i would consider taking out the corner unit and extending your counter space. and the pendant light, needs to go its much to modern for the space and seems to be in the middle of no where. i would get a school house flush mount. I like the idea of soap stone, seems more natural looking then recycled paper. Love the idea of the paper, it just seems to uniform. i would leave that back splash, with new dark counter i think it would be stunning, just add some puck lights under the cabinets to show it off.

I love school house lighting - that's a great idea. I can't go too far with cabinets on the right, unfortunately, there's a door there (you can't see it in the picture). Thanks for the feedback!

Yes to soapstone. I've read that recycled paper hasn't been used enough to know how it'll perform long term in a real kitchen.

A black soapstone counter top with a spanish tile backsplash would definitely give you the color you love.