When you say nook eating area do you mean where the table with the red place mats are? That is the dining room. What type of back splash do you think, I was thinking that would be a good place to start...

Yes I agree the backsplash is a good place to start but do not buy anything until you have chosen everything...as this will help your plan come together...much better and you will not be out any money until you have chosen all of your materials...Yes...I am meaning the dining room where the table and chairs are the red placemats are.
I just also want to tell you that your cabinets are warm in color and the one thing that is making this less warm is the counter tops....so if you do not have the budget to change the counter top...then ignore it and work with warmer colors that will blend with the cabinets...maybe later you can address the counter tops.
I like the idea of subway ceramic or even natural stone...in subway pattern. If you do the backsplash then hopefully you can remove the 4" backsplash that is there now so you end up getting rid of that portion of the counter top and you new backsplash can be what your eye will go to...without the interruption of the material used for the counter top.
Wha tyou need is a plan...If you would like my help...my design team and I do this type of work and can further help you...just email me at vickie@interioraffairs.com or call our office 714-970-8000. Where do you live?

I would be tempted to paint a dark brown stain over the cabinets as they look very orangey on my monitor. They would look great with the light wall and floor colors.

I think that would look great...and I would do it too...but I thought she said she has no budget...to make changes like this...

Backsplash. And lighting if want. What else you want to change?

All it needs is a backsplash and accessories. It's a great looking kitchen, time will make it your own.

Hi---I think a blend of stainless and glass would elevate the overall look of this space and pull the hues of the floor, counters, and cabs together. Click on the pics to view tiles better. I recommend changing the light over the island, I'm sure you could find a fixture with more of a "wow" factor. Hope this is helpful. Good Luck!
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Man, there's a lot of orange wood in this kitchen.

I like this above, but the orange is warm. Like copper.

I like your kitchen! The thing that sticks out to me is the countertop. You are asking how to warm it up? I would change the countertop colour.

Congrats on your new home and kitchen! A great and lovely space.
You are right there's no reason ripping this kitchen out, it has good bones.
Since you just moved in there might be some kitchen stuff still unpacked? Are there more items coming in it? For your countertops are rather empty ( I love that, less clutter the better), maybe that's what you want.
Your furniture, as far as I can see, is pretty contemporary, modern. So you can replace knobs by large handles.
Add pendant lights over the island.
I agree with Vickie of Interior Affairs- do not buy anything until you've made up your mind and chosen everything.

Thanks everyone for your input. The pictures are actually from the listing, so it is very bare and the dining furniture and art work are the previous owners. I would be up for painting walls, not sure I would tackle the cabinets. The good news is they look a lot more orange in the photos, they are more subdued in real life. I really like the backsplash and light fixture ideas, the flooring is linoleum which I would like to replace, as it's a fairly small area and should not cost too much. I'm a bit concerned regarding what to choose as it has been opened up and the living/dining room floor is original 40 year old hardwood. I would not be able to match the hardwood, so it would have to be something that looked good with it. And something that did not cause a change in floor levels.

You have an absolutely gorgeous kitchen!!!! A suggestion would be, glass tiles as these would be an elegant light generating addition. You can go with a neutral field tile and accent with a splash of color to tie in your beautiful counter top. This can be achieved by using anyone of our 37+ standard formats or 15+ Architectural assemblies, giving you a truly custom experience and unique look just for you. Please have a look at our site for the many options and ideas we can offer. Wishing you a great day. Look forward to hearing from you.