Design Advice on a Rehab

[Chad U.]

Hi BP Community,

Looking for some opinions and advice on one of my current rehabs.  This property is in a higher end Florida community, or at least the home prices are $75K to $100K above the average therefore properties command some nicer finishes in this neighborhood.  

We were able to salvage the kitchen cabinets, as they are not that old and solid wood veneer finish.  After installing the granite, I am now contemplating staining or painting them a different color, perhaps a dark espresso stain OR paint them a beige cream either of which would match the granite.   Also want to add a crown mold around top, and install a cabinet in corner to enclose fridge, as with the current configuration the fridge just sits in open and looks out of place.  Opinions?

For my 2nd dilemma, it has a beautiful real stone fireplace BUT it looks like it's stuck in the 80's (when the house was built).  My contractor thinks we should leave as is, since it's real stone but my realtor and I think would look much more modern if we paint white or whitewash.  Thoughts?  

Pics of existing below.  Budget is very tight on this one, that's why we left the cabinets (and  leaving the existing tiles but will lighten up the grout lines in kitchen).  Any advice or opinions would be much appreciated!