1. Paint (white) or remove the black trim above the cabinets.

2. Swap the black duct cover for a stainless steel one that doesn't overhang the hood.

3. Paint the under-counter supports white to reduce their prominence.

4. Swap the pulls for more modern, stainless steel ones.

5. Change those hanging lamps to something more modern and not black.

-- amateur

to the above, I would add painting the wall (that yellow does not go at all) and new backsplash, if you want to spend the money

Why don't you want to paint everything white? I would. It will transform the kitchen. I would swap out backsplash as well. And, change out chandelier in middle.

What do you like about it and what don't you like? If it were mine, my action plan would be similar to Lawrence's above and primarily feature paint. Really depends on one's time, energy and budget.

1. Optimize the lighting, if necessary. Make sure the light is bright and clear in there and not too yellow. A lot of people are switching to LEDs and I find them a pain to get right. Regardless of the type of lighting, lighting is key to a functional kitchen and affects all colour decisions in the space so that's first on my list.

2. I'd paint the walls, the trim and the backsplash (yes, I'd paint it) a warm white or cream depending on the light in the space. (Difficult to get an accurate feel of colours on a monitor). Green for the wall would be a possibility as well.

3. Depending on budget, I might change the light fixtures to something easier to clean (not a fan of glass fixtures in kitchens - I have one clear glass pendant in mine and find it a pita to keep clean). A simple brass or black dome pendant would be my choice.

4. I'd replace (or paint) the stools to lighten that element as well.

5. Might change the cabinet hardware. (Can't see the current one that well on my monitor.)

I would not paint the cabinets if they were in good shape. I really appreciate the warmth of wood in a kitchen and love the look of it with whites, creams and charcoal.

You haven't shown the windows but I'd do something simple there. Woven blinds or a roman shade. Perhaps that could be a spot to introduce a fun print?

All this presumes I was pleased with the layout of the kitchen and condition and practicality of the cabinets.

Its a nice kitchen, just getting rid of the wall color that doesnt go with you cabinets or your floor would make a huge difference. Pick a color in the lighter blues, aqua's or greens, etc,. Do not pick any color that has a yellow tone to it. Also no muddy tones, make sure the colors are clear colors without the muddy tones. New hardware would also make it more updated. I dont mind the black accents, they add a bit of interest.

Like anything, it all depends on money...since you have this in the DIY plus remodeling plus kitchens section, must mean that you want ideas from all sections...

this is what I would do myself...

Your serving bar was never designed to eat at...that said, I have the same thing and I have a couple of small backless stools because people like to perch. So I would change out your heavy looking bar stools.

I also have molding above my cabinets but it matches...I find yours to be out of place so I would remove it.

I would paint the bit above the hood white.

I would remove the back splash entirely and re-tile.

I would change out the hardware.

I would change out the lights...the existing ones seem incongruous in that kitchen.

I assume your kitchen is open to a family room, so I would paint all of it in a neutral color.