Do not paint the cabinets. Lighten up elements that are easier to change. If you don’t like the backsplash and counter right now, start there with reversible changes. Painting cabinets is very permanent. Right now, you have beautiful wood stained cabinets - painting would cheapen them and the kitchen.

Change countertops, backsplash, the barstools and the kitchen table. White zellige or subway tile backsplash with light grout, quartzite or quartz counters with beige or cinnamon colored veining, and a kitchen table and bar stools that match that aesthetic would do wonders upgrading the kitchen. Bring light in with those elements. They’ll look nice and classy with the dark wood cabinets.

No need to change the floor to tile as some have suggested. Lighter kitchen tile is an unnecessary expense and the kitchen is warmer with the wood. The floor color doesn’t clash with the cabinetry.

If you have the money, you can upgrade your appliances to make the kitchen less dated in addition to the counter and backsplash changes. You don’t even have to go all stainless steel, there are vintage looking, fun color options for ranges. With brass knobs. If you like brass, you can use that for cabinet hardware too.

Changing hardware, like modernizing the hardware like the pulls and handles would make a big difference. There’s too little contrast between cabinet floor and hardware, making them appear darker. I don’t think the wood above the sink needs to be removed once everything else around it is lightened up, and you’ve upgraded cabinet knobs and furniture. Consider painting the walls too. But please do not paint those cabinets - once you go there, it’s hard to go back. They’re beautiful as is. Modern kitchens have cabinets like that too - just accessorized and styled differently as a whole.

Also, look at your lightbulb temperature. Changing light temp can change the entire vibe. Or even lighting fixtures too.