You don't have much wall space so a dark color would look nice. Try a charcoal gray, like B. Moore Kendall Charcoal, or any dark blue-ish gray, like Evening Dove or Blue Note.

Thank you for these suggestions. I was also thinking darker may be an option, I just don’t want it to turn out sad and grey :) I do love the color blue note

There is also this area that I call ”the dead zone” I’m going to add wainscoting and frame out the electric box with a panel which i think will help it look more finished but this does add more wall. thank you again.

No help with the wall color, but I’d rethink adding any wainscoting or decorative framing to an area such as the “dead zone.” It looks like a great spot to feed the pets, but not one that would benefit from highlighting with woodwork.

That's a good idea too. what I meant was there would be a panel on a hinge that you could open/close. I think the art would be an easier option though, it's really tall and right up against the door frame which makes it awkward. thanks so much for the ideas.

Consider changing the runner rugs to one that spans the length better, and has a pop of color you'd like to accent in the space, with just a little subtle grey included. Might find some on Ruggables you like. Thing is, if you paint the walls a deeper grey then the floor tile will probably stand out (even) more. I'm no pro but perhaps keep the walls white and add color on the walls with decor/art, and a nice runner.

Maybe something like this in the corner

Oh, that is a great idea about the feeding station.

Also, the idea about a longer rug with some color, the rug situation has also been a struggle.

I really appreciate all of the ideas.

I like jackowskib’s idea for a rug that brings in more color. Here are three washable rugs from rugs-direct.com that pull in the adjoining floor color. This site makes it very easy to view rugs in your room.

I love that last one. do you all think bigger is better vs the runner or runners? this has been part of what I struggled with. The size in the mock up you sent looks great, you have skills!

I favor a big rug, so that the floor is just a neutral backdrop for a gorgeous rug. The visualizer is very easy to use. One tip I recently learned is to double tap on the image to get rid of the placement guide after you’ve positioned it in the photo.

You can go dark with the paint and it will also cover the electric box door. Adding the wood doggie eating station will also highlight dark walls, in a good way.

The size of the rug in the kitchen depends on the size of the available floor. Most of us resort to a runner between two runs of cabinets, but in a different layout, a bigger rug could work. Many of the Ruggables would look great in your kitchen. If you’re more comfortable with lighter walls, the darker patterns will bring some depth to the room. (I’m with @ffpalms - rugs are always good!)