It is a beautiful kitchen. Someone invested a lot of $ into it. The kitchen is so dark even in the day the last photos posted. Does it look as dark at night with all the lights on? If you are going to keep it as is for now, experiment with different light bulbs. I would save up for a future remodel since modern is preferred, but if it's too far out for the remodel, then... 1st-get bright lights then choose color changes. Bring samples home to see with new lighting, daytime & night time. Not enough, then Paint walls light color, if not enough,then remove backsplash (maybe leave under hood area & trim area. You may want to save $ for tile backsplash for your future modern remodel. So, high quality paint that is washable will do. , leave perimeter cabinets top, & just do island countertop. (Less stone= less $) may be able to get a remanent. If still not enough, light color stone on perimeter base cabinets. Leave island as is, or The problem with doing it in stages to bandaid here & there is -later when doing remodel for modern, usually end up paying twice for repeating. But sometimes immediate fixes help get people through the current kitchen until they can do a complete remodel. I agree painting the cabinets is not worth it in this situation, because it's not the true style preferred. Plus, too many posts on painted cabinet projects gone array. Hope that helps;)

The fridge was the first thing I noticed also....perhaps a decorative screen could disguise that...how much room do you have on that wall to add something useful there to disguise it?...the challenge here is that there isn’t really any space to add decor here....paint is really the only option to make a noticeable difference ...painting cabinets is not a job for an amateur...so that leaves the walls....there isn’t much wall space so you could do a bright color that you like...or wall paper...what is your favorite color? I always like a pale but bright aqua in areas that are small and have dark elements...the back wall and soffit could be a different color like a pale Apple green...this would bring the most life and excitement to the area with the least amount of work....add a screen ...also spray painted if you like ...in front of the fridge ....

Agree with much of what you said. Forget painting the cabinets. Can you remove the backsplash and change it to something lighter?? Remove the scallop. Change over the sink light fixture. Maybe a can light?? Remove the appliances all over the countertops. As an experiment, remove every single thing off the counter tops and see how light your kitchen actually looks!! You would be surprised. The counter top appliances soak up an incredible amount of light. Is there someplace else they can go? A small not too deep cabinet in the eating area? Look at under cabinet lighting. There is some great LED lighting that can plug in.

Thanks everyone !! We just met with our cabinet makers today to order a new island. They don't think they can match the color of the cherry cabinets because it darkens over time, so we will probably have to have the island painted. Does anyone have any color recommendation for the island? Most pictures I see of wood cabinets with a painted island make the island look out of place.