Is the brick wall/alcove going to stay? It doesn't work with the granite because they are two different tones and it doesn't seem to have any purpose in the kitchen. Where is the cooktop or the stove?

That's a lot of red brick! I think I'd whitewash the brick, paint out the cabinets to white, and change out the floors to large format porcelain tile in a gray slate look. Remove the wallpaper.

It's too dark in this cave era kitchen (unless they like that). Yes, to painting the brick white (add some glaze for character, unless they want to go modern). The cabinets can be professionally painted in that same color (either vanilla or buttery). This will give them a world of options for the flooring. Wait to decide on flooring until Part 1 is done. I'd be happy to opine at that stage.

Agree with previous posters; the granite is clashing with the brick. Whitewashing would be a good option.

Wouldn’t paint the cabinets in a cream; that granite is a cool tone and warm cabs would clash. Do they want to keep the wood tone?

Thanks for the comments! Yes they want to keep the cabinets brown and not paint them lighter (why, I have no idea..) which obviously limits them brightening up the room and finding matching materials.

Like Sabrina’s Idea to wash the brick. I’d use the same granite for the backsplash just to eliminate another element. White cabinets

If the brick stays, white wash it with a white that plays nice with warm and cool tones; and use the same color for cab paint if the cabs will be painted. The counter reads cool while the cabs read warm.

https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/the-8-best-benjamin-moore-white-paint-colours-undertones-and-more/

Something very simple for the backsplash. There is already a lot going on in there.

I would go for a simple white (creamy white) tile that goes with the counter. Where the knobs are positioned now is awkward. I think they will need to fill the holes.

Bronze pulls would look good. Something like this is interesting.

I would put three large matted prints in the brick alcove to minimize the amount of brick. I wouldn't paint it.

I would remove the wallpaper and update the fan. Mich want to remove the popcorn from the ceiling.

If they're not up for painting the cabinets or brick I would work on brightening up everything else. Remove wallpaper for sure, paint a white or very light grey that's in the granite. There's already a lot going on with the brick and granite, so a simple white tile for the floor and back splash. You may b e able to find a white/grey wood look tile for the floor that could work. I like the idea of a nice big piece of art work for the brick alcove. I would do dark bronze of black pulls on the cabinets as a nod to the brick, but I would keep them simple.

Hello,
Does anyone have any advice about wall color, or anything else, in this space? The appliances have not been delivered yet but they will be stainless steel. Thank you!

Paint the brick a creamy white fro the granite & use a simple matching subway tile for backsplash. They may have to get hardware with back plates on them to cover the existing footprint of the current hardware. The wall color isn't bad, but if its time to repaint I would stick with an off white/light beige color. Actually I would paint the brick the same color as the wall. The wallpaper needs to go.

Some advice on painting brick or stone from Maria Killam:

Ask Maria: Should I Paint my Stone or Brick Fireplace?

White Limewashed Brick Homes

If the cabinets are staying dark, at least that crown molding and extra ceiling trim could be painted to lighten up and modernize. I see you have taken down the fan over the dining table, good idea!

No please no tile backsplash at all with that brick. The brick is the boss. Especially if they don’t paint it. It will become a hot mess if you add a glass tile backsplash. Their only option is to match the counter. Please convince them to paint the brick white and even then NO tile backsplash. The lines and pattern will be extremely busy with the brick.