It depends on what kind of decor styles you like. You could do some minor tweaks with the handles, countertops and splashbacks and create something like this:
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/182395853638848442/
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/182395853635029128/

Or go eclectic and mix up your chairs and have a darker colour on the island

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/433823376590394865/ 

If it were mine I would remove the glass splashback which in my opinion is too tall. In its place I would find a tile and have shorter tiling.
I would also add some shelves or wall cabinets and in turn tidy some of the stuff on the worktop and on top of the extractor.
You could add some contrast with colour and paint the island cabinets and the wall behind the hob.
If your budget will stretch you could also update the extractor for something more modern. Lastly the trend for darker work surfaces is moving towards almost white countertops so this also remains a way of updating what you have.

Thanks.

I hadnt though about the extractorhood at all, interesting.

I can declutter the sides easily without more cupboards as there is masses of space and a big utility room.

Could paint the island unit in a harmonious colour with splashback, which is glass and rather nice a very pale aqua. Perhaps a grey with an aqua/ blue base?

I like the idea of painting the island unit a darker colour. Tie it in with the new splashback and paint the chairs in an assortment of coordinating colours. Could update the table cloth too. How exciting - it’s going to look great!

Thanks, I don't think I'll go for a new splashback as i just don't think my husband will agree to that upheaval or expense.

what type of table cloth would work in your opinion?

How does this sound – paint the island in Farrow and Ball Inchyra blue. To try and tie in the splashback and existing floor as in this colour scheme:

Then change the cup handles and knobs to something shiny like these:

Then install three hanging pendant lights like these:

Change table cloth and consider putting up shelving unit to left of extractor hood.

Ps the handles would look great if they could be done without painting the whole kitchen

I like the lights and the handles, but wouldn't go that dark for the island. It will be massive dark block (dark top too) on a dark floor.

Would you be up for painting the chairs? Or changing them for something more modern?

And you could paint the island a similar green/blue as the backsplash

Did it quickly, so painted over the knobs. But just so you can get an idea of how it would look...

That's cool, how do you do that amazing mocking up thing?

The floor and worktop are quite dark, but its a super light filled room. Any colour on the front of the island would bit hit by direct sun most of the day, so I think it could take a darker blue. A bit more moody......

Yes, I'd paint the chairs. I've not long bought them, but colour change would be fun.

And I don't need a tablecloth except its a French farmhouse wood and with the children I prefer to cover it up.

Your kitchen is gorgeous! It is a very traditional country style so I do think updates must be done sympathetically. There is a fabulous magazine called Country Homes & Interiors (sadly not free!) which I think will give you some great ideas. I do think a bold or dark coloured island could look fab. Otherwise I am clueless as your kitchen is my dream kitchen!

I use photoshop for the mock ups :-)

Fantastic, wish I had photoshop!

I would eliminate bottles from the hood.

Carolina, please may I ask where those chairs are from?

They are from John Lewis. Not hugely expensive either. They come in multiple colours. I haven’t seen them in real life (I’m not in the UK), but reviews are good
https://www.johnlewis.com/house-by-john-lewis-whistler-dining-chair/p3212167

To give you a visual, I've also painted the island in a much darker colour. I still think that with the dark floor and the dark countertop it's better to keep the island a lighter colour. But it's your kitchen :-)

Hi,

If the worktops and flooring are staying I'd be inclined to go for an island which is lighter to create a striking island against the darker floor and worktop whilst coordinating with the splashback.

Have you considered a lighter colour worktop for the island only to introduce some contrast and variance as opposed to painting? maybe some wood

If this was me I would flip the island around 180 degrees so you can have the dining table by the glass doors and add a tiled backsplash. You could also brighten up the cabinets by painting them, I would go for a blue shade.

Thanks everyone. I think I've decided to change the splashback for a white marble one. I will put it only on the section below the extractor fan to the full height (so it's 1200mm x 910mm) then paint the walls either side down to an upstand to match the worktop.

I can't afford to put up more cabinets on the walls on either side. If I were to put shelves either side of the new splashback, what height and length? Or just some shelves to the left.......

Think I agree with Jonathan here, remove splash back, add tiles for texture but not as high and add two simple shelves to left in wood ... Add something like cook books, nice potted plants, try to reduce rest of the exposed items as it can distract the eye .. Nice kitchen

I’m posting an update finally - just don’t have my new curtains or blind which are coming soon and are a harmonious gray.

splashback had to stay as funds wouldn’t allow.

i want to get an attractive toaster! and a bigger fruit bowl, but just wanted to thank everyone for the advice.

Love it! Looks much fresher and updated. Great lights and the new knobs make a big difference.

Paint the island a bold colour and coordinate it with some lovely wallpaper