I agree. That backsplash doesn't really match the cabinets. Just changing the counter would help a lot, but I think I would do the splash too if funds allow. And yes, definitely plainer pulls, probably in stainless.

I like the combo of floor, cabinets and countertops. The backsplash is not really working. I would change it and call it a day.

I also like backplates on pulls to decrease the wear on the cabinets.

Agree with Kathi on changing the backsplash. I'd do a creamy/off-white subway tile. The granite wouldn't be my first choice, but it goes well with everything except the tile. I think the cabinets are great and wouldn't change them.

Backsplash and countertop replacement would be my first choice. Light and creamy quartz and similar color subway tiles as backsplash would be lovely! If you have the money in the budget, painting the cabinets along with new countertop and backsplash would make an amazing transformation to your kitchen.

possible countertop options:

https://www.silestoneusa.com/color/et-marfil/

the backsplash is beautiful. change countertop to light color and paint cabinets to light grey, or a very very light version of the existing backsplash.

Maybe pendants over island.

Funny, i think the backsplash is quite contemporary (as kitchens have moved away from the white-on-white or grey-on-white trend of recent years and moved into richer subway tiles like the Fireclay lines). I wouldn't replace it! To me, the dated part of the kitchen is the countertop which looks circa 2005. I also think you are lucky that the cabs are quite neutral, and can be nicely updated with new hardware.

Here's a recent post on the Fireclay gallery. Looks pretty identical to what OP has. https://www.fireclaytile.com/gallery/detail/house-of-seven-design-coffee-bar

Painting cabinets well is a lot of work or money. You run the serious risk of cheapening very nice cabinets by messing with paint or glaze.

Don’t paint those pretty cabinets. Change the counter to something light, then see how the backsplash looks. I like it but I’m not sure it matches well with the cabinets. You may be able to tie it together with new counters. If not, go light like the counters.

I'd get rid of the backsplash along with the countertop. Choose a light counter, and once that's in, then make a decision on the tile.

I don't like wood flooring with similar wood tone cabinets. Too much wood. I'd add runners in front of the cabinet runs to visually separate the two wood surfaces from each other.

Add the new modern handles and that'll be a very nice looking kitchen.

The softly muted green-grey isn't supposed to match - the nearby elements are earthy together. If you add undercabinet lighting would help, but maybe you'll replace just 1 of the elements.

The pulls have sheen...are they a satiny gold?

If open living space has traditional, and gem tones, b.splash could be a keeper esp.

Fix the darn lighting so you can actually see the room. Once you do that, it’s either the backsplash or the counter that has to go. Maybe both. It’s hard to tell in the dark,

I know I said I would remove the splash, but maybe you could keep it. I kind of like it in the 2nd picture but not the first. Change the lighting and the counter and then you can decide. I also agree with the idea of runners above. The floor and cabs are too similar in color.