Hi Jenna,

Your kitchen/dining room are very similar to mine! The updated appliances will make a huge difference - we went from white to stainless and it really helped improve it!

Thinking maybe a light grey tile kind of like these would be nice and actually lighten things up? Nothing too busy to compete with counters.

For dining I think getting rid of the two bulky cabinets and adding some sort of more streamlined sideboard, maybe small rectangle shaped table with simple chairs and some curtains with a little colour?

Have you considered a glass-top dining table and white padded parson dining chairs? You could look for tan or even lighter into off-white/beige family for back splash. You could repaint the kitchen a warm light yellowish. I find cream color to be very appetizing in a kitchen.

This picture of backsplash picks up the grey in the floor but brightens up the place with white tiles.

http://paintcolor.homedepot.com/interior/browsecolors/yellows/warm-light-yellows?projectId=a1I50000007AbyQEAS&project=Room&surface=Drywall&product1=Paint

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Smart-Tiles-Bellagio-Blanco-10-06-in-W-x-10-in-H-Peel-and-Stick-Decorative-Mosaic-Wall-Tile-Backsplash-in-White-and-Grey-SM1085-1/206990207?gclid=CJDqmJu1gM8CFZSDfgodvCALdw&gclsrc=aw.ds

and a more colourful area rug in the dining room would be nice

A grey backsplash would be great. Before replacing the furniture I would address wall color and window coverings.

Are those live plants? I know how it is to love a plant ... I do not think the size of the large one near the kitchen has enough room.
De-clutter your surfaces. If you decide to keep the chairs replace the seat cushions.

Sorry but when you ask for advice sometimes negative comments are the most helpful IMO the whole kitchen is just one color box I would paint the cabinets add a stainless backsplash I can’t see the lighting but if the DR fixture is an indication you need much better lighting

Clear out the plants, clutter, and stuff on top of the cabinets and table top. The vertical blinds definitely have to go. Only one cabinet in the dining room. Less "heavy" chairs and table without a table cloth. I would choose a backsplash, possibly subway tile, in the lightest color from your countertop. Since the floor and countertop have a lot of activity. I'd keep the backsplash simple. Agree with a change in light fixture.Good luck with your project.

I recently made some changes in my kitchen and it is here - it is a cottage / french country style:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~58830325

On this thread, Sunnydrew, posted her kitchen (in the comment section) which is done in a more modern style. I think she did some very clever things:

[https://www.houzz.com/discussions/my-cabinetsyuk-dsvw-vd~4146283[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/my-cabinetsyuk-dsvw-vd~4146283)

$$ idea for terra in pewter color which seems in your counter / s.steel to come.

Light color countertops will look great!

Just do a 4" backsplash of the same granite countertop and paint the rest of the wall. Cabinets, wall and ceiling paint them the same color. Sherwin Williams has I color I use a lot called Accessible Beige. Use bronze hardware to cabinets. Keep it simple and clean. Very chic!