Kind of went backwards I do not understand lighting with warm /cool options IMO all kitchen lighting should be 4000K LEDs and some under cabinet lighting on a separate switch for lower light at night if needed. You need pot lights and we need much better pics of the whole space and the pot rack needs to go so post pics of the whole space and we can see what you are dealing with. I also need to know what it is you want help with now

Turn on all the lights and take more photos.

Thanks for the comments, and I apologize for the poor quality photos, I had them on my phone to reference at the store but didn't quite realize how poorly staged they would be here. I have replaced them so hopefully they work better and provide more context.

I will be repainting the walls and adding a different backsplash, so that is what I was specifically hoping to get ideas on. I am assuming it will be a white or neutral backsplash, just in a different shade/shape to the one that came with the house here. I'd love to have painted cabinets, but I have yet to decide on the end design scheme (backsplash/wall etc) so I don't know whether or not to hire somebody to do that for me (I do not trust myself to do it well enough).

The kitchen is dark, oddly shaped, and small - 1 drawer! The pot rack certainly is an eyesore but has been functional until I can figure out something else. I do have 4 (well currently 2 working) pot lights, which are on in the replaced photos. The current LED lights are temporary just so we could see what it would be like, but I will ultimately have some version of them there.

Thanks again for any input!

I would look into removing walls. I think this space really calls for that. It’s so closed off and that’s what’s giving it that super dark look. I also think the orangeish paint should be replaced with white. The backsplash is not bad at all! Maybe just finish the bottom of it up until it meets the counter. The cabinet color would be nice if it was changed but that is a big project. Definitely add hardware

New photos are good, thanks.

Do you like the green in the hallway? Or are you painting over it, too?

A slightly grayed blue would look good with the countertops and cabinets. Try bringing down the two artworks and propping them up next to the sink to see if they are good for color cues or if they clash with the countertops.

I will definitely be repainting the hallway as well, and I just realized I don't have photos of the LVT (sugar valley maple) flooring that is currently in the living room that will be extended throughout on top of the current, somewhat battered hardwood from previous owners. We have the materials, but were going to finish that after the kitchen work. It will make the floor a bit darker.

This is my first house so I've probably been making every design mistake in the book! But now that I've found this hopefully I'll learn a lot more...