Are you keeping the backsplash? Could you paint the cabinets the same colour as the backsplash (or a similar colour)? it would brighten up the kitchen even if it's not white. There are lots of Houzz photos of beige cabinets with black counters and a beige backsplash.

Thanks. I will look into it. But if we change the counter tops will the backsplash also need changing?

also could maybe switch Some pot light For pendants above the island. Is that technically doable?

They are nice cabinets!

Before you paint, try changing the bulbs in your ceiling lights to at least 3500 K or above (less yellow light). You will probably like the whiter light even if it doesn't help your perception of the cabs. Also, if it is not something that you do regularly, give the cabinets a deep cleaning - a fine layer of oil will settle on them when cooking, and oxidizes to a yellow tone over time.

I can't really tell from your pic what color the walls are - but certain colors will emphasize the yellow tones in wood, others will minimize them - you might ask a color consultant at a paint store for suggestions. I would avoid beiges.

Do you like the color of the tile on its own? Does it go well with the floor?

If you do decide to paint the cabinets, a creamier white likely won't make the tiles stand out - although apart from the wood, you might find their shade of yellow to be cheerful instead of drab. Also, look for inspiration photos of colors like bone white, sage green, blues, mushroom (gray-brown). I would love to see more people putting color on their cabinets!

There are kits made for installing pendants into a recessed light fixture.

You probably would have to remove and replace the backsplash tile with counter removal, but maybe that isn't a bad thing!

I agree - those cabs are nice! A light-colored counter would do wonders for the space.

Countertops do not bother me. I may have them leathered tho.
The cabinets -
Either paint to match backsplash or
What I’d personally pick- sand and restain it a lighter color. Yes to new hardware. Maybe flooring?
Very decent space. Doesn’t bother me :)

Yes flooring will also be changed at some point. we need to have all of the first floor done Not in the projects this year.

thanks for your all your suggestions. I will try giving them a thorough clean.

any products you suggest?

Same tone as the floor.

Leave the counters as is. Notice the walls, in this inspiration photo, are darker than cabinets. Once you choose the cabinet color, go a bit darker on the strip for the walls.

any products you suggest?

Believe it or not, I use Palmolive Eco liquid dishwasher detergent to clean grime off of woodwork and cabinets. It has cleaned soot from the painted mantle (damper incident), a grungy buildup on a wooden stair railing, even the waxy buildup on the baseboard and wallpaper where our Shar-Pei dog habitually slept. The Palmolive cleaned in a breeze and didn't harm wallpaper, paint or wood finish.

Your counters in combination with your cabinets is what makes the kitchen feel dark and dated. As much as I love Judy’s inspiration photo I think it will fall flat foe your space with your dark counters. Read this and think hard about the rabbit hole you will fall down if you just look at painted cabinets as your savior - the floor might end up sticking out as really drab, the counters will really stand out (and these can NOT leatherized in place - that happens in the shop not in place)

https://mariakillam.com/design-rustic-kitchen-makeoever-before-after/

Also just read that you will be doing your floor at some point. Super duper important then for you to have patience and wait. Floors first. Always. They are messy and more than likely will damage or ding the painted cabinets (the dust in the grooves of the painted cabinets will be enough to drive you crazy.) also paint is always picked last and floor and counter first - just wait and do it in the right sequence of order.