Save your money until you can do a total renovation. I had a similar situation with a dark kitchen (cherry cabinets and only one window), a barrier island, and outdated laminate counter tops and sheet vinyl flooring. I thought of doing a small reno--changing the hardware, counter tops, etc. but in the end I waited and did a total gut job. It was a very good decision--the electrical, structural and plumbing problems that I was not aware of were taken care of. In addition I added more windows, replaced all the cabinets (donated the cherry cabinets to a relative), countertops, replaced the island with a peninsula with seating, and added all new appliances to replace the ones that were failing. New wood flooring, lighting totally changed the way I use the kitchen. Sometimes the things you DON'T do are the best!

Thanks for all your input! To clarify when I said darker I meant darker than white, Bruxton white BM is darker than White Dove, its the darker shade I painted on back splash as sample. The color for the island is not blue, bad photo. Paint swatch is KendalL Charcoal HC-166, Amherst Gray HC-167 and Chelsea Gray-HC-168. I am currently leaning toward BM Stone Harbor 2111-50 or Gray Huskie AC-26 for perimeter cabinets, light subway backsplash and dark gray of one listed on island. Agree , no gray floor, Jacobean or walnut I need weight in room, as cabinets surround entire kitchen. I attached some inspiration photos. Not concerned about trendy as long as I am happy, its paint. Here is current kitchen status post rib fest mess, and paint swatches everywhere. It is basically a U shape open to family room. Obviously all walls are being repainted and light fixtures will get changed out.

Thanks for the comments everyone. I need to stop over and get better pics. Were moving into the house but aren't going to do anything to the cabinets so I'm really looking for accessory suggestions on how to distract and have a more updated feel. We are changing the counter tops but they not in. Were going with a lighter cream or white granite with darker veins. The floor is a very light tan. Basically I'm imagining my kitchen will look like a traditional kitchen ppl usually do in a flip home. I don't want that but can't really change anything aside from accessories and other furniture that might give the room a more updated feel. As mentioned the walls are Parisian taupe. I feel like it's going to just be too yellow/tan feeling in the end. What kind of light fixtures, kitchen tables, colors, rugs, etc would help update honey oak cathedral cabinets with a lighter granite counter top and light tiled floor with Parisian taupe walls for example I found these ideas on Pinterest.

In addition to backsplash and flooring, I’d fill the space above the upper cabinets and the ceiling with molding that matches your cabinet stain and wood type etc. I'd also DEFINITELY fill the space above the fridge and the bottom of the upper cabinets. There should only be a 2" gap here, but right now it's a huge gap. It cheapens the kitchen IMO. I'm sure you could find a contractor that could match the wood and make a panel to cover the open space. This panel will easily be removable if future owners get larger fridge. This panel will make the cabinets look more custom-made for the space. Does your new fridge jut out as much as your old fridge (is it much deeper than the cabinets)? Also do you have under cabinet lighting (EDIT: I see you do...does it work well/is it functional?)? What's your ceiling lighting situation? Lighting can change the way something looks...rooms can look like different spaces based on what lighting is being used! Another important thing...is there only one available above counter duplex (am I correct that it's a duplex outlet and not a fourplex?)? If it were me, I'd have an electrician convert this duplex outlet into a fourplex (this cannot be done once backsplash is installed). This is a pretty simple conversion, so I do not think it would cost too much.