"the walls (circled)"

Bu sure these are not structural. I think they may have columns inside them, at the very least the one on the right.

Yes! I have a contractor - he said the skinny column for sure he can remove. The other one I don't recall

I seriously doubt you can remove the circled areas. They may be structural and important.

The breakfast bar is ok. If you would consider changing the countertops to something more coordinated with your floors, the kitchen would seem lighter. If you do that, you may be able to rework the breakfast bar.

As for the sections of the counter which stick out into the kitchen, it's just giving you more cupboard and counter space, and that's not a bad thing! If you remove those sections, including the cupboards, you are going to get into flooring issues.

Not sure about the architectural feature over the counter, on the ceiling. Does it have a purpose?

I

well then ask your contractor if the other one can also be removed before getting too carried away with design plans. I've seen homes where there was just one column going into the corner of an island, so with the right design, that could look fine.

I think removing the columns (if you can), and updating the counters is a very good way to spend your tight budget. the cabinets look pretty nice and will probably look a lot better once the counters are addressed. you can always swap out the hardware for a refresh. you can also replace just the cabinet doors for a budget friendly update (or save that step for the future).

other easy fixes: paint the green ceiling, update the dining and living room lighting. replace the barstools and get rid of all of that metal wall art, pot rack, and glass shelving. it's all super dated.

Yes, it was all left by old owner - all gone lol.

Wow. Your smaller column looks exactly like a "feature" in our current kitchen. I would be shocked if your columns aren't structural. If they are, you can remove them, but it's expensive. You will need to install a stronger beam, and you will need to get an engineer to certify the whole plan. We will be paying several thousand to do this (part of a full kitchen remodel).

The actual structural column is probably much smaller though than the sheetrocked mini-wall. Ours is just 6x6. You could get a much more open feeling by stripping the sheetrock off the column and painting it the color of your other trim, and also lowering your bar to countertop height. You would save enough money you could consider new floors or a big appliance upgrade.

I would not remove the tiered bar...I would remove the top and extend it out about 14" so it becomes a comfortable sitting space for your knees. New bar stools are in order. I like this stool from PB because the leather seat works with the cabinet stain.

Leave the counters. Leave the cabinets as is and replace the hardware.

Get rid of the green ceiling and the ceiling light. Do you need a fan? If so, simplify it.

Definitely get rid of the "canopy" over the tiered counter.

There is nothing like a new coat of paint to give a new impression. Working with the bit of fabric I see on your chairs...this wall color will modernize you space...and work so well with your counters.

Try this color from S W

So, total it up...a new surface for the raised counter, new bar stools, a new fan, new cabinet hardware and paint.

Don't start a demolition (removing anything) until you are ready to do the whole 9 yards. Just work with what you have.

Thanks - we bought the house as is so the dining room and living room furniture, green ceiling, weird chachkas and lights are all going - I was trying to focus on one room to tackle at a time -

At the very least, in my area, one of the columns would have the vent stack for the sink in it.

You will get a lot of mileage just from removing the big pot rack, for a start.

Your cabinets don't make the space dark, the countertops and the lack of lighting do.

The posts are for sure load bearing. you can't just remove them without replacing that span w/a beam.

The cabinets would look better w/that countertop if they were white (the cabs)

Painted cabinets hold up find IF they are properly prepped and painted correctly.

Call in a professional and get quotes. I had mine refaced and painted by a local cabinet refinisher and they're held up perfectly. (the old finish must be sanded, primed and fine sanded again before applying paint. that's the key. and a good spray finish of course)

having the doors / drawers refaced was only an extra 2K. it was worth it. your doors are a little dated w/the arch. see if they can do new doors for you. Do not use Home depot or lowes.

Look on Yelp and pick the kitchen cabinet painters w/5 star reviews.

Tile floor would be another update

what's the budget?

There is nothing ‘un-modern’ about the kitchen, except I would take down the metal rack and change out the fan to something more streamlined, or change it to a chandelier/light fixture - all dimmable. And I would bring in some under-cabinet lighting, if not there and update hardware. Wood for cabinetry is very much en vogue right now - plus classic. All types of wood are trending - and can work with a ”modern” design. So for me, the wood cabinets would not be a problem, and I like the warmth.

But it is not my kitchen, and you already have major issues with the kitchen and are wanting to tear down stuctures to ”lighten” the space, etc. Plus - you are wanting to do this in a budget friendly way. So I would suggest just spend your money on refacing the cabinets. Leave everything else. Nothing wrong with the granite, breakfast bar, etc.

http://countertopsnews.com/enviable-black-granite-countertops-with-white-cabinets/

ETA:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/kitchen-with-green-countertops-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~a_3379-20107

So I'm the only one who thinks that rack thing is the best part of the kitchen? Hmmmm.

I'd put in a real hood and paint the ceiling (that excellent color green belongs on walls, not ceiling stripes).

If that metal rack is real copper, you might get a pretty penny for it. Upgrade the lighting and then you can select a paint color. Once lights and paint are done you may feel differently about the kitchen. Unless you are prepared to replace the flooring throughout, I wouldn't remove anything that might require flooring be matched. Refacing cabs and getting new counters would be the last thing I'd tackle. Live there for a while and analyze just how the kitchen functions for you, while saving up for a total reno if you really need one.