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Not possible without an almost full redo of the whole Those posts and corbels anf frilly things take up physical space. Removing them would leave weird voids.

Even if I replace the corbels with a simple version?

If you’re not up for a full redo, I don’t see why not attempt to remove/replace some of the really frilly elements, if that will increase your enjoyment of the space. I’d probably try that too. But I’m not someone who thinks things need to be perfect; ‘good enough’ is okay too! However, if you are just trying to update to sell, I would definitely leave as is.

Agree with switching out the corbels and decorative items at the vent hood, or that whole hood lower panel if it’s just decorative.

Even before I touched the wooden cabinet details, I’d probably get a different style of island seating and different handles for the cabinet doors/drawers.

Wood changes color when exposed to light. The wood behind those appliqués will be significantly lighter. The inexpensive way to remove all of that will be if you plan to DIY paint them. Spot refinishing the light spots really is not a thing. But an artist might be able to faux woodgrain it darker.

The big issue is the entire style of the whole can not be changed with minor changes like counters and removing appliqués. You would be spending a large sum, for insignificant changes.

Ugh.. not even with the changes I am proposing as far as new island countertop, and backsplash?

The kitchen will retain it’s character, even with the proposed changes. It has traditional and fussy throughout it’s entire DNA. Not just the bit of jewelry on top. You cannot make it into something it is not, without starting over.

I disagree with @Yonder Way Design, per my comment prior. @novice0 you appear to take the naysayer comments here to heart, but not the other comments.

Even if you do what you plan, you you will still have the turned posts, the detailed crown molding, the raised panel doors, the staggared height and depth cabinets, the in and out varying cabinet depths, and a very traditional stained wood. That is a lot to ask a white counter to overcome. It can’t do it.

Roy,
I think I’m clinging to the naysayers, because I do not want to look like a complete idiot when the cabinet maker comes. My husband just refuses to do a gut job. They’re good cabinets that are well-built and work fine according to him.:)

“The big issue is the entire style of the whole can not be changed with minor changes like counters and removing appliqués. You would be spending a large sum, for insignificant changes.”

I did not see that the OP’s goal is to change “the entire style of the whole”. Actually, the husband’s 3-year postponement of any changes, and his not wanting to paint the cabinets says to me that this couple does NOT want ”significant changes”. While it won’t be cheap, it will be a fraction of the cost of an entirely new kitchen. If the OP shops carefully for Island counter, backsplash, sink, faucet and cabinet handles, there are good prices to be had. Those things sound like just the right amount of changes and compromise to meet both spouses’ wishes.

“You cannot make it into something it is not,”

My same comment - this couple has not said they want to make the kitchen into something it is not.

”That is a lot to ask a white counter to overcome.”

My same comment - given what the OP wrote, they are not trying to “overcome” the current kitchen. And it’s not just a new counter, but also backsplash, sink, faucet, cabinet hardware, perhaps removal of corbels and such if feasible. That is plenty to create a freshened kitchen. It sounds exactly like the compromise they are looking for.

Webuser, I would have to say that this is a good summary of what is going on. We have a functional high quality kitchen that we spent a lot of money on in 2006 and it is just dated. So I am trying to do a refresh without starting over. With that being said my husband fights any renovation (bathroom included) if it works fine.. he does not feel that renovations for style are necessary. Now if the faucet wasn’t working at all, I could buy what I want ;)

Is the cabinet maker coming to do the work or to consult with you on what you want done and provide a quote. Hopefully the latter. You should not have anyone start work until they walk you through what is feasible and what it will cost. Also, one cabinet maker may not have the skills of the next one. So hopefully you live in an area where you can talk to at least one or two more.

Yes.. just a consult and to provide price. They are the who did the work originally.

changing bar stools is easy. Is the style bad or just the fabric?

Great idea m! Thanks!!

Update! Met with our cabinet maker...he is working up a price on changing the molding, mantle, simplifiying the corbel and adding onto the shorter cabinets with cabinets that have glass and uplighting, and painting the center island. We are getting a new center island granite countertop that will match the perimeter granite with less veining. He is also giving us a price of just changing the moulding instead of those short box cabinets. We are also going to change the backsplash. Soo with that being said, waiting for pricing and move forward. He did say he could paint the existing cabinets but hubby likes the wood. Hardware and sink will be changed as well. Unfortunately the fluting will have to stay but it should not be as pronouced on the island once it is painted.

sounds good so far!

how about painting the upper cabs and leaving the base cabs stained??

best of both worlds/compromise.:)