It really depends on the budget you have and how much work you want to do.

If you cant change the kitchen itself then consider painting the units in a white or grey and change the handles. The light can change for a more modern pendant or two. Loose the old fashioned window dressing and change for a more modern roller blind. The glass isn't really very modern or asked for much in kitchen units anymore so you could also buy some frosted looking sticker to go on the inside to blend it a little more and keep it more modern looking.

You may need to consider the tiles which again depends on budget. The best option is to replace it for a more modern tile or splash back but if budget is very tight then there are some great quality tile plaints out there which can give a great look if it is done well.

I hope that gives you some ideas but I think people really need a little more information on what you are looking for and what budget you may have. All the best.

Hi James Grech, as CreatePerfect suggests it does depend on your budget and how much work you want to do. For some inspiration here are a few traditional / contemporary styled kitchens from our profile page that may give you some ideas of how to update.

Thanks!

Modern Country Kitchen With Industrial Touches · More Info

Modern Country Kitchen · More Info

Kitchen Inspiration · More Info

Light and Bright Modern Country Kitchen · More Info

Agree - look at things you can remove/change - extractor hood, large pelmet above the blind at window - can you remove the edging from the top of the wall cabinets without ruining them? This will help pair back the lines and make more contemporary. Then chose paint that you love the colour of whether that's subtle grey or lime green - something that you love to paint units with. (a quick look through houzz kitchen photos should help you find this) A modern blind, contemporary light shade for above table. Perhaps cover your chair cushions with fabric that matches the blind? Depending on your budget consider changing the splashback tiles. You are fortunate the floor is a good neutral!

Hello James, is that your kitchen in the picture above or a similar one to yours? It has a watermark through the picture and from a website.

You have 2 options:

1) Make over and update... i have done this time and time again and it will never be modern and perfectly what you may want! You can paint doors, but they are still painted doors, change tiles, worktops and so on. At some stage that too will be/feel a need to be made modern. A compromise!

2) Start again... I did it this time, a couple of months ago just emptied the room and started again with my choice of decor and units in an effort to be more modern.

Pictures below.

If you want some help, chat and ideas pls contact.

So this is where we are now:

I would get rid of all the wall units and put in a more modern extractor fan. Paint the bottom doors (possibly grey or putty from what I can see of your worktops). If budget allows put a new wall unit either side of the extractor or if not put up some shelving. I wouldn't paint the current wall units as I think the design of them would still look very dated