what color is the pantry door?

I think the option as mentioned above vs. changing the backsplash is a great one. A much lighter tone backsplash with less movement and more simple will lighten and brighten the space a lot.

I'd paint the chairs a color like the pantry door which looks more like a graphite??

Annie Sloan's most popular color of Chalk Paint is, "Graphite" and wax with clear wax to it's not leaning black as they have dark and black wax. The chairs and legs of the table would be very pretty in this. Add a tiny pop to the chairs if you want to reupholster them.

Otherwise, I'd go with Annie Sloan Old White which is not a stark white and has no yellow with a clear wax and a seat with tones such as the graphite it appears the pantry door is.

Graphite:

https://www.fabric.com/buy/0319366/magnolia-home-fashions-adele-slate

https://www.fabric.com/buy/0511678/magnolia-home-fashions-delhi-fossil

https://www.fabric.com/buy/0459798/swavelle-mill-creek-indoor-outdoor-rivoli-graphite

Any of these would look nice with graphite or old white... many ideas for upholstery on this site you might find in your own area.

Leave it alone. Buy sleeker , solid upholstered chairs, and change the knobs. Put the chairs on Craigs list as is :) Done.

HI Tara, I love your light fixture! Consider painting the cabinets white. It will brighten the space and make it look a bit more modern. Have fun!

Jan, then what about the table with the sleeker chairs was my thought?