That’s a great point. This is my first house so I’m over-eager to paint/change haha. Thank you! Any other ideas aside from paint?

I would consider putting a set of upper cabinets where the large clock is.

Or some open shelves. The backsplash looks awkward there.

good idea. a single wood shelf that sits on top of the slate splash off to the far left would be perfect. kind of like these types of shelves in these two pics

don't cram it w/stuff. maybe a few plants, some pottery. One shelf should be fine.

I'd do a large jute rug for in front of the sink to break up some of that busy looking flooring.

as for dining table, something similar to what they have would be fine, with less bulky chairs and no large trestle. something a little simpler.

remove those curtains and do a simple, off white or tan type of blind, or sheer blinds.

Agree with open shelves idea. I didn’t want my backsplash to just end at height of bottom of cabinet so I carried it past window to height of top cabinet and added open shelves. I think an open shelf or two above your backsplash where the clock is would warm that empty space. Wood would look better than the stainless I used with your colours.

These were in progress pics but you get the idea. Very similar layout.

Only add details you like and perhaps change the sink - you want that part of your kitchen to be brand new. I would definitely change the curtains and maybe put a shelf instead of the big clock. However, if you have enough of storage space, don't overcrowd the space with storage space and cabinets. Live in it for a while, sync with the kitchen, and then you'll know best yourself.

IMO that piece of backsplash on the left looks wrong. I would have it cut down to be the height of the piece under the window.. Some new stools probably metal , swivel and then a nice piece of art hung where the clock is .No shelves they would just clutter up that space IMO. The space is just all one color and it makes for a very boring look. I would have suggested the hutch color for the walls but unless you want to paint the hutch darker that probably won’t work . So maybe the stools in a color and some colorful small items on the counter will help and I would change the upholstery on the dining chairs to something more appropriate for your style.

I do have a suggestion (agreeing with the backsplash at the peninsula is awkward) for what decor you might do:

B.M desert twilight for the walls would be a nice compliment to the cabinets. Right now the entire room looks one color. It needs a compliment.

I think this photo is perfect inspiration for kitchen colors and furniture and fabric choices.

https://charlestonfabric.com/products/magnolia-fabric-home-java-ikat-barley-ikat-fabric?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=googlepla

Gorgeous kitchen so far. Our only addition would be to add the shelf as suggested above and perhaps to paint.