There are lots of fun things you can do with oak and
update them at a significant savings...

1) Take down all uppers to create a modern space. You
loose storage but gain a contemporary style.

or

2) Gel Stain or paint them a dark color and choose
a contemporary backsplash, counter and floors.

or

3) Paint the uppers a lighter color and the lowers a
darker color.

Since you like modern check out the link on gel staining
them a darker color. There are a few on GW who have loved
the new look of their old oak. Check out the link below.
And here are some ideas...
~boxerpups

Before

After painted oak from Sheeshamuga blog

Before

After Durationpaintingcom

Manolohome

No uppers The colonial house blog

Ina Gartens Kitchen

I know the bottom cabinets are not oled oak but
a more modern vaneer but pretend they are oak.
You could do a similar funk setting in your kitchen.

Ikea

Greenwood kitchens

Take the doors off the uppers and create a place to
show off some dishes or glassware

Habitat

before oak painted gray google search

After Oak painted gray google search

Community the nest Oak blog

Live Modern Oak changed into something amazing!!!

Here is a link that might be useful: Have you gel stained your oak cabinets?