a slightly darker stained wood and a glass style backsplash. I think it will stand out from all the white walls and bring out the richness of your wood floors. I attached some images for you.

Thank you for the tip! Any others?

Yes I like that idea... I'm keeping the dark bar stools but wanted to brighten up the area too... Any ideas on the paint color? Just feel like I should brighten up the area with better paint and curtains since I have dark furniture and going to stain cabinets darker

Lighting will help brighten the area. You could go light cream with the paint or a light yellow. Do you have any artwork that you could use to pull colors from? You could find a window treatment that you like and then pull some colors from that for paints. Sounds like a trip to the paint store for some samples is in your future.

I think a consistent light warm white will look nice because of all the angles and elevations. Before I bothered with changing the cabinet color, I would replace the floor with a tile that'll blend better with the rest of your flooring. Then I'd add some pulls/knobs to go with your new appliances. Some undercabinet and pendant lights on dimmers and you've got a reasonably priced upgrade. If want to do counters, cabinets and backsplash, you're getting into remodel territory.

No artwork and looking for lighter window treatments... Not set on any def paint colors but was looking for a light grey... Any advice?

Should I go for a gray finish for the cabinets or brown stain?

I love the grey! Look on lowes website at Allen Roth white glass tile for the backsplash.

Would the grey go with the brown leather furniture I already have? i bought the less than a year ago and not looking to get rid of them.... trying to work around them but also brighten up the area. I wanna stay away from any more browns (like staining the cabniets brown) but if I have to I will... But was thinking grey cabniets, stainless steel appliances, light grey walls (open for another color, brown leather furniture, white or ivory linens... and pillows/art with pops of color.