Picture doesn't enlarge so we can't really see the built-ins. Can you add a picture taken from standing in the kitchen

Yes, sorry! These wouldn’t attach from computer, but I guess will from phone. Also attaching a different view of kitchen half

Is there room on the other wall to build a banquette?

LOVE! the built ins. Beauty!! I’d possibly update the hardware there. And possibly in the kitchen too. I’d remove some rather than adding. You can add a coffee nook someplace else.
I agree that it seems a bit dark. Lighting is a big one. I would go clear or maybe maybe white glass here. But something very airy. I’m assuming across the built ins is a door? Would you prefer to keep that space and work with it. Or maybe remove the peninsula and add a bigger island with seating. Do you have another space to work with? Are you not interested in a big project? Or maybe you are. Tell us more. What’s your style? Goals? What works? What does not? Teach us about your home. So that we can understand more to give you more. Overall seems like a good space that would benefit from some reworking. But what and how much obviously depends on you. :)

We are not looking for a big project, just small changes, if possible! My goals are to lighten it up - with a new light, maybe different chairs/barstools? There too much black and wood. The built-in is okay, but the middle part is a desk area, which we don’t use at all. I’d like to change this, but I can figure out an easy way to do this! I’m happy to change knobs, paint, smaller projects (though I could spend more to alter the built-in). I don’t think I know what my style is? Kind of all over the place I guess? I’m going to post pics from various angles.

I found a wine fridge to fit in the desk space in a previous home. You would probably need something to fill in the leftover space. For a lighter look you might consider painting the built-ins. Your home is lovely.

Thank you Pat. I will paint if that's all I can come up with, do you think same color as the walls? I worry that if it's lighter it won't balance with the rest of the kitchen?

Your inspiration pics are great! Totally copy that. The thing I would bring attention to is the need for a backsplash there. If you create it into
More of a drink station. You will want a backsplash. That leads to the kitchen backsplash. Do you want two different looks? Are you ready to change the kitchen one?
The line it all start with the doormat is so true.! It all starts somewhere and can never end. Options are limitless. And I love that. But you still want the space to look cohesive. And by having that you need to see what and how much you can do. I wouldn’t start with this until you can really do this right. It’s a great space to work with. And has so much potential!! Hope this helped... 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

Just an idea, maybe a nook behind the peninsula to help ground the eating area?

remove the arched face frames and incorporate doors that are metal industrial, or framed doors with wire mesh inserts. That will enclose and cover the stuff.

Put thick floating shelves on the center desk area and install the industrial sconces as shown. Paint cabinets soft white with black accents.....the industrial window door style is really on trend right now......You could tile the wall behind the floating doors before you hang the shelves.