I'd open it above like a 'pass-through' and bring the table out in front of it with a bench under the opening.

Hi, this is parveez from best interiors , island type of kitchen , it will look good but the combination should be a light one in colour thn it sounds good

Buying a home that needs a lot of updating. We plan on painting the kitchen cabinets white or cream and installing granite countertops, new sink, new light fixtures, new stove vent, etc. The floor is hickory hardwood. My dilemma is the island. Should I keep it? Or remove it? If I keep it I am thinking of topping it with a dark butcher block to match the floor. I am open to any suggestions to make this kitchen better, without breaking the bank.

well narrated, however, if you can add a photograph too ... it would have been more helpful to provide a suggestion