Counter stools with a padded seat and back in a white fabric might help. So would white decorative objects on the counter.

I rather like your kitchen, and I think the light/dark mix could work beautifully. I like Karielen's idea of white for the counter stools. I would suggest you introduce a couple of colours into your white/beige palette, perhaps by way of throw pillows, vase, lamp. Against a monochrome light background you don't have to go overboard for the colours to register well. Then take one them and get kettle/toaster/storage jars in that colour to help link the two areas together. Coral would work well with the existing kitchen colours, as would dark red.

But I agree with Brandi's point that having pictures of your furniture in situ would help a lot.

It's pretty sleek for a rental kitchen!

Not that bad for a rental. For backsplash try peel and stick subway tiles. HERE

I wouldn't call it ugly.

I've seen a lot worse in rental kitchens.

I think some colorful accessories will make a world of difference.

Shay, you have some great suggestions above. I hope you're feeling better about it. (I actually love the backsplash colour as I see it on my screen --- but that's me. If we weren't all us, how confusing the world would be.)