Once again, take all the frills off the cabinets, replace the hardware with chrome or stainless, and paint the cabinets a clear color (no glaze), and replace the light fixtures to something sleeker.

Thanks all! I did work with a designer to help identify colors that would work with the warm colors of the cabinets. I'm trying to modernize it all around the cabinets while knowing they still have a large color impact in the room. The color we painted the kitchen is a light taupe warm gray - should've said that it's warmer toned than cooler toned. It took a long time to find a color that would work with the warm color of the cabinets. Our new flooring is also warm-ish - a blonde, distressed white oak with varied width planks - and they work well with the cabinets and the rest of the house. The countertops we're getting are white-based with movement areas of silver. They also took and long time to select but (I think) will provide a nice change from what we have. We're also changing the butcher block on the island to the quartz, removing another warm thing in the room. @chloebud - I would love to see the photo if you can find it! @julieste - Yes, this is one of the issues I'm considering. Not sure how the sink will impact the counter height seating space. @Patricia Colwell - Just thinking the black hardware would add some contrast to the room vs. all the stainless, white and bright, etc.

kathy, this is the Kerrew I mentioned in my bathroom. There is a lot of variation, not in color, but in the wood itself That's just how the Mediterranean collection is Back to the Granville. Honestly, depending on lighting w/these photos, it looks diff. This is natural light in this shot w/no other lighting. This is a good representation of how it really looks. I picked this one over the Kerrew because it's more neutral toned. At my flooring place, the Mediterranean collection is on the far right. you can see some of the other colors. I love my floors. every day I walk on them it just makes me happy.

Galley kitchens are actually very efficient, space-wise. If you go out to the main Houzz page you can search photos of kitchens - filter by "galley" and then "compact" for size, and you'll start to get some ideas. Then read the thread called "new to kitchens?" for the fundamentals of remodeling and what you should be thinking about. After that, come back - with a thick skin and maybe a glass of wine - and you can ask some more specific questions. Have fun!