Chiming in late, but wanted to say after reading the posts, gsciencechick, you never have to be embarrassed with us. We're are all here to help each other. Whether you have a big kitchen or small kitchen, old or new, we want to see it be the best it can be within each person's budget constraints. That said, I think your kitchen is very cute and has huge potential! alex's link to that white kitchen with the blue backsplash can give you the inspiration to take your kitchen in a direction without breaking the bank. As you search through the kitchen forum, you will see many people who have done amazing things to their kitchens all by themselves with paint and tile and light fixtures, knobs and pulls etc and are very pleased with the result. You'll get lots of good ideas here. Some you will like, others you won't. No one is offended if you don't take them and do them. Just keep posting and eventually you will have a kitchen you and DH are very proud of.

I agree with the vent hood and lighting changes. A glass pendant in green or aqua lighting could look good. As far as seating, I always liked the Tig Countertop seats from Crate & Barrel when I had them in my last home. They are contemporary and sleek. And far more comfortable than they looks. But they wouldn't go with the french look of your dining area. I assume you plan to change out those chairs as well? If you like coastal looks, sea grass or a light natural/driftwood color is a good option too. If you are looking for light and bright I think you would need to paint the island. I would also get lighter drawer/cabinet pulls. https://www.crateandbarrel.com/tig-metal-counter-stool/s642141 https://www.ballarddesigns.com/jo-jo-pendant/lighting/indoor-lighting/pendants/444240?listIndex=5 https://www.overstock.com/Lighting-Ceiling-Fans/Belinda-Blue-Glass-Cluster-Pendant-Chandelier-Antique-Black-Finish/16001564/product.html

Not a designer. Based on examples here on Houzz, it looks like she can use any chair. Even her current chairs.

Also wondering if I can get away with putting a rug under the coffee table? Still need an end table for the other end of the sectional. Really having a hard time finding something that looks like it would go in the room.