So you just want to update the Kitchen aesthetically, not re-design it. A re-design would mean fixing the functional issues that I see.

It’s a very nice kitchen!

As Buehl points out, there are a couple things that could have been done differently with the layout, but the cabinets are gorgeous. I like the countertop, but dislike it as a backsplash. I would want something lighter and more reflective, like a glass subway, and some undercab LED lighting. I would do something to improve the ceiling lighting — there are three different fixtures that seem busy to me. You might remove the wall cabs flanking the window and put in some open shelving for a slightly more current look. But on the whole, it is just a lovely kitchen.

Before you drywall the post remove the stone. There will be a wood post underneath the stone which is only cladding material.........Your kitchen is nice, but I would consider painting the cabinets a lighter shade to brighten things up.........

I would find a cream ceramic tile to replace the travertine.

I like your idea about removing the stone. No need calling attention to the column,

Hi Nicole-

I am not clear what you are willing to do.

I would get rid of that column, it is unsightly. If it is structural, your contractor can add a beam over head. That will add more to the looks of your kitchen than almost anything else you do.

I am not a fan of cook tops on the island, with children it can become hazardous, and they are more difficult to vent.

In your set up, you have no vent at all over the cooktop, and a cut-away opposite the cook top, so a person sitting there can get splashed with boiling water or sputtering oil.

Both are not good set ups.

Also, how many inches past the cabinets does the island counter extend? You need the counter to extend a good 18 inches, or there isn't enough space for peoples knees, and the counter needs to be adequately reinforced with brackets underneath.

As far as aesthetics, you could change the counter and back splash going for whatever material you like for the counter and the back splash and replace the lighting as well.

Really, the layout of the kitchen is more than a bit awkward.

The ovens should not be in between the fridge and the sink.

If you want to prepare something, you are taking it out of the fridge, going to the sink to wash it, then if you need lots of counter space, you can just turn around to the counter, because the cooktop is there, (so bad placement of the cook top), you then have to walk further.

And you have that annoying closed corner pantry that builder try to cutesy up by using a frosted glass door.

If you have the money, and if not, why not wait a bit until you do, and get a certified kitchen designer and redesign the whole area, including the adjacent little rooms which we can't see into, I think they may be a pantry, a laundry room, a powder room, etc. Your CKD (and no, I am not shilling for anyone) can work with you on a design that is appropriate and ergonomic and economic as well, reusing your cabinets and adding more if needed.

You might also want to take a look at these guidelines-

National Kitchen & Bath Association Professional Resource Library Kitchen Planning and Bath Planning volumes.

http://ocean.otr.usm.edu/~w135249/pdf/id140/NKBA%20Kitchen%20Planning.pdf

https://www.modcabinetry.com/nkba-guideline/

This is also a great article from here on Houzz with suggestions about storage needs and types, placement of appliances, etc.

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/stash-it-all-know-the-3-zones-of-kitchen-storage-stsetivw-vs~52732506

I don't think a redesign is planned. Yes, there are issues, but if the cabinets cannot be changed, then about all that can be fixed is the island overhangs and adding a range hood with lights (and move that overhead light away from the cooktop). Those should fix most of the issues.

Island...

Minimum seating overhangs:

• Table-height (30" off the floor): 18" of clear leg/knee space
• Counter-height (36" off the floor): 15"
• Bar-height (42" off the floor): 12" (with 18" of raised counter space to minimize knocking things off onto the counter below)
• If there is a range or cooktop on the island, there should be at least 24" between the back of the cooking appliance to the edge of the seating overhang (and 24" on each side for landing/emergency landing space)
• The "clear leg/knee space" is after accounting for cabinets and doors or decorative doors/end panels on the cabinets beneath the overhang
• E.g., for an island with one row of cabinets: 1.5" counter overhang on the front of the island + 24" deep cabinets + 1" decorative door/end panel on the back of the cabinets + minimum seating overhang space (18"/15"/12")

Changing the counters can fix the overhang issues (comfort & safety)

Range hood...

With an open space and seating at the island, overhead venting (overhead range hood) is very important. The last thing you want visitors experiencing is smoke, scalding steam, and grease splatters (the hood mitigates the first two, the 24" overhang the third). Hoods over island or peninsula cooktops/ranges do need to be sized appropriately and installed per manufacturer specs.

Sizing/Installation:

• Width at least 6" wider than the cooking appliance (e.g., 30" range/cooktop with 36" hood)
• Depth at least 24" (27" is better)
• Install no higher than manufacturer specs specify
• Exhaust: I recommend a bit stronger, at least 600 cfms, if not 900

Pantry...the pantry is fine. It's outside the main working area, so it's fine where it is and how it's configured. The door is a personal preference, not a functional issue. Personally, I find a "regular door" to be be boring and adds yet another identical door to a Kitchen space -- but that's my personal preference and would not force it on anyone.

My personal preference would be to remove the post and install a wall instead. A real, floor-to-ceiling wall. Not on both open sides of the kitchen - just one side. I don’t like my kitchen to be on full display. That’s too casual for me.

I know most people wouldn’t do that at all, but hey, you asked.

Your kitchen is very nice as it is. If it were me and I wanted to redo something to make it mine, it would change the backsplash and lighting. The backsplash is fine but you could probably do something more interesting. I don’t mind the column.

Consider eliminating seating behind the cooktop. Still have at least 18" of overhang, but maybe put a book case or something under it (or build one) so no one sits there. I don't think you can get a 24" overhang there because of the tall cabinets and the wall.

I would put in a white countertop and backsplash to brighten it up and minimize the stone post as much as possible. new bar stools and lighting would freshen it. a fresh coat of paint would make a great difference as well. I wouldn't touch the cabinets.

Yours looks like a showroom. If the walls above the pillar are as large as they seem, it would seem proportioned ok. As to the texture of it, does it resemble the nearby counter?

The dark pendants could be lighter, maybe satin nickel... like the handles.

BTW...you could extend the overhang on the short end next to the column to fit at least one more seat (to make up for the one lost behind the cooktop). If the island is at least 48" deep, you could fit two additional seats (24 linear inches per seat).

I wanted to thank everyone for your ideas and update everyone on how the remodel finished up. Not sure if everyone will get a notification or not. First pic is before. What do you think about the mixing of brass and silver?

Very pretty change.

Great job.....It's a beautiful kitchen.......and the column looks great too........