yes I think those uppers should definitely get removed. Here's some ideas

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I would remove the upper cabinets above the sink. Your cabinets don't look terrible in the pictures but I think adding hardware would give it a big boost. Refacing is not inexpensive.

I would keep the other uppers - open shelving is great if you don't need the storage space, but if you open your cabinets and can't imaging everything that is in them now being set out on shelves for the world to see you don't want open shelves.

I would put my money in the new counter and backsplash and hardware.

Keeping the same foot plan I think you can make some significant change......Counter depth refrigerator, counter top all the same height, with the uppers removed over the peninsula .....huge difference, undermont sink, new stainless dishwasher and stove with a better hood and back splash tile that goes all the was to the bottom of the uppers cabinets and all the way to the stove hood.And you may even be able to finder pre fab quartz for new counter top good luck

for the overall size of your living space and adjacent kitchen I would keep this simple. I'd leave All the uppers. they seem in good shape, you have nice storage, and a little block with the uppers over the sink helps keep a bit of separation with the two spaces [living and kitchen being so close]. What do you have to gain by removing those?? I would however remove all the lowers . keep the configuration..get drawers..new counters..new sink. Decide about the raised bar vs. one level for the overhang. changing all counters and everything below provides a chance for a choice in a color...A green? could be great, and then a nice new counter with something going on. good luck..you can leave the white uppers with the VERY good storage ..do something new at the lower level and have a whole new kitchen

I had cabinets over a peninsula and removed them - what an amazing difference it made to the space. Once I did it and one or two neighbors came over I started getting neighbor after neighbor coming over and wanting to see. Within two year I don't think a single kitchen on the cul-de-sac still had cabinets over the peninsula.

I didn't recommend changing to a single height counter at the sink for 3 reasons

You currently have the bi-level that hides the sink and any mess in the kitchen,

Having a single level doesn't add a lot of useful space because it is dominated by the sink on the kitchen side and

Tall furnishings in a small space gives the illusion of more space.

I didn't ask last night if there is an access door on the living room side for the cabinet in the corner. If not - that is another inexpensive change that is worth its weight in gold.

I really don't recommend over spending, changing what doesn't need to be changed because you will most likely upgrade from your small condo to something larger. These are generally not forever homes. The more you spend on this home the less you have to spend on the next one and kitchens generally have an ROI about 60% of what you spend. The other 40% is joy factor. It brings you joy and you pay for that happiness. Always balance the cost vs the joy factor and if the same dollars could bring you greater joy by spending it differently. A new kitchen / my next home or a new kitchen / a trip to Europe.

If you decide to remove the uppers over the sink, you could use them on the back side of the peninsula. Then new countertops to cover. That way you would still have the storage. Won't be as convenient but could be used for less kitchen items that don't get used on a daily basis.

New lighting. Pulls on the cabinets. New counters. Single bowl sink. New range hood in stainless. The slab cabinets work if you want to stay with a contemporary vibe. I personally would want to change the kitchen flooring but it appears to be in good shape. OTOH, it is a small space so changing the flooring wouldn't break the bank.

What is that space behind the sink? Dining or living space?

Thank you all very much, very appreciated! Very good ideas. I am planning on changing the floors of the entire place to a darker wood. A one level counter is something I didn’t even think about but it’s a good idea. Taking the ledge out as well. The space on the other side of the bar is living, dining is just before you enter kitchen. Also good point on not being a forever home but cabinets are formica, and very outdated. Would Ikea/Home Depot be my best options? Any other tips or where to look?

I kept the original cabinets and added a bright backsplash and soapstone counters. The tops look off white in photo but they are the same as bottoms.

After quite a bit of research and reading dozens upon dozens of Houzz posts, I have decided to do Ikea cabinets when I renovate my kitchen.

Thank you for the tips!! And wow Gerry, we have the same cabinets! Yours look great! Are the silver portion between drawers original or did you add/replace?

@Renata - The silver is original. When we bought the condo two years ago, my husband expected that we would rip out the kitchen. I told him that the cabinets were in great shape, even though they’re from 1987. Never heard of the brand, Regal, but I think they’re still in business.